DIY Dilemma

[Mephisto_Helix]

Hopefully there's some of you who do the DIY thing and can gimme some advice.

Right, so I'm getting a basketball hoop that I need to drill for and I also want to put my punch bag next to the pool ..... to get all set for summer but the problem with all that is I have an irrational fear of drills. So my question is, what tips exist for me to feel for at ease? Goggles is a given but that just protects mah eyes, what if that bit snaps and severs my jugular or embeds itself in my head

Lay it on me, I'm open to any and all advice

[Cicero]

...Erm, just tighten the drill-bit properly and go for it. Use the right bit (masonry), put the drill on hammer mode and nothing will go wrong. Just do it!

[matt]

I don't think I've ever heard of drill bits hurting anyone when they break. I've even broken a couple, they tend to be in a hole in the wall when they break so that stops them from flying anywhere, the problem is getting the bit out of the wall so you can finish drilling.

Besides, if you're hanging basketball hoops and punching bags, you'll be using quite big diameter bits, which shouldn't break.

[bradbear117]

nothing to fear from a drill as long as the pointy bit is facing away from you. People would be dying all the time otherwise.

[MetalSoup]

Drilling is fairly simple, but I really hate the sound and feeling of drilling through a wall. Really don't like doing it, but sometimes you just have to.

[Crzwaco]

Use the correct bit, if you hit a hard part don't force the drill since the bit only gets super hot and you ruin the drill bit. If you do hit a hard bit or concrete it will take time to drill a hole deep enough for the bolts you would probably use.

Tape isolation tape on the drill bit for how deep you have to drill.

[sycogrim]

Just get someone else to do the drilling for you if you're afraid boet. Problem I think not

[czc]

Pull the plug when you're changing the drill. My boss nearly drilled his finger because he gripped the switch by mistake.

[HavocXphere]

I've got the same...except only the eyes. If I've got my safety glasses then I'm good.

You haven't told us what your drilling into - kinda makes a difference.

Pointers...

Use the most powerful drill you've got. The older Bosch drills are legend. Modern Hilti even better. Both difficult to acquire though (end of life / expensive. Unless its thin wood I really wouldn't use a cordless.

Turn the drill speed up to max & use the trigger to regulate speed. You want to be on the faster side of things.

Drill bits don't really shatter, they just snap. Even if i would shatter...not much of an issue because its not travelling all that fast. Sure many RPM, but if you think about it...thats pretty much just turning on the spot with little slingshot potential.

Check the "hammer" setting on the drill. While we don't know whats being drilled, I'm going to guess you want it off.

Make sure you're on solid footing. Nothing sketchier than drilling whilst balancing on one foot & 2 meters above the ground.

Use a new drill bit. The masonry ones can take quite a bit of punishment & one can use old ones for a while, but since you're freaked out saving a couple bucks isn't worth it.

Take a piece of tape (the white paper one with the writable surface), tear off a bit and stick it on the drill bit. (around it). This gives you a reference point to see how deep the bit is allowing you to drill holes precisely 3cm deep etc. Don't worry about the tape - it can come into contact with the surface...its fine.

Don't take your finger off the trigger until the drill is entirely clear of the surface again (you can slow down though).

If you're drilling concrete then you're in for a rough time no matter what I tell you. Rebar & the gravel will seriously ruin your day (& drill bits). You need tungsten carbide bits for that.

If its just cement then you'll be fine with a normal masonry bit.

Also...mount the punch bag well clear of everything else. I pumped mine & the strap snapped & it went flying.

[Ike_009]

Keep the metal pointy thing out your eye and you should be good. However I suggest you find a friend, those holes will be high up and someone who is comfortable with drills would be better on a ladder than you would. If your nervous about power tools then I'm nervous that you will hurt yourself so I will refrain from saying anything else except phone a friend.