How to drill in tight spaces

When making changes to the space or installing new fittings, drilling is unavoidable. This becomes more of a challenge when space is limited. Below I will provide some answers to some common questions regarding effective drilling in hard to reach areas.

In addition, you will also learn a few different tools, tips and tricks that will keep you running smoothly. This will save you time, cost and effort. Let's start with some of the tools needed to work in tight spaces.

Tools for drilling in hard-to-reach places

In addition to the technical skills required to drill holes in tiny spaces such as floor beams and wall studs, using the right equipment will save you time, effort and unnecessary expense. Some of the basic tools you will need include.

Right angle nozzle – In some hard-to-reach places, the drills may be too large. In this case, right-angled bits come in handy to provide enough force, as opposed to using a screwdriver. The cordless model of this drill is more appropriate than the corded models because the space requirement for the cord is already limited.

Hex bit – The hex drill has the much-needed flexibility to work in tight spaces.

Tips and tricks for drilling in hard to reach places

Drilling in hard to reach places can be quite a challenge. However, the tips below can help you maneuver easily in tight spaces.

1. If you find that your drill does not go all the way through the wall, try drilling a small XNUMX- or XNUMX-inch hole off-center by one hole. Then place the plug back into the original hole and glue it. By placing it closer to the edge, you will get a stronger fixation.

2. Don't let cramped spaces get in the way of completing a project. The right angle drilling attachment can get the job done quickly. It works with most tools, making it a worthwhile investment for any DIY or professional project. Plus, this drill is cost effective and you can stock up on them when you need them.

3. Long extension cords will also come in handy. They help save time and reduce the effort required to drill in hard-to-reach areas. These extensions also provide a smooth drilling surface, which is a problem when drilling in tight spaces.

4. Using an angle screwdriver is one of the best ways to drill into hard to reach places. In doing so, you must be careful not to apply too much force, avoiding unnecessary injury. 

5. Using cordless angle drills is another great tip for working in tight spaces. This helps to easily access inaccessible areas such as cavities in the ceiling.

6. If the tight space you're working on requires a lot of flexibility, then a hex bit is your tool on the go. This is due to its sufficient flexibility and ease of management.

7. In cases where the places to drill are incredibly narrow, a nail can be used. This trick is only recommended for shallow drilling to make it easier to remove the nail.

8. Choose smaller drills or compact and flexible bits. This helps to minimize the fatigue that can occur when working in such areas while making access easier.

9. Torx bit is another affordable tool for drilling hard to reach places. Some tips and tricks for using it effectively include; using it with an extension and hammering it with a hammer to reduce the chance of slipping. 

10. Sometimes you have to default to the traditional use of manual teams. As rare as it is, it still happens. Therefore, high-tech manual screws can be used in such cases. 

Frequently asked questions about drilling in hard-to-reach places

Why is my drill becoming dull quickly?

Some reasons why your drill becomes dull shortly after starting work include insufficient coolant, incorrect drilling speed, and incorrect drill set point. The simple solution to all this is to check, review and adjust accordingly.

How to use a rectangular nozzle?

Using the corner nozzle is quite simple. It includes the following steps. Start by installing the adapter in the drill. Insert an appropriately sized screwdriver into the adapter. Position the drill where you need to drill the hole and you're done. To remove the adapter, you need to either push or pull on the release tab on the back of the adapter, depending on its model. 

Why does my drill keep slipping?

Slippage of the drill change can occur if the chuck is not tightened enough, and in other cases, wear can be the cause. In other cases, you do not use a standard round drill shaft. 

What causes a larger hole than expected?

You might be wondering why the drilled hole is bigger than expected despite using the correct bit. A loose or vibrating workpiece is a serious cause of holes that are larger than expected. Among other reasons that can lead to such problems, the machine spindles do not work properly and the drilling points are off-center.

Why don't chips break down properly?

Sometimes chips may not break properly due to improper feeding and blunt drills. You can fix this by increasing the pressure and sharpening the bit accordingly.

Summing up

To conclude, having some of the tools mentioned earlier in this article in your toolbox is a must for the DIYer. This will help you quickly access hard-to-reach and narrow places.