Drill Like a Pro: Complete Guide to Bits and Materials

Parts of a drill

• Grip/Handle: This is the main shaft by which you hold the drill. You want your hand to fit comfortably around the grip.
• Torque Adjustment Ring: The numbered settings control how much rotational force (torque) the drill applies before the clutch disengages. Lower numbers provide less torque for delicate work like driving screws into soft materials. Higher numbers provide more torque for tougher materials. When the selected torque isn’t sufficient, the clutch will slip and stop turning to prevent overdriving screws or stripping materials.
• Speed Selector Symbols: These symbols may be integrated into the torque adjustment ring or located on a separate ring. You will find three symbols: A drill bit symbol disengages the clutch for maximum power drilling. A screw symbol engages the clutch, allowing you to control torque with the torque adjustment ring. And a hammer symbol activates the hammer drill feature, which strikes while rotating for masonry work.
• Gear Selector Switch: Most drills have two gear speeds.
  • Gear 1: Higher torque and lower speed for heavy-duty work.
  • Gear 2: Lower torque and higher speed for lighter drilling tasks.
• Trigger: This is the drill’s power control. You can control the drill’s speed of rotation by how deeply you press the trigger. Light pressure gives you slow, controlled speeds, while full pressure provides maximum speed for your selected gear.
• Chuck: The chuck is the front end where you insert and secure your drill bit. Most drill/drivers have a keyless, ½-inch capacity, three-jaw chuck. Drill chucks are designed to be hand-tightened and have a longer life if you don’t hold the chuck while pulling the trigger.
• Forward and Reverse Button: This button toggles between forward and reverse rotation. Setting it in the center position locks the drill and prevents it from operating in either direction.
• Battery: Different voltages determine the power output. A 12-volt battery generates less power than an 18-volt or 20-volt battery, affecting the drill’s ability to handle tough materials.

Safety considerations

• Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
• If drilling into a small piece of material, use clamps to hold it down.
• As you are drilling, keep your hands four inches away from the drill bit tip to avoid injury if the bit or screw slips.
• Never drill overhead. If drilling something high, use a ladder to position yourself so the drill is at least chest high.
• Whenever possible, keep both hands on the drill for maximum control. Start at a lower speed than you think you need and work up to a higher speed.
• Check for electrical wires and pipes before drilling into walls.
• Ensure the drill bit is properly tightened in the chuck before use.
• If possible, avoid using gloves when using a drill. If the glove gets caught in the drill, it will pull the glove and your hand in with it.
• If you have long hair, pull it back to avoid it getting caught. Secure any loose clothing or jewelry.

What to know about drill bits

• Different drill bits are made of different metal compositions for optimum use in different materials. Always match the drill bit to the material: Use wood drill bits for wood, use metal bits for metal and use masonry bits for stone, cement or tile.
• Learn to identify common bit types visually: Wood bits often have a pointed tip and spurs, metal bits have a standard twist design, and masonry bits have carbide tips.
• A countersink pre-drill bit is handy for countersinking a screw and drilling a pilot hole to avoid splitting the wood when introducing a screw. For metal work, a deburring bit cleans up holes and removes metal shards.
• Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screw thread diameter to prevent wood from splitting.
• The number stamped on the shaft of screw bits will reflect the number on the screw head. Pairing the correct bit profile and size to the screw head will avoid stripping it out, such as #1, #2, #3 Phillips head or #1, #2, #3 flat head.
• When you need very clean holes and want to avoid tearout, use a Forstner bit.
• Use slower speeds for harder materials like metal and masonry, faster speeds for softer materials like wood.
• Replace or sharpen drill bits when they become dull, chipped, or bent – worn bits are dangerous and produce poor results.
• Avoid overheated drill bits. Overheated drill bits can cause poor cut quality and safety issues. For metal drilling, use a few drops of cutting oil to keep the bit cool. When drilling into wood, clear chips frequently to prevent clogging.

How to drill a hole in wood

If possible, create a starter mark with a nail set for accuracy when drilling a hole and use a pre-drill bit to drill a pilot hole to help properly guide and seat a screw. Select an appropriate wood bit for your hole size. Position the drill and bit where you wish to penetrate and start by lightly pressing the trigger button. Speed up as you go by pressing the trigger button deeper. Keep the drill in rotation when backing out the drill bit from a hole. Place scrap wood behind your workpiece to prevent tearout when the bit exits.

How to drill through metal

When drilling into metal, select a high-speed steel bit designed for metal. Use a nail set to create a mark that will guide the bit and improve accuracy. Apply a few drops of cutting oil to lubricate and help cool the bit. Start slowly to allow the bit to grab into the metal and help prevent the drill bit from wandering over the surface causing scratches or damage. If the bit binds, reverse direction to free it before continuing.

How to drill into concrete

Set your drill to hammer mode if available, as this combines rotation with percussive action for easier penetration. Select a carbide-tipped masonry bit. Sprinkle a few drops of water where you intend to drill to control dust and cool the bit. Start slowly until the head of the masonry bit bites into the material. Once the tip has gained purchase, speed up. To avoid chipping on ceramic tile, place a piece of painter’s tape where you intend to make your hole.

FAQ

How do you use the drill clutch settings?

Drill clutch settings control torque output to prevent overdriving screws or stripping materials. Low numbers (1-5) provide less torque for delicate work like drywall or soft wood. Higher numbers (15 and up) deliver more power for dense materials or large screws. The drill symbol bypasses the clutch entirely for drilling holes. Start with a lower setting and increase gradually until the screws drive flush without overdriving. Adjust based on screw size and material hardness.

Are corded drills stronger than cordless?

Corded drills are considered more powerful than battery-operated drills. Corded drills draw a consistent power from an outlet. The power in a battery-operated drill may be compromised by the level of the charge and the age of the drill.

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