DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless
A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
How to Use a Cordless Drill (Drilling and Driving)
A cordless drill is simple once you know the chuck, clutch and modes. This guide walks through drilling clean holes and driving screws properly, plus the basics of bits and settings.
The basics
A drill has a chuck that grips the bit, a clutch (the numbered collar) that sets how much force it applies before slipping, a mode selector (drill, screwdrive and, on combis, hammer), and a speed/direction trigger. Learn those four controls and you can handle nearly any drilling or driving job confidently and without damaging the work or the screw.
Fitting a bit
Open the keyless chuck by holding the collar and running the drill in reverse, or twist it by hand, then insert the bit and tighten firmly. Make sure the bit is straight and seated fully so it does not wobble or slip. Use the right bit for the job: twist bits for wood and metal, masonry bits for brick, and the correct screwdriver bit that fully fits the screw head.
Drilling holes
Set the mode to drill (and hammer if going into masonry), choose a suitable speed (slower for metal and large holes, faster for small holes in wood), and let the bit do the work with steady, moderate pressure. Start slow to stop the bit wandering, keep the drill straight, and ease off as you break through to avoid splintering or snatching.
Driving screws
Switch to screwdrive mode and set the clutch to a moderate number, then increase it if screws are not seating fully. The clutch slips once it reaches the set force, which stops you over-driving and stripping the screw or splitting the wood. Use a low speed for control, keep the bit pressed firmly into the screw head, and let the clutch do the limiting.
Speed, torque and safety
Use low speed and high torque for driving and big holes, high speed and low torque for small holes. Wear eye protection, secure the workpiece, keep cables and fingers clear, and remove the battery when changing bits if you want to be safe. Let the tool cool if it gets hot on heavy work, and keep batteries charged but not constantly drained flat.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Driving screws in drill mode with no clutch, stripping heads.
- Using the wrong bit for the material.
- Pushing too hard instead of letting the bit cut.
- Running too fast in metal or for large holes.
- Not seating the bit fully in the chuck, causing slip and wobble.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you use a cordless drill?
Fit the right bit in the chuck, choose the mode (drill, hammer or screwdrive), set the clutch for driving, and use a suitable speed. Let the bit do the work with steady pressure, and let the clutch limit force when driving screws.
What is the clutch on a drill for?
The numbered collar sets how much force the drill applies before it slips, which stops you over-driving screws and stripping heads or splitting wood. Use a moderate setting for driving and increase it if screws are not seating fully.
What speed should I use on a cordless drill?
Use low speed with high torque for driving screws and large holes, and high speed with low torque for small holes, especially in wood. Slower speeds give more control in metal and when starting a hole.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..