A Beginner’s Guide to Using a Power Drill

By Sean, DIY enthusiast & master of sarcasm.

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If you're starting your DIY journey, there's one tool that will quickly become your best friend: the power drill. From hanging shelves and assembling furniture to building garden beds and drilling into concrete, a power drill is one of the most versatile tools in your toolbox.

But if you’ve never used one before, it can feel a little intimidating. What’s the difference between a drill and a driver? Which drill bits do you need? And how do you even hold it the right way?

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently use a power drill. Whether you just picked up your first cordless drill or are thinking about buying one, this article will help you drill like a pro in no time. Let’s get to it!

Why Every DIYer Needs a Power Drill

A power drill isn’t just for hardcore handymen or contractors—it’s one of the most important tools any homeowner or DIYer can own. It saves time, reduces physical effort, and opens up a world of project possibilities.

Need to hang curtain rods? A power drill makes it easy. Building a raised garden bed? You'll drill holes faster and more accurately. Even basic tasks like tightening screws become easier with a drill and a driver bit.

Plus, modern cordless drills are compact, lightweight, and user-friendly. I absolutely love my DEWALT power drill (which I got in a bundle with a DEWALT impact driver) for those very reasons. And, with the right technique, even first-time users can handle a drill (or impact driver!) safely and effectively. That’s why learning how to use a power drill is one of the best skills to master early in your DIY journey.

Types of Power Drills Explained

Before you pull the trigger—literally—it helps to understand the different types of drills available. Not all drills are created equal, and choosing the right one will make your project easier.

1. Corded vs. Cordless

Cordless drills are portable and powered by rechargeable batteries (usually 12V or 20V). These are great for most home projects.
A corded power drill plugs into an outlet. They typically offer more consistent power. The downside, though, is you’re much less mobile with a cord dragging around behind you. The best decision I ever made in my shop was to go cordless wherever possible. It’s made a huge difference in my workflow!

2. Drill/Driver Combo

This is the most common drill for beginners. It can drill holes and drive screws, making it perfect for furniture assembly, wall anchors, and small construction tasks.

3. Hammer Drill

Hammer drills are used for drilling into hard surfaces like brick, concrete, or masonry. Most beginners won’t need this right away, but it’s good to know it exists.

Again, if you’re buying your first drill, I can’t recommend the DEWALT cordless 20V drill/power drill set I have. It’s a solid all-around option and it’s budget-friendly, too!

Understanding Power Drill Bits and Attachments

Your drill is only as good as the bit you use. Drill bits come in many shapes and sizes, and using the right one for your material makes a big difference.

Common Types of Bits:

Twist bits: Great for drilling into wood, plastic, or metal. I have titanium power drill bits from DEWALT that’s been good to me over the years.
Brad point bits: Designed for clean holes in wood.
Masonry bits: Built for concrete, brick, or stone (used with a hammer drill).
Spade bits: For large holes in wood, like for running wires.
Driver bits: These don’t drill holes—they drive screws. Available in Phillips, flathead, Torx, and other styles. Again, I have a fantastic set of DEWALT driver bits that I highly recommend.

When choosing a bit:

Match the size to the screw or hole you want.
Make sure the bit is sharp and undamaged.
Insert the bit firmly into the drill’s chuck and tighten.

Some drills come with a bit set, but you can also buy combo packs with a range of wood, metal, and masonry bits. Nice!

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Power Drill

Ready to put your cordless power drill to work? Follow these steps to learn how to use a power drill safely and effectively.

Step 1: Charge the Battery (Cordless Drills)

If you’re using a cordless drill, ensure the battery is fully charged. Slide it into the base until it clicks in place and let the charger do its thing. (As an aside, I strongly urge you to upgrade your setup with a 5ah battery. It is so much more convenient, especially when you have a lot of work to do. You can then use the bigger battery on more power-hungry tools, like a leaf blower, while minimizing the need to swap batteries while you work).

Step 2: Insert the Drill Bit

how to tighten a cordless power drill chuck

Turn the chuck (the part that holds the bit) counterclockwise to open. Insert your bit, then turn clockwise to tighten. Most modern power drills have keyless chucks, so no tool is needed. Here’s a quick tip: To tighten the chuck, hold the drill bit and the chuck with your left hand while pulling the drill trigger with your right hand. This will tighten the chuck more quickly than if you hand tighten it. Conversely, to loosen the chuck, reverse the direction of spin (there’s usually a switch right above the drill trigger), hold the chuck with your left hand, and press the drill trigger with your right hand. Again, this is far more efficient than doing it by hand.

Step 3: Adjust the Settings

Use the clutch (usually a numbered dial near the chuck) to adjust torque.
Set a low number for driving screws and a higher number for drilling.
Select the speed setting—slow for control, fast for power.

Step 4: Line Up and Drill

Hold the power drill perpendicular to your surface. Start slowly to prevent slipping, then gradually increase speed. Apply gentle, steady pressure—you don’t need to press hard on it. Just let the drill do the work.

For screws, pre-drill a pilot hole in wood to prevent splitting, then drive the screw in at a low speed using a driver bit. Don’t forget to set the drill to screw mode, either.

Safety Tips Every Beginner Should Know

Even though power drills are easy to use, safety should always come first…

Wear the Right Gear

Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris.
Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught.
Use ear protection for extended drilling sessions or loud materials.

Prep Your Workspace

Make sure the surface is stable and well-lit.
If you’re drilling into a wall, check for wires or pipes behind it using a stud finder or wire detector.

Use Both Hands

Hold the power drill with both hands when possible, especially when drilling into hard materials. This gives you more control and reduces the risk of slipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With a Power Drill

Everyone makes mistakes when starting out, but these tips can save you time, money, and frustration.

Skipping the Pilot Hole

Trying to drive screws without a pilot hole can split wood or strip the screw head (or both). Always drill a small guide hole first, especially for hardwood or longer screws.

Using the Wrong Bit

Using a metal bit on wood (or vice versa) may work, but it won’t be clean—and it could damage your bit. Use the right bit for the job.

Over-Tightening Screws

Cranking down too hard can strip the screw or damage your material. Use the clutch setting to stop the drill automatically when the screw is tight enough.

Power Drills Aren’t Scary - You’ve Got This!

Using a power drill doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you understand the basics—how it works, which bit to use, and how to operate it safely—you’ll be amazed at how many home projects you can tackle with ease.

From replacing basement windows to building ceiling-mounted barn doors, this single tool can save you hours of time and effort. And the more you use it, the more confident you’ll become.

So go ahead, pick up that drill, and start building something great. You’ve got this!

FAQ: Power Drills for Beginners

What’s the difference between a power drill vs impact driver?

A drill makes holes. An impact driver installs screws. Most power drills today are “drill/drivers,” meaning they do both.

What size power drill should I buy?

A 20V cordless drill is great for most homeowners. It balances power, battery life, and weight.

Do I need a hammer drill?

Only if you plan to drill into concrete, brick, or stone. For wood and drywall, a regular drill/driver is fine.

Can I use a power drill as a screwdriver?

Yes! Just switch to a driver bit and adjust the clutch for more control. It’s much faster than doing it by hand.

How do I stop screws from stripping?

Use the correct driver bit, apply steady pressure, and don’t over-tighten. Let the clutch stop the drill when it’s tight.