After verifying the start point is correct, what is the subsequent step?

The correct step to take after verifying the start point is to lubricate the drill bit. This is important because lubrication reduces friction during drilling, which helps to prevent overheating and potential damage to both the drill bit and the material being drilled. Additionally, proper lubrication enhances the efficiency of the drilling process, allowing for smoother operation and a cleaner hole.

Taking this step ensures that the drill bit operates effectively while also prolonging its lifespan, which is crucial in aerospace applications where precision and reliability are of utmost importance. Lubrication also helps to evacuate chips from the hole, further preventing any obstruction or additional friction that could negatively impact the quality of the drilled hole.

While options like drilling the pilot hole, applying a finish coat, and measuring the hole depth are all relevant to the assembly process, they occur at different stages and are contingent upon the proper preparation and care of the tools being used. Therefore, lubricating the drill bit is the immediate and critical next step to ensure a successful drilling operation.