How to Get a Broken Drill Bit Out of Steel: Power Drills Tips to Make the Job Easier

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having a drill bit break off while drilling into steel, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there is a way to remove a broken drill bit from steel without damaging the steel surface. This step-by-step guide will show you how to get a broken drill bit out of steel quickly and easily.

Safety Considerations

Before attempting to remove a broken drill bit from steel, make sure to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear protective glasses and gloves, and make sure the power drill is unplugged from the socket and the battery is removed. Make sure the area around the broken drill bit is clear of any debris and that there are no flammable materials nearby. Also, if you are attempting to remove a broken drill bit from aluminum, make sure you wear an appropriate face mask.

Supplies Needed

How to Get a Broken Drill Bit Out of Steel

Step 1: Secure the Workpiece

Secure the workpiece in a vise or clamp so that it does not move when you drill into it.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Clean the area around the broken drill bit with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any debris.

Step 3: Select and Affix an Extractor

Select an extractor that is the same size or slightly larger than the broken drill bit and affix it to the end of the drill bit.

Step 4: Drill Into the Extractor

Using a drill, carefully drill into the extractor, making sure not to drill too deep.

Step 5: Unscrew and Remove the Extractor

Unscrew and remove the extractor from the broken drill bit.

Step 6: Remove the Broken Drill Bit

Using a pair of pliers, firmly grip the broken drill bit and twist it to remove it from the steel.

By following these simple steps, you can easily drill through a broken drill bit and get it out of steel.

How to Remove a Broken Drill Bit From Aluminum

Step 1: Secure the Workpiece

Secure the workpiece using clamps to prevent it from moving.

Step 2: Clean the Area

Clean the area around the broken drill bit to make sure it is free from any debris.

Step 3: Select and Affix an Extractor

Select an appropriate extractor for the size of the broken drill bit and affix it to the drill bit.

Step 4: Drill Into the Extractor

Use a drill and drill into the extractor to create enough tension to grip the broken drill bit.

Step 5: Unscrew and Remove the Extractor

Unscrew the extractor and remove it from the broken drill bit.

Step 6: Remove the Broken Drill Bit

Use pliers or a pair of adjustable wrenches to remove the broken drill bit from the aluminum.

How to Drill Through a Broken Drill Bit

Step 1: Set the Workpiece in a Vise

Secure the workpiece in a vise by tightening the jaws around the piece. Make sure it is firmly secured so that it won’t move when you start to drill.

Step 2: Secure the Broken Drill Bit

Position a pair of locking pliers around the broken drill bit. Use the pliers to secure the broken drill bit in place so that it won’t move when you start to drill.

Step 3: Select and Affix a Drill Bit

Choose a drill bit that is slightly wider than the broken drill bit. Attach the drill bit to the drill and make sure it is securely fastened.

Step 4: Drill Through the Broken Drill Bit

Start the drill and slowly begin to drill through the broken drill bit. Make sure to keep the drill bit straight and move it at a steady speed.

Step 5: Remove the Broken Drill Bit

When you have drilled through the broken drill bit, use a pair of pliers to remove it from the workpiece. Make sure to be careful and use the pliers to avoid damaging the workpiece.

How to Drill Through a Broken Drill Bit

Step 1: Set the Workpiece in a Vise

Secure the workpiece in a vise to prevent it from shifting when drilling. Make sure the broken drill bit is held firmly in place.

Step 2: Secure the Broken Drill Bit

Secure the broken drill bit with a pair of pliers or a vice grip. This will help prevent the bit from shifting or turning when you’re drilling.

Step 3: Select and Affix a Drill Bit

Select a drill bit that is the same size or slightly larger than the broken drill bit. Affix the new drill bit to the drill and ensure it is securely held in place.

Step 4: Drill Through the Broken Drill Bit

Slowly and steadily drill through the broken bit using a low speed. Apply firm and even pressure to ensure the drill bit is drilling through the steel and not slipping.

Step 5: Remove the Broken Drill Bit

Once the new drill bit has gone through the broken drill bit, use pliers or a vice grip to remove the broken bit from the steel. Make sure to dispose of the broken bit safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Drill Bit Should I Use to Remove a Broken Drill Bit From Steel?

To remove a broken drill bit from steel, you should use a carbide bit with a two-flute design. The two-flute design helps reduce the amount of heat generated, which helps prevent further damage to the steel. The carbide bit is designed to easily break through the steel and remove the broken bit.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Removing a Broken Drill Bit from Steel?

• Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from flying debris.
• Use the Proper Tools: Use the right tools for the job, such as a drill press, vice, or hammer and chisel. Avoid using pliers or other makeshift tools.
• Secure the Steel: Secure the steel in a vice or other secure structure to prevent it from moving while you are working.
• Be Careful of Heat: If using heat to remove the bit, be sure to use a low temperature and keep the flame away from the bit to prevent it from becoming too hot.
• Be Careful of Sharp Edges: When removing a broken bit, be aware of any sharp edges that may have been created and take care not to cut yourself.

What are the Best Tools to Use When Removing a Broken Drill Bit from Steel?

A broken drill bit can be difficult to remove from steel, so the right tools are essential. The best tools for this job include a center punch, drill, hammer, and locking pliers. The center punch should be used to create a small indentation in the center of the broken drill bit, which allows the drill bit to be held in place while drilling. A hammer should then be used to drive the drill bit into the steel. Finally, locking pliers should be used to grip the broken drill bit and twist it out of the hole.

How do I know if the broken drill bit has been completely removed from the steel?

Signs of Successful Removal:

• No more pieces of the drill bit visible.
• The hold left by the drill bit is no longer visible.
• The steel surface is smooth and even.
• The drill bit can be easily retrieved with a magnet.

Signs of Unsuccessful Removal:

• Pieces of the drill bit are still visible.
• The hold left by the drill bit is still visible.
• The steel surface is rough and uneven.
• The drill bit can not be easily retrieved with a magnet.

What should I do if the broken drill bit is stuck in the steel?

If the broken drill bit is firmly lodged in the steel, you should first try to back it out by turning it counter-clockwise with a pair of pliers. If that doesn’t work, try to remove it with an easy-out tool. If you don’t have an easy-out, you’ll need to use a hacksaw blade to cut the drill bit off, then use an angle grinder to smooth the edges. Finally, use a drill to create a new hole in the steel.

Conclusion

Drill bits stuck in metal can be difficult to remove. However, with the right tools and method, the broken drill bit can be removed easily. Start by using an extractor or a reverse drill bit to try to unscrew the broken bit. If that doesn’t work, try drilling a larger hole around it and then use a pair of locking pliers to remove it. If those methods are unsuccessful, use a die grinder or an angle grinder to cut away the broken bit. Finally, use a magnet to pull out the remains.

References

• How to Remove a Broken Drill Bit
• Extracting Broken Screws and Bolts
• How to Remove Broken Bolts, Studs, and Nuts (US Forest Service)