We may earn revenue from the product available on this varlet and participate in affiliate curriculum . teach More ›

One of the most authoritative DIY tools is the trustworthy power drill . Equipped with speed and torque , a power drill can bore holes , tighten fastening , and even mix rouge . There just is n’t a replacement for the convenience and truth that a practice can propose .

However , with so much power on tap , it ’s no curiosity that a Mandrillus leucophaeus might stimulate some hesitation among newfangled DIYers . However , after learning how to utilise a drill and how much metre the tool can save , a exploiter may never turn back .

A DIYer using a drill/driver for a home improvement project with a graphic overlay that says Tool Tutorial.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

This guide explicate the difference between types of recitation , how to habituate a power exercise , and a few safety tips .

Important Drill Parts

The first whole step to pick up how to use a ability drill is becoming conversant with the shaft ’s different parts . Like mostpower tool , drills consist of several central constituent :

3 Types of Drill/Drivers to Know

Power drills are not new tool . In fact , the first tycoon drill patent is more than 130 years old . Over time , practice designs have develop quite a morsel , and today ’s models come in three independent varieties .

1. Corded Drill

Thecorded drillis the original exponent drill . These drills feature electric cords that plug into outlet or extension cords and power the motor . Often , corded exercise are big - obligation and produce a meaning amount of torque , but lack some of the refinement and unexampled technology of barrage - powered tools . The electric cord does tether the user , but not having to worry about a battery can be a bonnie deal - off .

Our testimonial : DEWALT 3/8″ VSR Mid - Handle Drill on Amazon for $ 89.16The DEWALT DWD115 K corded drill features a keyless chuck and a hardy 8 - ampere motor , which produces speeds up to 2,500 rpm .

2. Cordless Drill

alike in plan to a twilled drill , cordless drillsuse detachable , rechargeable batteries that allow you the exemption to take a drill anywhere . Often , these drills offer less torque , but they ’re full of feature like keyless chucks , onboard go workplace lights , whack clips , and more . The first cordless drill were wearisome , underpowered , and boast miserable battery life , but today ’s theoretical account are the antonym : tight , strong , and long - lasting .

Our testimonial : DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Drill / Driver Kit on Amazon for $ 116.49The DEWALT DCD771C2 compact drill / number one wood use the same barrage system as the brand ’s other popular creature , and it produce enough power and runtime for most DIY tasks .

3. Right-Angle Drill

While corded and cordless drills at least depend interchangeable , right - slant drillsare visually unequalled . These drills boast farsighted handles that confiscate to the bottom of the motor to make unnecessary space , allowing for positioning in taut spots , such as the insides of cabinets , engine bays , stud walls , and other areas where a traditional drill wo n’t gibe .

Our Recommendation : DEWALT 20V MAX Right Angle Cordless Drillon Amazon for $ 176.89This DEWALT correct - slant cordless drill features a 2,000 rev running game swiftness , plentitude of index , and a sleek head design with a keyless chuck .

Drill Safety Tips

There are a few of import safety equipment constituent to view when using a drill :

Initial Setup and Calibration

Drills come more or less ready to use forthwith out of the boxful . After charging and installing the battery of a cordless drill or plug in a corded drill , the right recitation fleck for the job at hand should be stick in into the chuck . Learninghow to put a exercise bit in a drillis fairly square .

How to Use a Drill for Drilling a Hole

The practice session ’s main determination is todrill holesin material like Sir Henry Joseph Wood and metal . The mental process is n’t difficult but should be done right , and this step - by - step guide can help .

STEP 1: Install the correct drill bit.

Choose the correct drill bit sizing . If there are n’t clear instructions for your labor , it ’s possible to match the spot by centre . Whendrilling a pilot golf hole , visually match the diameter of the chip with the shaft ( not the threads ) of the fucking that will go in the gob .

Once chosen , set up the bit in the chuck . Set the steering to revoke , light squeeze the induction , and check onto the chuck until it opens far enough to invite the bit . Place the fleck inside the chuck , switch the charge to forrader , and admit the grub while lightly squeeze the trigger .

STEP 2: Place the tip of the drill bit on the mark.

Using light air pressure , set the gratuity of the drill bit on the mark where the muddle will be . Hold the recitation so the drill bit is as vertical as possible to the mark aerofoil .

If the exercise is direct at an angle when beginning to exercise , the moment will start to “ walk ” while spinning , meaning it will move away from the mark and ensue in an inaccurate hole . It can help oneself to place the free hired man on the back of the exercise to steady it at the correct slant .

STEP 3: Lightly squeeze the trigger.

Switch the drill back to forward-moving mode so the chuck spins clockwise . apply light press to the initiation , start the chip slow until it begins to labor into the surface . If it begins to walk , stop , release the induction , replace the tip of the piece on the original mark , and start the process again .

pop out tardily aid drill an accurate hole , while squeezing the trigger too chop-chop and get down at full swiftness could cause the bite to walk .

STEP 4: Drill all the way through the surface.

Once the spot is started , gradually increase the swiftness by squeezing the gun trigger . While the bit is spinning , apply light forward pressure on the drill to avail the bit dig into the control surface . Be certain to keep the drill bit perpendicular todrill straight . As the bit is close to bore all the way through , publish the force per unit area and slow down the act to prevent jamming the chuck into the workpiece .

When exercise through metal , do not increase the fastness . Metal requires slow drilling so as to manage heat and prevent the bit from dull .

How to Use a Drill for Driving Screws

Tightening or relax roll in the hay with a screwdrivertakes a recollective prison term , and it can be quite a workout , depending on the stuff and fastener . have sex how to use a exercise for fucking stop number up the mental process tremendously .

STEP 1: Match the driver bit to the fastener head.

jailor are not world-wide , so it ’s important to match the holdfast head with the right driver bit . This could be various sizes of Phillips , straight or unconstipated leaf blade , square , Torx , star , and a turn of other bit .

Once prefer , loosen the chuck by switch the focal point to reverse . have the chuck and apply lightsome pressure to the trigger to spread the chuck wide enough to get the bit . Switch the direction to forward , moderate the chow , apply lightsome pressure sensation to the trigger , and tighten down on the driver bit .

STEP 2: Seat the bit into the fastener.

Carefully position the driver bit into the head of the fastener so that it agree snugly . Hold the drill so it is aline with the fastening . If the drill is n’t in melody , or if the act is n’t in full seat , the bit can damage the header of the screw and make it impossible to drive . Also , holding the practice askew can stimulate the holdfast to steal and the drill can return off the forefront .

STEP 3: Squeeze the trigger and apply forward pressure.

With the minute seated in the fastener and the drill inline with the fastener , give lightheaded pressure to the gun trigger to start the prison guard . A chip of forward pressure may also be necessary , as dense materials will fend the screw . Be sure to keep the recitation aligned with the fixing .

As the screw begins to dig into the surface , squeeze the induction to increase the speed , and utilize more forward pressure . If the chip begins to skip , reposition the drill so it is straight . keep on until the head of the piece of ass attain the trust deepness .

Drill Maintenance Tips

Final Thoughts

Power drills are great tools , and they can transform otherwise long , toilsome , and mistake - prone jobs into short work . From drill maw to driving screw propeller , all it takes is a bit of confidence and willingness to try a new prick . With the tips above , a new DIYer can get the hang of how to drill safely and accurately . They ’ll be drill , fastening , and creating new project with their drill in no time .

This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we see this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .

An illustration of a drill/driver with labeled parts.

Illustration: John B./Fiverr

how to use a drill

Photo: dewalt.ca

how to use a drill

Photo: dewalt.ca

how to use a drill

Photo: amazon.com

Man fits a drill bit into a drill.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man points drill bit into an X on a wood plank.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man pushes drill bit through a piece of wood.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man fits drill with screwdriver bit.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man seats a drill bit into a screw.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man squeezes trigger on drill.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Man uses a drill to drive fastener into a wood board.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Article image