What a Craft Drill Does for Fine Detailing
A craft drill is essentially a pin vise or mini hand drill that holds micro drill bits for precise, controlled drilling. Unlike a power rotary tool, a manual craft drill gives you tactile feedback and prevents overshooting delicate materials. It is the go-to tool for fine detailing in model making, jewelry design, RC car modifications, woodworking, and any project that demands accuracy over speed.
The key to success is matching the drill bit size to your material and task. Excel Blades offers micro drill bits in sizes #63, #75, and #54, each suited for different levels of detail.
Micro Drill Bit Options for Your Craft Drill
- Drills #63: Excel Blades Drill Bits #63 – 12 Piece Set. Each bit measures 0.0370 inches (0.940 mm). Compatible with Excel drill models 70003, 70005, 70011, 70023, and 55661. The #63 bit is a versatile mid-size micro bit, ideal for general fine detailing in wood, resin, acrylic, and jewelry. Its 0.94 mm diameter works well for bead stringing and small model parts.
Drills #63 - Drills #75: Excel Blades Drill Bits #75 – 12-Pack. Extra-fine 0.0210 IN (0.533 MM) diameter. Fits Excel Pin Vises & Mini Hand Drills (models 70003, 70005, 70011, 70023, 55661). The #75 bit is nearly half the diameter of #63, making it the best choice for ultra-fine work like pumpkin carving, clay sculpting, and drilling tiny pilot holes in delicate materials.
Drills #75 - Drills #54: Excel Blades 50054 #54 High-Speed Steel Drill Bits, 12-Pack. Each bit measures 0.0550 inches (1.397 mm). Compatible with Excel Pin Vises (70003, 70005, 70011, 70023, 55661). The #54 bit is larger, suited for thicker materials like walnut or olive nut, and for tasks requiring a slightly bigger hole, such as RC car modifications or model assembly.
How to Use a Craft Drill for Fine Detailing
- Select the right micro drill bit for your material: For delicate work like jewelry or model making, choose a #75 bit (0.533 mm) for the finest holes. For general fine detailing in wood or resin, a #63 bit (0.940 mm) offers a good balance. For slightly larger holes in walnut or olive nut, use a #54 bit (1.397 mm).
- Secure the drill bit in the pin vise: Open the chuck of your Excel pin vise (models 70003, 70005, 70011, 70023, or 55661). Insert the bit shank and tighten the chuck firmly by hand. Ensure the bit is straight and centered.
- Mark your drilling location: Use a pencil or awl to create a small indentation where you want the hole. This prevents the bit from slipping on smooth surfaces.
- Drill with steady, light pressure: Hold the craft drill like a pencil. Rotate the pin vise slowly while applying gentle, even pressure. Let the bit do the cutting—forcing it can break the bit or damage the material. For harder materials like resin, rotate in both directions to clear debris.
- Check your depth and clean the hole: Drill to the desired depth, then withdraw the bit while still rotating. Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust. The bits come with a light rust-resistant oil layer; wipe them clean after use to maintain sharpness.
Materials That Work Well with Micro Drill Bits
Excel Blades micro drill bits are designed for wood, resin, acrylic, PVC, jewelry, beads, walnut, and olive nut. The #75 bit is especially good for soft materials like clay and pumpkin, while the #63 and #54 bits handle harder materials without dulling quickly. All bits are made from high-speed steel or carbon steel and are coated for rust resistance.
One trade-off: the finer the bit, the more easily it can break if bent. Use a #75 bit only for light tasks, and switch to a #63 or #54 for tougher materials.
Safety and Handling Notes
These drill bits are sharp. Store them in the provided plastic tube to protect the tips and your fingers. California Prop 65 warns that dust from drilling may contain cancer-causing particles; wear a dust mask and work in a ventilated area. Do not use power tools with these bits unless your pin vise is rated for them—manual use is recommended for fine detailing.
