Peck drilling is a technique that divides the total drilling depth into smaller, incremental steps or “pecks.” In each step, the drill bit advances slightly into the material, then retracts to clear away swarf (chips), before continuing. This intermittent approach helps regulate heat, extend tool life, and improve surface finish, making it especially suitable for tough materials or deep-hole drilling. It’s commonly used in industries that require high precision and durability, particularly when dealing with challenging depth-to-diameter ratios(What Is Peck Drilling – Advantages, Uses, Circle, Examples, G83 vs G73, n.d.).
Peck drilling offers better chip evacuation, cooling, and precision especially for deep, narrow holes but it also has drawbacks. The repeated in-and-out motion increases cycle time, potentially doubling it compared to continuous drilling. Programming the CNC machine becomes more complex, as each peck depth must be precisely defined to avoid errors. Additionally, overall productivity may decrease if conservative feed rates are used to protect the tool during initial engagement. (What Is Peck Drilling – Advantages, Uses, Circle, Examples, G83 vs G73, n.d.).
What’s a drilling technique that helps prevent overheating and chip jamming in deep holes? The answer lies in peck drilling! Why is this method so effective, and when is it a must-use for a drilling operation? Share your insights!
Reference:
What is Peck Drilling—Advantages, Uses, Circle, Examples, G83 vs G73. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2025, from https://www.cncjy.com/blog/what-is-peck-drilling-advantages-uses-circle-examples-g83-vs-g73
