Hand Tools: Steel twist gimlets

Reviewed by:
Scott Gibson, Contributing Editor

Drilling a pilot hole prevents wood from splitting as a screw is inserted. These twist gimlets get the job done quickly and easily without the need to go hunting for an electric drill and bit. The set includes seven gimlets ranging in size from 5/64" to 3/16", good for making pilot holes for screws sized from No. 2 through No. 9.

A threaded tip starts the pilot hole easily. Flutes cut into the shank of the gimlet bore a clean hole. Gimlets take up a lot less room in a tool bag than a cordless drill and bit set. In September 2004, Garrett Wade sold a set for $13.