Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: let’s understand the features of the tool

Question: “Can a drill be used as a screwdriver?” can overtake you at the most inopportune moment. In fact, the answer depends entirely on your ingenuity and skills. Almost no one can prohibit to you use a drill like a screwdriver or vice versa: a screwdriver like a drill. Nevertheless, the ability to use a particular tool for other purposes depends largely on its technical features. For example, in some drill models, manufacturers have included this feature by default, so that the drill can help you out at the right time.

However, if you go up to a salesperson in a power tool store and ask him the same question, then most likely he will answer you that you cannot use a drill as a screwdriver and it is better for you to buy two different tools. Experience speaks to us, so we suggest reading the article to the end to understand whether your drill can be used as a screwdriver and what to look for when buying a drill that can work as a screwdriver.

Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: comparison of a drill and a screwdriver

Everyone knows that a drill is designed to make holes in various rocks:

• wood;
• metal;
• plastic;
• concrete.

In order for the drill to make holes, a corresponding drill is inserted into its spindle (chuck, head). For example, there is one drill for wood, another for metal, and a third for concrete. Drills come in different types:

• electrical;
• pneumatic;
• manual.

Also, the drill is often equipped with an impact mechanism, which makes drilling in concrete easier. And some models are even capable of working like a hammer drill.

However, if instead of a drill you insert some other special attachment into the drill, then it turns out that the drill can be used to perform various other jobs besides drilling. For example:

• mix the solution
• polish products,
• screw in the screws.

The functionality of the drill, in addition to its main purpose, depends entirely on yourth dexterity and skills. For example, a drill is not intended for mixing mortar or putty, since there is a special tool for this - a construction mixer. However, if you insert a whisk into its head for kneading, then it will cope with the task perfectly. Likewise, if you insert a bit into the head of the drill to tighten screws, then it will do this task perfectly.

Why do you need a screwdriver? Everyone knows that it is used for tightening screws, self-tapping screws, nuts, etc. Moreover, if into the head of a screwdriver:

• insert a drill, then you can drill something with it;
• insert a whisk to mix putty, paint or mortar, then it can stir;
• insert the sanding attachment, then you can sand anything with it.

Is the screwdriver designed for these non-core tasks? Of course it is not intended, since its purpose is to twist.But the drill is also not intended for non-core tasks, since its purpose is to drill. It turns out that it seems that it is possible to interchange instruments, but at the same time it is not possible. In fact, there is a line between “possible” and “impossible”.

Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: features of the tool

There is a blurred line between the choice of “you can” or “you can’t” use this or that tool for other purposes, but it will help solve this dilemma. It is important to understand the features of a particular tool and the work to be done. What you need to know about a drill and a screwdriver, given that, in principle, these tools are similar to each other:

1. Drill is a high-speed and high-revving tool. This is necessary in order to drill easier and faster. When you press the start button of the drill, it immediately picks up high speed. A drill is usually a fairly powerful tool that can withstand long-term use. Low-power drills burn out very quickly.
2. Screwdriver – This is a low-speed and low-speed tool. It does not need revolutions, because it is not necessary to tighten self-tapping screws. When you press the start button, the screwdriver starts working smoothly. The speed at which the screwdriver starts depends on how hard you press the buttons: the weaker you press, the slower it starts to spin. Usually this is a low-power tool, but its power is enough for full-fledged work with a screwdriver.

As you can see from the description above, these are different tools. Therefore, before using them for other purposes, you need to take into account their features. For example:

1. Can a drill be used as a screwdriver? It's certainly possible. You just need to take into account the specifics of the drill.Therefore, if the drill has a speed controller, then it needs to be set to minimum. Even then, the drill will be too fast to tighten. However, if you press the start button smoothly and thereby control the speed of the drill, then it will easily tighten everything you need. At the same time, you need to take into account that if you screw a self-tapping screw or a screw into something hard, then very often the drill “licks” the bit and the heads of the screws, bends the screws and even breaks them. You also need to pay attention at the moment when you tighten the screw to the end. The drill is powerful, so if you miss this moment, then it can easily rip off the screw head at the very end. A drill is usually heavier than a screwdriver, so when you need to “twist” a lot, and even somewhere “under the ceiling,” your hand gets tired very quickly and the “twisting sensitivity” is lost.
2. Can a screwdriver be used as a drill? In principle, it is possible, but due to the low speed of the screwdriver, you will be drilling for a very long time. If you drill into soft wood, then no problem. If you need to drill metal or concrete, then there will be problems with drillings. But again, if you need to drill one hole in metal and only have a screwdriver at hand, then it will do the job, albeit slowly. The main thing to remember is that a screwdriver is not intended for long-term work - it needs rest. You can press a button on the drill and it will work continuously for several minutes while drilling a hole, but in this case the screwdriver will quickly overheat. It works in short cycles.

Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: choose a drill

When you already have a drill, then you simply insert the bit and start turning the screws, adapting to the features of your drill - there’s nothing you can do about it.It’s another matter if you are just planning to buy yourself a drill, but also want to use it as a screwdriver. For this case we have several recommendations:

1. Drill power. If you plan to drill a lot of holes and twist a lot of screws, then you need to take two separate tools, because if you take too littlescha new drill - it will quickly “burn out”, and you need a powerful drill. If you take a powerful drill, it will be large, which means that it will be very difficult for you to monitor the “tightening sensitivity” of the screws. After a couple of screws, your hand will simply get tired. If you are choosing a drill for home use, then you need to choose the lightest possible drill, but powerful enough. Usually these are medium-power drills, but it all depends on the manufacturer.
2. Speed ​​controller. If the drill will only be used as a drill, then there is no particular point in such a regulator, since you will almost always be drilling at maximum speed. But if you plan to use the drill also as a screwdriver, then you need a regulator, since it is easiest to turn self-tapping screws and screws at the minimum speed of the drill.
3. Presence of a ratchet. For a “clean” drill, a ratchet is not needed, but for using a drill as a screwdriver, this is a mandatory addition. The ratchet will help to “calm down” the power of the drill and will prevent you from twisting and “breaking” the screws. If you really like the drill, but it doesn’t have a ratchet, it doesn’t matter. In this case, you can buy a drill attachment with a ratchet. You will use the attachment only when you work with a drill, like a screwdriver.

Conclusion 

Can a drill be used as a screwdriver? Of course it is possible, if you take into account the features of the drill.It is important to remember that it is best to use the tool for its intended purpose. Therefore, you urgently need a screwdriver to tighten several screws, and you only have a drill at hand - use it. But if you need to constantly twist a lot of screws, then it is better to purchase a screwdriver separately.

You should absolutely not use a drill as a screwdriver when you need to twist screws in delicate places, for example:

• assemble furniture;
• screw on expensive equipment, mirrors, paintings;
• twist the polycarbonate.

With all your skille When working with a drill as a screwdriver, there is a high risk that you will not hold the tool at the most critical moment and damage the material or products. For such purposes it is better to use a screwdriver.