Disclaimer: This is not expert advice!
Okay, got that out-of-the-way. If you are lucky enough to have an electric drill with a manual give it a quick read, most manuals are available on the internet.
I was talking to a “co-worker” i.e. another stay at home mom (SAHM) tired of waiting for her husband to get going on a project. She figured if the project was going to get done she’d have to do it herself. One thing was standing between her and her project, there was a “twisty thing” in the drill instead of a screwy thing! Through that conversation our “Featured Tool” section was born.
Drills.
Basic features common to most drills. This is a Ridgid 24 Volt Lithium-Ion Hammer Drill without the auxiliary handle.
Keyless Chuck: The chuck is what holds the accessory or bit, keyless means you don’t need a key to tighten or remove the accessory. Scroll down for a picture of a keyed chuck.
Switch Trigger: This turns the drill on. Many drills have a variable speed trigger like this one, if you pull the trigger a little you get a little speed, if you pull the trigger a lot you get a lot of speed.
Rotation Selector: Righty tighty, lefty loosey. If you ever find you can’t get a screw to go in you might check here first, not that I’ve ever made that mistake…… Most drills have a center position that acts as a lock to prevent accidentally starting the drill.
Drill with Keyed Chuck
Common Drill Accessories.
Drill Bit: Also known as “the twisty thingy,” used to drill holes but you knew that, right?
Magnetic Drive Guide: Fits in the chuck, it has a magnet that holds a bit and screw in the place. It also has a guide that slides over the bit and screw to help hold the screw in place while screwing.
Magnetic Bit Tip Holder: This accessory is similar to the Magnetic Drive Guide minus the guide.
Bit: Fits in a bit holder or drive guide and drives a screw.
Advanced Drill Features
Mode Ring: Selects Hammer Mode, Drill Mode or Drive Mode. Consult your operator’s manual for more on these options.
Two-Speed Gear Train: 1 for Lo and 2 for Hi. If you are working with drywall installing curtain rods or a tubular skylight and having problems switch to 1, if you are using a drill pump (my personal favorite drill accessory) make sure it’s on 2.
Torque Ring: For us novices we can think of this setting as “power.” Use 1 for Styrofoam, 24 for diamond and something in between for everything else. I learned about this setting the hard way, that’s all I have to say about that.
Now put on some eye protection, put the kids down for a nap and cross off a project from your Honey-Do list.
