What does a cordless drill do? A cordless drill is a versatile power tool used for drilling holes and driving screws. It’s battery-powered, offering portability and convenience for various DIY and professional tasks around the home and workshop.
Ever found yourself staring at a flat-pack furniture box, a blank wall begging for a shelf, or a project that just needs a little tightening? If so, you’ve likely wondered, “What does a cordless drill do?” This amazing tool is a staple in workshops and homes alike, and for good reason. It takes the grunt work out of common tasks, making DIY projects more accessible and enjoyable. Forget wrestling with manual screwdrivers or fumbling with extension cords; a cordless drill puts power and precision right in your hand. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the many amazing uses of a cordless drill, breaking down exactly what this powerful gadget can do for you. Let’s walk through each step with real examples.
The Core Functions: Drilling and Driving
At its heart, a cordless drill is designed for two primary functions: drilling holes and driving screws. These two capabilities alone unlock a world of possibilities for home improvement and repairs.
Drilling Holes
This is perhaps the most fundamental use of a cordless drill. By attaching a drill bit, you can create holes in a variety of materials.
Wood: From pilot holes for screws to larger holes for dowels or pipework, a cordless drill makes quick work of wood. You can drill through softwoods like pine with ease, and with the right bit and a bit more power, even hardwoods like oak or maple.
Metal: For metal, you’ll need specific metal drill bits, which are typically made of high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt. These bits are harder and sharper to penetrate metal effectively. You can drill holes for bolts, create mounting points, or even deburr existing holes.
Plastic: Most plastics are easily drilled with standard drill bits. This is useful for tasks like creating ventilation holes, mounting plastic components, or making custom enclosures.
Masonry (with hammer drill function): Many modern cordless drills come with a hammer drill setting. This adds a percussive action to the rotation, making it ideal for drilling into brick, concrete, and stone. This is essential for hanging pictures, mounting shelves, or installing fixtures on exterior walls.
Key takeaway: The type of drill bit you use is crucial for successful drilling in different materials. Always match your bit to the material you’re working with.
Driving Screws
This is where the cordless drill truly shines for everyday tasks. Instead of manually turning a screwdriver, you can attach a screwdriver bit and let the drill do the work.
Assembly: Putting together furniture, assembling shelves, or constructing anything that requires screws becomes significantly faster and less strenuous.
Disassembly: Just as easily, you can use the reverse function to remove screws, making repairs and deconstruction much simpler.
Tightening and Loosening: From tightening loose cabinet hinges to loosening stubborn bolts (with the right adapter), the drill provides consistent torque.
Important Note: Most cordless drills have adjustable torque settings. This is vital for driving screws. Setting the torque too high can strip the screw head or damage the material. A lower setting is better for delicate tasks or when working with softer materials.
Beyond the Basics: Amazing Uses You Might Not Have Considered
While drilling and driving are its bread and butter, a cordless drill’s versatility extends far beyond these core functions when you start using different attachments and accessories.
Mixing
Paint: Attach a paint mixer paddle to your drill, and you can quickly and efficiently mix gallons of paint to a smooth, consistent consistency. This is far less tiring than using a stirring stick.
Drywall Mud/Plaster: For larger DIY projects involving drywall or plaster, a drill with a mixing paddle can save you a lot of effort and time in preparing your materials.
Concrete/Mortar (small batches): For small DIY concrete projects, like setting a fence post, a drill can mix small batches of concrete effectively. Ensure your drill has enough power and use a robust mixing paddle.
Pro Tip: When mixing, start at a low speed to avoid splashing and gradually increase as the material becomes more uniform.
Sanding and Polishing
With the right attachments, your cordless drill can transform into a sanding or polishing tool.
Sanding: Attachments like a sanding drum or a small orbital sanding head can be used for light sanding tasks. This is great for smoothing edges on wood projects, removing old paint from small areas, or preparing surfaces for finishing. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated orbital sander for large surfaces, but it’s excellent for detail work.
Polishing: A buffing or polishing wheel attachment can be used to shine metal, polish car headlights, or apply wax to furniture.
Consideration: For these tasks, you’ll want a drill with variable speed control. Lower speeds are generally better for polishing to prevent overheating and material damage.
Wire Brushing
Cleaning: A wire wheel or cup brush attachment can be incredibly effective for removing rust, paint, or debris from metal surfaces. This is useful for cleaning garden tools, preparing metal for welding, or cleaning up old hardware.
Surface Preparation: It can also be used to roughen surfaces for better adhesion of glues or coatings.
Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when using wire brushes, as loose wires can fly off at high speeds.
Cutting (with specific attachments)
While not its primary function, with specialized attachments, a cordless drill can perform some cutting tasks.
Hole Saws: These are large, circular saw blades attached to an arbor. They are used to cut large-diameter holes in wood, plastic, and sometimes thin metal. This is common for installing doorknobs, plumbing fixtures, or electrical boxes.
Rotary Files/Carving Bits: Small, specialized bits can be used for grinding, carving, and shaping materials like wood or plastic. This is more for detail work or artistic projects.
Important: Cutting tasks often require more power and control than simple drilling or driving. Ensure your drill is up to the task and use appropriate safety gear.
Driving Posts and Stakes
Garden Stakes: For gardeners, a cordless drill can be used to drive fence posts, garden stakes, or even small rebar into the ground for supporting plants or creating borders. Again, a hammer drill function is beneficial here.
Specialized Tasks with Other Attachments
The world of drill attachments is vast and ever-expanding. You can find attachments for:
Cleaning: Scrub brushes for grout, tile, or even car wheels.
Gardening: Small augers for planting bulbs or aerating soil.
Grinding and Sharpening: Small grinding stones or sharpening attachments.
Choosing the Right Cordless Drill for Your Needs
Understanding what a cordless drill can do is only half the battle. To get the most out of it, you need to choose the right one for your intended uses.
Power (Voltage)
Cordless drills are typically categorized by their voltage (V).
3.6V – 7.2V: These are very small, lightweight drills, often called “drivers.” They are best for light-duty tasks like assembling flat-pack furniture or tightening small screws. They lack the power for drilling into hard materials.
10V – 14.4V: This is a good middle ground for most homeowners. They offer enough power for general DIY, drilling into wood and drywall, and driving medium-sized screws. They are relatively lightweight and easy to handle.
18V – 20V (often marketed as 20V MAX): These are the most popular for serious DIYers and professionals. They offer significantly more power and torque, making them suitable for drilling into masonry (with hammer function), driving larger screws, and using with more demanding attachments like hole saws or mixers.
36V and above: These are high-power tools for heavy-duty professional use, often overkill for the average homeowner.
Battery Type and Capacity
Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion): This is the standard for modern cordless tools. Li-Ion batteries are lightweight, hold a charge for a long time, and don’t suffer from the “memory effect” that older NiCd batteries did.
Amp-hours (Ah): This indicates the battery’s capacity – how long it can power the drill on a single charge. A higher Ah rating means longer run time. For heavy use, consider batteries with 2.0Ah or higher.
Features to Look For
Variable Speed Trigger: Allows you to control the speed of the drill, essential for precision work and different materials.
Forward/Reverse Switch: Standard for driving and removing screws.
Chuck Type:
Keyless Chuck: The most common type. You can tighten and loosen drill bits by hand. Look for a robust, single-sleeve keyless chuck for easy bit changes.
Keyed Chuck: Requires a chuck key to tighten bits. Less common on modern cordless drills, but can offer a more secure grip for heavy-duty applications.
Clutch Settings: The adjustable torque setting that prevents over-driving screws. Usually numbered, with higher numbers indicating higher torque.
LED Work Light: Illuminates your work area, incredibly useful in dimly lit spaces.
Ergonomics and Weight: A comfortable grip and balanced weight are crucial for extended use.
Essential Accessories to Maximize Your Drill’s Potential
To truly unlock the full potential of what a cordless drill can do, you’ll need a few key accessories.
Drill Bits
Twist Drill Bits: For general-purpose drilling in wood, plastic, and metal.
Masonry Drill Bits: With a carbide tip for drilling into brick, concrete, and stone.
Spade Bits (or Paddle Bits): Flat, wide bits for drilling larger holes in wood quickly.
Auger Bits: Screw-tipped bits for precise, deep holes in wood.
Forstner Bits: Create clean, flat-bottomed holes in wood, ideal for cabinetry.
Hole Saws: As mentioned, for cutting large diameter holes.
Screwdriver Bits
Phillips Head: For screws with a cross-shaped recess.
Slotted Head: For screws with a single slot.
Torx (Star) Head: Increasingly common, offering better grip than Phillips.
Square Drive (Robertson): Popular in Canada, also offers good grip.
Nut Drivers: For driving nuts and bolts.
Other Useful Attachments
Screwdriver Bit Holder: Magnetic or friction-fit holders to keep bits handy.
Flexible Shaft Extension: For reaching into tight spaces.
Right-Angle Drill Attachment: Allows drilling or driving in extremely tight corners.
Mixing Paddles: For paint, plaster, etc.
Sanding/Polishing Pads and Wheels: For surface finishing.
Wire Wheels/Cups: For cleaning and rust removal.
Small Auger Bits: For gardening.
Safety First!
No matter what you’re using your cordless drill for, safety should always be your top priority.
Wear Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes from flying debris, dust, or broken bits.
Use Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters, sharp edges, and vibration.
Secure Your Workpiece: Use clamps to hold the material you are drilling or driving into. This prevents it from spinning and causing injury.
Choose the Right Bit and Speed: Using the wrong bit or setting can lead to poor results or dangerous situations.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Ensure there are no electrical wires or pipes behind the surface you are drilling into.
Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your specific drill’s features and safety instructions.
* Disconnect the Battery: Always remove the battery when changing bits or accessories, or when the drill is not in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a cordless drill to mix paint?
A1: Yes, you can! By attaching a paint mixer paddle, your cordless drill can efficiently mix paint, saving you time and effort compared to manual stirring. Ensure your drill has enough power for the job.
Q2: What’s the difference between a drill and a driver?
A2: While many tools are called “drill/drivers,” a dedicated drill is primarily for making holes, often featuring a hammer function for masonry. A driver is optimized for driving screws, typically with a clutch to prevent over-tightening. Most modern cordless “drill/drivers” can do both well.
Q3: How do I choose the right drill bit for my material?
A3: Always match your drill bit to the material. Use twist bits for wood/plastic/metal, masonry bits for brick/concrete, and specific bits like spade or auger bits for larger holes in wood. Always check the bit’s intended use.
Q4: My drill is struggling to drive screws. What could be wrong?
A4: Several factors could be at play: the drill might not have enough power (voltage), the battery might be low, the torque setting could be too low, or the screw might be too large for the pilot hole. Ensure you’re using the appropriate settings and accessories.
Q5: Can a cordless drill cut wood?
A5: While not its primary function, a cordless drill can cut wood using specific attachments like hole saws for large diameter holes or small rotary cutting bits for shaping. It’s not designed for long, straight cuts like a saw.
Q6: How do I prevent stripping screws when using my drill?
A6: Use the drill’s adjustable clutch! Start with a lower torque setting and gradually increase it until the screw is snug but not over-tightened. A pilot hole, slightly smaller than the screw’s diameter, also helps prevent stripping and makes driving easier.
Q7: Is an 18V drill powerful enough for most DIY tasks?
A7: Yes, an 18V or 20V cordless drill is generally powerful enough for the vast majority of DIY tasks, including drilling into wood, metal, drywall, and even masonry with a hammer function. For very heavy-duty construction, higher voltages might be considered, but 18V/20V is ideal for most home users.
