A cordless drill is a great tool when you're working far from a power outlet or on a tall
ladder. It is powered by a rechargeable battery in the drill handle. Some models have fixed
batteries that are recharged by plugging the drill into a transformer. Increasingly common
and far more handy are models that come with two removeable batteries. This way, one battery
can always be in the charger so you are never without power.
There are other handy features available in cordless drills. Many are reversible and have
variable speed, which makes them ideal for driving and removing screws. (These are often
sold as "drill/drivers" or "driver/drills", but are essentially cordless drills with an
extra function.) Several also have a clutch you can set so that the bit will stop before
it strips the head of a screw.
Using a Cordless Drill
Before you can use a drill, you must select a bit and fasten it inside the chuck - the
receptacle that holds the bit. In some models, you have to do this manually with device
called a chuck key, which you turn in the side of the chuck to lock the bit in place.
However, most cordless drills have a keyless chuck. After you insert the bit, grasp the
chuck firmly with one hand and run the drill to fasten the bit. The keyless chuck is a
handy feature, because it lets you pre-drill a screw hole and then replace the drill bit
with a screwdriver bit (if you have a drill/driver) in a matter of seconds.
Regardless of the bit you're using, make sure it is properly centered and tightened before
you begin work. A loose or poorly aligned bit is inaccurate and unsafe. If you are drilling
a deep hole, pull the bit out a few times to clear the waste wood off the bit. Keep the
drill's air ports clear to protect the motor from overheating.
Purchasing
Besides the features mentioned above, the main thing to consider when buying a cordless
drill is power. A 12-volt drill will handle most tasks, but you'll still need a standard
electric drill for heavy tasks such as using a large-diameter spade bit. Contractors
often buy 18-volt cordless-drill models for really heavy-duty work, but that's more
power than a do-it-yourselfer is likely to need.
Substitutes
An alternative to the cordless drill is a standard electric drill.
Caution
- Make sure the work is firmly supported and clamped down.
- Wear goggles or safety glasses when using a drill.
back to main
Brought to you by Book of Skills and Tools and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual
|
|
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThis
Should Everyone Read This? Yes! I vote for this story
Advertisement 
Your Comments
See all
...