Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.Why Trust Us?

The poor man's drill bit is for more than just saving a buck or two.

When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. But pick up a drill, and you can start using those nails for a whole new trick. Every nail is also a drill bit, so long as you know what you're doing.

The poor man's drill bit, as woodworker Paul Sellers calls this maneuver, is not just a cost saving measure. After all, drill bits aren't that pricey and you probably have more than you will ever really need. Instead, it serves as a handy way to make a pilot hole for a nail, one that is just the right size and ensures that you won't get any splits when you actually get down to the hammering.

The process is as simple as doing a little filing, lopping off the nail head, and shoving that sucker right into your drill, as Sellers demonstrates:

Never want for just the right drill bit again.

What Is a Speed Square and How to Use One

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

8 Workspace Essentials Every Creative Needs

Milwaukee’s Small But Mighty Belt Sander

The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers

8 Best Door Locks for Your Home or Business

The 9 Best Wood Splitters for Any Size Wood Pile

9 Best Paint Rollers for a Perfect Paint Job

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.

©Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.