Tiny Drill Bits / Micro Drill Bits

Tiny Drill Bits Explored

Definition: A tiny drill bit, also known as a micro drill bit, is a very small drill bit designed for precision work, often used in tasks that require fine detail, like jewellery making, electronics, model building, and other delicate crafts. As a result, these drill bits are typically less than 1 mm in diameter deep holes and are made to drill tiny holes in materials such as metal, plastic, or wood without causing damage. Due to the drill bit size, they are usually operated at high speeds with light pressure to prevent breaking from occurring.

What are Tiny Drill Bits / Micro Drill Bits?

Tiny drill bits, also known as micro drill bits or small drill bits, are miniature versions of traditional metal drill bits are power tool accessories that have been specifically engineered for precision tasks requiring extreme accuracy and delicacy.

Consequently, these drilling tools, especially ones of good quality, really are indispensable in fields where conventional drill bits would be too large or imprecise, such as in electronics, model-making, jewellery-making, and medical applications to name just a few for instance.

This is due to their small sizes, as this allows them to create very intricate holes and fine details in a variety of materials - both from soft metals to hardwoods.

Tiny drill bits also come in various materials, each suited to different drilling needs and materials, from metals to plastics. As a result, understanding the structure, use, and how to maintain these tiny drill bits - including their shank types and cutting edges - can help make sure that you pick the right one for your application use.

So, how do you pick the right one for your applications?

Well, we have put together this guide to micro drills to help you decide which one is the best tiny drill bit for you.

Types of Tiny Drill Bits

So first, what types of Tiny drill bits are available for you?
Well, there are several types of micro drill bits available, from ones that have screwdriver bits to ones with twist drills, each one being ideally suited for specific materials and tasks. For instance, here you have:

Mini Twist Drill Bit Sets

For instance, the most common type is the twist drill bits, including Micro HSS twist drill bits, which are very adaptable and suitable for various applications.

Carbide and Diamond Micro Drills

Carbide micro drills then give you the strength and high performance you need, especially in metals like stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron - while diamond-coated drill bits are ideal for tough materials like glass and ceramics.

Speclaised Tiny Drill Bits

Other specialised types of tiny drill bits here include PCB drills, specifically designed for drilling holes in circuit boards, and miniature reamers which are used in precision industries.

Consequently, choosing the right type of tiny drill bit for you ensures that you get the best performance while reducing your risk of damage to both the drill bit and the workpiece at the same time.

Materials Used in Tiny Drill Bits

Now that you know about the types of tiny drill bits that are available, what materials can you use to manufacture them?

Well Micro drill bits are crafted from a range of strong and long-lasting materials to give you the performance and longevity that you need.

High-speed Steel (HSS) Micro Drill Bits

Here HSS micro drill sets are a popular choice for general-purpose bits due to their hardness and resistance to wear - making them suitable for drilling wood and soft metals as a result.

Tiny Carbide Drill Bits

Micro Carbide drill bits then include tungsten carbide drills, which are are known for their rigidity and can withstand high temperatures as a result - making them ideal for tougher materials such as stainless steel and cast iron, for example.

Tiny Diamond-coated Drill Bits

Micro Diamond-coated Drill Bits then give you the extra hardness you need to get that perfect for drilling through ceramics, glass, and even hard stones.

Tiny Titanium-coated Bits

Additionally, titanium-coated bits offer you more durable bits that have improved friction reduction, allowing for smoother, faster drilling on soft metals and plastic.

Sizing Standards for Tiny Drill Bits

You will also be glad to hear that tiny drill bits do follow very specific sizing standards, including both metric drills and imperial systems. These then are ideal for you to work out which size you need and to reliably know the bit you order will fit accordngly as a result.

Metric and Imperial Sizes

Metric sizes here will typically range from 0.2 mm up to around 3 mm, and the imperial system often uses number or gauge sizes for micro mini drill bits.

For example, in the gauge system, smaller numbers correspond to larger sizes, with sizes like #80 being among the smallest for example.

As a result, these precise sizing standards really are ideal in fields where micro-drilling is necessary as this helps you to make sure that the drill bits fit accurately into tiny spaces for tasks like watchmaking, scale model building, or circuit board production, to name a couple.

Uses of Tiny Drill Bits in Various Industries

As you have seen, tiny drill bits really are ideal tools across many industries that demand intricate and detailed work.

For instance, here you have many applications with some of these consisting of, for instance:

Please note: Not all tiny drill bits are suitable for all these applications, and specific tiny drill bits will be more useful for certain applications than others. You will need to see the product uses of the drill bit you are interested in.

Aerospace and Aeronautics

In the aerospace industry, micro drill bits are used to create precise holes in aircraft components, especially in small or hard-to-reach parts.

Prototyping and Product Design

Engineers and designers also use tiny drill bits in prototyping small parts, which allows them to easily and accurately test and make adjustments in product design.

Jewellery Making

First, tiny drill bits are used to create small holes in metal, gemstones, and other materials for setting stones or attaching delicate pieces in jewellery making.

Electronics and Circuit Boards

Next up, they are used in electronics, as micro drill bits really are essential for drilling tiny holes in circuit boards to connect components with precision, for instance.

Watch and Clock Repair

Watchmakers and clock repair professionals also use these small bits to repair or replace tiny components without damaging the intricate mechanisms of the watch themselves.

Dental and Medical Instruments

Micro drill bits are also used in creating and repairing small medical devices and in dental procedures where extreme precision really is required.

Model Building and Miniatures

Miniature and model builders also use tiny drill bits to create fine details in models of buildings, vehicles, and figurines as well.

Engraving

The right type of these bits can also be used in engraving tools to make detailed patterns or designs on metals, glass, and wood surfaces.

Dental Laboratory Work

Dentists and dental technicians also use specialised tiny bits for fine work on crowns, bridges, and other small dental parts.

Photography Equipment Repair

Certain types of Micro drill bits are also often needed in camera repair to make adjustments or replace tiny screws and components without damaging the equipment.

The Anatomy of a Tiny Drill Bit

Tiny drill bits are composed of several parts that work together to give you some very precise drilling.

Shank

The shank is the part gripped by the drill or rotary tool and connects the bit to the tool.

Hex Shank

Some tiny bits can also feature a hex shank for quick changes and secure fitting in power tools like drill drivers and impact drivers.

Flutes

Flutes are then the spiral grooves that help remove debris from the hole as it's drilled.

Cutting Edges

The cutting edges, which are located at the tip, are then designed to start and deepen the hole.

Tiny Drill Bits for Different Materials

Moving on to the materials that these drill bits are suitable for, different materials require specific tiny drill bits for them to avoid damage and ensure that you get accurate results as well.

Carbide

For instance, Carbide micro drills are often used for metals such as aluminium, stainless steel, and cast iron due to their rigidity and heat resistance.

HSS

Plastic and hardwood drilling then benefits from High-speed Steel HSS drill bits to prevent melting and material warping.

Diamond

Drilling glass and ceramics then calls for diamond-coated bits because of their toughness and ability to resist cracking.

How to Choose the Right Tiny Drill Bit for Your Application?

Selecting the right tiny drill bit for your application is really key to achieving the right precision and avoiding breakage.

As a result, key things to consider here include the hardness and density of the material being drilled, the depth of the hole required, and the speed at which the bit will operate.

Softer Materials

For softer materials like wood or plastic, a twist drill bit or High-speed Steel (HSS) micro drill bit set is ideal.

Harder Materials

Harder materials, like metals or glass, then call for more durable options, such as carbide micro drills or diamond-coated bits, for example.

Consequently, matching the correct drill bit for you to the material and task at hand will minimise its wear and improve its accuracy, all while preventing costly mistakes from occurring in your drilling projects.

How to Use Tiny Drill Bits Safely?

Tiny drill bits are delicate and can break if mishandled, so following safe practices is really key to getting the best results for your application.

Some of the things you can do here to get the best results include, for instance:

Slow Speeds

Consequently, you ideally want to use slow speeds to avoid overheating and snapping - especially with high-resistance materials.

Coolants and Lubricants

Another thing to consider is applying the correct coolants or lubricants which will help to reduce friction from building up and keeps the bit cool - further helping to reduce the chance of it breaking.

Well Lit

For better control, you also want to work in a steady, well-lit area, using a micro drill press or an Archimedean drill if possible.

Clamping

Clamping down the material in a bit holder, clamp or pin vice, for instance, along with stabilising the drill will also prevent unwanted shifts that could then damage both the bit and the workpiece as well, and this should be something else you should consider.

How to Maintain and Care for Tiny Drill Bits?

When it comes to reducing your costs for these bits over the long term, proper maintenance and care here can significantly extend the lifespan them, making them last longer without needing them.

For instance, after each use, you ideally want to carefully clean the bit to remove any debris that could dull the cutting edges that are left on it.

Then you also want to store the drill bits in protective storage cases to prevent further damage from environmental exposure or accidental bending.

Over time, tiny drill bits may lose sharpness, so where you can sharpening them with a specialised sharpening tool will also help you get the best performance from them as well.

Consequently, if a bit is damaged beyond repair, or sharpening is too complex for your bit, then you should consider replacement drills to maintain the quality of your work moving forward as well.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When you work with tiny drill bits it can also give you some unique challenges, but knowing how to troubleshoot these can easily prevent many issues in the first place.

For instance, these can consist of:

Bit Breakage

Bit breakage, for instance, is common and often results from excessive pressure or high speed; here, using slower speeds and light pressure will help you avoid this issue.

Heat Damage

Heat damage may occur if your drill bits are not adequately cooled as well. Consequently, applying coolants during use can help you here.

Misalignment

Misalignment can then cause drilling inaccuracies to occur, so ensuring that you secure your setup prior to drilling to prevent movement is also key.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure which Tiny Drill bit is right for you or you need help, then for further information please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team.

Standard Delivery Options

We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.

Standard free next-day delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Direct?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom and can also offer you trade accounts, along with a wide range of inserts in our product range above.

As a result, we can offer you a vast selection of similar products, including Blacksmith drill bits, countersinks, masonry drill bits, hand tools, indexable insert drills, cutting tools, abrasives, power tools, Reamer tools, and safety equipment, many of which are available with special offers.

We also serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond.

Consequently, our outstanding customer service and expert technical team, combined with our fast and free UK delivery (on computable orders) and technical support, make us a trusted partner for all your business needs.