How to Operate a Power Drill

Power drills are used for many different tasks, from hanging pictures in your home to heavy-duty construction projects like structural framing. The level of power classifies power drills: a drill may be used for light work, medium work or heavy-duty work. A good all-around drill will have several speeds and allow you to use an array of drill bits. Like any power tool, when operating a power drill, safety should always come first.

Operating a Power Drill:

1. Prepare to use the drill safely. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothes, bracelets or dangling jewelry when operating power tools. Wear safety glasses, and read the manufacturer's manual before using the drill for the first time.

2. Select the proper drill bit for the job. Use the drill bit designed to drill the material with which you are working. Use a wood bit to drill wood, a metal bit to drill metal and a masonry bit to drill masonry.

3. Consider the size of the drill bit for the job. Choose the drill bit that will make the appropriate size hole for the project.

4. Set the drill to forward. Place the drill bit into the chuck of the drill and tighten. For a keyless chuck, hold the drill bit between your first and second finger and place your thumb and last two fingers on the chuck of the drill. Gently press the trigger of the drill. The chuck will close around the drill bit. For a chuck-and-key drill, insert the drill bit into the chuck and manually spin the chuck closed around the bit by turning the chuck counterclockwise until tightened. Insert the key into the chuck and turn the key clockwise until tightened.

5. Note on the drill the placement of the trigger and the switch for forward and reverse. Your drill may also have a torque setting that allows you to set the depth you wish to drill. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for settings on this feature.

6. Hold the drill so that your index finger rests on the trigger. Steady the drill with your other hand, keeping it well clear of the chuck and drill bit.

7. Place the tip of the drill bit where you wish to begin drilling. Keep your body in a stable position. Gently squeeze the trigger. The drill bit begins drilling immediately, so do not pull the trigger all the way back too abruptly. This may result in the bit slipping from the surface.

8. Allow the power drill to do the work. Maintain your stance and keep the drill steady as the bit drills into the surface.

9. Ease up on the trigger as you near the end of the distance you wish to drill, but do not stop the drill completely. Back the drill out with your finger still on the trigger once you've drilled through the material. The bit is easier to pull through the hole if it is in motion. Release the trigger.