Why it matters
The largest hazard may be the workpiece spinning with the bit, as well as chips and entanglement. Tool-specific instruction, secure workholding and appropriate eye protection precede any hole.
What you’ll need
Tools
- Notebook and pencil
- Manufacturer instructions
- Appropriate eye protection if handling scrap
Materials
- Unloaded scrap or paper model
Before you begin
Safety & limits
- Do not hand-hold metal beneath a rotating bit or remove guards.
- Avoid gloves near rotating machinery where they could be caught; follow the machine-specific manual.
Work carefully, in order
The method
- 01
Select
Read the exact drill or press manual and identify its guard, stop switch and approved bit. Stop at the conceptual stage if a trained operator, correctly guarded tool or material-specific instructions are unavailable.
- 02
Map
Mark the hole on benign scrap and choose an appropriate support and clamp without energizing the tool. Stop at the conceptual stage if a trained operator, correctly guarded tool or material-specific instructions are unavailable.
- 03
Prepare
Secure the workpiece to the table or fixture as the maker directs; clear hair, jewelry and loose clothing. Stop at the conceptual stage if a trained operator, correctly guarded tool or material-specific instructions are unavailable.
- 04
Compare
Under trained supervision, operate at the maker’s setting with guarding and eye protection, never repositioning moving work. Stop at the conceptual stage if a trained operator, correctly guarded tool or material-specific instructions are unavailable.
- 05
Record
Stop and isolate power before handling chips, changing a bit or inspecting the hole; deburr only when safe. Stop at the conceptual stage if a trained operator, correctly guarded tool or material-specific instructions are unavailable.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using an unknown material or fastener as though its rating were known
- Working around moving parts without isolation and guarding
- Treating the demonstration model as a specification
If it isn’t working
The part or material specification is missing
Leave the real assembly unaltered and obtain the maker’s service information or qualified advice before selecting a process.
A model does not behave as expected
Recheck dimensions, the intended motion and the source diagram; do not correct it by applying extra force to live equipment.
Then & now
Historical context
Hand drills and presses made repeatable holes for fasteners; powered machines require safeguarding and training.
The modern equivalent
Specified parts, documented service procedures, guarded machines and trained work provide the basis for real assemblies and repairs.
Sources & review
Editorial draft — specialist review pending. Written 2026-09-25. Sources support the stated scope; this page has not been professionally certified.
- OSHA — Hole making ↗
Primary safety, product or engineering reference for this conceptual method and limits. Checked 2026-09-25.
- OSHA — Hole making ↗
Primary safety, product or engineering reference for this conceptual method and limits. Checked 2026-09-25.
