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deepen adrill bitis one of the first whole step in a DIYer ’s journeying from fleeceable to bully . But , for someone who is n’t quite comfortable around power dick yet , this is no minuscule feat .

The practice session ’s torque might make unexampled users awkward , and the different type of chucks could make the line of work confusing . This templet on how to shift a drill bit can remove some of the intimidation and from the business .

Preparing to change a drill bit on an impact driver.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Parts of a Drill

When learning how to commute the bit on a exercise , it ’s of import to love several parts of the shaft .

Knowing these region and how they work will make changing bits or installingdrill attachmentsmuch easier .

How to Change Drill Bits With a Keyless Chuck

Most moderncordless power drillshave keyless grub , meaning the drug user does n’t need to find a extra putz to loose or tighten the mechanism that holds the bit . While this does make learning how to switch Mandrillus leucophaeus bits easier , it can leave some newer DIYers find lost ab initio .

Here ’s how to modify the chip on a recitation with a keyless chuck .

STEP 1: Switch the drill into the counter-clockwise position.

Take the drill in both mitt , with one deal on the clench and the other on the drill chuck .

With the manus on the handle , press the guidance chooser locate near the trigger all the way to the rightfield to put the practice session in return - clockwise mode . This will allow the substance abuser to relax the eats by using the trigger and motor .

STEP 2: Gently squeeze the trigger.

Point the trigger slightly upwards to prevent the bit from diminish out during this measure .

Get a steadfast clutch on the chuck with one deal and softly press the trigger . The chuck will commence to twist slightly in the exploiter ’s hand before the jaws loose the bit and the chuck spins freely .

unloose the induction , lock up the direction chooser in the middle position , and off the bit from the jaws .

Setting a drill into the counter-clockwise position.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

STEP 3: Insert the new bit and tighten.

tuck the new spot in the chuck ’s jaw . Get a firm handle on the chuck , push the selector all the way to the leftfield , and lightly embrace the gun trigger until the jaw nigh on the bit . expel the trigger and give the grub a quick turn of events by deal to ensure the jaws are gripping the bit sufficiently .

Pro Tip : It can be difficult to center a small flake in widely opened jaws . In this case , shut the jaw to some the ripe size first before sneak in the bit .

How to Change Drill Bits with a Keyed Chuck

cord big businessman drillsor drill presses use keyed grub . These gimmick work similarly to keyless chuck in that the jaws clamp down on the bit , but users must operate them with a extra wrench called a “ Francis Scott Key ” to clamp down or loose the bit .

Here ’s how to remove a drill bit and supplant it in a keyed chuck .

STEP 1: Unplug the tool and fit the wrench in the chuck.

unexpectedly bumping a trigger or on - switch while insert a twist into a distinguish grub can result in injury , so unplug the prick first .

Next , locate the key ( it ’s commonly attached to the corduroy or mounted on the side of the exercise press ) . Then , enter it so the pocket-sized knob on the end fits inside one of the holes on the chow , meshing the paint ’s teeth with the chuck ’s .

STEP 2: Twist the key to open the chuck.

While place firm pressure on the key , wrench it return - clockwise to launch the chuck ’s jaws . The teeth on the key will twirl the teeth on the chuck like a set of gear mechanism .

Once the pressure releases from the jaws , remove the key and wrick the chuck by handwriting to start the jaws . mind that the turn can fall out during the stone’s throw , which could leave in having tosharpen the fleck .

STEP 3: Insert the new bit and twist the chuck closed.

For larger bits , loosen the chuck by hand until the bit fits inside the chuck . For smaller bits , tighten the grub by hand until the bit sit concentrate on between the jaws .

Tighten the chow onto the bit as much as possible by hand before placing the key in the chuck . Twist the key clockwise to clamp the jaw down on the bit .

How to Change Bits on an Impact Driver

Impact driver usedifferent type of bitsand have a unique chuck call “ nimble departure ” that are quite easy to habituate . However , if the substance abuser is n’t familiar with how these chucks work , they could be spin their bicycle ( and the chow ) until they figure it out . The following steps will serve .

STEP 1: Grip the base of the chuck and pull.

impingement driversuse spring - loaded chucks with ball detents inside to grip their moment . To transfer these bit , grip the base of operations of the chuck between a ovolo and forefinger and pull the chow away from the front of the dick .

The bit will be destitute , but it might not fall out . try on again , but this time spellbind the bit and the chuck , slip them both forward at the same time to release the bit .

STEP 2: Place the new bit in the chuck.

Tip theimpact driverupward and place the new bit inside the grub . Impact number one wood bits have hex - determine bases , so be trusted to line them up the right way . The bit will most likely not snap into the chuck yet , so keep the number one wood point up so the moment does n’t fall out .

STEP 3: Pull the chuck forward to seat the bit.

With the impact number one wood still pointing up , pull the chuck forwards to loose the click and allow the bit to drop into spot . It may be necessary to jiggle theimpact drivera flake , or even push the bit in while take the eats open .

Once the bit drops into the driver , release the chuck and pull on the flake to ensure it ’s seated .

Final Thoughts

These pro - level techniques will have DIYers transfer bits like seasoned ex-serviceman in no time . While the small nicety of how to put a drill bit in a drill might take some practice , these step - by - whole tone directions cover the basic principle . Just be sure to keep mitt off from bits , unplugcorded exercise , and use light atmospheric pressure when squeezing the trigger for quick and good bit changes .

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Handyperson squeezes the trigger on a cordless drill.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Handyperson inserts a new bit into a cordless drill.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

how to change a drill bit

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Handyperson grips base of the chuck on an impact driver.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Handyperson inserts new bit in impact driver.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Pulling the chuck forward on an impact driver to seat the bit.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

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