Can A Drill Be Used As A Screwdriver

Using a drill as a screwdriver What is the difference between a screwdriver drill and how is it used? Types of devices: mains, battery, compact, two-speed, percussion (with a perforator). Attachments and drill bits with various functions.

Using a drill as a screwdriver

Among the electric tools, the drill-screwdriver takes the leading place, judging by the sales. This is the most purchased tool, since it is distinguished by its practicality and versatility: 2 units are combined in one device at once. This is a drill (for drilling holes) and a screwdriver (used for twisting and unscrewing screws), and sometimes a hammer drill.

Cordless drill / screwdriver

An electric drill with a screwdriver function can also be suitable for those craftsmen who do not interfere with the power cord. Since the appliance operates on the mains, it has no disadvantages of units with a battery.

Of course, it’s up to you to judge which is better: a mains appliance or a cordless one. The only thing to consider when choosing a drill-driver is the length of the power cord.

Punch function

Drill drivers often have the function of a perforator. This means that the electrical appliance, in addition to the rotational movement, is capable of creating an impact force. The hammer drill is used for punching holes in hard materials (brick and concrete). But it should be borne in mind that the shock function of the apparatus is used only on brick or lightweight concrete. For drilling a reinforced concrete wall, of course, it is better to use a hammer drill as a separate type of electrical appliance.

The illustration below shows a cordless impact drill screwdriver.

Lithium-ion (Li-Ion)

It is the most advanced battery type for power tool applications and more.

Lack of “memory effect”;
Specific power and capacity exceed the indicators of the above batteries;
Fast charging;
Low self-discharge;
Battery life is 3 times higher than Ni-Cd.

High price for the item;
Although the battery can be used at low temperatures, it will not charge in cold weather;
It is impossible to allow complete discharge, therefore, a microcircuit is installed in the batteries, which does not allow complete exhaustion of the resource.

Drill-driver device

The symbiosis of screwdrivers and drills is most often performed in the form of a pistol (see figure below).

The design of the unit is characterized by the following elements (the numbering corresponds to the figure).

Housing. In the models of the “pro” class, the body is usually made of plastic of special strength, resistant to impacts and falls of the instrument. The inner part of the device consists of an electric motor, a cooling system (air), control modules and switching operating modes.
Lever. Ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand. Often the handle has rubber inserts to prevent the tool from slipping out.
Battery. The battery can be of the type shown above or hidden in the handle of the tool.
Start button. The speed of the unit chuck depends on the force of pressing the trigger.
Rotation direction switching button. It is located in a convenient place and allows you to easily and quickly switch between spindle rotation modes.
Speed shifter. Usually it works in 2-positions (2 speeds): the first position (low speed) is used to operate the unit in screwdriver mode, the second (high speed) switches the machine to drilling mode.
Cartridge. Various working tools (bits, drills or special devices) are clamped into this element of the unit.
Chuck jaws.
The ratchet is an element that allows you to adjust the screw tightening force (torque). In order not to twist a screw, for example, a furniture screw, the required clamping force on the ratchet is set. When a certain force is reached, the clutch slips and the tightening stops. This function helps to avoid damage to the product. The range of adjustable efforts can range from 4-6 positions (in budget models) and reach 20 or more in expensive devices. The regulator also has a drilling mode, indicated by a drill icon, so that the working tool does not stop during this process. The presence of a ratchet is the main difference between the apparatus and the drill.
Backlight. Some models of the “pro” class have a backlight element at their disposal. This is usually an LED located at the top of the handle. Such an addition is convenient, for example, when assembling furniture, when it is necessary to carry out drilling work inside the cabinet, where lighting is limited.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing a two-speed drill-screwdriver, it is worthwhile to clearly understand for what purposes it will be used and what loads it will have to face. Any craftsman, be it a pro or a home craftsman, needs to have an idea of the main characteristics of the components.

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 most important difference is the speed of rotation of the working spindle in a screwdriver rotation is much slower than that of a 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, you need to observe special safety precautions, 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.

Using a drill as a screwdriver

Typically, a drill is used to drill holes in a 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 carry out various types of construction, locksmith, finishing, etc. Work. 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 work for this tool and add screwing screws and screws to it.

How to use a drill as a screwdriver?

First of all, you need to choose the appropriate tool model for your purposes and by the type of screws / bolts of the bit attachment. 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 can be manually adjusted by changing the mechanism or electrical circuit.

For experienced craftsmen, it will not be a serious problem to work with a drill like 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, etc.

It is also worth considering that drilling tools do not have a splitting sleeve (it is responsible for preventing breakage of the tool mechanism when the engine is suddenly stopped), so the necessary work should be carried out 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:

Follow safety requirements. Handle the instrument with care.
It is not necessary to tighten the screws to the end; it 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.
It is recommended to use extended bits or a specialized bit holder to securely attach the bit.
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.

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 precautions, goggles, underscrewing of screws, exclusion of shocks during operation, etc.;
Large tool wear (bits and bits), as well as 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.

How to use a drill as a screwdriver?

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.

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.

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:

Follow safety requirements. Handle the instrument with care.
It is not necessary to tighten the screws to the end; it 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.
It is recommended to use extended bits or a specialized bit holder to securely attach the bit.
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.

Using a drill as a screwdriver

Typically, a drill is used to drill holes in a 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.

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 precautions, goggles, underscrewing of screws, exclusion of shocks during operation, etc.;
Large tool wear (bits and bits), as well as 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.

Functions

Engine brake allows you to save time when you turn off the drill, as the drill comes to a complete stop within a few seconds. This makes it easier to use the tool, since you do not need to hold the drill in weight while waiting for the drill to stop completely: for some models, this time is ten or more seconds.

Reverse reverses the direction of rotation of the drill using a switch. May be needed to free a drill stuck in the material. In addition, this function can come in handy when using a drill as a screwdriver. Reverse is provided in most instruments.

Electronic speed control ensures high-quality work performance, increases tool life and productivity. This is a special device that, depending on the specified material and type of drill, determines the optimal rotation speed.

When working with hard wood, it is recommended to set a high number of revolutions, then the engine will experience less stress.

Anti-vibration system reduces tool vibration. As a rule, expensive and professional drills are equipped with it.

Chuck type

Key cartridge (notched) in this chuck the drill is fixed with a special key. It is usually secured by three cams symmetrically located around the longitudinal axis of the spindle. The disadvantages of a key chuck are that the key can be lost, and it will take a long time to replace the drill with it.

Keyless chuck in this chuck the drill is secured with a little hand force.

Meet one– and two-sleeve keyless chucks. Single-sleeve (press–lock and auto–lock) are easy to use, two-sleeve equipped with two rotating clamping and loosening rings.

The main advantage of the keyless chuck is ease of use and time saving when changing the drill. Despite the fact that the quality of the clamp is usually not inferior to the key chuck, a key chuck should still be used for working with hard materials and at high loads.

Bit holder used only in screwdrivers.

A bit is a bit with a standard hex shank on one side and a slot on the other. The advantage is the ease of use. To install the bit, which is fixed in the chuck, it is enough to insert it until it clicks, and to remove it, simply pull it out.

IN wrenches a special chuck is used in the form of an outer square, the dimensions of which can be 1 “, 1/2”, 3/4 “. It should be noted that a set of hand tools with heads is suitable for attachments for a wrench. To do this, you must select a model with a suitable chuck or use adapter.

Power

This parameter directly affects the performance of the tool. Drills with a power of 500 W and above are capable of handling hard materials and producing large holes. And drills with power up to 500 W and small drills are perfect for working with soft materials (such as wood). Thus, for home use, a drill with a power of 500–700 watts.

Variety

Drill–screwdriver designed for drilling holes in wood, metal, plastic, as well as twisting and unscrewing screws, screws, screws.

Screwdriver except for tightening / loosening screws, it is used for drilling small holes only in soft materials.

Wrench used for tightening / unscrewing fasteners: bolts, nuts, screws.

Cordless screwdriver serves for screwing or unscrewing small fasteners (screws, screws, self-tapping screws, etc.).

Drill–mixer It is used both for drilling and for stirring liquid and semi-liquid materials using special nozzles. Since these tools do not have a hammer function, they are recommended for drilling in soft materials such as wood.

Drills–mixers are equipped with an additional handle, which greatly facilitates the mixing process.

Non-impact instruments carry out only rotational movements. They are used for drilling in soft materials (such as wood), because when using tools with a blow, such materials can crack.

Instruments with a kick in addition to rotational, they also produce–translational movements. Used for working with hard materials (concrete, brick, etc.). They are versatile because the kick function can be turned off and used as unstressed.

Compared to unstressed ones, these tools have better performance, but they also cost more. For impact wrenches, the impact mode involves tightening the nut with an impact, and usually does not turn off.

Corner drill are used to work in hard-to-reach places (for example, under the engine hood) and confined spaces. The name angular is associated with the design features of the tool, the gearbox on which the chuck is fixed is fixed at an angle of 90.

Drills for diamond drilling used for working with very hard materials: reinforced concrete, asphalt, granite, natural stone. Such tools are characterized by increased power and are equipped with a reinforced chuck, in which special drill bits with diamond-containing segments are installed. The range of diameters of diamond core bits is from 20 mm to 350 mm.

Number of speeds

Models with the same speed rotate the same regardless of the type of material or work. Drills, in which the presence of several speeds is provided, are distinguished by increased functionality. For example, a low speed is required to drive screws, while a high speed is required to drill holes in hard materials.

Universal drills have a two-speed gearbox at low speeds, you can drill large holes, small holes at high.

Equipment

Additional handle helps to correctly distribute the forces when working with the tool and reduce vibration, which is especially important when working with material that is difficult to machine. It can be rigidly attached to the body, detachable, or rotate around the body.

Battery operation allows the drill to work from autonomous power supply. The undoubted advantage of such tools is their high mobility. Therefore, battery operation is especially effective in places where there are no power outlets, hard-to-reach places, and when jobs involve frequent movement of workers.

Cordless drills are recommended for household needs with small volumes of work due to their low power. They are not designed to last long. Another disadvantage is the high price of the batteries themselves.

Spot light used to work in hard-to-reach places or when there is a lack of lighting. Built into the tool body.

Safety (anti-lock) clutch protects the drill motor from burnout. For example, when the drill gets stuck when it hits the reinforcement. In addition, the safety clutch protects the user from kickback, since when the drill stops suddenly, all the power of the drill is transferred to his hands. Most instruments are equipped with this device.

Drilling depth stop helps to make multiple holes of equal depth. It is a metal or plastic rod attached to the drill body. It is used for drilling in a thin wall (for example, assembling furniture, etc.), so as not to make a through hole.

Dust collector collects dust that is generated during the operation of the drill, especially when drilling concrete and masonry. However, personal protection against dust (respirators, masks, etc.) will also be helpful.

Magnetic holder on the body saves time when changing drills during operation. Items such as a drill or a key are fixed to the body and not in the operator’s hands or pockets.

Case designed for easy storage and transportation of the drill and its accessories.

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 prerequisite for working with this tool. Therefore, to the question of whether it is possible to make a screwdriver from a drill? There will be a positive answer. We will talk about the intricacies and secrets of the process in the article.

What is the best 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. Attachments are:

Simple;
With a limiter.

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

It is impossible to say that a drill or screwdriver is preferable since the two tools perform different functions.

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. There is no splitting sleeve in the drill, 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;
Combustion of the drill.

Tighten the 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.

Read also: 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. In addition, you will definitely not damage the surface, creating a more delicate mount without delamination of the material. Useful if you need to drive a screw into the wood.

Is it possible to tighten screws with a drill? You can, 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 is especially appropriate. The slower it runs, the less the 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. Pre-drill the surface and then screw the bolts into the hole.

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

How to use a drill as 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:

Follow safety requirements. Handle the instrument with care.
It is not necessary to tighten the screws to the end; it 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.
It is recommended to use extended bits or a specialized bit holder to securely attach the bit.
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.

Is it possible to tighten the screws with a drill

Typically, a drill is used to drill holes in a 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:

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.

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 precautions, goggles, underscrewing of screws, exclusion of shocks during operation, etc.;
Large tool wear (bits and bits), as well as 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.

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Why use a screwdriver to screw in screws (in fact, both a drill):

1. The screwdriver is lighter, therefore it is more convenient for them to work.
2. The shape and weight make it possible to hold it in one hand for a long time.
3. The screwdriver has a reverse, which allows you to unscrew the screws.
4. Smaller size can be crawled into different places.

As you can see, this is mainly a matter of convenience and comfort of work, you can use a regular drill to screw in the screws, it does not harm the drill.

Why use a screwdriver to screw in screws (in fact, both a drill):

As you can see, this is mainly a matter of convenience and comfort of work, you can use a regular drill to screw in the screws, it does not harm the drill.

Why use a screwdriver to screw in screws (in fact, both a drill):

As you can see, this is mainly a matter of convenience and comfort of work, you can use a regular drill to screw in the screws, it does not harm the drill.

Yes, there is, it just isn’t necessary, it’s one thing when you have some kind of urgent case and you just need to take and work with what you now have at hand, and another thing for regular work. For her, in any case, you need a normal tool, if we talk about a screwdriver, then this is a cassette version of Bosch or Hilti.

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Difficult, but possible. I built a dacha all the fasteners, screws, twisted with an ordinary domestic drill, 400 watts, with speed control. The largest self-tapping screws 6×150. Only the recoil tortured, but pumped up the hands!

I also twisted small screws up to the smallest ones, here skill and adjustment of the drill are already important so that by pressing the trigger, it slowly turns.

And use the screwdriver as a drill! The drill is very good. Big cr. Moment. So it tears off, cuts and scrolls. Dexterity is better spent on the quality of the result than on the struggle with the obvious.

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