How To Use a Drill - This Old House

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The power drill is a versatile tool that has revolutionized home improvement and construction projects. From its humble beginnings as a heavy, corded device to today’s lightweight, cordless models, the drill has become an essential tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert explores the evolution of drill drivers, their various types, and key features to consider when choosing the right one for your projects.

Types of Drill Drivers

When choosing a drill driver, think about the type that best suits your needs. These are the three main categories:

Light-duty: These are ideal for small projects and tasks around the house, like assembling furniture and driving small screws.
Medium-duty: These drivers offer more power and versatility than their light-duty counterparts. They’re best suited for working with most wood species and driving medium-sized holes.
Heavy-duty: These drill drivers are built for demanding tasks and professional use—think driving large screws and lag bolts or working with masonry.

Drill Driver Configurations

When shopping for a drill driver, you’ll encounter two main configurations: bare tools and kits. Bare tools are sold without batteries or chargers, making them more affordable but requiring compatible batteries. Kits include the drill driver, batteries, and a charger, providing everything needed to get started, but are more expensive.

Key Features of Modern Drill Drivers

Understanding the anatomy of a drill driver can help you make an informed decision when purchasing one.

Chuck

The chuck is the part that holds the drill bit or driver bit. Chucks come in these three common sizes:

1/4 inch
3/8 inch
1/2 inch

Larger chuck sizes generally indicate more powerful drills capable of handling bigger bits.

Clutch

The adjustable clutch allows you to preset the torque applied by the drill driver. This feature helps prevent the splitting wood, stripping screws, and overdriving fasteners. A higher number of clutch settings provides more precise control over the tool’s torque output.

Drive Type Selector

Many modern drill drivers offer multiple drive types, including the following:

Drilling mode: This is the standard mode used for creating holes in various materials like wood, plastic, or metal. In drilling mode, the drill driver operates at high speeds with lower torque, making it ideal for quickly drilling precise holes without damaging the material.
Driving mode: Designed for driving screws and fasteners into surfaces, driving mode operates at lower speeds with higher torque. This provides more control to prevent over-tightening or stripping screws.
Hammer drilling mode (on some models): Available on select drill drivers, hammer drilling mode adds a pulsing hammer action to the rotation, making it easier to drill into tough surfaces like concrete, brick, or masonry. The rapid hammering motion helps break up the hard material while the drill bit continues to rotate.

This versatility allows you to switch between different tasks without changing tools.

Speed Selector

The speed selector typically offers low speed with high torque and high speed with lower torque. This feature allows you to optimize the drill’s performance for different applications.

LED Work Light

An integrated LED work light illuminates the work area, improving visibility and accuracy. This feature is especially useful when working in dimly lit spaces.

Motor Type

Drill drivers are available with the following two types of motors:

Brushed motors: More affordable but less efficient
Brushless motors: More efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting, but typically more expensive

Consider your usage frequency and budget when choosing between these motor types.

Battery Considerations for Your Drill

The battery is a crucial component of cordless drill drivers. With advancements in battery technology, modern drill drivers offer long-lasting power and faster charging times. When evaluating batteries, consider these factors:

Voltage: Higher voltage generally means more power, but it can also result in a heavier tool. Common options include 12-volt, 18-volt, and 20-volt batteries.
Ampere-hours (Ah): This rating measures the battery’s capacity. Higher Ah ratings provide longer run times.
Compatibility: If you already own tools from a specific brand, choose a drill driver that uses the same batteries to maximize convenience.

Choosing the Right Drill Driver

Consider the following when making your decision to choose the best drill driver for your needs.

Assess Your Needs

Think about the types of projects you’ll be tackling. A compact 12-volt model may suffice for occasional light-duty tasks. For more frequent use or heavier-duty projects, an 18-volt or 20-volt model might be more appropriate. Professional users may require a heavy-duty model with advanced features.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Hold the drill driver in your hand to assess its weight, balance, and grip comfort. A tool that feels good in your hand will be more enjoyable to use for extended periods. Consider the handle design and any additional features like anti-vibration technology, which can reduce user fatigue.

Brand Reputation

Research reputable brands that are known for quality and durability. Reading user reviews and expert opinions can help you make an informed decision. Durable tools from trusted brands often come with longer warranties and better customer support.

Additional Features

Consider extra features that might enhance your user experience:

Built-in bit storage: Having built-in bit storage on your drill driver allows for quick and convenient access to various bits while working.
Belt clips: A belt clip can be a game-changer for mobility, especially when working on ladders or in tight spaces. It allows you to secure the drill to your tool belt, keeping your hands free when you’re not actively using the tool.
Carrying cases: A sturdy carrying case provides protection and easy transport for your drill driver and accessories. Many cases are designed with compartments to keep bits, batteries, and chargers organized.
Extended warranties: Investing in a tool with an extended warranty gives you peace of mind, protecting your drill driver from potential defects or malfunctions.
Smart technologies, like Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring battery life and tool usage: Some modern drill drivers feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to track battery levels, receive maintenance alerts, or even adjust tool settings through a smartphone app.

Safety Tips for Using a Drill Driver

To get the most out of your drill driver while staying safe, follow these best practices:

Wear protective gear: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris. Consider using ear protection if you’re working with a particularly loud drill.
Use appropriate bits: Make sure you’re using the correct bit for the material and task at hand.
Secure the material: Clamp down wood or other materials to keep them from moving while you work, which improves accuracy and safety.
Start slowly: Begin with a lower speed to create a pilot hole if needed, then gradually increase speed.
Maintain your tool: Keep your drill driver clean, check for any signs of wear, and store it in a dry place. Regular maintenance can prolong the tool’s lifespan and maintain its performance.

Resources

Gilbert shows the first DIY drill made by Black and Decker. He uses the DeWalt DCF682N1 8-Volt MAX Cordless 1/4-inch Hex Gyroscopic Screwdriver to illustrate “light duty” drill drivers. Then, he switches to “medium-duty” drill drivers, illustrated with the Milwaukee 2407-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver. Then he moves to the Ridgid R86115B 18V Brushless 1/2″ Hammer Drill to show “Heavy-duty” capacity.

Other drill drivers shown include: