"Need Advice For Pin Vises" Topic

I use a pin vise (really a hand held manual drill) to bore holes through the hands of figures for conversion work such as holding flag poles.

Lately I'm finding that NONE of the pin vises and/or drill bits work. I start twisting the tool to start boring the hole but nothing happens as the bit seems to freeze up and not move.

I think the problem is that the collet on the pin vise is not closed tight enough on the drill bit and that maybe the grip on the drill bit is not tight enough to move the drill when it is in the metal.

I have had this problem with both existing drills / bits as well as brand new out of the packaging pin vises and drill bits.

The ones from Armory and Army Painter don's seem to drill into metal. Is anyone else encountering a similar problem?

Any advise or suggestions?

Will a Dremel Moto Tool work or does the drill spin too fast to hold the bit into the metal hole.

A Dremel variable speed might work, but might be a bit awkward to use, depending on which scale you're working with.
I found that using my Xacto knife with a number 11 blade to start the hole works well for me. Just twist the knife a few turns to make a divot for the bit to set into and go to work.

Yes, the exacto solution to start the hole.

I also keep some bar soap handy to lube the drill.

Sometimes I need to tighten the drill bit with a pair of pliers.

Any powered minidrill is an invitation to disaster.

Consider visiting the Micromark website to seek out a hand drill. Their stuff is usually better than the run of the mill offerings.

Consider replacing your drill bits. If they are seizing up they may have gone dull.