Bits How To
The Basics — Drill Fast, Use Pressure
Bad Dog Multi-Purpose Drill Bits are different than other bits you may have used before. For hard material like metal, the bits should be spinning at least 2,500 RPM — with the exception of Porcelain Tile and Glass, which are drilled slowly. See the RPM guide below for specific materials. If you run into any issues, check out our troubleshooting section below or call us at 1.800.252.1330.
How Do I Drill ____?
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Material Specific Tips
- Use a drill press.
- If you only have a hand drill, use heavy pressure and a cutting lubricant like Bad Dog Drool.
- DO NOT drill a pilot hole.
- Use a “pulsing action” on the trigger to drill at slow RPM when the material requires.
- Use a cutting lubricant to prevent blueing.
- DO NOT drill a pilot hole.
- Know what kind of tile you’re drilling!
- Porcelain and Glass tiles should be considered glass — very fragile and difficult to drill.
- Review the RPM guide for appropriate drill speeds.
- Tape over the drilling area to help prevent chipping and cracking.
- DO NOT use a hammer drill.
- DO NOT drill pilot holes.
- Use hammer-action drill.
- Use cutting lubricant like Bad Dog Drool.
- DO NOT drill a pilot hole.
- Use a regular hammer-action drill.
- Use hammer-action drill where rebar or other metal is present.
- DO NOT drill a pilot hole.
- Clean debris regularly from the shank when drilling to prevent clogging.
- DO NOT drill a pilot hole.
- Best for rough drilling.
- For other projects, consider Bad Dog Router Bits for your woodworking.
- Work on a flat surface.
- DO NOT let the drill body (not the bit) slide into or hit the glass when the bit exits the hole.
- Use an oil-based cutting lubricant.
- Make a small reservoir from string or clay to hold the cutting lubricant in the drilling area.
- Drill a pilot hole.
- Review the RPM Guide above.
- Adjust drilling speed to conform to each material as it is being drilled.
How to Sharpen Your Bits
Drill Bit Care
- Sharp bits drill best.
- Use the Diamond Wheel to sharpen the bit to 118° flat grind, or repair/replace the bit under the Lifetime Guarantee.
- Run the pivot along the straight edge.
- Store properly in the index to avoid chipping.
- Keep flutes clear of debris.
- Clean pitch from bits with oven cleaner.
- Coat with oil to prevent rust.
- Remove rust with steel wool.
Recommended Drills
Troubleshooting — Do Any of Your Bits Look Like This?
Bad Dog Multi-Purpose Drill Bits are as tough as they come, but they are not indestructible. Look at the drill bits below to find out what went wrong, and how to prevent it from happening to you. The Multi-Purpose Drill Bits are covered by a LIFETIME GUARANTEE — so even if any of this happens to your bits, we will replace them.
PROBLEM — UNNECESSARY PILOT HOLES
This is what happens when pilot holes are unnecessarily drilled.
SOLUTIONWith Bad Dog Multi-Purpose Drill Bits, DO NOT drill pilot holes into stainless steel, metal, marble, or granite.
PROBLEM — DRILL BIT LOOSE IN CHUCK
This bit was not securely tightened into the chuck. If the bit is continually used, the bottom will completely burn off.
SOLUTIONMake sure the drill bit is snug and tight in the chuck before drilling.
PROBLEM — CHIPPED BIT / DRILLING TOO SLOWLY
The drill bit may become chipped when drilling too slowly.
SOLUTIONThese drill bits are not like any you have used in the past. Review the specialized drilling techniques and RPM speeds for the materials you are working on.
PROBLEM — DRILLING TOO MANY RIVETS AT ONCE
Multiple rivets have fused to this drill bit.
SOLUTIONAfter drilling out 2 or 3 rivets, remove the rivets from the drill bit. If they are not removed, they may become a permanent fixture.
PROBLEM — BENT DRILL BIT
While the shaft of the drill bit has some flexibility, flexing beyond 15° may cause permanent bending.
SOLUTIONApply even vertical pressure while drilling — especially important with the smaller bit sizes.
PROBLEM — MELTED BIT / DRILLING WITHOUT A TIP
The drill bit will melt if it is used to drill without a tip.
SOLUTIONIf your bit has lost its tip, it needs to be replaced. All Bad Dog Multi-Purpose Bits are guaranteed for life.
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
PROBLEM — INCORRECTLY SHARPENED BIT
This is an example of an incorrectly sharpened drill bit.
SOLUTIONSharpen the bit on a 118° angle. We recommend using our Diamond Wheel, but a Drill Doctor or similar product will also work. You can also send it back to us and we’ll sharpen it under our Lifetime Guarantee.
PROBLEM — DRILLING WITH A DULL BIT
When a dull bit is continually used, it can end up looking like this.
SOLUTIONSharpen the bit on a 118° angle. Use our Diamond Wheel, or send it back to us and we’ll sharpen it for you.
What If I Overheat My Bit?
How Are Bad Dog Bits Different?
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Written by Joseph Strong on 5th May 2026 I’m JJ Strong, a mechanical engineer and third-generation tool designer at Bad Dog Tools, our American-made, family-run company built on durability and innovation. I grew up hauling booths and talking tools at trade shows before I could even drive. Now I design and build and improve our next generation of lifetime-guaranteed tools - our custom induction brazing system to our precision sharpening technology. On weekends, you’ll find me restoring my ’86 Land Rover Defender or ’54 Jaguar XK120 and seeing just how much I can build (or break) with Bad Dog Tools.