Dull drill bits - throw them out

[sanddrag]

I figured I'd share this quick story to perhaps help prevent someone else from doing what I accidentally did. I've drilled thousands of holes over the last 10 years, but until last night, not a one of them was drilled through my hand.

A student was drilling a 3/16" hole in a piece, and having some trouble with the drill bit not cutting very well. Wondering what was up, I said "here, let me see it" and took over the job. Indeed the drill bit was dull. Thinking it would still work fine, I pushed a bit harder (big mistake). Drill bit snapped, and drill slipped, shifted over and punched right into my hand between the thumb and index finger. About a 3/8" deep torn-up puncture wound, requiring stitches. I was lucky it hit an area without any bones or tendons.

Now, when I find a dull drill bit, I throw it out. It's not something I will allow in my shop anymore. Drill bits are cheap. Using a dull one simply isn't worth the risk of snapping it.

So, as a reminder to all teams, keep your tools and equipment in good and safe operating condition. And any time you apply a significant force to something (by hand or any other means), think of what would happen if the opposing force suddenly disappeared.

I've operated a lot of large and dangerous machinery over the years, and sometimes its the simple things you do every day that will end up hurting you.