Material can get caked in the grooves on twist-drill bits. Here’s a quick way to clean the caked bits. Put a drop of oil or WD-40 on the bit to loosen the crud. Then take a short piece of coarse twine, wrap it in the grooves, and rub it back and forth a few times. You’ll clean the bit and leave a thin coating of lubricant to protect the bit from rust and make it cut easier the next time you use it.
James A. Dickey, Iowa City, IA
