BLACK+DECKER 10-Piece Drill Bit Set (15557) Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The BLACK+DECKER 10-Piece Drill Bit Set (Model 15557) provides a versatile range of drill bits suitable for various drilling tasks. This set is designed for use with wood, metal, and plastic materials, offering a selection of the most frequently used sizes for common household and DIY projects.

The set includes the following sizes:

• 1/16 inch
• 5/64 inch
• 3/32 inch
• 7/64 inch
• 1/8 inch
• 9/64 inch
• 5/32 inch
• 11/64 inch
• 3/16 inch
• 1/4 inch

Image: The BLACK+DECKER 10-Piece Drill Bit Set, neatly organized in a black bit bar. The drill bits are arranged by size, from the smallest 1/16 inch on the left to the largest 1/4 inch on the right. Each slot is labeled with its corresponding size.

2. Setup and Installation

These drill bits are designed for use with a drill featuring a 3/8 inch chuck. Ensure your drill is compatible before installation.

Installing a Drill Bit:

1. Select the Correct Bit: Choose the appropriate drill bit size for your task. The included bit bar helps keep the bits organized and easily identifiable.
2. Prepare the Drill: Ensure your drill is unplugged or its battery is removed for safety. Open the drill chuck by rotating it counter-clockwise until the jaws are wide enough to accept the bit.
3. Insert the Bit: Insert the shank of the chosen drill bit into the chuck. Push it in as far as it will go without forcing it.
4. Tighten the Chuck: Rotate the chuck clockwise to tighten the jaws around the drill bit. Ensure the bit is centered and held firmly to prevent slippage during operation. A secure grip is crucial for safety and effective drilling.
5. Verify Security: Give the bit a gentle tug to confirm it is securely fastened in the chuck.

3. Operating Instructions

Follow these guidelines for safe and effective drilling with your BLACK+DECKER drill bits:

General Drilling Practices:

• Material Compatibility: These bits are suitable for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. Avoid using them for masonry, brick, tile, or concrete, as specialized masonry bits are required for these materials.
• Pilot Holes: For precise drilling, especially in wood or metal, consider creating a pilot hole with a smaller bit (approximately 1/4 the size of the final hole) before using the larger bit. Do not attempt to enlarge a hole by drilling with progressively larger bits; this can cause jamming and breakage.
• Drilling Speed: Use a variable-speed drill for better control. When drilling wood, use a lower speed. For metal, a slower speed helps the bit drill cooler and reduces wear. Avoid maximum speeds unless necessary.
• Apply Appropriate Pressure: Allow the drill bit to do the cutting. Do not apply excessive force, especially with smaller bits, as this can lead to breakage or jamming. If the bit cuts too fast, pull back slightly.
• Cooling for Metal: When drilling through thick metal, apply a drop of cutting oil to the hole. This lubricates the bit, facilitates cutting, and helps dissipate heat.
• Clearing Debris: For deep holes in metal or hard wood, drill in short bursts. Periodically pull the bit out of the hole for a few seconds to clear cuttings and allow the bit to cool.

4. Maintenance

Proper maintenance extends the life and performance of your drill bits:

• Cleaning: After each use, clean the drill bits to remove any debris, dust, or metal shavings. A dry cloth is usually sufficient.
• Storage: Store the drill bits in their original bit bar or a dedicated storage case to protect them from damage and keep them organized. Avoid loose storage in a toolbox where they can rattle and become dull or damaged.
• Sharpening: Over time, drill bits may become dull. Sharpening can restore their cutting edge, though this often requires specialized tools or professional service.
• Lubrication: For bits used frequently in metal, a light coating of oil can help prevent rust during storage.

5. Troubleshooting

Common issues and solutions when using drill bits:

Bit Breakage:

Drill bits, especially smaller ones, can be brittle and prone to breaking. Here are common causes and preventative measures:

• Thin Hard Sheet Metal: Bits are highly likely to jam and break when cutting thin, hard sheet metal. Proceed with extreme caution. If possible, use a piece of mild steel, aluminum, or even hard wood as backing to support the material.
• Enlarging Holes: Trying to enlarge a slightly smaller hole can cause bits to jam and break. Always try to drill the correct size hole initially. If you must enlarge a hole, proceed very cautiously, cutting only a little at a time.
• Rocking a Jammed Bit: Never try to rock a jammed bit side-to-side to free it, as this will almost certainly cause it to snap.

Freeing a Jammed Bit:

• If your drill has a reversible function, try setting it to counter-clockwise and slowly backing the bit out.
• If that doesn't work, carefully unchuck the drill bit. Use vice-grip pliers to grab the bit and try rotating it counter-clockwise by hand.
• As a last resort, grab the drill bit low with vice-grip pliers and gently pry it out with a screwdriver.
• Allowing the bit to cool down for 15 minutes can sometimes make it easier to unjam. Jams are often caused by drilling too fast.

Overheating:

• If a drill bit gets hot, pull it out of the hole and let it cool for a few seconds. You can drip oil on the bit to aid cooling.
• Caution: A hot drill bit can cause serious burns. Do not touch it directly.
• Important: Do NOT use water to cool a hot bit, as rapid cooling can make the bit too brittle and prone to breakage.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Warranty information for the BLACK+DECKER 10-Piece Drill Bit Set (15557) is not included in this manual. Please refer to the product packaging or visit the official BLACK+DECKER website for detailed warranty terms and customer support information.