Final answer:
Stopping downward pressure is the corrective action when long metal shavings are produced during drilling, as it allows for better chip breaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
When drilling, if the metal shavings coming out of the hole become long, this often indicates that the drill bit is not breaking the chips adequately. The appropriate response to this situation is generally to stop downward pressure (C). This pause in pressure allows the drill bit to cut more effectively and break the chips into smaller pieces. Continuing to drill without adjusting could lead to a tangled mess of shavings, potentially causing the drill bit to bind or even break. If stopping pressure doesn't help, then reducing drilling speed or adjusting feed rate may also improve chip breaking. Sometimes, using a drill bit with a different geometry or adding cutting fluid can also promote better chip breaking.