If you are planning to buy a cordless drill, you likely have an idea of how it can be used. Of course, as the name implies, these are tools designed for drilling holes. However, they can do much more than just drill holes.
Today, we will discuss what a cordless drill is and its use. So, what do you use a cordless drill for? As you will see, there are several things you can do with a cordless drill besides just drilling.
What is a Cordless Drill?
A cordless drill is a relatively small handheld tool that features a small motor lined up parallel with the chuck. The chuck holds various bits that can be used to drill holes or screw bits to drive fasteners. However, the chuck can also hold other bits for different purposes.
As you know, we are talking about cordless drills that use battery packs instead of corded drills with power cords that need to be plugged into AC power.
Battery packs make these drills convenient and portable. You don’t have to deal with pesky extension cords. That said, you have to deal with limited battery life. However, cordless drills usually have less power than corded drills.
What do You Use a Cordless Drill for?
Although drilling and driving holes are parts of the equation, there is much more. So let’s discuss what your cordless drill can do.
1. Drilling Regular Holes
As this is one of the main functions of a drill, we really can’t ignore it. A cordless drill is designed to drill small holes. These could be small countersink holes or for drilling pilot holes. Pilot holes are needed before inserting fasteners, as they allow for better fastener insertion.
2. Making Large Holes
If you upgrade your drill bit set and get a standard hole or a keyhole saw, a drill can also be used to make large holes. For example, you can use a drill with a hole saw bit to create holes for plumbing pipes and recessed lighting in the ceilings.
3. Driving Fasteners
Another use of a cordless drill is to drive various fasteners into materials. Drills come with multiple bits to easily drive bolts and screws into materials. This could include wood, plastic, metal, etc.
4. Mixing Various Substances
You can get specialty mixing bits for your cordless drill. These are relatively large bits that are designed to stir liquids. There are unique eggbeater-style mixers that can be used to mix grout, thin-set, concrete, and mortar. Other styles can be used to mix paint.
5. Sanding Curves Surfaces
If you get a sanding drum bit for your drill, you can also use it for sanding curved pieces of wood. With the right bit, you can sand both interior and exterior curves. Achieving a smooth surface on irregular shapes is easily done in this manner.
6. Removing Rust and Grinding Metal
A special little metal brush bit can be used to remove corrosion and rust from various pieces of metal if it’s hard enough. For example, this can be useful for removing rust from steel tools and iron pieces.
You can also get an angle grinder attachment that fits your cordless drill’s chuck. This can be used for anything a regular angle grinder can be used for. Of course, grinding and cutting metal come to mind.
7. Creating Hidden Joints
If you get a pocket screw jig to use with your cordless drill, you can build various frames and furniture that feature hidden and angled joints. This is one of the most useful things you can use a drill for.
8. Twisting Wires
Another thing you can do is twist wires together. For example, you can place individual wires into your drill’s chuck and then bundle them. You can then turn the drill on while holding the other ends of the wires, and twist them together.
What Materials Can a Cordless Drill Work With?
We’ve discussed the main things you can do with a cordless drill. However, it is also essential to know the materials a cordless drill can work with. Generally speaking, cordless drills are best used with wood.
Cordless drills have enough power to work with pressure-treated lumber and hardwood. Moreover, they are ideal for working with softer materials, such as drywall.
Some cordless drills may be able to handle denser and harder materials such as masonry or metal. However, a cordless drill usually won’t have enough power to efficiently work with extremely hard materials such as metal or masonry.
If you are working with very dense and hard materials, you may want to use a corded drill with more power. If you need maximum power, an impact driver is required. These are like drills on steroids because they can produce far more torque.
Cordless Drill Uses
You should now know what a cordless drill is and what it is used for. As you can see, although drilling and screwing are the two main functions, there are many other things these tools can do.
