Rawl hand drills were great tools for placing bolt and rivets in all types of rock. Shown in our photos are the #14 and #20 drill holders. These two sizes were often used by rock climbers and covered most of the drill sizes needed to equip routes of the 1960s through to the 1990s.
The drill bits have a tapered end that fits into the drill holder and seats firmly in place. Using the drill and a good solid hammer the required holes are then drilled using a tap, turn, tap, turn rhythm which takes a little practice to master. To remove or replace the drill bit a drift pin is inserted into a slot in the holder and force is applied to the seated end of the bit. With a couple taps the bit is usually dislodged and the holder ready to use again.
Also shown in our photos is a new rubber handle for the #20 size drill. The rubber grips were essential for insulating the user from the repeated shock and vibration of drilling as well as protecting the hand from any errant hammer blows. The last photo shows a problem commonly encountered when the rubber grip is damaged or dried out, the holders tend to split easily.