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Electric Drill Basics: Bits, Torque, and Safe Technique

A power drill is one of the most useful tools to own, but using it well takes a bit more than just pulling the trigger β€” here are the basics.

  1. Tell drill bits and driver bits apart

    Use a pointed drill bit for boring holes, and a Phillips or flathead driver bit for driving or removing screws β€” make sure the right one is seated securely in the chuck before starting.

  2. Understand the torque adjustment dial

    The numbered dial on the body of the drill limits how much rotational force is applied in stages β€” use a lower setting for driving screws so you don't strip them, and switch to the dedicated drill icon setting for boring holes.

  3. Choose the right bit for the material

    Use a wood bit for wood, a masonry bit with a carbide tip for concrete or brick, and a tile-specific bit for tile β€” matching the bit to the material gives a cleaner hole and reduces damage to the surface.

  4. Wear safety glasses and other protective gear

    Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust while drilling, and gloves are a good idea too when the job allows for them.

  5. Start slow, then build up speed

    Begin at low speed to get the bit precisely positioned and started, then gradually increase speed once it has bitten into the surface β€” this keeps the bit from skidding and helps you drill exactly where you intended.

  6. Clean and store bits after use

    Once you're done, remove the bit, wipe off dust, and store bits sorted by size β€” this makes the right bit easy to find next time and helps them last longer.

The torque dial is there to protect your screws, not slow you down

New drill users often skip the torque dial entirely and just use full power for everything, which strips screw heads and drives them too deep into soft materials. Dialing in a lower torque setting for screws β€” and switching to the drill-specific setting only for boring holes β€” prevents most of the common mistakes beginners make.

Slow starts prevent the most common drilling mistake

Starting a hole at full speed almost always causes the bit to skate across the surface before it catches, leaving a scratched or off-target mark. Starting slow, letting the bit dig in, and then speeding up is the single technique that makes the biggest difference in accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What torque setting should I use for driving screws into wood?

Start on a lower setting and test on a scrap piece first, increasing gradually until the screw drives in fully without stripping the head or spinning in place β€” the right setting varies by screw size and wood hardness, so a quick test avoids guesswork.

Why does my drill bit wander before it starts cutting a hole?

This usually happens when the drill is started at full speed on a smooth or angled surface before the bit has a chance to bite in. Starting at low speed, holding the bit steady until it creates a small starter indent, and then increasing speed solves it in most cases.