Need help selecting the right tools for your application? Check out one of our buying guides to get started!
Buying Guides
Dimensional drawings, Safety Information, Product Instructions, Manuals and User Guides
Servaid

Time to calibrate?

Secure your quality and reduce defects through Tool Calibration and Accredited Quality Assurance Calibration.​
power tool calibration, tool testing, metrology, machine capability test

View all our industries

Our industries
Unlock a world of valuable insights without the spam: Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and stay ahead with the latest industry innovations, expert tips, and cutting-edge solutions tailored for your success.
Subscribe Today
In this series of educational videos, our ‘Lab Boss’ Jason Benford performs various torque tests to show off the power and durability Atlas Copco tools have to offer!
In the Lab
Close
Drilling in aerospace

Straight, angle or pistol shaped. Selecting the best manual drill for aerospace applications

3 minute(s) to read December 01, 2023

Approximately 25% of all the drilled holes required when manufacturing an aircraft are drilled manually by an operator. When selecting the right tool for the job there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. Let’s take a closer look at how the choice of shape and design needs to influence your choice of manual drill.

In the market for a manual drill that will meet and exceed the requirements for drilling applications in the aerospace industry? With the number of models and concepts available not to mention the number of variables to consider, this can be a challenge. But a challenge worth investing time on because holes and the manual drills creating them plays an important role in upholding the safety of an aircraft and the profitability when manufacturing it.

By following a few simple guidelines and considerations that help support a well-informed decision, that perfect drill for that specific need is out there, so here we go!

Manual drills come in straight, angle and pistol shapes. The design of the drill plays a crucial role in achieving the right results and maximizing productivity in aerospace manufacturing. By understanding the advantages and limitations associated with each shape and the specific requirements of the task that needs to be performed, better investment decisions can be made. 

Decisions that directly will impact the precision, efficiency, and overall success of the drilling operation. And at the end of the day, profitability.


Straight and Angle shaped drills

Aerospace manufacturing applications often involve complex structures that require access to confined spaces. This is where the compact straight and angle drill shapes excel. The straight drill shape is renowned for its inline design whereas the angle drill shape is characterized by its right-angle or L-shaped design. Both designs conquer confined spaces with ease. Effortlessly reaching corners, tight compartments, and those hard-to-reach places. 

Offering increased torque and power, straight and angle drills are also well-suited for aerospace applications that demand drilling through challenging materials. The stability and control they provide ensure precise drilling, even in situations involving tight clearances or unconventional drilling angles.


Pistol shaped drills

In the fast-paced world of aerospace, versatility and power are crucial factors. Requirements that the pistol shaped drill delivers upon with honors. With characteristics such as ergonomic design and optimal control, pistol drills provide operators with a drilling tool capable of handling a wide range of drilling tasks and materials.

The ergonomic and comfortable pistol grip ensures a firm hold and superior handling, enabling operators to maintain precision and accuracy during demanding aerospace applications. The functionality offered by the pistol shaped drill empower operators which drives productivity and flexibility in the process of drilling holes.

Discover our Drilling Configurator
Drilling configurator banner
Discover our Drilling Configurator
Customize a drill tailored to your exact needs in just a few clicks
 
Customize a drill tailored to your exact needs in just a few clicks
Customize a drill tailored to your exact needs in just a few clicks

 

 

Aerospace drilling configurator
Discover our Drilling Configurator

Customize a drill tailored to your exact needs in just a few clicks

You might be interested

Aerospace Drilling Pocket guide
To get the whole story behind the art of drilling holes in the aerospace manufacturing industry check this pocket guide
 
To get the whole story behind the art of drilling holes in the aerospace manufacturing industry check this pocket guide
To get the whole story behind the art of drilling holes in the aerospace manufacturing industry check this pocket guide
The modular attachment solution taking the pain out of those which-drill-to-select decisions
The modular attachment solution taking the pain out of those which-drill-to-select decisions
What if there instead was a truly one-size-fits-all solution that enabled one single tool to meet all drilling needs? Welcome to the versatile world of our modular drilling attachment solution.
 
What if there instead was a truly one-size-fits-all solution that enabled one single tool to meet all drilling needs? Welcome to the versatile world of our modular drilling attachment solution.
What if there instead was a truly one-size-fits-all solution that enabled one single tool to meet all drilling needs? Welcome to the versatile world of our modular drilling attachment solution.
Drilling solutions
Drilling solutions
Explore Atlas Copco drilling solutions
 
Explore Atlas Copco drilling solutions
Contact our experts for drilling solutions
Contact our experts for drilling solutions
 
  • Aerospace