Digital Friend's video: How-to Change Rotary Tool Bits Quickly Using Groove Joint Pliers Tutorial

Learn how-to quickly change the bits on a rotary tool using a set of groove joint pliers. This technique can increase work efficiency. I also demonstrate how different rotary bits preform different functions, for example cutting, grinding, sanding, etcetera. Bits are designed to work on different materials and at certain operating speeds. For example, if I want to grind metal, I will use a metal grinding bit, not a stone grinding bit. Safety—Disconnect The Tool When Changing Bits I always disconnect my tools when changing bits. If there’s no electricity running through the tool, the tool cannot be turned on accidentally and cause injury. If you want to be even more careful, test the tool once by turning it on and off when it is disconnected to make sure that it cannot be turned on. Make sure the unplugged tool cord is visible when you’re changing the tool bit. If the tool has no power, it cannot injure you. When I reconnect the power cord, I place the tool somewhere where it will not cause damage or injury if the on switch is left on accidentally. Think ahead and develop good safety habits. This way, if something goes wrong, you will probably still be safe and avoid injury. Tightening The Nut— Be Gentle With The Rotary Tool Groove joint pliers have a long handle and can exert a lot of torque on the rotary tool nut. The idea is to use just enough torque to tighten the bit. Avoid using excessive torque which could damage a delicate rotary tool. You want to use just enough force to tighten the bit. Remember, you’re working with a rotary tool, not with big metal pipes which need lots of force. Improvise The ability to improvise, which means using tools you have available to get the job done, even when you don’t have access to the correct specialized tool, can be an important skill. It is sometimes also possible to find a creative use of the rotary tool bits, for example using a grinding stone to cut a nail as opposed to a cut-off disk, which is a more standard technique. If I used up all my cut off wheels and I need to cut one last nail, I just use a metal grinding stone and grind through the nail. This grinding technique is less efficient than using a cut off wheel, but a grinding stone can work in a pinch. Practice It is also important to practice with your tools, so that you know what the tools can do and what they can’t do. You’ll develop a mental database of what works and what doesn’t, how long it will take sand metal, how long your bits will last, where to buy inexpensive bits, what speeds to use when drilling wood, etcetera. You’ll also develop fine muscle skills over time, which means you can use the tools with greater skill. Skill levels can be increased through practice. It usually takes a long time to get really good at a skill. Consumables If you’re doing a lot of work with a certain rotary tool bit, such as an abrasive polishing buff, and the bits keep on getting used up, the costs start to mount. Spending five dollars on one abrasive polishing buff isn’t very expensive, but if you use 200 over the course of a year, the costs start to mount. It is sometimes possible to make your own consumables (stuff that gets used up all the time) which helps save money and time. It’s also sometimes possible to find a cheap supplier of consumables on the internet. Once you know the bits are low cost and they work, buy a bunch of them at a time, which saves time reordering, because they are consumables and you’re going to use them up over time anyway. If you spend the money now or later, you’re going to spend it anyway, so buy a bunch at a time and save the hassle of reordering and waiting. Another strategy is to buy lots consumables when they are on sale and then store them for future use. This way you always pay the lower sale price, not the full price. Organizing Bits I also talk about organizing bits in clear plastic fishing boxes. I open up the box and then I put the bits I will need for the job onto the lid. This way I can quickly change the bits and avoid losing them. The clear plastic fishing box with sub dividers allows me to put similar bits together and keep everything organized. I can also see through the clear plastic, which helps find bits. Wrap some electrical tape around the plastic box to keep the lid shut in case the box falls, thereby preventing a big mess. Thanks for watching, stay safe and Have A Great Day!