Drill Driver Tips for Beginner DIY Enthusiasts
There is nothing that beats the feeling of completing your very first DIY project unless you do it the wrong way and end up with a disaster!
15/11/2022
Do it yourself has become next level for many South Africans, male and female, and it is thanks to the Web and social media that everyone is discovering that DIY can be fun and satisfying, as well as be a way to make stuff such as furniture and accessories, do custom things around the home, fix things, and even get involved in small home improvement projects. I can personally attest to the fact that DIY lets you decorate your home with affordable pieces of furniture that you can make yourself and save a heck of a lot of money in the process. Having been involved with DIY for almost 50 years and having established and managed DIY Divas for 16 years, there is no better feeling than a job well done - one that you have done yourself.
With so many people getting started in DIY, and the main reason behind why I established DIY Divas in the first place, is the fact that everyone has to start somewhere and, unfortunately, if there is no one around to show them how it is done you can end up making silly mistakes that can easily be prevented. Below are a few tips you can put to good use when using a drill-driver or even an impact driver or impact drill. Keep in mind that these tips are for beginner DIY enthusiasts, although I am sure that many others will learn a few valuable tips as well!
Knowledge is the key
No matter what the project involves, knowing and understanding what you need to do and the tools you need to know is probably the most important element before you start any task or project. A carefully put together plan in the form of a rough sketch or diagram that outlines everything that will be required to successfully complete the project will make sure you have everything you need and that you know what you are doing.
Know your tools
If you are new to using power tools and have purchased a drill-driver or impact driver or drill, read through the instruction manual. If this does not provide enough information or is missing key elements, go online to find out more. Knowing what your tool can do and what is cannot do is important and knowing how to use the tool properly is equally important. For example: when you need to set the speed on your drill or driver what does this mean and why is it important?
DIY projects are
not about speed but about patience.
Like the
hare and the tortoise - slow and steady wins the
race!
- Set the speed / torque
Speed refers to torque (turning power) and this is determined by what material you will be drilling or driving screws into. Think about this logically, there is softwood and hardwood, aluminium, and steel, acrylic and plastics, and so on. These materials all have a different density, some are hard, and some are soft which means some will require more torque (turning power) to drive in a screw or drill a hole. Then you need to think about the fastener, some of which are short screws and some longer and larger in diameter. The torque (turning power) required to drive a long and wide diameter screw into hard material will be much higher than a short screw into softwood, plastic or other. - Use the correct accessories
There are all different types of drill bits and screw bits because there are all different types of materials and screws. Take the time to consider what drill bit you need to use for the material you will be drilling into, or what size screw you will use to determine the correct screw bit. Getting this wrong could result in a hole that it too big or a stripped screw head, so save yourself the aggravation and get it right from the start. - Be confident and comfortable
Confidence will come with experience, but you are not going to be drilling very straight holes is you are shaking like a leaf and driving screws in will be difficult if you keep sliding off the top of the screw head. Be bold and confident whatever you do and just know that no one is expecting your first project to be perfect. Comfort goes hand in hand with confidence and your dress should be casual and not get in the way. If you are drilling in a difficult or awkward situation, say on top of a ladder, position yourself to make it easier and far less strain.
When you drill a hole too big there is no easy fix
other than to drill another hole - so get it right the first time!
Always hold your drill or driver steady and straight
and control with your hand.
With the screw bit firmly bedded in the top of the screw you will avoid stripping the thread.
instructables.com
2. Master the techniques
The work piece should always be close to your body so that you can apply pressure to hold the screw bit in place.
- Avoid stripping screws
If you are consistently stripping screw heads or your drill driver keeps slipping off the top of the screw - your technique is wrong. Always ensure that the screw bit is firmly bedded in the slots of the screw head and that you are using the correct size of screw bit. Also, make sure that the work piece is close enough to your body to hold the drill driver firmly and be able to apply sufficient pressure without too much strain. If the work piece is too far away you will not be able to keep the screw bit in the top of the screw.
-
Don't overreach
Whatever the project you are working on, it should always be within comfortable reach. When drilling into walls or tiles, if you need to stretch your arms or stand on tippy toes you need a stepladder. Overreaching will cause fatigue and strain and also make it difficult to drill straight and accurate. It might be a mission to drag out the step stool or stepladder, but at the end of the day it will save you from make mistakes or hurting yourself.
For more DIY tips and tricks as well as projects, advice, and assistance, visit our DIY Section wwhere you will find valuable information on home repairs home maintenance and home improvement.
Want more advice, watch the video below for drilling tips you will want to know...