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Can You Use a Drill as a Screwdriver? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
Yes, you can absolutely use a drill as a screwdriver. Most modern drills are designed for this. You just need the right screwdriver bit and the correct drill settings. Using a drill saves you time and effort on almost any project, from building furniture to hanging shelves.
Have you ever started a project with a simple screwdriver? Your hand gets tired. The screw goes in crooked. It takes forever. You might look at your power drill and wonder, “Can I use this instead?”
You are not alone. This is a very common question for new DIYers. The good news is that the answer is a big YES. Your drill can be your best friend for driving screws.
This guide will show you how. We will walk through everything, step-by-step. You will learn what you need, how to set up your drill, and how to drive screws like a pro. Let’s get started!
Why Use a Drill as a Screwdriver?
Using a drill instead of a manual screwdriver has some great benefits. It’s not just about being lazy; it’s about working smarter. Here are the main reasons why so many people reach for their drill.
- Speed: A drill drives screws in seconds. A manual screwdriver can take much longer, especially with long screws or hard materials. For projects with many screws, like building a deck or a bookshelf, a drill is a must.
- Less Effort: Your drill does the hard work. You don’t need to use your wrist and arm strength to turn the screw. This prevents your hand and wrist from getting tired or sore. It makes big jobs much more comfortable.
- Power: Drills have a motor. This motor gives you the power to drive screws into tough materials like hardwood or metal. A manual screwdriver might not be strong enough for these jobs.
- Consistency: A drill helps you drive screws straight and to the same depth. Many drills have a special feature called a clutch. The clutch stops the screw from going too deep, which protects your project.
When Should You NOT Use a Drill for Screws?
A drill is a powerful tool. Sometimes, that power can be too much. There are a few times when a simple, manual screwdriver is the better choice.
- Delicate Materials: If you are working with very soft wood, plastic, or old furniture, a drill can be too aggressive. It might strip the screw head or crack the material. A screwdriver gives you more control.
- Tiny Screws: For very small screws, like those in electronics or glasses, a drill is too big and clumsy. You need a precision screwdriver for these tiny jobs.
- Tight Spaces: Sometimes, you can’t fit a bulky drill into a tight corner or a narrow space. A short or angled screwdriver is perfect for these tricky spots.
- Final Touches: Many experts use a drill to get the screw most of the way in. Then, they use a hand screwdriver for the final turn. This gives them perfect control and prevents overtightening.
What You’ll Need
Getting started is easy. You only need a few basic things. You probably have them already!
- A Power Drill: A cordless drill is best. It is easy to move around. Make sure it has adjustable speed and a clutch (the numbered ring behind the chuck).
- Screwdriver Bits: These are the most important part. You need bits that match the screws you are using. A good screwdriver bit set will have all the common types, like Phillips, flathead, and Torx.
- Screws: Of course, you need the screws for your project.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes. It only takes a second for something to fly into your eye.
How to Use Your Drill as a Screwdriver: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to try it? Follow these simple steps. We will make it easy to understand.
Step 1: Choose the Right Screwdriver Bit
Look at the head of your screw. It has a specific shape. You need a bit that fits this shape perfectly. The most common types are:
- Phillips: Looks like a cross or an ‘X’. This is very common.
- Flathead (or Slotted): A single, flat slot.
- Torx (or Star): Looks like a six-pointed star. These are great because they grip well.
If the bit is too small, it will slip and damage the screw. This is called “stripping” the screw. If the bit is too big, it won’t fit at all. A good fit is snug and doesn’t wobble.
Step 2: Insert the Bit into the Drill’s Chuck
The chuck is the part at the very front of the drill. It’s what holds the bit.
- Loosen the Chuck: Hold the drill with one hand. With your other hand, twist the chuck counter-clockwise (to the left). This will open the jaws inside the chuck.
- Insert the Bit: Push the smooth end of the screwdriver bit into the open chuck. Push it in as far as it will go.
- Tighten the Chuck: Now, twist the chuck clockwise (to the right). You will hear a clicking sound as it tightens. Make it nice and snug so the bit doesn’t fall out.
Step 3: Adjust the Drill’s Settings
This is the most important step for success. If you skip this, you might damage your project. Your drill has two key settings to adjust: the clutch and the speed.
The Clutch (Torque Control)
The clutch is the numbered collar right behind the chuck. The numbers represent torque, or turning power. A low number means less power. A high number means more power.
- Why it matters: The clutch stops the drill from turning when the screw is tight enough. This prevents you from driving the screw too deep or stripping the screw head.
- How to set it: Start with a low setting, like 3 or 4. If the drill stops before the screw is all the way in, increase the number and try again. It’s better to start too low than too high. For hardwood, you will need a higher setting. For softwood or drywall, use a very low setting.
The Speed
Most drills have a switch on top with two speeds: 1 and 2.
- Setting 1 (Low Speed, High Torque): This is the setting for driving screws. It gives you more control and power.
- Setting 2 (High Speed, Low Torque): This setting is for drilling holes. It is too fast for driving screws and can easily cause damage.
Always use speed setting 1 for screws.
Step 4: Set the Drill’s Direction
Your drill can spin in two directions: forward (clockwise) and reverse (counter-clockwise).
- Forward: This drives the screw in. The button is usually pushed in on the right side of the drill handle.
- Reverse: This takes the screw out. The button is usually pushed in on the left side.
Make sure the drill is set to forward to drive a screw.
Step 5: Drive the Screw
Now you are ready for action!
- Position the Screw: Place the tip of the screw on the spot where you want it to go. You can create a small starting hole with a nail or an awl to help guide it.
- Align the Drill: Place the bit firmly into the screw head. Hold the drill straight, perfectly in line with the screw. If you hold it at an angle, the screw will go in crooked.
- Start Slowly: Squeeze the trigger very gently at first. This will start the screw turning slowly and help it bite into the material.
- Apply Pressure: As the screw starts to go in, apply firm, steady pressure. Push the drill directly into the screw. This prevents the bit from slipping out.
- Increase Speed: Once the screw is started, you can squeeze the trigger a bit more to speed up.
- Listen for the Clutch: When the screw is fully in, you will hear a “clack-clack-clack” sound. That is the clutch doing its job. Let go of the trigger immediately. The screw is done!
Step 6: How to Remove a Screw
Need to take a screw out? It’s just as easy.
- Set to Reverse: Push the direction button to the reverse setting.
- Align the Drill: Place the bit firmly in the screw head.
- Squeeze the Trigger: Squeeze the trigger gently. The drill will turn counter-clockwise and back the screw right out.
Pro Tips for Perfect Screwdriving
- Drill a Pilot Hole: For hardwoods or to prevent splitting, drill a small “pilot hole” first. The hole should be slightly smaller than the screw’s threads. This gives the screw a path to follow.
- Use a Magnetic Bit Holder: A magnetic bit holder is an extension that holds the bit and also magnetizes it. This helps the screw stick to the bit, so you can work with one hand.
- Pulse the Trigger: For very precise work, don’t hold the trigger down. Instead, give it short, quick squeezes or “pulses.” This gives you maximum control.
- Two Hands are Better Than One: Use one hand to hold the drill’s handle and squeeze the trigger. Use your other hand to support the back of the drill. This helps you keep it steady and apply even pressure.
- Check Your Drill’s Battery: A low battery provides less power. This can make it hard to drive screws. Always start a big project with a fully charged battery.
Safety First: Important Precautions
A drill is a safe tool when used correctly. Always remember these safety rules.
- Wear Safety Glasses: This is the most important rule. Protect your eyes from dust, wood chips, or a broken bit.
- Secure Your Work: Use clamps to hold your workpiece steady. Don’t try to hold a small piece of wood with one hand while drilling with the other.
- Keep Fingers Away: Keep your hands and fingers away from the spinning chuck and bit.
- Disconnect Power: When changing bits, always remove the battery or unplug the drill.
- Be Aware of What’s Behind: Before you drill into a wall, make sure there are no electrical wires or pipes behind it.
Drill vs. Impact Driver vs. Screwdriver: What’s the Difference?
You might see other tools that look like drills. It can be confusing. Here is a simple breakdown.
Manual Screwdriver
- Best for: Delicate tasks, small screws, tight spaces, and final adjustments.
- How it works: You provide all the power with your hand and wrist.
- Control: Maximum control.
Power Drill (with Screwdriver Bit)
- Best for: All-purpose use. Drilling holes and driving screws in most materials.
- How it works: A motor provides smooth, consistent rotational power. The clutch protects your work.
- Control: Good control, especially with a variable speed trigger and clutch.
Impact Driver
- Best for: Driving long screws, large fasteners (like lag bolts), and repetitive, heavy-duty tasks.
- How it works: It combines rotation with short, powerful bursts of impact (like tiny hammer blows). This provides a huge amount of torque.
- Control: Less control than a drill. It’s very powerful and can easily damage soft materials or strip small screws. It does not have a clutch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use any drill as a screwdriver?
Almost any modern cordless or corded drill can be used as a screwdriver. The key features to look for are a variable speed trigger (so you can go slow) and an adjustable clutch (the numbered ring). Drills without these features are harder to control and not ideal for screws.
2. What’s the best drill setting for driving screws?
The best setting is low speed (setting 1) and a low clutch/torque setting. Start the clutch at a low number (like 3 or 4) and increase it only if the screw isn’t going in all the way. This prevents damage to the screw and your project.
3. How do I stop stripping screws with my drill?
Stripping screws happens when the bit slips out of the screw head. To prevent it:
- Use the correct size and type of bit.
- Apply firm, straight pressure on the drill.
- Start slowly by squeezing the trigger gently.
- Use the drill’s clutch setting to avoid overtightening.
4. Can I use a drill for drywall screws?
Yes, you can, but you must be careful. Drywall is very soft. Use a very low clutch setting. There are also special “dimpler” bits made for drywall. They have a ring that stops the screw at the perfect depth without tearing the paper face of the drywall.
5. What is the difference between a drill bit and a screwdriver bit?
A drill bit is designed to cut a hole in a material. It has sharp cutting edges, often in a spiral shape. A screwdriver bit is designed to fit into the head of a screw to turn it. It is not sharp and has a tip shaped like a Phillips, flathead, etc.
6. My bit keeps falling out of the drill. What am I doing wrong?
This usually means the chuck is not tight enough. Make sure you are twisting the chuck clockwise until it’s very snug. If your drill has a keyless chuck, you should hear it click as it tightens. Also, ensure the bit is inserted straight and all the way into the chuck.
7. Do I really need to drill a pilot hole?
For softwoods or when using self-tapping screws, you can often skip it. However, for hardwoods (like oak or maple) or when screwing near the edge of a board, a pilot hole is highly recommended. It prevents the wood from splitting and makes driving the screw much easier.
Conclusion: Your Drill is Your New Favorite Screwdriver
So, can you use a drill as a screwdriver? Yes, and you should! It’s a skill that will make every DIY project faster, easier, and more professional.
Remember the key steps: choose the right bit, set your drill to low speed, adjust the clutch, and apply steady pressure. With a little practice, you’ll be driving screws like an expert. You’ll save your wrists, save time, and get better results. Grab your drill, a few screws, and a scrap piece of wood. Give it a try!
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