Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: we understand the features of the tool – Setafi

The question "Can I use a drill like a screwdriver?" may strike you at the most inopportune moment. In fact, the answer to it depends entirely on your ingenuity and skills. Virtually no one can stop 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 largely depends on its technical features. For example, in some models of drills, manufacturers have provided this feature by default so that the drill can help you out at the right time.

However, if you approach a salesperson at a power tool store and ask him the same question, then most likely he will answer you that you can’t use a drill like a screwdriver and it’s better for you to buy two different tool. Experience speaks for us, so we suggest that you read the article to the end to understand whether it is possible to use your drill as a screwdriver and what to look for when buying a drill that can work screwdriver.

Is it possible to use a drill as a screwdriver: a 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, an appropriate drill is inserted into its spindle (chuck, head). For example, 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 facilitates drilling in concrete. And some models are even capable of working like a puncher.

However, if instead of a drill, some other special nozzle is inserted into the drill, it turns out that the drill can perform various other jobs besides drilling. For example:

• mix the solution
• polish products,
• screw in 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, as there is a special tool for this - a construction mixer. However, if you insert a whisk for mixing into her head, then she will perfectly cope with the task. In the same way, if you insert a bit into the head of the drill for tightening screws, then it will perfectly cope with this task.

What is a screwdriver for? Everyone knows that it is used to tighten screws, self-tapping screws, nuts, etc. In this case, if in the screwdriver head:

• insert a drill, then they can drill something;
• insert a whisk for mixing putty, paint or mortar, then it can stir;
• insert the sanding attachment, then they can grind something.

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 the tool, but at the same time it is impossible. In fact, there is a line between "can" and "impossible."

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

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

1. Drill is a high speed and high speed tool. This is necessary in order to make drilling easier and faster. When you press the start button of the drill, it immediately picks up high speed. A drill is usually a powerful enough tool that can withstand long-term work. Low-power drills “burn” very quickly.
2. screwdriver It is a low speed and low speed tool. He does not need speed, because this is not necessary for tightening self-tapping screws and screws. When the start button is pressed, the screwdriver starts working smoothly. The start speed of the screwdriver depends on the force of pressing 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? Certainly you can. You just need to take into account the specifics of the drill. Therefore, if the drill has a speed controller, then it must be set to a minimum. Even so, the drill will be too revving to twist. However, if you press the start button smoothly and control the speed of the drill, then it will easily spin everything you need. It should be borne in mind that if you twist a self-tapping screw or screw into something solid, then very often the drill “licks off” the bit and the heads of the screws, bends the self-tapping screws and even breaks them. You also need to pay attention at the moment when you screwed 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 “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 drill for a very long time. If you drill through soft wood, then no problem. If you need to drill metal or concrete, then there will be problems with drillings. But then again, if you need to drill one hole in the metal, and only a screwdriver is at hand, then he will cope, albeit slowly. The main thing to remember is that a screwdriver is not designed for long-term work - it needs rest. The drill can be pressed on the button and it will continuously work for several minutes drilling a hole, and the screwdriver in this case 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 just insert a bit and start twisting the screws, adjusting to the features of your drill - there's nothing you can fix. Another thing is if you only plan to buy yourself a drill, but also want to use it as a screwdriver. For this case, we have a few recommendations:

1. Drill power. If you plan to drill a lot of holes and turn a lot of screws, then you need to take two separate tools, because if you take a 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 three self-tapping screws, your hand will simply get tired. If you choose a drill for home use, then you need to choose the lightest drill possible, 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 not much point in such a regulator, since you will almost always drill 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. The presence of a "crack". 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 "settle" the power of the drill and will not allow you to twist and "tear" the screws. If you really liked the drill, but it doesn’t have a ratchet, it doesn’t matter. In this case, you can buy a nozzle for a ratchet drill. You will use the nozzle only when you work with a drill, like a screwdriver.

Conclusion

Can a drill be used as a screwdriver? Of course you can, given 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 a few screws, and only a drill is at hand - use it. But if you need to constantly turn a lot of self-tapping screws, then it is better to purchase a screwdriver separately.

You should definitely not use a drill like a screwdriver when you need to turn self-tapping screws in delicate places, for example:

• collect furniture;
• fasten expensive equipment, mirrors, paintings;
• twist polycarbonate.

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