Why should I use a pilot drill bit and drill drift key when dry coring?

When dry coring, always use a A-Taper drill bit and drill drift key, so that your core barrel doesn’t wander away from the true centre and potentially damage the surface area where you are drilling. Once you’ve started the hole, use the drill drift key, which is a tapered piece of steel, to knock the A-Taper drill bit out of the shank and continue drilling. The A-Taper drill can get stuck in the shank, so the drill drift key is an essential tool to have.