Makita 217D, 6237D instruction manual Drilling operation, Drilling in wood, Drilling in metal

Nominal diameter of	Recommended size
wood screw (mm)	of pilot hole (mm)
3.1 (1/8”)	2.0 - 2.2 (5/64” - 3/32”)
3.5 (9/64”)	2.2 - 2.5 (3/32” - 3/32”)
3.8 (5/32”)	2.5 - 2.8 (3/32” - 7/64”)
4.5 (11/64”)	2.9 - 3.2 (7/64” - 1/8”)
4.8 (3/16”)	3.1 - 3.4 (1/8” - 9/64”)
5.1 (13/64”)	3.3 - 3.6 (1/8” - 9/64”)
5.5 (7/32”)	3.7 - 3.9 (9/64” - 5/32”)
5.8 (7/32”)	4.0 - 4.2 (5/32” - 11/64”)
6.1 (15/64”)	4.2 - 4.4 (11/64” - 11/64”)

•If the tool is operated continuously until the battery cartridge has discharged, allow the tool to rest for 15 minutes before proceeding with a fresh battery.

Drilling operation

First, slide the action mode change lever to the position of symbol.

Drilling in wood

•When drilling in wood, the best results are obtained with wood drills equipped with a guide screw. The guide screw makes drilling easier by pulling the bit into the workpiece.

Drilling in metal

•To prevent the bit from slipping when starting a hole, make an indentation with a center-punch and hammer at the point to be drilled. Place the point of the bit in the indentation and start drilling. Use a cutting lubricant when drilling metals. The exceptions are iron and brass which should be drilled dry.

CAUTION:

•Pressing excessively on the tool will not speed up the drilling. In fact, this excessive pressure will only serve to damage the tip of your bit, decrease the tool performance and shorten the service life of the tool.

•There is a tremendous force exerted on the tool/bit at the time of hole break through. Hold the tool firmly and exert care when the bit begins to break through the workpiece.

•A stuck bit can be removed simply by setting the reversing switch to reverse rotation in order to back out. However, the tool may back out abruptly if you do not hold it firmly.

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