My boss told me to always use a 3/4 inch drill bit for my cambium saver, but it kept slipping.

Switched to a 1 inch bit like a guy on a job in Fresno suggested and it's been solid ever since. Anyone else have a better anchor method for big oaks?

3 comments

3 Comments

mark_ward1mo ago

Honestly, the bit size is just part of it. On really thick bark, I'll sometimes carve a tiny flat spot with my handsaw first. Gives the bit something to bite into right away instead of skating around.

morgan_king361mo agoTop Commenter

Try scoring the bark with a knife first. It's faster than setting up a saw and gives the bit a clear starting point. Just a quick X shape does the trick.

thomas_sanchez1mo ago

Heard someone mention once that a tiny pilot hole from a nail set works too, just tap it in a bit and pull it out before using the bit. idk if that's faster than a handsaw but it might be worth trying on really tough bark. I usually just score an X with a knife like morgan said, but sometimes on live oak that stuff is like armor plating.