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Can an Impact Drill Be Used as a Regular Drill? The Beginner’s Guide
Yes, an impact drill can absolutely be used as a regular drill. In fact, it’s often a great choice because it offers both standard drilling capabilities and the added power of impact for tougher jobs. You just need to know how to adjust its settings.
Are you staring at your shiny new impact drill, wondering if it can handle those simple everyday tasks like drilling holes for shelves or assembling furniture? It’s a common question, especially when you’re new to power tools. You might think its “impact” feature means it’s only for heavy-duty work. But what if we told you that your impact drill is actually a versatile tool that can do the job of a regular drill, and often more? This guide will break down exactly how you can use your impact drill for all your drilling needs, making your DIY projects easier and more efficient. Let’s walk through each step with real examples.
Understanding Your Impact Drill: More Than Just a Hammer
Before we dive into how to use it as a regular drill, let’s quickly understand what makes an impact drill different. An impact drill (sometimes called an impact driver) has a unique mechanism. When it senses resistance, it delivers rapid rotational impacts, or “kicks,” along with the rotation. This is incredibly useful for driving long screws into dense materials or drilling into masonry. However, this doesn’t mean it’s *only* for those tough jobs.
Think of it like a car with different gears. A regular drill is like driving in a standard gear. An impact drill has that standard gear, plus a special “turbo” or “impact” gear for when you need extra power. The key is knowing when and how to use each mode.
How to Use an Impact Drill as a Regular Drill: Step-by-Step
Using your impact drill for regular drilling tasks is straightforward. It mainly involves selecting the correct setting and using the right drill bit. Here’s how:
Step 1: Select the Correct Mode (Crucial!)
This is the most important step. Most impact drills have a selector switch or button that allows you to choose between different modes. For regular drilling, you want to ensure the **impact function is turned OFF**.
- Look for the Symbol: Typically, the drilling mode is indicated by a drill bit symbol. The impact mode is usually shown by a hammer or a hammer with lines indicating rotation.
- Check Your Manual: If you’re unsure, always consult your drill’s user manual. It will clearly show you how to switch between modes.
- Why it Matters: If the impact function is on while you’re trying to drill a clean hole in wood or metal, the hammering action can splinter the material or create an uneven hole.
Step 2: Choose the Right Drill Bit
Just like with a regular drill, the type of drill bit you use depends on the material you’re drilling into and the size of the hole you need.
- For Wood: Use standard wood drill bits. These have a sharp point to help center the bit and prevent walking.
- For Metal: Use high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits. These are designed to withstand the heat generated when drilling metal.
- For Masonry (if your impact drill has a hammer function): If you need to drill into brick or concrete, you’ll need a masonry bit. Remember, for this, you *would* want the hammer function engaged (see Step 1). But for regular drilling in wood or metal, avoid masonry bits as they are less efficient and can damage the material.
- Bit Size: Select a bit that matches the desired diameter of your hole.
Step 3: Secure the Drill Bit
Properly securing the drill bit in the chuck is essential for safety and efficiency.
- Keyless Chuck: Most modern drills have a keyless chuck. Simply grip the chuck sleeve and twist it counter-clockwise to open it.
- Insert the Bit: Insert the shank of the drill bit fully into the chuck.
- Tighten Firmly: Twist the chuck sleeve clockwise until it’s snug. You might hear a clicking sound, which indicates it’s locked. Give it a firm twist to ensure it’s secure, but don’t overtighten, as this can make it difficult to remove later.
Step 4: Set the Speed and Torque
Impact drills, like most regular drills, have variable speed settings and torque (clutch) settings.
- Variable Speed Trigger: The trigger itself controls the speed. Squeeze it gently for slow speeds and harder for faster speeds. For starting a hole, it’s best to start slow to prevent the bit from slipping.
- Torque Settings (Clutch): This is usually a numbered ring near the chuck. The numbers represent different levels of torque (rotational force). For regular drilling, you’ll typically want to set this to a higher number or a dedicated drill mode if available. The clutch prevents overtightening screws and can also protect the drill bit and material from damage if you hit an obstruction. For drilling holes, you generally want maximum rotational power without the clutch engaging too early, so a higher setting is usually best.
Step 5: Drill Your Hole
Now you’re ready to drill!
- Positioning: Place the tip of the drill bit on your marked spot. Hold the drill perpendicular to the surface.
- Start Slow: Begin with a gentle squeeze of the trigger to start the drill slowly. This helps to create a pilot hole and prevent the bit from wandering.
- Increase Speed: Once the bit has started to bite into the material, you can increase the speed by squeezing the trigger further.
- Apply Steady Pressure: Apply consistent, firm pressure to push the drill forward. Let the drill bit do the work.
- Clear Debris: For deeper holes, especially in wood, you might need to periodically pull the drill bit out slightly while it’s still spinning slowly to clear away sawdust. This prevents the hole from getting clogged and allows the bit to cut more effectively.
When Impact Mode Might Still Be Useful for “Regular” Tasks
While you’re aiming to use your impact drill *without* the impact function for most regular drilling, there are a few edge cases where the impact action might offer a slight benefit even in tasks that aren’t strictly heavy-duty:
- Self-Tapping Screws: These screws have a cutting tip. When driving them into metal or plastic, the initial impact can help them start more easily without needing a pilot hole, especially if the material is a bit tougher than soft wood.
- Drilling Slightly Larger Holes in Dense Materials: If you’re drilling a hole that’s a bit larger than usual in a very dense wood or a hard plastic, the occasional impact can help the bit cut through more cleanly without overheating or getting stuck. However, this is a fine line, and you still need to be careful not to splinter the material.
- Starting a Hole on a Curved Surface: The slight “kick” can sometimes help a drill bit find its footing on a rounded surface, preventing it from immediately sliding off.
Important Note: For these situations, you’d typically still use the drill bit symbol mode, but the drill’s internal mechanism might engage some minor impacts automatically when resistance is met. If your drill has a specific “auto-impact” feature, that’s what you’d rely on, rather than manually engaging the hammer function.
Tools You Might Need
While your impact drill is the star, having the right accessories makes all the difference:
- Drill Bits: A good set of wood and metal drill bits in various sizes.
- Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes from flying debris.
- Measuring Tape and Pencil: For marking where to drill.
- Center Punch: (Optional but recommended for metal) This creates a small indentation to help the drill bit start accurately.
- Clamps: To hold your workpiece steady if needed.
Essential Gear for Drilling
- Impact Drill
- Assorted Drill Bits (Wood, Metal)
- Safety Glasses
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
Pro Tips for Better Drilling with Your Impact Drill
Here are some expert insights to help you get the most out of your impact drill:
Use Pilot Holes: For larger holes, or when drilling near the edge of a piece of wood, always drill a pilot hole first. This is a smaller hole that guides the larger drill bit, preventing splitting and making the process smoother.
Maintain a Consistent Speed: Once you’ve started the hole, try to maintain a steady speed. Fluctuating speeds can lead to uneven holes or overheating the bit.
Keep the Drill Cool: If you’re drilling many holes, especially in metal, allow the drill bit to cool down periodically. Overheating can dull the bit and reduce its lifespan.
Clean Your Workspace: Keep your work area tidy. Remove sawdust or metal shavings as you go to ensure better visibility and prevent tripping hazards.
Safety First!
Always wear safety glasses when operating any power tool. Ensure your workpiece is stable and secured. Never force the drill; let the tool do the work. Keep your fingers away from the chuck and drill bit.
Impact Drill vs. Regular Drill: Key Differences Recap
While an impact drill can do the job of a regular drill, understanding their core differences helps you choose the right tool for the task:
- Impact Action: Impact drills have a hammering mechanism that activates under load, providing extra rotational force. Regular drills (or drill drivers) do not have this feature.
- Torque: Impact drills generally offer higher torque, making them better for driving screws and drilling into tough materials.
- Control: For very precise drilling of small holes or when working with delicate materials, a regular drill driver with its clutch might offer slightly more nuanced control, as you can dial in the exact torque to prevent over-driving or stripping.
- Size and Weight: Impact drivers are often more compact and lighter than traditional hammer drills (which have a hammer action for drilling into masonry).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will using my impact drill for regular drilling wear it out faster?
A1: Not significantly, as long as you are using it correctly. By ensuring the impact function is turned OFF for regular drilling, you are essentially using it as a standard drill driver. The motor and gearbox are designed to handle both modes.
Q2: Can I use the impact setting to drill holes in wood?
A2: It’s generally not recommended. The hammering action can splinter wood, create rough edges, and make the hole less precise. Stick to the drill-only mode for wood.
Q3: What’s the difference between an impact drill and a hammer drill?
A3: Both have impact capabilities, but they work differently. An impact drill delivers rotational impacts (like quick twists) and is best for driving screws and drilling. A hammer drill delivers forward/backward impacts (like hammering) and is specifically designed for drilling into masonry like brick and concrete.
Q4: How do I know if the impact function is off on my drill?
A4: Check the mode selector. It will typically have a drill bit symbol for drilling mode and a hammer symbol for impact/hammer mode. If you’re unsure, consult your drill’s manual.
Q5: Can I use my impact drill for delicate tasks like drilling into thin plastic?
A5: Yes, but be very careful. Use the lowest speed setting and ensure the impact function is OFF. You might also want to use the clutch (torque setting) on a low number to prevent over-driving or cracking the plastic.
Q6: Do I need special drill bits for an impact drill?
A6: No, you can use standard drill bits designed for the material you are drilling into (wood, metal, etc.). However, impact-rated bits are available and are designed to withstand the forces of an impact driver, potentially offering longer life when used in impact mode.
Conclusion: Your Impact Drill is Ready for Everyday Tasks
So, to answer the question directly: yes, your impact drill is perfectly capable of functioning as a regular drill. By understanding how to switch off the impact mechanism and selecting the appropriate drill bit and speed, you can confidently tackle a wide range of DIY projects. From hanging a picture frame to assembling furniture, your impact drill offers the versatility to do it all. It’s a powerful tool that, with a little know-how, becomes an indispensable part of your toolkit for both simple and demanding jobs.
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