You’ve got a project that requires driving screws into wood or metal – but you don’t have a screwdriver. Can you use a drill in place of one?
The short answer is yes, you can use a drill as a screwdriver – and in certain circumstances it may even be the best tool for the job. But it’s important to know exactly how to do it safely and correctly. Read on for an in-depth explanation of when, why and how you can use a drill as a screwdriver.
Which bit do I need for screws?
When you’re using a drill as a screwdriver, the most important thing is to choose the correct bit for the job. If you use the wrong type of bit, it can damage both your drill and your screws.
Twist bits are designed for drilling holes and should not be used to drive screws – they can cause the screw to slip out, strip the head, or break entirely.
Spade (or paddle) bits are specifically designed for driving screws into wood or metal. The tip of the bit is shaped like a triangle or an inverted cone, which allows it to fit the head of the screw and turn it in place. When choosing a bit, make sure it is compatible with your drill – some drills require you to use hex shank bits, while others can accommodate either hex shank or straight-shanked bits. [1]
Which drill speed is best for driving screws?
When setting up your drill for driving screws, you should always use the lowest speed possible. Slower speeds are better for precision and control, so that you don’t strip or break the screw head by over-torquing it. If you find that it’s taking too long to drive each screw, try changing your drill bit to one with a higher torque. There are also several drill accessories available that are designed for driving screws, such as impact drivers. These tools have more power than regular drills and can drive screws faster without sacrificing precision. [1]
Select the right action setting
When using a drill as a screwdriver, one of the most important things to consider is the action setting you choose. Drills have two settings – drilling and driving. The drill will have more torque and spin faster when set to ‘drilling’ mode, which can make it easier to drive screws. When set to ‘driving’ mode, the drill will spin slower but with more torque. This can be beneficial when driving screws into harder surfaces where you need more power to prevent the head of the screw from stripping or breaking off. [1]
What is the torque setting?
The torque setting on a drill is the maximum amount of force that it can exert when turning a screw. Typically, drills are set to low torque settings for general tasks. If you want to use your drill as a screwdriver, then you should increase the torque setting to tighten or loosen the screws more effectively.
To adjust the torque setting, look for the clutch on your drill. It’s usually located near the base of the handle and looks like a ring with a series of numbers. Turn the dial to increase or decrease the torque as needed.
It’s important to note that if you set the torque too high, it could damage both your drill and screw. [1]
Which Drills Can Be Used As Screwdrivers?
Corded Drills
Corded drills are a great option for use as a screwdriver because they provide the most torque and power. This makes them ideal for tougher jobs that require more force to drive screws into harder materials. Corded drills also offer more stability than cordless options since you don’t need to worry about battery life or charge times. However, corded drills are limited by their physical size and the length of the power cord. [2]
Cordless Drills
Cordless drills can be used as screwdrivers, but they tend to lack the torque and power of their corded counterparts. This makes them best suited for softer materials or lighter-duty jobs where a lot of force isn’t necessary. Cordless drills are also more portable and can provide access to hard-to-reach areas that may be out of the range of a corded drill. However, you need to make sure the battery is fully charged before starting any job, otherwise you risk running out of power mid-task. [2]
Benefits of Using a Drill as a Screwdriver
Portable solution
Apart from the obvious time-saving benefits of using a drill as a screwdriver, it also offers a much more portable solution. Since most drills come with rechargeable batteries, they can be taken anywhere without having to worry about finding an electrical socket or buying replacement batteries. This makes them ideal for DIY jobs around the house or on the go. [3]
High torque
Another major benefit of using a drill as a screwdriver is its high torque. You can get more power into even the toughest screws, which makes it great for larger jobs or projects with tough materials. The adjustable speed settings also allow you to fine-tune the torque so that you don’t run the risk of stripping the head of the screw or damaging surrounding material. [3]
Easy to Use
Finally, drills are incredibly easy to use and make it even easier for beginners to get involved in DIY projects. You just need to choose the correct drill bit for your project and you’re ready to go. With a number of features available on modern-day drills such as variable speeds and torque settings, you can find one that suits your needs.
Using a drill as a screwdriver has plenty of advantages over traditional screwdrivers, and when used correctly they offer a much more efficient solution. Whether you’re looking for a portable or powerful solution to your DIY projects, using a drill as a screwdriver is certainly a viable option. [3]
Cost
If you were to purchase a traditional screwdriver for every job, then the cost would quickly add up. With a drill as a screwdriver however, you can save money on buying multiple tools and simply use one device for all your DIY needs. This is further enhanced by the fact that they are often more powerful than regular manual screwdrivers, providing more torque and automation for a fraction of the cost. [3]
Is It Worth Having a Standalone Power Screwdriver?
Yes, it is worth having a standalone power screwdriver. It can save you time and energy when dealing with screws. You will be able to quickly finish off projects without having to change out bits or manually turn the screw. Plus, if you use the proper torque settings, your projects will be of higher quality with fewer stripped screws. The convenience of having a standalone screwdriver will also make it easier to reach hard-to-reach spots. [1]
How to Use a Drill as a Screwdriver?
Step 1: find the correct drill bit
The first step to using a drill as a screwdriver is to find the correct drill bit for the job. If you’re drilling into metal, wood, or plastic, an ordinary twist drill bit will do just fine.
Step 2: Putting the screwdriver bit in the chuck
Once you’ve found the appropriate drill bit, it’s time to put it in the chuck. To do this, open up the chuck and insert the bit with its point facing straight into the center of the chuck. Once it’s firmly in place, tighten up the chuck until it grips the bit securely. [4]
Step 3. Hold the drill firmly
Once the bit is in place, it’s time to hold the drill firmly. When drilling into soft materials such as wood and plastic, grip the chuck with one hand while guiding the drill with the other. If you’re drilling into hard materials such as metal or masonry, use two hands for a better grip. [4]
Step 4: Insert the screwdriver bit
Now it’s time to insert the screwdriver bit into the desired material. If you’re working with soft materials, slow and steady pressure should be applied when inserting the bit. This will help to ensure that you don’t overdrive the screw or damage the material. For hard materials such as metal and masonry, apply slightly more pressure to ensure that the bit is securely inserted. [4]
Step 5: Turn the Screw
Once the screwdriver bit is securely in place, turn the drill on and carefully start to turn the screw. When drilling into soft materials such as wood or plastic, use a low speed setting so that you don’t overdrive the screw. For harder materials such as metal or masonry, use a higher speed setting. [4]
Step 6: Examine the wood’s hardness
Before you start drilling into any material, it’s important to examine the wood’s hardness. If the wood is soft and of low density, you can use a regular twist drill bit for the job. However, if the wood is harder or denser, you may need to use a masonry bit instead. [4]
Step 7: Removing a Screw
If you’re looking to remove a screw from a material, it’s best to use an appropriate drill bit. If the screw is in soft materials such as wood or plastic, a standard twist drill bit will do just fine. For harder materials such as metal or masonry, you’ll need to use a masonry bit. [4]
Which is the Best Cordless Drill Screwdriver?
When it comes to cordless drill screwdrivers, there are plenty of models on the market. But what is the best one? Ultimately, this will come down to personal preference as everyone’s needs and requirements are different. However, there are a few key factors that can be taken into consideration when selecting the right cordless drill screwdriver for the job.
The first factor to consider is battery life. Some models offer longer run-times than others, so if you need a cordless drill screwdriver for extended use, then look for one with a long lasting lithium-ion battery. Additionally, the torque setting and speed controls should be taken into consideration when selecting the right cordless drill screwdriver. Higher torque settings are ideal for more powerful drilling and driving, while lower speeds provide greater control when it comes to precision applications. [1]
The Better Alternative?
When it comes to tackling a job that requires you to drive screws, there’s one tool that outshines the others – a cordless screwdriver. Unlike drills, most of these tools are designed with speed and precision in mind. They aren’t as powerful as a drill, but they make up for it in convenience and accuracy. A cordless screwdriver also features a variable speed setting, allowing you to select the appropriate speed and torque for the job.
The downside? These tools tend to be more expensive than drills, so it may not be worth investing in one if you don’t plan on using it often. Fortunately, many cordless screwdrivers come with multiple bits that can be used with different types of screws, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional ones. [1]
FAQ
Is a drill driver the same as a screwdriver?
No, a drill driver is not the same as a screwdriver.
The two tools are not interchangeable and should only be used for their intended purposes.
Will screwdriver bits fit in a drill?
Yes, screwdriver bits can fit into a drill. However, using them in this way is not recommended as the drill has much more power than a standard screwdriver and can easily strip screws or damage materials if not used correctly. If you are looking to drive screws with your drill, it is best to use purpose-built driver bits designed for this purpose.
Can a screwdriver drill a hole?
No, a screwdriver cannot be used to drill holes. In order to make a hole in a material, you need to use a rotary cutting tool such as a drill or an electric drill bit. It is not recommended to try and force the screwdriver into the material as this could result in serious damage to both the tool and the material.
What should you never do with a screwdriver?
You should never try to use a screwdriver for any purpose other than turning screws, as it can easily damage the tool and the material. Additionally, you should never use force when turning a screw with a screwdriver as this may cause the head of the screw to strip or damage the material. Finally, never leave a screw partially screwed in as this can pose a tripping hazard.
Can you make holes with a drill?
Yes, you can make holes with a drill. This is the best and most efficient way to create holes in materials such as wood, metal or plastic. It is important to select the correct type of drill bit for your material and use eye protection when drilling. Additionally, be sure to start at low speeds and gradually increase until the desired size of hole is achieved.
How do you screw a hole in a drill?
It is not possible to screw a hole into a drill. However, you can use driver bits designed for your drill to drive screws into the material. This is done by simply inserting the driver bit and securely clamping it in place before using the drill to turn the screw. Be sure to use low speeds when driving screws as this will help to avoid damage to the material.
How do you put a screwdriver bit in a drill?
To insert a screwdriver bit into a drill, first make sure that the drill is switched off and unplugged. Then, select the correct size of driver bit for your drill and securely clamp it in place. Finally, turn on the drill and use it to drive screws into the material as required. Be sure to use low speeds when driving screws to avoid damage to the material.
Useful Video: How to drive screws with a drill/driver
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a drill as a screwdriver can be done in some cases, however not all drills are suited for this purpose. Drills with adjustable clutch settings and variable speed control are the best option if you wish to use your drill for both drilling into materials and driving screws. It is important to remember that while a drill may be able to drive screws, it cannot replace a screwdriver in terms of precision and accuracy. A drill may also damage the heads of certain types of screws and strip them if it is not used correctly. It is important to use the right tool for the job at hand depending on your needs. If you are unsure as to whether or not your drill will be suitable for the task, it is best to consult an expert. Thank you for reading!
References
- https://ruwag.co.uk/blogs/handy-hints/can-drills-be-used-as-screwdrivers
- https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-use-a-drill-as-a-screwdriver
- https://thetoolscout.com/can-a-cordless-drill-be-used-as-a-screwdriver/
- https://drillly.com/how-to-use-a-drill-as-a-screwdriver/
