Starting out in the jewellery making industry can be challenging, but if you’re equipped with the right tools to create original, statement pieces, it becomes a whole lot easier.

That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to choosing the best drill bits for metal jewellery. There are different touches you can give your jewellery using the best metal drill bits, depending on the style and finish you’re hoping to create. Read on to discover more in our drill bit guide.

The best metal drill bits in a variety of sizes

The best drill bits for metal jewellery can vary depending on size. Whether you’re creating larger holes in a cuff, or perhaps a daintier rivet hole in a bracelet, choosing the correct drill bit sizes goes a long way to achieving the desired result.

We stock the best metal drill bits in a variety of sizes. Our Busch Shank Drill 0.5mm will enable you to drill smaller holes, for more delicate requirements or even surface patterns.

For larger, thicker gauge jewellery pieces, a bigger drill bit size may be necessary. If you’re making a set of chunky metal bangles and you want holes for beadwork, a Busch Shank Drill 1.5mm may be more appropriate.

Different types of drill bits for jewellery making

Another way to choose the best drill bits for metal jewellery creation is to consider the different types.

Not only do drill bits come in different sizes with varying millimetre thicknesses, but they can also have several other differentiating properties. We’ve listed some of these below:

  • Composition: The harder the material you work with, the harder your drill bit should be. Some of our drill bits are constructed from high-speed steel rather than regular steel, which makes them last longer and able to withstand high temperatures.
  • Twisted Drill: Twisted drill bits are typically the same thickness from shank through to drill tip, offering a sturdy drilling experience and the chance to go deeper than a shanked drill.
  • Pearl drills: If you’re creating a piece of metal jewellery that features pearls, you may consider using a pearl drill. These are specially designed to stop the nacre from chipping when you drill pearls, enabling you to create your desired piece without destroying your materials.
  • Diamond Twist Drill: If you’re working with gemstones, or even glass, a diamond twist drill is essential. Coated in diamond, these drills are ideal for creating small holes in gemstones for jewellery applications, and they’re perfect for drilling holes in glass.

You will need to consider these different properties when deciding on the best drill for jewellery making projects. Having the correct tools will not only make your projects much easier to complete, but also much more enjoyable.

HSS metal drill bits for jewellery making

One type of drill bit we mentioned above is a drill with a twisted shape. Typically, these are HSS (high-speed steel) twisted drills and they’re designed to broaden your cutting landscape.

The high speed and harder composition mean these drill bits can withstand high temperatures during jewellery making and are ideal for use with materials other than metal. Hardwood, glass, shell and stone are some of the materials you may want to experiment with. We stock only the best drill bits for jewellery making, so you have everything you need to create beautiful, unique pieces.

Diamond drill bits for jewellery making

Our diamond drill bits are designed to drill materials like stone, as the cutting end is typically coated in tiny diamond pieces.

diamond drill bits for jewellery making

This allows for a more aggressive cut. However, in most stone drilling scenarios, you’ll need lubrication. Diamond drill bits for jewellery making aren’t designed for cutting further than the cutting end, but they’re able to cut through harder materials.

Tools to use with drill bits for jewellery making

You can use your best metal drill bits with many of our drills, including the Foredom Pendant Motor Sr Jewellers Kit Quick Release System. Unlock power and performance while you work with this kit, allowing you to master control with an easy handpiece and foot pedal. Whether you’re drilling larger holes with thicker drill bits or attempting an intricate design, the Foredom Pendant Motor SR Jewellers Kit can help you develop your technique.

Take a look at our other pendant drills and choose from handpieces, multi-systems and other accessories to accompany your drill bit kits, ensuring the drill bits fit the collet.

A lubricant will need to be used – Burr Life (998 021) will help it drill and also prolongs the life of the drill bit.

Why would you need metal drill bits for jewellery making?

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to use your best drill bits for, we’ve come up with a couple of examples for you to get started with.

1. Sawing a pattern

You may want to create an intricate pattern on a pendant, ring or other piece of statement jewellery. The easiest and most accurate way to do this is to use a saw blade and saw frame, allowing you to cut and shape your jewellery and achieve the look you want.

You’ll need to drill a hole through your metal to get started. Use our drill bits for jewellery making to create a hole that is large enough to fit the saw through. So, depending on the size you’re using, you may want to consider different drill bit sizes.

2. Adding jump rings and chains to pendants

Finished creating a statement pendant? You may need to attach a jump ring to loop a chain through, or you may choose to loop the chain through the pendant without a jump ring. Whatever the case, you’ll need to use a drill bit to create the hole for this.

Find the best drill bits for metal jewellery creations today

That’s the end to our drill bit guide. Now you’ve got some examples to work with, and more information on the best drill bits for jewellery making and their uses, why not check out our selection of drill bits and get started today? It doesn’t matter if your first go doesn’t work – it’s all about experimenting and developing your personal technique. Read our Beginner’s Guides to find out more about different jewellery tools, materials and inspiration.

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Author: Cooksongold
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Cooksongold