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Can You Use a Drill as a Screwdriver? The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever started a project, only to realize your screwdriver is missing? Or maybe you’re facing a big job, like assembling new furniture, and your wrist already hurts just thinking about it. You look at your trusty power drill and wonder, “Can this do the job?”

It’s a great question, and you’re not alone in asking it. The good news is that your drill is more versatile than you think. With a few simple adjustments, it can become a powerful, time-saving screwdriver.

This guide will show you exactly how. We will walk through each step, from picking the right bit to using the correct settings. You’ll learn how to work safely and avoid common mistakes. Let’s get started!

Why Use a Drill as a Screwdriver?

Using your drill to drive screws isn’t just a backup plan; it’s often a smarter way to work. Here are the main advantages:

• Speed: A drill drives screws much faster than you can by hand. This is a huge time-saver for projects with many screws, like building a deck or putting together a bookshelf.
• Power: Drills provide more torque (turning force) than your wrist. This makes it easy to drive long screws into tough materials like hardwood without getting tired.
• Less Effort: It saves your hands and wrists from fatigue and strain. If you have a lot of screws to turn, a drill does the hard work for you.

When You Should NOT Use a Drill as a Screwdriver

While a drill is a fantastic tool, it’s not always the right choice. Its power can be too much for delicate jobs. You should stick to a regular screwdriver in these situations:

• Delicate Materials: Working with very soft wood, plastic, or particleboard? A drill can easily apply too much force, stripping the screw hole or cracking the material.
• Tiny Screws: For small screws found in electronics, toys, or eyeglasses, a drill is too powerful and clumsy. You need the fine control of a precision screwdriver.

*Final Tightening: Sometimes, you want to “feel” the screw get tight. For things like cabinet handles, it’s often best to drive the screw most of the way with a drill and then give it the final gentle turn by hand.

• Old or Fragile Furniture: If you’re working on an antique or a fragile piece, the risk of damage is too high. Use a hand tool for maximum control.

Understanding Your Drill’s Key Features

To use your drill as a screwdriver, you need to know three key parts. Don’t worry, it’s simple!

1. The Chuck

The chuck is the part at the very front of the drill that grabs and holds the bit. You can open and close it by twisting the collar. Some drills have a key, but most modern cordless drills are “keyless.” You just twist it by hand to tighten or loosen it.

2. The Clutch (or Torque Selector)

This is the most important setting! The clutch is the numbered ring located right behind the chuck. These numbers represent torque, or turning power. A low number (like 1 or 2) means very little torque, and a high number means a lot of torque.

Think of the clutch as a safety feature. When the drill reaches the set torque level, it will start making a clicking sound and stop turning the screw. This prevents you from driving the screw too deep or stripping the screw head.

3. The Speed Switch

Most drills have a switch on top that lets you choose between two speeds: 1 (low speed, high torque) and 2 (high speed, low torque). For driving screws, you should always use setting 1. Low speed gives you much better control and reduces the risk of the bit slipping off the screw.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Your Drill as a Screwdriver

Ready to give it a try? Follow these simple steps.

1. Step 1: Choose the Right Screwdriver Bit

   Look at the head of your screw. Does it have a cross shape (Phillips), a single slot (flathead), or a star shape (Torx)? Find the screwdriver bit that matches the screw head perfectly. A bit that is too big or too small will slip and “cam out,” which can damage both the bit and the screw head.

2. Step 2: Insert the Bit into the Drill’s Chuck

   Hold the drill with one hand and twist the chuck collar counter-clockwise to open the jaws. Insert the smooth end of the screwdriver bit into the chuck. Then, twist the collar clockwise until it is tight. Give the bit a little tug to make sure it’s secure.

3. Step 3: Set the Clutch to a Low Number

   This is the crucial step! Find the numbered ring behind the chuck and twist it to a low setting, like 3 or 4. This protects your project. Don’t set it to the drill symbol—that setting is for drilling holes and provides maximum power with no clutch protection.

4. Step 4: Set the Speed to Low (1)

   Find the speed switch, usually on top of the drill. Slide it to the “1” position. This gives you the control you need for driving screws accurately.

5. Step 5: Set the Drill’s Direction to Forward

   There’s a switch near the trigger that controls the direction. Push it so the drill will spin clockwise (forward) to drive a screw in. The opposite direction (reverse) is for taking screws out.

6. Step 6: Drive the Screw!

   Place the tip of the bit firmly into the screw head. Make sure the drill is straight, not at an angle. Squeeze the trigger gently to start spinning the bit slowly. Apply firm, steady pressure to keep the bit in the screw. As the screw goes in, you can increase the speed slightly. Stop when the screw head is flush with the surface. If the clutch clicks before you’re done, just increase the setting by one number and finish the job.

Pro-Tips for Perfect Results

Want to work like a pro? Keep these extra tips in mind.

• Drill a Pilot Hole: For hardwoods or to prevent splitting, drill a small “pilot hole” before you drive the screw. The hole should be slightly smaller than the screw’s threads. This gives the screw a path to follow and makes driving it much easier.
• Use a Magnetic Bit Holder: A magnetic bit holder is a small extension that holds your screwdriver bit. It makes it easy to hold the screw on the end of the bit with one hand, which is very helpful when you can’t reach with your other hand.
• Practice on Scrap Wood: If you’re new to this, grab a piece of scrap wood and a few screws. Practice driving them in to get a feel for the trigger control and the clutch settings.
• Removing Screws: To remove a screw, simply flip the direction switch to “reverse” (counter-clockwise). Start slowly, just like you did when driving the screw in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use any drill as a screwdriver?

Most modern cordless drills work perfectly. The most important feature is an adjustable clutch (the numbered ring). If your drill doesn’t have a clutch, you can still use it, but you must be very careful with the trigger to avoid stripping screws. Older, single-speed corded drills are generally not recommended for this.

2. What happens if I use too much torque?

Using a clutch setting that’s too high can lead to a few problems: you might strip the head of the screw, making it impossible to turn; you could drive the screw too deep, damaging the surface of your project; or you could even crack the material you’re working on.

3. What’s the difference between a drill bit and a screwdriver bit?

A drill bit is designed to cut and remove material to create a hole. It has sharp, fluted edges. A screwdriver bit is designed to fit into a screw head to turn it. It has a shaped tip (like a cross or a flat line) but is not sharp.

4. How do I know which screwdriver bit to use?

Match the bit to the screw head. The most common type is the Phillips (cross shape). The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with very little “wobble.” Using the wrong size is the main cause of stripped screws.

5. Can I use a corded drill as a screwdriver?

You can, but it’s often not ideal. Corded drills are typically heavier and more powerful, and many lack a clutch. This makes it harder to control. A cordless drill is almost always a better choice for driving screws.

6. My drill has a hammer setting. Should I use it?

No, never! The hammer setting (often shown with a hammer icon) is for drilling into very hard materials like concrete or brick. It adds a powerful hammering action that will destroy a screw and your project material instantly.

Conclusion: Your Drill is Your New Best Friend

So, can a drill be used as a screwdriver? Absolutely. It’s a fast, powerful, and efficient way to handle almost any screwing task you’ll face in your home.

By remembering to use the right bit, setting the speed to low, and using the clutch as your safety net, you can turn your drill into a versatile multi-tool. You’ll save time, save your wrist, and get your projects done with a professional-looking finish. Now go ahead and tackle that next project with confidence!

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