Gimlet vs. Wimble — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 7, 2024
A gimlet is a hand tool for boring small holes, whereas a wimble is a broader term for a boring tool, often larger, designed to drill holes in wood.
Difference Between Gimlet and Wimble
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gimlet is a small hand tool with a screw tip used to bore holes in wood or other materials. Its design features a handle and a narrow, spiraled cutting edge that allows precision drilling. On the other hand, a wimble is a term that can refer to a variety of larger boring tools, including augers and hand drills.
Gimlets are particularly useful for starting pilot holes for screws due to their manageable size and precise cutting. Wimble tools, however, are intended for creating deeper and wider holes, often used for woodworking or carpentry projects.
In terms of application, gimlets are ideal for lightweight tasks that need careful handling, whereas wimbles are more suitable for heavy-duty tasks requiring deeper penetration.
While gimlets are straightforward in structure, consisting mainly of a handle and bit, wimbles have more complex designs, such as cranks or long shafts, providing leverage for more forceful drilling.
Comparison Chart
Size
Small, hand-held
Larger, requiring two hands
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Use
Boring small holes
Boring larger, deeper holes
Structure
Handle with screw-tip bit
Auger, crank, or other designs
Precision
High
Moderate to high
Application
Lightweight, starting pilot holes
Heavy-duty woodworking tasks
Compare with Definitions
Gimlet
A small hand tool for boring holes, usually in wood.
He used a gimlet to make a pilot hole for the screws.
Wimble
A tool used for drilling or boring holes in wood.
The wimble made short work of the thick wooden beams.
Gimlet
A tool with a spiraled cutting edge for precision work.
The carpenter carefully drilled a small hole with the gimlet.
Wimble
An auger tool requiring more leverage due to its size.
He leaned into the wimble to bore a deep hole.
Gimlet
A tool used for delicate woodworking tasks.
The gimlet was perfect for working with thin wood strips.
Wimble
An instrument ideal for creating deep, wide holes.
The carpenter chose a wimble to penetrate the thick wooden logs.
Gimlet
A vintage tool known for its compact design.
The antique gimlet was still effective for the job.
Wimble
A hand-cranked device with an auger bit.
They used a wimble to drill evenly spaced holes in the fence posts.
Gimlet
An implement that makes a hole without cracking the material.
She preferred using a gimlet on fragile wooden frames.
Wimble
A tool with a long shaft or crank for better leverage.
The wimble's long handle provided excellent torque.
Gimlet
A small T-shaped tool with a screw tip for boring holes.
Wimble
Any of numerous hand tools for boring holes.
Gimlet
A cocktail of gin (or sometimes vodka) and lime juice.
Wimble
Any of various hand tools for boring holes.
Gimlet
A small hand tool having a spiraled shank, a screw tip, and a cross handle and used for boring holes.
Wimble
(transitive) To truss hay with a wimble.
Gimlet
A cocktail made with vodka or gin, sweetened lime juice, and sometimes effervescent water and garnished with a slice of lime.
Wimble
To bore or pierce, as with a wimble.
Gimlet
To make a hole in (something) with a gimlet.
Wimble
(obsolete) active; nimble
Gimlet
Having a penetrating or piercing quality
Gimlet eyes.
Wimble
An instrument for boring holes, turned by a handle.
Gimlet
A small screw-tipped tool for boring holes.
Wimble
To bore or pierce, as with a wimble.
Gimlet
A cocktail, usually made with gin and lime juice.
Wimble
Active; nimble.
Gimlet
To pierce or bore holes (as if using a gimlet).
Wimble
Hand tool for boring holes
Gimlet
To turn round (an anchor) as if turning a gimlet.
Gimlet
A small tool for boring holes. It has a leading screw, a grooved body, and a cross handle.
Gimlet
To pierce or make with a gimlet.
Gimlet
To turn round (an anchor) by the stock, with a motion like turning a gimlet.
Gimlet
A cocktail made of gin or vodka and lime juice
Gimlet
Hand tool for boring holes
Common Curiosities
Are wimbles manual tools?
Typically, yes, but some may have mechanized versions.
Can a gimlet replace a power drill?
Not really. Gimlets are useful for precision but lack the power of drills.
Are gimlets still commonly used?
Yes, they're still valuable for small-scale drilling and pilot holes.
How does an auger bit differ from a gimlet?
An auger bit is generally larger and can bore deeper holes.
Do wimbles have adjustable bits?
Some have adjustable features, but many come with fixed sizes.
Do wimbles require extra leverage?
Yes, their designs often include cranks or long handles.
Do gimlets require sharpening?
Occasionally, but the design typically maintains its sharpness.
Do gimlets come in different sizes?
Yes, they vary in length and bit size.
Are gimlets suitable for softwood only?
No, they can handle hardwood but require more force.
What materials can a wimble drill through?
Usually wood, but some can bore through other materials.
How do you maintain a wimble?
Keep the bit clean, dry, and sharp, and oil the moving parts.
How do wimbles differ from hand drills?
Wimbles often have more specialized designs for deep wood boring.
What types of holes are wimbles best for?
Deep and wide holes in woodworking projects.
Can a gimlet work on metals?
Gimlets are primarily designed for wood and softer materials.
Is a gimlet the same as a bradawl?
No, a bradawl is a different tool used mainly for marking wood.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
