Vix-Bit 9VIXBIT Self Centering Pre-Drill Bit for 9/64-Inch Hinges and #8, 9, and #10 screws

Product Information

When drilling hard material, using a dull drill bit, or when the bit catches on wood grain, it easily wanders, leaving an off-center hole. You can sometimes remedy this situation by forcing the screw installed in that hole into the correct position. However, this is generally a bad idea. You would typically have to fill this hole with wood or wood filler, sand it down, and re-drill the hole. That’s a lot of effort for one screw and can be prevented using a self-centering Vix bit.

Switch on the drill and drill the hole. Apply even pressure to the drill bit until you reach the required depth. Be sure to drill slowly, as this allows you greater control over the process. Remove the drill bit once the hole is complete.Using a self-centering drill bit is much the same as using a regular drill bit. Here’s a step-by-step guide. Self-centering drill bits come in various sizes, allowing you to match the drill bit to the feature you’re installing. When sized correctly, the tip fits securely into the tapered hole, keeping the drill bit in a steady position, as long as the part you’re installing doesn’t move. Working Principle

Position the tip of the sleeve in the matching hinge. When drilling, as you push the drill bit down, the spring-loaded sleeve remains in place. Here, the sleeve guides the drill bit to remain perfectly centered and straight. This is particularly important when installing hinges since having one screw off-center can ruin the hinge’s functionality.The most common application of this bit is for drilling pilot holes to screw the hinges in position. Hence, these spring-loaded bits are often called hinge bits.

The self-centering functionality is aided by the steeper 135° point angle of the twist drill bit. You can also use a brad point bit which has a small point in the bit’s center that grips securely into the material, keeping the bit from shifting. How to Use a Self-Centering Drill Bit? The sleeve has an oval-shaped vertical hole on the side, allowing wood shavings to exit the drilling hole. This prevents material build-up inside the drilled hole and the shell.The self-centering ability of this tool enables you to drill holes to precise dimensions without a drill press. For some projects, this is essential. Drilling through curved surfaces, like pipes, is another application infamous for slipping drill bits. Self-centered drill bits enable accurate drilling here, too, since they gain a better grip on the material, allowing for a straighter hole and neater drilling. How Does it Work? These can be challenging applications for even the most experienced craftsmen. A self-centering hinge bit prevents this by ensuring that the drill bit remains perfectly centered during the drilling process. This guide is about spring-loaded self-centering Vix bits or hinge bits. See here for split point bits that can directly drill on metal without spot drilling. What is a Self-Centering Drill Bit?