A Gimlet, also referred to as a
'Drill Gimlet',
is a woodworking tool used for drilling holes or initiating a small hole in wood
in preparation for a screw, nail or drill bit (pilot hole).
The purpose of the gimlet is to form a drilled hole or small hole in order to relieve
the pressure of the initial entry of a screw, nail and even a drill bit in order to
help prevent splitting.
A gimlet can also be useful for drilling holes in difficult places where a hand drill
or electric drill can't access.
A gimlet is also referred to as a gimlet bit, gimblet and a gimble.
Gimlets have been used since the 1700's. During this long use, sold in their millions, many different types of gimlets have evolved and devoloped, includng:
An auger gimlet looks a bit like a double twist auger bit fitted with a handle, usually a wooden handle.
A bell-hangers gimlet is an extra long gimlet which consists of a wooden handle fixed to a very long shaft with a tapered screw tip and a partial half scalloped shaft.
A brewers gimlet consists of a wooden handle fixed to a short, stout tapered stem with either a twist gimlet or shell gimlet.
A shell gimlet consists of a wooden handle fixed to a blade with a tapered screw tip and a half scalloped shaft.
A Swiss gimlet consists of a wooden handle fixed to a blade with a tapered twisting screw tip which twists into a half scalloped shaft.
A twist gimlet looks a bit like a corkscrew with a narrow spiral shaped blade set
against a usually wooden handle, in fact I have seen gimlets advertised as corkscrews
in secondhand settings such as auctions, fairs, markets and bootsales.
The gimlet has a screw thread tip for initial of drawing of the tool and wood
together.
This is the most common gimlet type.
PRO's:
CON's:
Below is a list of a few new gimlet makers:
Below is a list of a few old gimlet makers (many gimlets don't have a makers mark):
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