A drill or hammer drill drives dozens of accessories: wood, masonry and metal bits, driver bits, countersinks, hole saws, right-angle adapters and transfer pumps. The better their condition, the faster and cleaner the job, and the less strain on the tool itself.
Bits barely wear in wood, but hard steel and stainless dull them very quickly. Here are simple care rules for each type of accessory.
What you will need
Important: Wear safety glasses when sharpening and drilling metal. Only change accessories with the tool switched off and the battery or plug removed.
Step 1
Sharpen metal drill bits
A blunt metal bit overheats, squeals and barely produces swarf. Sharpen it on a wheel of suitable grit using a jig that holds the bit at the correct angle. Very basic, cheap jigs leave an uneven edge, so choose an adjustable model.
When drilling steel, add a few drops of WD-40 Specialist Cutting Oil to the bit: it cools the cutting edge and extends its life. Masonry and wood bits need specialist equipment to sharpen; at home, simply keep them clean and protected.
Step 2
Grease SDS shanks
The grooves of an SDS shank take the hammer drill's impact load. Before every job, apply WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to them: it does not run, clings to the metal and reduces friction and chuck wear.
Step 3
Clean driver bits, cutters and countersinks
These accessories need no special care. After use, brush off dust and swarf and give them a light spray of WD-40 Multi-Use to prevent oxidation. Replace driver bits with a worn tip straight away, as they strip screw heads.
Step 4
Look after hole saws
Wood hole saws, especially those with interchangeable blades, are thin and delicate. Clean the grooves of the holder thoroughly so the blade seats accurately and locks firmly. Badly bent teeth can be carefully straightened with pliers.
After cleaning, treat the hole saw with WD-40 Multi-Use. Diamond core bits for concrete should not be sharpened at home; send them to a service centre.
Step 5
Lubricate right-angle adapters and flexible shafts
Right-angle adapters and flexible shafts have many moving parts. Clean them with a soft brush and a vacuum, then apply a little WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the joints, gears and couplings and turn the mechanism by hand.
Step 6
Service drill-driven pumps
After transferring liquid, drain the pump completely. Then lubricate it with WD-40 Specialist Silicone: it keeps parts moving freely, is safe on rubber, plastic and metal and extends the life of the seals.
Tip: Keep bits in a closed case with individual slots rather than loose in a jar, so edges do not knock against each other and less moisture reaches the metal. Before closing the case, give the accessories a light spray of
WD-40 Smart Straw.
What next
Inspect and protect your accessories after every big job, and always before putting the case away in a cold garage for winter.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».