Cordless drill/driver: how to hold it safely

Learn to hold and control a cordless drill/driver safely before using it on any project.

CD-01Learn the parts before you switch it onFind the trigger (the button you squeeze to make it spin), the forward/reverse switch (usually above the trigger, flips the direction the bit turns), and the torque collar (a numbered ring near the chuck that controls how much force it uses before slipping). The chuck is the part at the front that grips the drill bit or screwdriver bit. Get familiar with where each one is before you pick up any bit.

CD-02Hold it with two hands, alwaysGrip the handle firmly with your dominant hand, finger resting near the trigger rather than jammed on it. Put your other hand either on the body of the drill near the chuck, or cupped underneath, to steady it and stop it twisting when it meets resistance. Beginners often use one hand and let the drill wrench sideways the moment the bit bites into the material.

CD-03Stand square and keep your body out of the lineFace your work directly, feet shoulder-width apart, so you're pushing straight into it rather than at an angle. Keep the arm and hand that isn't holding the drill away from where the bit will come through the other side. This matters most when the bit is about to break through and can suddenly lurch forward.

CD-04Set the torque collar low to startTurn the torque collar to a low number for driving screws into soft wood, and higher for harder material or drilling. On the lowest settings, the chuck will stop turning and click if it meets too much resistance, instead of driving on and stripping the screw head or splitting the wood. If you're just drilling a hole rather than driving a screw, switch the collar to the drill symbol (usually a picture of a drill bit) for full power.

CD-05Practice trigger control on scrap woodClamp or hold down a spare offcut of wood. Squeeze the trigger gently rather than pulling it fully; most drills speed up the harder you press. Start a screw or drill a hole slowly, then ease off as it nears finishing, rather than going full speed the whole way. Full-trigger from the start is the classic beginner habit, and it's what causes screws to snap or bits to skid off the mark.

5 each · Wood screws (assorted, for practice)

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CD-06Change bits with the drill switched offTwist the chuck to open the jaws, insert the bit fully and straight, then twist the other way to tighten. Never hold the trigger while your fingers are anywhere near the chuck, even briefly. If your drill has a lock button or the trigger needs pressing to open the chuck, take the battery out first if you're at all unsure of how it works.

CD-07Check you've got it rightYou're holding it correctly if: your screw or hole goes in straight without the drill twisting in your hands, you can stop the trigger instantly without the bit still spinning on afterwards, and your free hand never crosses in front of the bit. If the drill jumps, skids, or you feel it wanting to spin your wrist, you're gripping with one hand or pressing the trigger too hard, too fast. Slow down and try again with both hands and a gentler squeeze.

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