Can The Drill Be Used 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? ". This is probably what many people 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 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 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:

  • Follow safety requirements. Handle the instrument with care.
  • 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.
  • For a secure attachment of the bit, it is recommended to use extended bits or a specialized bit holder.
  • 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.

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.

Can The Drill Be Used As A Screwdriver

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 bits;
  • Burning down the 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.

See 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. 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?

How to use a screwdriver correctly?

  • Device and principle of operation
  • How to prepare for work?
  • Use cases
  • Twisting wires
  • Rebar knitting
  • Features of drilling concrete
  • Can be used as a drill?
  • 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.

    Rebar knitting

    The screwdriver can be used to knit reinforcement using steel wire. This is widespread in construction, when various reinforced concrete structures of houses and foundations are being erected. In order to knit, take a cordless or power tool that has a hook attachment.

    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;
    • Both mains and battery powered. combination option.

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

    • Housing;
    • Cartridge;
    • Power button;
    • Rotation switch;
    • Speed ​​controller;
    • Power-on 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 unwound counterclockwise;
    • Install the selected nozzle;
    • Rotating the cartridge case clockwise, the nozzle is clamped.

    Changing the nozzle with a turnkey chuck:

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

    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.

    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.

    How to prepare for work?

    The first thing you will need to do in order to get started is to remove the screwdriver from the case or suitcase and check for visible damage, chips or cracks. If you notice that something is wrong with the tool, then in no case should you use it, as it may be unsafe. Be sure to make sure that the battery of the screwdriver is charged, or the screwdriver itself is connected to the mains. When these conditions are met, the screwdriver is turned on to idle and check the correspondence of the rotation of the nozzle and the thread on the fastener. If all the conditions are met, then you can safely start work.

    Be sure to select and properly fix the bit or drill bit depending on where and how you are going to work. How to fix them, we mentioned above when we talked about changing the nozzle.

    When using the device directly, you must also follow a number of simple rules and requirements.

    Pay close attention to the screwdriver itself. There is a special scale on it, which can be rotated to adjust the power of the instrument. When you turn the dial, set the mode you need, focusing on what kind of work you are currently doing.

    Modes:

    • Twisting;
    • Unscrewing;
    • Blocking.

    Switching between these tool capabilities is fairly easy and straightforward. It is only necessary to hold the screwdriver by the handle located above the battery. Most often, the handle is covered with a material that is rubberized. That is why such a machined handle is safe to work with and guarantees that the screwdriver will not fall out of your hand while working. For greater reliability, the tool is attached to the hand with a strap.

    Disadvantages of Impact Screwdrivers (Impact Wrenches)

    • Low drilling speed when switching to hammer mode.
    • Inapplicability of jaw chucks (only hexagons) with rare exceptions.
    • Inapplicability of the torque limiting clutch, due to which the tightening process has to be controlled all the time independently, which is not always convenient at a high speed of rotation of the tool shaft.
    • Increased noise in shock mode.

    And in order to more clearly represent the difference between an impact screwdriver (nutrunner) and a conventional one, we will summarize their main technical characteristics in one table:

    How to convert a screwdriver to a wrench?

    Consider how to convert an unusable screwdriver into a new nutrunner. For such a design you will need:

    • Adapter set.
    • Device battery.
    • Control indicator.
    • Button for wrench.

    Tip: Store the devices in the case, so the chance of breakage if dropped is reduced to a minimum. It is important to remember that attachments for mechanisms are very fragile and require careful maintenance.

    For the device, you need to set the horn for the brakes. Then you need to connect and solder all the connectors of the indicators. If you connect the components correctly, you get a screwdriver. Watch the voltage. the battery is difficult to endure the fluctuations. Assembly of parts will take no more than 20 minutes; you can also convert the device to its original state. Such a device will be able to screw in the screws, but for this you need to put a suitable nozzle.

    In summary, it is not necessary to buy new home appliances. Practical expert advice will help you build your wrench. At home, it can be easily replaced with a screwdriver. For more serious construction, the wrench is irreplaceable. We hope our material helped to understand the main differences between devices for screws and nuts.

    See clearly in how to make a new nutrunner from an old screwdriver: Turning a screwdriver into a nutrunner

    A few words about the impact wrench

    An industrial or homemade wrench serves for installing and removing bolts and nuts. Some may accidentally confuse it with a drill, but experienced craftsmen will immediately point to a special attachment in the holder, which a conventional drill does not have. You will definitely not be able to do without it if you need to unscrew the old nut, which is so rusted that you simply cannot unscrew it with your hands or with a key. The tool is produced in the following versions:

    • Pneumatic;
    • Gasoline;
    • Hydraulic;
    • Powered by electricity.

    The wrench is widely used in repair shops and in various assembly jobs. powerful tools are used in mechanical engineering.

    A few words about the impact wrench

    An industrial or homemade wrench is used to install and remove bolts and nuts. Some may accidentally confuse it with a drill, but experienced craftsmen will immediately point to a special attachment in the holder, which a conventional drill does not have. You will definitely not be able to do without it if you need to unscrew the old nut, which is so rusted that you simply cannot unscrew it with your hands or with a key. The tool is produced in the following versions:

    • Pneumatic;
    • Gasoline;
    • Hydraulic;
    • Powered by electricity.

    The wrench is widely used in repair shops and in various assembly jobs. powerful tools are used in mechanical engineering.

    Benefits of Impact Screwdrivers (Impact Wrenches)

    • High torque! For most cordless models, the torque range is between 80 and 250 Nm!
    • Convenient for tightening nuts. At low loads, the tool works in shockless mode with continuous force (quickly tightens the nut along the free thread), and with an increase in resistance, it switches to impact mode (tightening with a high torque).
    • There is no need to apply a large pressing force to the tool when tightening screws and self-tapping screws, thereby saving the caps from "licking". Also, with its help, you can unscrew those screws and self-tapping screws, the caps of which have already begun to bully.
    • Reduces torsional stress on the operator’s wrist.

    What is the difference between a wrench and a screwdriver. The difference between a screwdriver and a nutrunner Choosing a tool by manufacturer

    Is a hand held power tool. It is designed for faster and more convenient tightening of various fasteners. The screwdriver is one of the specialized tools. Its main competitor, the cordless drill / driver, by contrast, is considered a versatile tool. The difference between the two is that the cylindrical drill chuck can hold both the tip of the drill (cylindrical) and the shank of the bit (hex). The screwdriver is equipped exclusively with hexagonal sockets. It is because of its versatility that the cordless drill is used much more often. Manufacturers specifically provided for two speed modes in it: large (drilling) and small (tightening fasteners). As you know, low speed creates a large torque. The screwdriver is much less functional. For home use, it is better to prefer a drill. after all, it combines the functions of both a drill and a screwdriver. You should think about purchasing a screwdriver if you have to regularly deal with fasteners.

    There are two main types of screwdrivers. cordless and mains.

    Battery: fast and compact

    The cordless screwdriver is small in size. Its design has a lot in common with a cordless drill. The screwdriver battery is located at the bottom of the handle. At the same time, it performs a supporting function. Many models are equipped with a special clutch that adjusts the maximum tightening torque.

    A cordless screwdriver, a kind of screwdriver, has been created for working with small fasteners or in tight spaces. Its main differences are its smaller dimensions. The power of the cordless screwdriver is also low. Its main advantages are compactness and high speed of screwing fasteners.

    Both cordless screwdrivers and cordless screwdrivers are applicable in industrial production and in households. Not surprisingly, battery-powered tools are far more popular than their online counterparts.

    Mains powered: power and reliability

    The mains screwdriver is powered from the mains. Outwardly, it is almost indistinguishable from a power drill. Just like the battery-powered counterpart, it is intended solely to work with fasteners. If the cordless screwdriver can be used both in everyday life and at work, then the cordless screwdriver is intended only for professionals. It is designed for long-term, trouble-free operation. No household needs to tighten many fasteners every day. Some network models are produced without torque adjusting couplings.

    During work, difficult situations are often encountered when using a wrench alone becomes clearly insufficient. Then you have to pick up special tools: they help in working with parts that have a thread. Among them are a screwdriver and a wrench. These technical devices serve one purpose. to speed up work associated with a large number of nuts, bolts and screws used. At the same time, despite the similarity of the tasks being solved, they also have a number of significant differences. You can find out about this and which of the tools is better to use from the review below.

    A screwdriver is an electric tool, the main purpose of which is to work on screwing in or out of various screws, bolts and screws. You can only imagine how long it will take to screw in a few hundred screws by hand when assembling, for example, a conventional built-in cabinet for things or shelves for tools. With this device, all work will take a few minutes. In addition, this power tool has several other additional features:

    • Use as a cordless drill;
    • Replacement with special nozzles for conventional hex keys;
    • Backlight function for poor visibility.

    The electric screwdriver is also convenient in that it can drive screws to a given depth. Therefore, all screw heads will be located in the same plane, which will give the work a beautiful and finished look.

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