Seven Common Mistakes with a Cordless Drill (and How to Avoid Them)

A cordless drill is often the first power tool people buy, and it is easy to see why. It drills, it drives screws and it makes many jobs quicker. But because it feels so simple, a few habits creep in that lead to ruined screws, splintered wood and wonky holes. Most of these problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are seven common mistakes, with calm, practical ways to avoid them.

1. Using the wrong bit for the material

Different materials need different bits. Twist bits for metal and wood look similar, but brad-point bits give cleaner starts in timber, and masonry bits have a tougher tip for brick and concrete. Using a wood bit on masonry only blunts it. Check the markings on the bit and keep your bits sorted so that you can pick the right one quickly.

2. Skipping the pilot hole

A screw driven straight into hardwood or close to the end of a board can split the timber. A pilot hole, slightly narrower than the screw's core, gives the thread something to grip without forcing the wood apart. For visible work, a countersink bit lets the screw head sit neatly flush. A short test in an offcut will tell you whether your pilot hole is the right size.

3. Leaving the clutch on the wrong setting

The numbered ring behind the chuck is the clutch, and it stops the drill turning once the resistance reaches a set level. Beginners often set it to the highest number or to the drill symbol while driving screws, which can strip the head or sink the screw too far. Start at a low number and raise it until the screw is driven neatly. Use the drill setting only when you are actually drilling.

4. Using hammer action on the wrong material

Hammer mode makes the bit pulse as it spins, which helps it chew through brick and concrete. On wood, metal or tile it can cause damage. Switch it off unless the job really needs it, and read your drill's manual for how to change modes.

5. Pressing too hard

It is tempting to lean on the drill when it feels slow, but too much force overheats the bit, wears the battery faster and leads to a wandering hole. Let the speed and the sharpness of the bit do the work. Withdraw the bit now and then to clear dust and swarf, especially in deep holes. If it is still slow, the bit is probably blunt.

6. Not holding the work steady

A board that spins or slides as you drill is a hazard. Clamp it to the bench or hold it in a vice wherever possible. When you drill through the other side, put a scrap piece of wood underneath so that the bit leaves a clean exit instead of tearing out the fibres. Hold the drill with both hands where the design allows, and keep loose clothing, long hair and jewellery out of the way.

7. Drilling blind into walls

Before drilling into a wall, ceiling or floor, check for pipes and cables. A detector designed for the purpose is a sensible investment, but it is not infallible, so be cautious near switches, sockets and along the lines between them. If you are not sure, ask a qualified electrician or plumber. If you want to see a drill in a typical job, our guide to hanging a shelf securely walks through choosing fixings for plasterboard and masonry.

A short pre-drilling checklist

1. Choose the right bit for the material.
2. Mark the spot and make a small dimple with a punch or nail to stop the bit wandering.
3. Set the speed low to start, and the clutch to a suitable level.
4. Secure the work, and wear eye protection.
5. Keep the drill straight, and let it do the work.

Look after the drill

Keep batteries at room temperature rather than leaving them in a hot car or a freezing shed, and follow the maker's charging advice. Wipe the chuck clean and store bits in a case, so that they stay sharp and ready. If you are planning a first woodworking project, our advice on choosing wood for your first project pairs well with these drilling tips.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a more powerful drill? Not usually. Technique and the right bit matter more than raw power for most household jobs.

Why does my screw keep slipping out of the head? The driver bit may be the wrong size or worn, or you may not be pressing in line with the screw. Replace worn bits and match the bit to the screw head.

Can I use a drill as a screwdriver? Yes, with the clutch set sensibly and the right driver bit, a drill is a great time-saver.