Feeling lost or intimidated by the thought of drilling or fastening with a power drill? This guide can help.
A power drill is a key DIY tool. It has speed and torque. This makes it great for boring holes, tightening fasteners, and mixing paint.
But, a drill can be scary for new DIYers. Once you learn how to use it, you’ll see how much time it saves. You might never go back to old ways.
This guide will cover the differences between drill types. It will also teach you how to use a power drill and share safety tips.
Important Drill Parts
First, get to know your drill’s parts. Most drills have several key parts:
- Chuck: The part of the drill that clamps down on the drill bit or driver bit. Most modern drills feature keyless chucks, but older drills often require the use of a special wrench to open and close the chuck.
- Trigger: The trigger is the on-off switch used to activate the drill’s motor. Most drills feature pressure-sensitive triggers, which means that light pressure will activate a slow speed, while heavy pressure will produce an increased speed.
- Motor: Found at the top of most drills, the motor is the part that actually spins the chuck and bits.
- Grip: The place where the user holds the drill is often covered with rubber for an anti-slip surface and comfort.
- Torque adjustment: The torque adjustment is the ring at the base of the chuck that allows the user to select the amount of torque the drill will exert. There is a clutch inside the drill that will slip at the predetermined value to prevent over-torquing.
- Reverse switch: Drills spin clockwise and counterclockwise, and the user selects the direction by using the reverse switch.
- Cord or battery: The cord or battery is the drill’s source of power. Cords plug into wall outlets or extension cords, while batteries charge on a charging station and then snap onto the drill to power it.
3 Types of Drill/Drivers to Know
Power drills are not new tools. In fact, the first power drill patent is more than 130 years old. Over time, drill designs have evolved quite a bit, and today’s models come in three main varieties.
1. Corded Drill
The corded drill is the first power drill. It has an electrical cord that plugs into outlets or extension cords. This cord powers the motor.
These drills are often heavy-duty and make a lot of torque. But, they don’t have the latest technology like battery-powered tools. The cord keeps the user in one place, but it’s worth it not to worry about batteries.
Our Recommendation: DEWALT 3/8″ VSR Mid-Handle Drill
The DEWALT DWD115K corded drill features a keyless chuck and a stout 8-amp motor, which produces speeds up to 2,500 rpm.
2. Cordless Drill
Cordless drills look like corded drills but have detachable, rechargeable batteries. This lets you take a drill anywhere. They have less torque but come with cool features like keyless chucks and LED work lights.
These drills were once slow and weak with bad battery life. But now, they’re fast, strong, and last a long time.
Our Recommendation: DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit
The DEWALT DCD771C2 compact drill/driver uses the same battery system as the brand’s other popular tools, and it produces enough power and runtime for most DIY tasks.
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3. Right-Angle Drill
Right-angle drills look different from corded and cordless drills. They have long handles that attach to the motor’s bottom. This design saves space, making them perfect for tight spots.
These spots include the inside of cabinets, engine bays, and stud walls. A regular drill can’t fit in these areas. But right-angle drills can, thanks to their unique design.
Our Recommendation: DEWALT 20V MAX Right Angle Cordless Drill
This DEWALT right-angle cordless drill features a 2,000 rpm run speed, plenty of power, and a sleek head design with a keyless chuck.
Drill Safety Tips
There are a few important safety factors to consider when using a drill:
- Drills can produce a lot of torque, and if their bits bind in a board or surface, the handle might try to “jump” out of your hand. This can cause wrist injury—in the case of heavy-duty right-angle drills, it can even break bones. Because of this, always hold the drill securely during operation.
- When drilling into a wall, it’s important to have an idea of where electrical wires and plumbing pipes are located, hidden behind the drywall. Use a stud finder to help locate wires and pipes before you begin drilling.
- Drill bits, as well as the materials they drill into, can snap and send bits flying. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any airborne debris.
- Before drilling, ensure that there’s nothing behind or underneath the workpiece that the drill bit shouldn’t touch.
- With corded drills, be careful of extension cords getting caught on the feet of ladders or other tools to prevent trips or falls.
Initial Setup and Calibration
Drills come more or less ready to use directly out of the box. After charging and installing the battery of a cordless drill or plugging in a corded drill, the right drill bit for the job at hand should be inserted into the chuck. Learning how to put a drill bit in a drill is fairly straightforward.
- Choose the appropriate drill bit for the fastener size.
- Switch the drill into “reverse” mode so the chuck spins counterclockwise.
- Hold onto the chuck’s grip while the motor is spinning to loosen the chuck and open its jaws.
- Put the drill bit inside the chuck, switch the direction back to clockwise, hold the chuck, and squeeze the trigger until it tightens down on the bit.
How to Use a Drill for Drilling a Hole
The drill’s main purpose is to drill holes in materials like wood and metal. The process isn’t difficult but should be done right, and this step-by-step guide can help.
STEP 1: Install the correct drill bit.
Choose the right drill bit size for your project. If you’re not sure, you can match it by eye. Look at the diameter of the bit against the screw shaft, not the threads.
After picking the bit, put it in the chuck. Set the drill to reverse and squeeze the trigger a bit. Hold the chuck until it opens enough for the bit.
Put the bit inside the chuck and switch to forward. Hold the chuck while squeezing the trigger lightly.
STEP 2: Place the tip of the drill bit on the mark.
Put the drill bit tip on the mark for the hole. Hold the drill straight up against the surface.
If the drill starts at an angle, it will move off the mark. This makes the hole wrong. Place your other hand on the back of the drill to keep it straight.
STEP 3: Lightly squeeze the trigger.
Change the drill to forward mode. The chuck should spin clockwise. Press the trigger gently to start the bit slowly.
If the bit starts to move, stop and start again. Start slow to make a precise hole. Pressing the trigger too fast can make the bit move.
STEP 4: Drill all the way through the surface.
Start by squeezing the drill trigger to increase speed. While the bit spins, apply light pressure forward. This helps the bit dig into the surface.
Make sure the drill bit is straight. As you near the end, release the pressure and slow down. This prevents the bit from jamming.
Drilling through metal needs slow speed. This helps manage heat and keeps the bit sharp.
How to Use a Drill for Driving Screws
Drilling screws is faster than using a screwdriver. It saves time and effort, depending on the material.
STEP 1: Match the driver bit to the fastener head.
Screws are not universal. It’s key to pick the right driver bit for the fastener head. You might need Phillips, straight, square, Torx, or star bits.
To start, turn the chuck to reverse. Hold it and press the trigger gently. This opens the chuck for the bit.
Then, switch to forward and hold the chuck again. Press the trigger lightly and tighten the bit.
STEP 2: Seat the bit into the fastener.
Put the driver bit into the fastener’s head so it fits well. Hold the drill straight with the fastener. If the drill is off or the bit isn’t in place, it can damage the screw head.
Also, if the drill is not straight, the fastener might slip. This could make the drill fall off the screw head.
STEP 3: Squeeze the trigger and apply forward pressure.
First, make sure the bit is in the fastener and the drill is lined up. Press the trigger lightly to start. You might need to push the drill a bit forward, as hard materials can slow it down.
When the screw starts to go into the surface, press the trigger harder to speed it up. Add more pressure forward. If the bit jumps, adjust the drill so it’s straight again. Keep going until the screw is as deep as you want it.
Drill Maintenance Tips
- Drills make a lot of dust, so be sure to keep them clean by blowing the dust and dirt out with compressed air. Be sure to get the motor housing and chuck specifically.
- For cordless drills, familiarize yourself with battery care. Leaving those batteries on the charger is not the best way to prolong their lives.
- Power drills are tough, but bouncing their chucks off work surfaces every time the bit drills all the way through will shorten its lifespan. Be mindful of how close the bit is to drilling all the way through to prevent bashing the chuck.
- If a drill’s power seems to falter, it might be time to change the motor’s brushes. For drills with accessible brushes, this process is easy, and the manufacturer should be able to supply new brushes.
Final Thoughts On How To Use A Drill
Power drills are amazing tools. They can make hard jobs easy. You can drill holes and drive screws quickly.
Just remember to be confident and ready to try new things. With the right tips, you’ll learn to drill safely and well. Soon, you’ll be making new projects with your drill.
- 【𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟑𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠…
- 【𝐀𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝟑-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝…
- 【𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬…
- 【𝟖𝟎𝟎𝐦𝐀𝐡 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲…
