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Can a Cordless Screwdriver Be Used as a Drill? The Ultimate Guide
Yes, you can use a cordless screwdriver as a drill for specific, light-duty tasks. It works for drilling small pilot holes in soft materials like pine wood, drywall, or thin plastic. However, you must use special drill bits with a hex shank to fit the screwdriver. It is not a replacement for a real drill.
Have you ever been ready to start a small project, like hanging a picture, only to realize you don’t have a drill? You look at your trusty cordless screwdriver and wonder, “Can this do the job?”
It’s a very common question. Many people own a cordless screwdriver for assembling furniture or tightening loose screws. It feels so close to being a drill, yet different. You’re right to be cautious. Using the wrong tool can damage your project, your screwdriver, or even cause an injury.
You’ve come to the right place for a clear answer. This guide will walk you through exactly when you can (and can’t) use your screwdriver as a drill. We’ll cover the right materials, the special bits you need, and a step-by-step process to do it safely.
Drill vs. Screwdriver: What’s the Real Difference?
To understand why a screwdriver isn’t a perfect stand-in for a drill, it helps to know how they are different. It all comes down to three things: Power, Speed, and Grip.
1. Power (Torque)
A cordless drill is built for force. It has a powerful motor and gearing designed to produce high torque. Torque is the rotational force that pushes the drill bit through tough materials like hardwood or metal. Think of it as the tool’s “muscle.”
A cordless screwdriver has much lower torque. It’s designed to have just enough power to drive a screw until it’s snug. If it had too much power, it would strip the screw head or damage the material you’re working on. Trying to force it through a hard material will quickly overwhelm its motor.
2. Speed (RPM)
Speed is measured in Rotations Per Minute (RPM). Drills are the sprinters of the tool world. They often have two or more speed settings, with high speeds reaching 1,500 RPM or more. This high speed is essential for a clean, efficient cutting action when drilling holes.
Cordless screwdrivers are slow and steady. They typically operate at speeds under 500 RPM. This low speed gives you precise control for driving screws, preventing you from going too fast and stripping them. For drilling, this low speed can make the process slow and cause the bit to tear the material instead of cutting it cleanly.
3. The Grip (Chuck vs. Collet)
This is the most important physical difference. A cordless drill has an adjustable chuck. This is the “mouth” of the drill, which has three jaws that tighten to securely grip a wide range of round or hexagonal drill bits.
A cordless screwdriver has a hex collet. This is a fixed, 1/4-inch hexagonal socket, often with a magnet inside. It’s designed to hold only screwdriver bits and other accessories that have a 1/4-inch hexagonal (or “hex”) shank. You cannot fit a standard round drill bit into a hex collet.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Cordless Drill | Cordless Screwdriver |
|---|---|---|
| Power (Torque) | High | Low |
| Speed (RPM) | High (500-1500+) | Low (150-500) |
| Bit Holder | Adjustable Chuck | 1/4″ Hex Collet |
| Best For | Drilling holes, driving large screws | Assembling furniture, light-duty screw driving |
When You CAN Use a Cordless Screwdriver as a Drill
Now for the good news! In a pinch, your screwdriver can absolutely work as a drill. You just need to pick the right moments. This method is perfect for tasks that require a small, precise hole rather than brute force.
Here are the ideal situations:
- Drilling Pilot Holes: A pilot hole is a small hole you drill before putting in a larger screw. It prevents the wood from splitting. A cordless screwdriver is excellent for this, especially in soft woods.
- Soft Materials Only: Stick to materials that offer little resistance. This includes:
- Softwoods: Pine, fir, cedar, and poplar.
- Drywall: For setting a small wall anchor.
- Thin Plastics: Like the kind used in project boxes or storage containers.
- Laminate: For starting a screw hole.
- Very Small Holes: You should only be drilling holes up to about 1/8 inch (or 3mm) in diameter. Anything larger puts too much strain on the screwdriver’s motor.
Pro Tip: The Secret Weapon – Hex-Shank Drill Bits
The only way to use a screwdriver as a drill is with hex-shank drill bits. These bits have a standard cutting end, but the base is a 1/4-inch hexagon that slots perfectly into your screwdriver’s collet. They are widely available at hardware stores and are a great addition to any toolkit. Learn more about different drill bit types from the experts at This Old House.
When You SHOULD NOT Use a Screwdriver as a Drill
Knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when you can proceed. Trying to drill in the wrong situation can lead to frustration, broken tools, and poor results.
Warning: Avoid using your screwdriver for the following tasks. You risk burning out the motor, breaking the bit, or getting an incomplete, messy hole.
- Hard Materials: Do not attempt to drill into:
- Hardwoods: Oak, maple, hickory, or dense exotic woods.
- Metal: Steel, aluminum, or even thin sheet metal.
- Masonry: Concrete, brick, stone, or tile. These require a specialized hammer drill.
- Large Diameter Holes: If you need a hole larger than 1/4 inch, you need a real drill. Tasks like installing a doorknob or running wiring require the power and speed a screwdriver lacks.
- Using Forstner or Spade Bits: These large-diameter wood-boring bits require immense torque and are only safe to use in a powerful drill that you can grip securely.
How to Drill a Small Hole With a Cordless Screwdriver: Step-by-Step
Ready to give it a try? Let’s walk through the process safely.
Step 1: Get the Right Drill Bit
First and foremost, make sure you have a set of hex-shank drill bits. A standard round bit will not work and is unsafe to try and use. Select a bit size appropriate for your pilot hole—usually slightly smaller than the threads of the screw you plan to use.
Step 2: Secure the Bit
Insert the hex shank of the drill bit into your screwdriver’s collet. It should click or slide into place easily. Give it a gentle pull to ensure it’s seated securely. If your screwdriver has a locking collar, make sure it engages.
Step 3: Mark Your Spot
Use a pencil to mark the exact center of where you want to drill. For better accuracy, use a nail set or an awl to create a small indentation on your mark. This little dimple will keep the tip of the drill bit from “wandering” when you start drilling.
Step 4: Start Slow and Steady
Place the tip of the drill bit into the indentation you made. Hold the screwdriver perfectly straight, at a 90-degree angle to the surface. Squeeze the trigger gently to start the rotation at a low speed. Let the bit do the work; don’t force it.
Step 5: Apply Gentle, Consistent Pressure
Apply light, steady pressure directly in line with the bit. If you push too hard, you can overwhelm the motor or break the bit. If you don’t push enough, the bit will just spin without cutting. Find that happy medium. Listen to the motor—if it sounds like it’s straining, back off a little.
Step 6: Clear the Debris
As you drill, wood shavings or plastic bits will build up. Periodically pull the bit out of the hole while it’s still spinning slowly to clear these shavings. This is called “pecking.” It reduces friction and helps the motor work more efficiently, giving you a cleaner hole.
Making the Right Choice: Do You Need a Drill?
If you find yourself frequently wishing your screwdriver had more power, it might be time to invest in a dedicated cordless drill. For most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, a cordless drill/driver is the perfect all-in-one tool.
A drill/driver combines the functions of drilling holes and driving screws. It has an adjustable chuck, multiple speed settings, and an adjustable clutch to control torque. For more information on choosing the right one, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Cordless Drill.
Conclusion: A Handy Trick, Not a Replacement
So, can your cordless screwdriver be used as a drill? The answer is a qualified yes. It’s a fantastic trick for light-duty tasks, like making a quick pilot hole in drywall or pine. As long as you use the correct hex-shank drill bits and stick to soft materials, it can save you a trip to the garage or the hardware store.
However, it’s crucial to respect the tool’s limits. For anything involving hardwood, metal, or holes larger than a pencil lead, a dedicated cordless drill is the right tool for the job. It’s safer, more efficient, and will give you far better results. Think of your screwdriver as a specialist for screws, that can occasionally moonlight as a drill in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are hex-shank drill bits?
Hex-shank drill bits are designed to fit into the 1/4-inch hexagonal collet of a cordless screwdriver or an impact driver. The cutting part is the same as a regular drill bit, but the base (shank) is six-sided instead of round. You must use these bits to drill with a screwdriver.
2. Can I put a regular drill bit in a cordless screwdriver?
No, you cannot. A regular drill bit has a round shank that cannot be gripped by the hexagonal collet of a screwdriver. There is no way to safely or securely attach it.
3. Will using my screwdriver as a drill damage it?
It can if you push it too hard. Drilling into hard materials or trying to make large holes puts immense strain on the screwdriver’s small motor and gears, which can cause them to overheat and burn out. Stick to the recommended soft materials and small holes to stay safe.
4. What’s the difference between a drill and a drill/driver?
These terms are often used interchangeably for modern tools. A “drill/driver” is a cordless drill that has an adjustable clutch (a numbered ring behind the chuck). This clutch lets you set the maximum torque, so you can drive screws to a consistent depth without stripping them. A basic “drill” may not have this clutch feature, but most consumer models today are drill/drivers.
5. How do I know if a piece of wood is soft or hard?
A simple test is to press your fingernail into an inconspicuous part of the wood. If you can easily leave a dent, it’s likely a softwood (like pine or fir) and is suitable for drilling with a screwdriver. If it’s very difficult to mark, it’s a hardwood (like oak or maple), and you should use a proper drill.
6. Is an impact driver the same as a drill?
No. An impact driver is another specialized tool. It looks similar but delivers rotational force in quick, powerful bursts (impacts). It’s excellent for driving long screws or loosening stubborn bolts but is not ideal for precision drilling, as the impacts can create a messy hole. It also uses hex-shank bits.
7. Can I use a corded screwdriver as a drill?
The same principles apply. If the corded screwdriver has a 1/4-inch hex collet, you can use it with hex-shank drill bits for light-duty tasks in soft materials. However, most corded screwdrivers are designed for specific tasks like drywall installation and may have even lower speeds than their cordless counterparts.
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