Yes, a cordless drill can absolutely be used as a screwdriver! With the right settings and accessories, it’s a powerful and efficient tool for driving screws.
Ever stared at a pile of flat-pack furniture or a DIY project and wondered if your trusty cordless drill could tackle the job of a screwdriver? You’re not alone! Many people own a cordless drill but might not realize its full potential for everyday tasks like driving screws. It can seem a bit overkill, or maybe you’re worried about stripping screws or damaging your workpiece. But fear not! Your cordless drill is incredibly versatile, and with a few simple adjustments, it can become your go-to tool for all your screwdriving needs. Let’s walk through exactly how to make this happen, making your projects faster and easier.
Can Cordless Drill Be Used as Screwdriver? Yes! Your Guide to Effortless Screwdriving
Your cordless drill is a powerhouse, designed for drilling holes, but it also excels at driving screws. Think of it as a super-powered screwdriver. The key to using it effectively lies in understanding its features and using the right attachments. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the correct drill bit to mastering the torque settings, ensuring you can confidently switch between drilling and screwdriving.
Understanding Your Cordless Drill’s Screwdriving Capabilities
At its core, a cordless drill is a motor that spins a chuck. This chuck is what holds your drill bits or screwdriver bits. When you pull the trigger, the motor spins the chuck, allowing you to drill or drive. The beauty of a cordless drill is its power and speed, which can be harnessed for screwdriving with a little finesse.
Key Features for Screwdriving:
Variable Speed Trigger: Most cordless drills have a trigger that you can squeeze to control the speed. A gentle squeeze means slow rotation, perfect for starting screws, while a firmer squeeze means faster rotation for quicker driving.
Forward/Reverse Switch: This is crucial! It allows you to change the direction of rotation. You’ll use “forward” (often marked with an arrow pointing clockwise) to drive screws in and “reverse” (often marked with an arrow pointing counter-clockwise) to remove them.
Clutch Settings: This is arguably the most important feature for screwdriving. The clutch is a mechanism that disengages the motor from the chuck when a certain amount of torque (rotational force) is reached. This prevents over-tightening and damaging screws or the material you’re working with.
Essential Accessories for Screwdriving with a Cordless Drill
To effectively use your cordless drill as a screwdriver, you’ll need the right bits.
1. Screwdriver Bits
These are specialized bits that have a tip shaped to fit various screw heads.
Phillips Head: The most common type, with a cross-shaped tip. They come in different sizes, typically #1, #2, and #3, with #2 being the most prevalent.
Flat Head (Slotted): Have a single slot across the tip. Be cautious with these, as they can easily slip out and damage the screw head or surface.
Torx (Star): Have a star-shaped tip. They offer better grip and torque transfer than Phillips head screws, reducing the risk of stripping.
Robertson (Square): Feature a square-shaped tip. Known for their excellent grip and resistance to cam-out (slipping).
Hex (Allen): Have a hexagonal tip, used for screws with hexagonal recesses.
Choosing the Right Bit: Always match the screwdriver bit to the screw head. Using the wrong bit is a primary cause of stripped screws. If a #2 Phillips bit doesn’t fit snugly, try a #1 or #3.
2. Bit Holders
A magnetic bit holder is a small metal sleeve that attaches to your drill’s chuck. The screwdriver bit then inserts into the end of the holder. The magnet helps keep the bit securely in place and also holds the screw, making one-handed operation much easier.
How to Use Your Cordless Drill as a Screwdriver: Step-by-Step
Now that you have the right accessories, let’s get to the actual process.
Step 1: Select the Correct Screwdriver Bit
As mentioned, this is paramount. Take a moment to examine the screw you need to drive. Identify the type of head (Phillips, Torx, etc.) and the size. Insert the matching screwdriver bit firmly into your drill’s chuck or a magnetic bit holder.
Step 2: Insert the Bit Holder (If Using)
If you’re using a magnetic bit holder, insert it into the drill’s chuck. Make sure it’s seated securely. Then, insert your chosen screwdriver bit into the end of the bit holder. The magnet will hold it in place.
Step 3: Set the Drill’s Direction
Locate the forward/reverse switch on your drill. For driving screws in, you want the drill to spin clockwise. Ensure the switch is set to the forward (clockwise) direction. For removing screws, you’ll switch it to reverse (counter-clockwise).
Step 4: Adjust the Clutch Settings
This is where you prevent damage. Look for a numbered ring or dial, usually located just behind the chuck. This is your clutch.
What the Numbers Mean: The numbers represent torque settings. A lower number means less torque, and a higher number means more torque.
Starting Point: For most general screwdriving tasks, start with a lower to mid-range setting (e.g., 3-7 on a 1-10 scale).
Testing: It’s always best to test on a scrap piece of material or an inconspicuous area. Drive a screw partially. If the clutch clicks and stops the rotation before the screw is fully driven, increase the setting slightly. If the screw head is getting damaged or the screw is going too deep, decrease the setting.
When to Use Higher Settings: You might need higher settings for driving larger screws into harder materials, but always proceed with caution. For very small screws or soft materials, you might need the lowest settings.
Step 5: Set the Drill Speed (Variable Speed Trigger)
Your drill likely has a variable speed trigger. For screwdriving, you want control.
Starting Screws: Squeeze the trigger very gently to start the screw slowly. This helps you align the screw with the hole and prevents it from veering off course.
Driving: Once the screw is started and running straight, you can gradually increase pressure on the trigger for faster driving.
Finishing: As the screw nears the surface, ease off the trigger to prevent over-tightening and damaging the screw head or material.
Step 6: Drive the Screw
1. Position: Place the tip of the screwdriver bit firmly into the head of the screw.
2. Engage: Apply steady, even pressure on the drill, keeping it perpendicular to the screw head.
3. Squeeze Gently: Squeeze the variable speed trigger slowly. The screw should begin to turn and drive into the material.
4. Maintain Pressure: Continue to apply firm, consistent pressure as the screw goes in.
5. Stop: As the screw head reaches the desired depth or the clutch begins to click, release the trigger.
Step 7: Remove a Screw (If Needed)
1. Switch Direction: Move the forward/reverse switch to the reverse (counter-clockwise) position.
2. Position: Ensure the bit is firmly seated in the screw head.
3. Squeeze Gently: Apply gentle, steady pressure and squeeze the trigger slowly. The screw should start to back out.
4. Increase Speed: Once the screw is loose, you can increase the speed for faster removal.
Tips for Perfect Screwdriving with Your Cordless Drill
Mastering screwdriving with a cordless drill involves a few best practices.
Start Slow: Always begin with a slow speed to ensure the bit is perfectly aligned with the screw head. This is the best way to avoid stripping.
Maintain Perpendicularity: Keep the drill perfectly straight, perpendicular to the screw. If you drill at an angle, the bit can slip out and damage the screw or the surrounding material.
Use the Right Clutch Setting: This cannot be stressed enough. If you’re unsure, start low and gradually increase. Listen for the clutch clicking.
Don’t Force It: If a screw isn’t going in easily, don’t just keep squeezing the trigger harder. Check if you have the right bit, if the hole is properly aligned, or if there’s an obstruction.
For Delicate Materials: When working with soft woods, drywall, or plastics, use the lowest clutch settings and the variable speed trigger to your advantage. Drive screws just flush with the surface.
For Driving Into Hard Materials: For harder woods or metal, you might need a higher clutch setting. Pre-drilling a pilot hole can make driving screws much easier and prevent splitting. A pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the screw’s shank diameter. You can find excellent guides on drilling pilot holes from reputable sources like This Old House.
Bit Quality Matters: Invest in good quality screwdriver bits. Cheap bits are more likely to strip or break.
Depth Setting (If Available): Some drills have a depth-stop collar. This is a fantastic feature for screwdriving, as it allows you to pre-set how deep the screw will go, ensuring consistency across multiple screws.
When Not to Use Your Cordless Drill as a Screwdriver
While incredibly versatile, there are a few situations where a manual screwdriver might be better, or at least require extra caution.
Extremely Delicate Work: For very fine watchmaking or electronics where immense precision and minimal torque are needed, a manual screwdriver offers more tactile feedback.
Very Small Screws: Tiny screws, especially those in electronics, can be easily over-driven or stripped even with the lowest clutch settings on some drills.
When Tactile Feedback is Crucial: Sometimes, you need to feel how tight a screw is. A manual screwdriver provides direct feedback that a drill’s clutch might not perfectly replicate.
If Your Drill Lacks a Clutch or Variable Speed: If your drill is an older model without a clutch or a variable speed trigger, using it for screwdriving is risky. You’re very likely to strip screws or damage your workpiece.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Problem: Stripped Screw Head:
Cause: Wrong bit size, wrong bit type, too much speed, or drilling at an angle.
Solution: Stop immediately. Try a slightly different size bit or a bit with better grip (like a square or Torx if possible). If the head is badly damaged, you might need a screw extractor.
Problem: Screw Not Going In Straight:
Cause: Not starting slow enough, not keeping the drill perpendicular.
Solution: Back the screw out. Start again very slowly, ensuring the bit is perfectly aligned and perpendicular to the screw head.
Problem: Screw Over-tightened (Damaged Material or Screw Head):
Cause: Clutch set too high, not easing off the trigger at the end.
Solution: Back the screw out slightly. For future screws, lower the clutch setting and ease off the trigger as the screw nears its final depth.
Problem: Drill Bit Slipping Out of Chuck:
Cause: Chuck not tightened enough, or the bit is worn.
Solution: Ensure the chuck is properly tightened around the bit. If the bit is worn down, replace it.
Beyond Basic Screwdriving: Advanced Techniques
Using a Countersink Bit: Before driving a screw that needs to sit flush or below the surface, you can use a countersink bit to create a small conical recess for the screw head. This requires a separate step but yields a professional finish.
Pilot Holes for Longevity: Always drill pilot holes, especially in hardwood or when driving screws near the edge of a board. This prevents splitting and makes driving much easier. A good resource for understanding pilot hole sizes can be found on woodworking sites like Wood Magazine.
Self-Tapping Screws: These screws are designed to cut their own threads as they are driven. They often require a bit more torque, so ensure your drill’s clutch is set appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Cordless Drill as a Screwdriver
Q1: What is the most important setting on my drill for screwdriving?
The most important setting is the clutch. It prevents you from over-tightening screws, which can strip the screw head or damage your material.
Q2: How do I know which screwdriver bit to use?
You need to match the bit type (Phillips, Torx, etc.) and size to the screw head. Using the wrong bit is the most common cause of stripped screws.
Q3: Can I use my drill for all types of screws?
Yes, generally. However, for very tiny screws or extremely delicate work, a manual screwdriver might offer more control. Always ensure your drill has a clutch and variable speed.
Q4: What is the purpose of the numbered ring on my drill?
That is the torque clutch. The numbers indicate the amount of rotational force (torque) before the clutch disengages the motor, stopping the rotation to protect the screw and material.
Q5: How do I prevent the screw from going in crooked?
Always start slowly by gently squeezing the trigger. Keep the drill held perfectly perpendicular to the screw head.
Q6: My drill doesn’t have a clutch. Can I still use it as a screwdriver?
It’s not recommended. Without a clutch, you have very little control over the torque, making it highly likely you will strip screws or damage your workpiece.
Q7: What are pilot holes and why are they important for screwdriving?
Pilot holes are small holes drilled before inserting a screw. They guide the screw, prevent wood from splitting, and make driving screws easier, especially in hardwoods. The pilot hole should be slightly smaller than the screw’s shank.
Conclusion
Your cordless drill is a remarkably versatile tool, and learning to use it effectively as a screwdriver will save you time and effort on countless projects. By understanding its key features like the clutch and variable speed trigger, and by using the correct screwdriver bits, you can tackle any screwdriving task with confidence. Remember to start slow, maintain control, and always prioritize matching the bit to the screw. Happy building!
