Use A Drill As A Screwdriver

Using a drill as a screwdriver

Typically, a drill is used to drill holes in a wide variety of materials. It can be wood, plastic and even metal. Also for this tool there are grinding and cutting attachments.

There are several types of drills:

• Manual;
• Pneumatic;
• Electrical.

The principle of operation of the tool is to transfer rotation to a drill or other attachment, due to which it is possible to perform various types of work. Construction, locksmith, finishing, etc. “If I use a drill for such a large number of tasks, can I find another use for it? “. So many people would probably think. And the answer is yes, you can expand the list of works for this tool and add screwing screws, screws to it.

How to use a drill as a screwdriver?

First of all, you need to select the appropriate tool model for your purposes and by the type of screws / bolts nozzles. Bits. They should be installed in place of the drill in the spindle chuck.

Further, if possible, it is recommended to reduce the rotational speed of the mechanism. This will make the work safer, as well as keep the tool and attachments in working condition. At low speeds they wear out less. Some models have speed controllers, while others you can manually adjust the speed by changing the mechanism or electrical circuit.

For experienced craftsmen, it will not be a serious problem to work with a drill as a screwdriver and at high speeds, but there is always a risk of damaging the bit or screw, cutting off the screw head, “screwing” the material through and through, etc.

It is also worth considering that drilling tools do not have a splitting sleeve (it is responsible for preventing the tool mechanism from breaking when the engine stops suddenly), so the necessary work should be done carefully. It is recommended to use more durable bits than for a screwdriver.

Work principles

It should always be borne in mind that you are going to use the tool not for its intended purpose, respectively, this is associated with some difficulties and limitations.

Basic rules for safe and efficient work with a drill as a screwdriver:

1. Follow safety requirements. Handle the instrument with care.
2. Do not tighten the screws to the end. This is fraught with breakage of the tool, bit or screwing object. Experienced craftsmen advise to underscrew the screws a little, and then finish by hand with a screwdriver.
3. For a secure attachment of the bit, it is recommended to use extended bits or a specialized bit holder.
4. For wood material, in order to avoid splitting the wood, it is recommended to first drill the holes, and only then tighten the screws.

Of course, it is better to use a screwdriver for such purposes, but a drill will also cope with such types of work.

Comparison of screwdriver and drill

To begin with, it is worth understanding the distinctive features of these tools, because, although they both make a rotational movement, their purpose is different.

The main difference is the rotational speed of the working spindle. The screwdriver rotates much slower than the drill. Also, it has no inertia. The tool stops when the mechanism is turned off. The spindle, while drilling, continues to rotate for some time after turning off.

A drill is a potentially more dangerous tool than a screwdriver, therefore, when working with it, special safety precautions must be observed. Safety glasses, in addition to the usual care, accuracy and caution.

The choice of the operating mode is another difference between the considered instruments. The drill, in addition to the main one, also has an impact mode, while the screwdriver is regulated only by the spindle rotation speed.

As you can see from the comparison, the drill is less suitable for working with screws and bolts, however, it can be adapted for this case.

Pros and cons of using a drill as a screwdriver

Despite the rather forced use of the tool in an unusual area, such a solution also has some advantages:

• Due to the a priori higher number of revolutions and increased speed, the drill copes with the tasks set faster than a screwdriver;
• Due to the greater effort, it is possible to screw screws into harder and harder materials (some metals, etc.);
• The ability to use one tool for a whole range of diverse work.

There are also disadvantages:

• Drills, as a rule, are heavier and cumbersome. It is not always possible to get to hard-to-reach places;
• To use them as a screwdriver requires a certain skill;
• The drill is not applicable for thin and fragile materials (plastic, drywall, boards less than 20 mm, etc.), as well as furniture;
• Observance of special safety measures is required. Safety glasses, underscrewing of screws, exclusion of shocks during operation, etc.;
• Heavy tool wear (bits and bits) and a significant risk of damage to screws.

It can be concluded that a drill can occasionally be used as a screwdriver, but you should not abuse such inappropriate use.

Voltage and other parameters

For an ordinary buyer of a screwdriver, it is enough to know:

• For household appliances, the voltage ranges from 10-14 V;
• For professional, the indicator should be higher. From 18 V. Some instruments boast a level of 36 V.

The next characteristic is power. The parameter informs the user about the speed of the device. It is logical that the higher the power, the faster the screw will be screwed in. But you should not overdo it, for household purposes and do-it-yourself in-line repairs, a 500-700 W model is quite enough.

In order not to send the device for charging every half hour of operation, you should pay close attention to the battery. Modern screwdrivers use:

• Lithium-ion batteries are not subject to self-discharge, the most common. They can be charged up to 3000 times, and at any stage and discharge level.
• Nickel-cadmium. Are not afraid of cold, they work efficiently at subzero temperatures. However, there is a small drawback. Self-discharge. You need to store such a battery with 0% charge in order to save capacity to the maximum.
• Nickel-Metal Hybrid batteries are eco-friendly batteries found in some European brands. These batteries are compact and lightweight, but are frost-resistant.

Comparing the characteristics of the battery, it is also worth looking at the capacity. The autonomy of the device and the number of possible recharges depend on it. Over time, the capacity decreases, this also needs to be taken into account.

Rotation frequency

To choose the perfect device for specific purposes, you should pay attention to the number of revolutions. The manufacturer calls this parameter speed or rotational speed. It is adjusted by pressing the “trigger”. The harder you press, the greater the speed. In addition, the frequency shows whether the tool will be able to screw the screw into a dense material and what is the approximate diameter of the hole if the screwdriver replaces the drill.

If the customer is confident that the device will only be used for tightening screws and bolts, 500 rpm is more than enough. Screwdrivers acting as drills operate at 1200 rpm.

Nuance: there are models with 1, 2 and 3 speeds on the market, where one is for self-tapping screws, the second is for drilling small holes, the third is for working with metal or other durable raw materials.

Additional functionality

In branded models, the manufacturer, in addition to the standard features, also offers the user auxiliary functions. They greatly facilitate the work and can become a point above the “i”, dispelling doubts about whether to buy this or that model.

Most often found in tools:

• Charge indicator. A small light that will tell you when to put the battery on recharge;
• Reverse motion. And unscrew the screw, and the drill can be removed from the thick board;
• Impact mechanism. Indispensable if you need to work with a stone surface or brick;
• Illumination of the workplace. In some screwdrivers it is so powerful that there is no need for additional lighting.

There is also an impulse, various blockers, speed switches, etc. Each additional function is a plus to the price of the device, which means that you need to be 100% sure about its need in the device.

How to choose a cordless screwdriver: 6 tips and a rating of 5 cool models

A screwdriver is essentially an electrical substitute for a screwdriver. It performs the same functions as the younger “brother”, only makes the process of tightening / unscrewing screws and bolts much faster. Such a tool is especially effective if there are dozens or even hundreds of screws. The device can not only twist the screws. By installing a special drill, you can make holes in wood, plastic and thin metal with a screwdriver. powerful devices even take bricks and concrete. In general, the tool is indispensable in everyday life and in repair.

Manufacturer focus

The hackneyed truth is a brand beyond competition. Yes, branded tools are more expensive, but they have a quality guarantee and service centers for repairs, and the screwdrivers themselves are made of durable components.

Quite good screwdrivers with a removable battery are also offered by Varo Kreator, Sparky, Dnipro-M and others.

Everything about battery-powered screwdrivers: pros and cons

The main difference between the cordless screwdriver and the network model is the absence of a cord. Autonomy of work and non-attachment to an outlet are the main advantages of a tool with a battery inside.

The advantages of the device also include:

• Mobility. The tool and the charging battery are in the same housing, no additional elements are needed for operation. It is enough to take the device in hand, and it is already ready to work. Can be moved anywhere.
• Compactness. Typically, household autonomous screwdrivers are small in size. This makes the device especially convenient in hard-to-reach places.
• Versatility. Technique replaces screwdriver and drill.

In practice, a cordless instrument is indispensable in objects without electricity, when it is necessary to frequently move or climb to a height. The device can be operated outdoors or indoors.

The only drawback here is the need to periodically charge the battery. Manufacturers are trying in every possible way to solve this problem, for example, offering 2 batteries with the tool. While one is in the working process, the second restores energy.

Which is better a drill or screwdriver?

The principle of operation of a drill and a screwdriver is similar. The devices differ from each other in that the first tool is equipped with a limiter for the rotation of the chuck when the resistance reaches its highest point. If you tighten the screws with a drill, it is important not to miss this moment. Then the surface will not be damaged, and the corners of the bolt will not be smoothed (this will significantly reduce the adhesion of the surfaces).

The drill is designed for drilling holes, and the screwdriver is for screwing in self-tapping screws, but they can be replaced with one another. There are drill bits that turn it into a screwdriver. Nozzles are:

• Simple;
• With limiter.

The stop does not allow the self-tapping screw to enter too deeply into the surface. This effect is provided by the restrictive rim present on the nozzle.

It is impossible to tell which is preferable. A drill or screwdriver. Since the two tools perform different functions.

How to replace a screwdriver with a conventional drill: 3 useful tips

Ingenuity helps to get out of difficult situations associated with a lack of tools. A drill can replace a screwdriver. Knowledge and adherence to safety rules is the first condition of working with this tool. Therefore, to the question “is it possible to make a screwdriver out of a drill?” there will be a positive answer. We will talk about the intricacies and secrets of the process in the article.

Using a drill as a screwdriver

In the absence of attachments (and the ability to purchase them), it is recommended to use the following strategy. The drill does not have a splitting sleeve, which leads to unpleasant consequences. Using this tool as a screwdriver without the necessary attachment can be fraught with:

• Breakage of the screw head;
• Broken bit;
• Burning drill.

Tighten screws or bolts with a drill not to the bitter end, but leave at least half a centimeter outside the surface. It is generally optimal to screw the rest of the screw into the surface by hand. Yes, you will waste time, but keep the drill safe.

: How to choose a drill?

The drill can also be used for its intended purpose (drilling surfaces). Drill a hole in the surface of the material to be used, then carefully screw in the screw. This will be much faster than screwing in the screw by hand. Plus, you will definitely not damage the surface by creating a more delicate mount without delamination of the material. Useful if you need to drive a screw into wood.

Is it possible to tighten screws with a drill? It is possible, but do not lose sight of one feature of the screwdriver. This is a kind of symbiosis of a Phillips screwdriver and a drill. A tool with speed control will be especially appropriate. The slower it runs, the less risk of failure. With skill and a good reaction, furniture assembly (and other construction work) will go even faster with a drill.

Based on the above information, it can be concluded that there are three ways to get a high-quality result when using a drill instead of a screwdriver:

1. Use special nozzles with a limiting rim;

2. Do not screw the screws into the surface completely, making the last few turns by hand;

3. Drill the surface in advance, and then screw the bolts into the hole.

Just always be careful and follow safety precautions when working with tools.
See on the topic: How to use a drill instead of a screwdriver?

Bits. Nozzles

The screwdriver comes with several types of bits with different shapes of the working edge.

Bits with a straight edge are designed to work with fasteners that have one slot (slot). A suitable bit is selected depending on its length and depth.

Similarly, the shape of the cross-shaped bit is selected. Here the width of the slot and the size of the fastener head itself are taken into account. For reliable operation, the edge of the bit must fit tightly into the slots, otherwise there is a possibility of “licking” the edges of the slots.

To attach the bit to the cartridge, a special attachment with a magnetized holder is used, which prevents the structure from disintegrating and reliably holds the bit in a variety of positions.

To fix the bit with the bat you need to unscrew the movable part of the chuck.

Insert the nozzle and screw in the chuck until it stops.

There are also very convenient double-sided bits that can be fixed in a chuck without a nozzle.

Setting the torque

The drill has an adjusting ring for setting the torque, on which its values ​​are applied.

This is necessary in order to set the most suitable value when working with materials with different hardness.

For example, for screwing self-tapping screws into drywall (with little effort), a range of values ​​of 2-4 is suitable, and for hard wood, the torque can be set to the maximum number on the ring.

This adjustment helps to avoid quick damage to the fastener splines.

This allows you to stop the tool in time when the self-tapping screw or screw is fully tightened.

Chuck rotation direction

In the construction of the drill. The screwdriver has a push-type switch with which you can change the direction of rotation of the chuck for tightening or unscrewing the fasteners.

There is a direction mark on either side of the tool next to this switch. By pressing the switch, you can reverse.

It must be remembered that the direction of rotation can be changed only when the electric motor is completely stopped.

The drill chuck can be replaced if necessary. It must be borne in mind that it is fixed with a screw with a left-hand thread and therefore you need to unscrew it clockwise.

This screw can be accessed through the front of the chuck.

The tool kit also includes a set of drills of different diameters. All are designed to work in relatively soft materials.

The drills are clamped in the chuck similarly to the bit attachment. (See photo above)

Freezing of the battery is not allowed.

Battery Charging Procedure

It is necessary to insert the battery into the device, observing the polarity (the corresponding signs “” and “-” are affixed on the battery and on the device), i.E. Plus is combined with plus, and minus. With minus.

A glowing red diode on the device panel indicates that the charging process is in progress. This procedure lasts from 3 to 5 hours.

During the charging process, the battery and the device itself may heat up, which is not an indicator of a malfunction.

Tool set

Usually, such a tool is sold in special cases, where each part has its own place.

The drill itself consists of a main tool and a removable battery, which is recharged from the household electrical network.

For charging, a special charger is used, which comes with the kit.

How to use a screwdriver drill. Instruction. Photo.

The cordless drill / screwdriver is a must-have tool for any home DIYer. Its versatility allows you to easily perform work both for twisting and unscrewing various types of fasteners (screws, self-tapping screws, screws), as well as drilling holes.

Let’s look at how the drill-driver works and understand the attachments and accessories.

Use cases

The correct use of a screwdriver is its use according to the instructions or the established documentation. According to these documents, the main area of ​​use is directly the ability to screw in and out various fasteners, as well as for drilling various holes.

Depending on the capabilities, one or another model can be used both in everyday life and in the professional sphere. Household screwdrivers are cheaper and have little power, while professional models have increased power, high performance and wider functionality for use.

Device and principle of operation

The screwdriver can be used in various fields of activity and for various activities, for example, in everyday life, during construction, assembling and disassembling furniture, in various workshops and where many fasteners are used. They can drill, thread, twist and unscrew fasteners. Let’s get acquainted with the device and the principle of operation of such a mechanism.

All screwdrivers are divided into three types:

• Working from a regular network and called network;
• Powered by a charged battery and called rechargeable batteries;
• Powered by both mains and battery. Combined option.

All screwdrivers are very similar in both external and internal structure. They are composed of elements such as:

• Body;
• Cartridge;
• Power button;
• Rotation switch;
• Speed regulator;
• Power lock button;
• Tightening force regulator.

The body of a power tool consists of two parts and can be made of plastic or an alloy of various metals, but this is much less common.

Inside it are:

• Electric motor;
• Pay;
• Capacitor;
• Reducer;
• Clutch.

The principle of operation of all screwdrivers is similar to each other. The electric motor is set in rotary motion with the help of consumed electricity, which transfers the force by means of a gearbox and a shaft from the motor to the existing nozzle installed in the chuck, and the nozzle is already drilling, screwing in or unscrewing the fasteners. For network screwdrivers, the motor uses an alternating voltage of the mains 200 V, and in cordless ones. A constant voltage of 3.5 V to 36 V.

Changing the nozzle with a quick-release chuck:

• First you need to choose a drill for the work that you plan to perform, or a bit, taking into account the size of the head, the type of slot;
• The cartridge is untwisted counterclockwise;
• Install the selected nozzle;
• Rotating the cartridge case in the clockwise direction, the nozzle is clamped.

Changing the nozzle with a turnkey chuck:

• Take a key and insert it into a special recess;
• Untwist the cartridge;
• Insert a new nozzle;
• Rotate the key in the clockwise direction, securing the nozzle.

How to use a screwdriver correctly?

1. Device and principle of operation
2. How to prepare for work?
3. Use cases
4. Twisting wires
5. Rebar knitting
6. Features of drilling concrete
7. Can be used as a drill?
8. Useful tips for use

Many craftsmen prefer to use a screwdriver instead of a screwdriver. It allows you to save time and get the job done quickly and efficiently. Let’s get acquainted with the principles of operation and the device of this tool, find out the scope of its application and rules of operation, and also give some useful tips.

Features of drilling concrete

As noted above, the screwdriver can be used in different fields and in different ways. Electric screwdrivers can drill wood, concrete and many other materials. Carefully read the instructions for using this or that model, since it is there that it is written there, for which drilling materials it can be used.

For drilling concrete, very powerful drills are used. Most often, such tools work in shock mode, but even with such a device, drilling a concrete wall is quite problematic. Therefore, for such cases it is better to use a special diamond drill.

Twisting wires

A screwdriver with a specific nozzle is excellent for twisting the separated ends of the wires. Usually, twisting is done with pliers, but those who wish can use a screwdriver, using it for this purpose. The main thing is to correctly perform this tricky procedure.

Can be used as a drill?

As mentioned above, basically a screwdriver is used for such things to unscrew or screw something. When using a screwdriver as a drill, carefully read the instructions. Is this possible in the instructions from the manufacturer.

If, nevertheless, it is possible to use a screwdriver as a drill in order to drill and make a hole, for example, in a wooden or plastic product, then it is recommended to put a small and even piece of wood under this or that object. This will make your hole better and will prevent cracks and chips from appearing.

If you use metal in your work, then here you need to adhere to some simple rules. Before you start drilling, the hole must be tilted to prevent the drill from sliding on the metal. Select the drilling mode and get to work. But here we must not forget that when drilling for metal, the drill may break. To prevent this, it is not recommended to press hard on the tool. If it happens that the drill gets stuck, then switch the screwdriver to the unscrewing mode, and calmly unscrew the drill.