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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. The key is to use the correct screwdriver bit and adjust your drill’s settings. By setting the drill to a low speed and using the clutch feature, you can turn your powerful drill into a fast and efficient electric screwdriver for almost any project.
Have you ever started a project, like building a bookshelf, only to find dozens of screws to drive? Your hand gets tired just thinking about it. You look over and see your powerful cordless drill sitting there. A thought pops into your head: “Can I use this drill for these screws?”
It’s a very common question. You’re not alone in wondering! Many people see a drill as just for making holes. But it can do so much more.
You are in the right place. This guide will show you exactly how to use your drill as a screwdriver. We will cover everything you need to know, from the settings to use to the mistakes to avoid. Let’s walk through each step so you can tackle your next project with confidence.
Drill vs. Screwdriver: What’s the Real Difference?
Before we turn your drill into a screw-driving machine, it helps to know why it’s different from a screwdriver. Understanding this will make you better at using the tool for the right job.
At their core, the two tools have different goals:
- A Drill’s main job is to spin very fast with high power to create holes.
- A Screwdriver’s main job is to turn a screw with control (torque), not speed.
The biggest differences are speed and torque control.
Speed
Drills are built for speed. They can spin thousands of times per minute (RPM). This is great for drilling through wood or metal quickly. But that high speed is too much for driving a screw. It can easily strip the screw head or drive the screw too deep, damaging your material.
Torque Control (The Magic Feature)
Torque is the rotational force of the tool. Think of it as twisting power. A manual screwdriver gives you perfect torque control because you feel it in your hand. An electric screwdriver is designed for low speed and controlled torque.
Luckily, most modern cordless drills have a feature that solves this problem: the adjustable clutch.
The clutch is the numbered collar right behind the part that holds the bit (the chuck). These numbers are not for speed; they are for torque. When the drill reaches the set torque level, the clutch disengages the motor, making a clicking sound and stopping the bit from turning further. This is the single most important feature that lets you use a drill as a screwdriver safely and effectively.
When It’s a GREAT Idea to Use Your Drill as a Screwdriver
Using your drill for screws isn’t just possible; sometimes it’s the best option. Here are a few situations where your drill will be your best friend:
- Driving Many Screws: Assembling flat-pack furniture, building a deck, or putting up drywall involves hundreds of screws. A drill saves a massive amount of time and saves your wrist from getting sore.
- Long Screws: Driving a 3-inch screw into a wooden stud by hand is hard work. A drill does it in seconds with minimal effort.
- Hard Materials: If you’re driving screws into dense hardwood like oak or maple, a drill provides the power needed to get the job done without a struggle.
- Removing Stubborn Screws: Got a screw that’s stuck? Set your drill to reverse, and its power can often loosen screws that a manual screwdriver can’t.
When You Should Stick to a Regular Screwdriver
A drill is powerful, but sometimes that power is a disadvantage. For certain tasks, the delicate touch of a manual screwdriver is better.
- Delicate Materials: Working with very soft wood (like pine), particleboard, or plastic? A drill can easily overtighten a screw and crack or ruin the material.
- Tiny Screws: If you’re working on electronics, toys, or anything with very small, fine-threaded screws, a drill is overkill. It’s too bulky and powerful, and you risk stripping the tiny screw heads instantly.
- Tight Spaces: A drill is much larger than a screwdriver. If you’re trying to reach a screw in a narrow cabinet or near a corner, a simple screwdriver will be the only tool that fits.
- Final Tightening: Some people prefer to drive a screw most of the way with a drill and then give it the final quarter-turn by hand. This gives you a perfect “feel” for how tight it is.
How to Use Your Drill as a Screwdriver: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to give it a try? It’s easy! Just follow these four simple steps. We recommend practicing on a piece of scrap wood first to get a feel for the settings.
What You’ll Need
- A cordless drill (with an adjustable clutch and speed settings)
- A set of screwdriver bits
- The screw you need to drive
Step 1: Choose the Right Screwdriver Bit
This is the first and one of the most crucial steps. Using the wrong bit is the #1 cause of “cam-out,” which is when the bit slips out of the screw head and strips it. A stripped screw is very difficult to remove.
Look at the head of your screw. It will likely be one of these common types:
- Phillips: A cross shape. The most common type.
- Flathead (Slotted): A single slot.
- Torx (Star): A six-pointed star shape. Common in furniture and electronics.
- Robertson (Square): A square shape. Common in construction.
Find the bit in your set that matches the screw head type and size. The bit should fit snugly into the screw head with very little wobble. A perfect fit gives you the best grip.
Step 2: Insert the Bit into the Drill’s Chuck
The “chuck” is the part at the very front of the drill that opens and closes to hold bits.
- Hold the drill and twist the chuck collar counter-clockwise to open its jaws. Most modern drills have a keyless chuck, so you can do this by hand.
- Insert the hexagonal end of the screwdriver bit all the way into the chuck.
- Twist the chuck collar clockwise to tighten it. Make sure it’s firm so the bit doesn’t slip while you’re working. Give it a good, strong hand-tighten.
Step 3: Adjust the Drill Settings (The Most Important Part!)
This is where you turn your drill into a screwdriver. There are three settings to check:
1. Speed Setting: Look for a switch on top of your drill, usually with a “1” and a “2”.
- Set it to “1” for low speed and high torque. This is the setting for driving screws.
- Setting “2” is for high speed and low torque, which is used for drilling holes.
2. Clutch Setting: This is the numbered ring behind the chuck. You’ll see numbers from 1 up to 15, 20, or more, and usually a symbol that looks like a drill bit.
- NEVER use the drill bit symbol for driving screws. This setting delivers maximum power and will not stop, which will almost certainly strip your screw or damage your material.
- Start with a low clutch setting, like 3 or 5. Drive a test screw into scrap wood. If the clutch “clicks” and stops before the screw is all the way in, increase the number and try again. The goal is to find the lowest number that drives the screw so it’s perfectly flush with the surface.
Pro-Tip: The perfect clutch setting depends on the screw size and material. For small screws in soft wood, you might use a 2-4 setting. For large screws in hardwood, you might need a 10-12 setting. Starting low and working your way up is the best method.
3. Direction Switch: This is the button you can push from either side of the drill, usually above the trigger.
- Forward (Clockwise): For driving screws in.
- Reverse (Counter-Clockwise): For removing screws.
Make sure it’s set to forward before you begin.
Step 4: Drive the Screw
You’re all set! Now for the easy part.
- Place the tip of the bit firmly into the screw head.
- Make sure the drill is perfectly straight and aligned with the screw. Holding it at an angle can cause it to slip and strip the head.
- Apply firm, forward pressure on the drill. This is important to keep the bit seated in the screw head.
- Squeeze the trigger gently to start slowly. Don’t pull it all the way immediately. A slow start ensures the screw goes in straight.
- Once the screw starts, you can increase the speed slightly.
- Keep driving until the drill’s clutch engages (you’ll hear a “clack-clack-clack” sound) and the bit stops spinning. This means you’ve reached the right depth. Release the trigger.
Congratulations! You’ve just successfully used your drill as a screwdriver.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right steps, a few common errors can trip up beginners. Watch out for these:
- Using the Drill Setting: Forgetting to use the numbered clutch settings and leaving it on the drill icon is the most common mistake. This sends full power to the screw and is a recipe for disaster.
- Going Too Fast: Using speed setting “2” or pulling the trigger all the way from the start. Always start slow and controlled.
- Not Applying Enough Pressure: If you don’t push the drill firmly forward, the bit can easily pop out of the screw head (cam-out) and strip it. Let the clutch control the depth, and let your pressure control the stability.
- Using a Worn-Out Bit: A bit with rounded edges won’t grip properly. If you notice it slipping, get a new bit. They are inexpensive and save a lot of frustration. For more tips on tool maintenance, check out this guide from This Old House.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses when using power tools. Debris or even a slipping bit can be a hazard to your eyes.
What About an Impact Driver? Is That Different?
You may have also seen a tool that looks like a short, stubby drill called an impact driver. While it’s also excellent for driving screws, it works differently.
- A Drill/Driver uses continuous rotational force and a clutch to stop.
- An Impact Driver uses that same rotational force but adds a powerful, hammering “impact” action. This delivers extremely high torque in short bursts, making it amazing for driving very large or long screws (like lag bolts) with ease.
An impact driver is less likely to strip screw heads than a drill on its highest setting, but it’s also very powerful and can easily break small screws or damage delicate materials. For general-purpose DIY, your drill with its clutch setting is more versatile.
Conclusion: Your Drill is More Versatile Than You Think
So, can you use a drill as a screwdriver? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s one of the most useful features of a modern cordless drill, turning a single tool into a two-in-one powerhouse for your DIY projects.
Just remember the golden rules:
- Use the right bit for your screw.
- Set the speed to “1” (low).
- Use the adjustable clutch, starting with a low number.
- Apply firm, straight pressure.
By following these steps, you’ll save time, save your wrist, and get your projects done faster and more easily. So grab your drill, pop in a screwdriver bit, and build something amazing. For more beginner guides, check out our other DIY articles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I use a corded drill as a screwdriver?
- Yes, but with caution. Most older or cheaper corded drills lack an adjustable clutch and have only one high speed. This makes it very easy to strip screws or damage your project. If your corded drill has a clutch and a variable speed trigger, you can use it, but be extra gentle.
- 2. What is the best drill setting for driving screws?
- The best setting is always Speed “1” (the low-speed/high-torque gear) combined with the lowest clutch number that will sink the screw to the desired depth. For soft pine, this might be a clutch setting of 3-5. For hardwood, it could be 10-12. Always test on a scrap piece first.
- 3. How do I stop stripping screws when using a drill?
- There are three main ways to prevent stripping: 1) Use the correct size and type of bit that fits snugly. 2) Use a low speed and a low clutch setting. 3) Apply firm, constant, and straight pressure on the back of the drill to keep the bit fully seated in the screw head.
- 4. Can I use my drill to remove screws?
- Absolutely! Simply flip the direction switch on your drill to the “Reverse” setting (counter-clockwise). If a screw is stuck, you may need to use a slightly higher clutch setting or more pressure to get it started.
- 5. What’s the real difference between a drill and an impact driver for screws?
- A drill uses consistent turning force and a clutch that slips to prevent over-tightening. An impact driver adds a rapid hammering force to the rotation, delivering much more torque. A drill is better for general use and delicate work, while an impact driver is better for heavy-duty jobs with large screws.
- 6. Do I need special screwdriver bits to use in a drill?
- No, you don’t need “special” bits, but you do need the right kind. Look for screwdriver bits that have a 1/4-inch hex-shaped shank. This is the standard size that fits perfectly into the chuck of any modern drill or impact driver. Most bit sets sold today are designed for this.
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