While a power drill is a valuable tool for fast work, its very power can also result in poorly bored holes, snapped or dulled bits, and even severe user injury. But used properly, a power drill can aid you with your tasks, taking you to completion in far less time than you can imagine.
Corded Drills vs Cordless Drills
Power drills come in either corded or cordless versions. Corded power drills offer reliability and strength at the expense of being tied to an electric cord at all times. Cordless drills, powered by onboard, rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, help free the user from the power cord. However, battery packs are expensive and are prone to failure. Choose a power drill based on your needs and your abilities. If you need a power drill only for light work, such as hanging the occasional shelf or mounting a bathroom mirror, an inexpensive, lightweight 8- to 10-volt cordless drill should be sufficient. For mid-range power drill work, such as hanging sheets of drywall as a do-it-yourselfer, an 18-volt cordless model will do the job. Heavy work with hole saws and auger bits, or for any type of constant all-day use, purchase a 20-volt cordless drill or a corded power drill.
Safety Considerations
Power drills can be dangerous if used improperly. Always wear eye protection when using a power drill in any capacity, whether drilling holes or driving bits. Use hearing protection, as well. While drills do not reach the 100+ decibels sound emitted by noisier tools such as circular saws, their average of 65 decibels can harm a user’s hearing over time. Power drills, too, potentially can strain or break your wrist or hand when they rotate out of control. This happens when the torque force of the drill exceeds the opposite force that you are manually applying. Drills with an additional handle for bracing the tool are especially helpful. If the drill has no auxiliary handle, hold the bottom of the drill’s pistol handle with your free hand to counteract the rotation.
How to Use a Power Drill
For drill bits, the numbers on the storage box will indicate the diameter of the drill bit. Drill bit sets usually range from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch bit sizes. Larger and smaller bits are available separately. Flat, shield-shaped spade bits are used for augering large holes up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Some drills have a key-chuck system. A T-shaped tool, included with the drill, is inserted into a hole in the side of the chuck, with the tool’s teeth meshing with the teeth of the chuck. Turning counter-clockwise opens the chuck, and turning it clockwise tightens it. When drilling metal it is advisable to use an awl or punch and a hammer to tap in a small depression for the drill bit to start in. Complete the action. For drilling, the drill bit will continue through the work material. To remove the bit, pull outward while the drill is not rotating. If the drill bit is stuck, turn the drill to its reverse mode and slowly rotate the drill bit while pulling out.
