Drills are also the standard tool for driving screws.

How to Buy a Drill

Power drills come in eithercordedorcordlessversions.

Cordless drills, powered by onboard, rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, free the user from the power cord.

Drilling pilot holes

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

However, battery packs are expensive and are prone to failure.

Choose a power drill based on your needs and your abilities.

Larger and smaller bits are available separately.

Parts of a power drill diagram

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Flat, shield-shaped spade bits are used for augering large holes up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

Choose thetype of drill bitthat corresponds to the material you are drilling.

For example, glass drill bits are ideal for non-tempered and ceramic glass.

Selecting the right drill bit or driver

The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen

Safety Considerations

Wear eye and hearing protection when using a drill in any capacity.

The shank is the screw’s inner core or its shaft.

Drills differ but usually setting 1 indicates low speed and high torque, which is best for driving screws.

Front view of drill driver

The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen

Setting 2 represents high speed and low torque, best for drilling holes.

Chuck in the Driver or Drill Bit

Most power drills have a keyless chuck function.

Then, you tighten by turning the collar in the opposite direction.

Chucking in the drill bit

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The rotation of the drill will keep the driver or bit securely in place.

Chuck in a drill bit slightly less than the diameter of the screw that you will be driving.

Drill the hole, then follow by driving the screw.

Drilling a pilot hole in wood

The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen

If you are driving a screw, place the driver bit in the head of the screw.

Begin drilling or driving slowly.

In most instances, though, you should gently press the drill toward the work material.

masonry drill bit

Helmut Feil / Getty Images

Remove the Drill Bit or Driver

Drill bits: Pull outward while the drill is rotating.

Pull straight out to avoid widening the hole.

Drill drivers: First stop driving, then remove the driver from the fastener.

Starting to drill a screw into wood

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Insert the drill bit into the chuck.

By hand, twist the chuck around the bit tightly to keep it in place.

Be sure that the drill bit is centered and not angled inside the chuck.

Finishing driving the screw into the wood

The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen

An 18V or 20V cordless rechargeable lithium-ion battery drill is good for beginners.

It is also a good drill for intermediate and advanced users.

Without a doubt, it is worthwhile to own a drill.

Drill Pilot Hole

Bill Sykes / Getty Images

Do-it-yourselfers constantly find a need for a drill.