How To Change A Drill Bit?

What are the Two Kinds of Drill?

Having a power drill is one of the most versatile tools you can own. With the proper drill bits for the job, you can drill through just about any kind of material – steel, plaster, plastic, wood, or pipe. There are two different kinds of drills: Keyless and Keyed, and each type has its own instructions for changing a drill bit:

Keyless Drill:

• Loosen the chuck – The cylinder-like end of the drill that holds the bit. To do this, grasp the chuck with one hand while holding the handle of the drill with the other. Turn the chuck counterclockwise to open the jaw clamps and loosen the chuck.

• Remove the bit – One this is loosened, the drill bit that is currently in the drill will begin to wobble, and then you should easily be able to pull it out of the drill. Always be sure to inspect the drill bit to make sure it doesn’t look damaged or worn. If it is, throw it out so it doesn’t accidentally get used later.

• Put in the bit – Hold the new bit so that the the shank – the opposite end of the drilling part – is facing the jaws of the drill chuck. Then with your index finger and thumb, insert the bit into the chuck.

• Squeeze the trigger – While lightly keeping your fingers on the bit and chuck to hold the bit in place, give the drill trigger a few short squeezes to securely tighten the chuck around the bit.

• Optional – Engage the ratcheting mechanism – If your drill has a ratcheting mechanism next to the chuck that applies extra pressure to the drill’s shank, you will need to click it in place. To engage, firmly twist the mechanism in a clockwise motion.

Keyed Drill:

• Insert the chuck key – If your drill includes a chuck key, you will need to use this to loosen the chuck. There is a cog with teeth at the end of the drill key. To insert, you will need to line up the cog teeth so they match up with the teeth on the chuck, and then insert the tip of the key into one of the holes on the side of the chuck.

• Turn the chuck key counterclockwise – As the key is turned, the chuck jaws, which are the three or four pieces in the mouth of the chuck that hold the bit in place, will begin to open. Keep turning the key until the chuck opens enough to easily slide out the drill bit.

• Remove the bit – Once the chuck is loosened, pull out the bit with your thumb and index finger, or just turn the drill face down and let the bit fall out onto a table. Be sure to inspect the drill bit for damage. If it shows signs of cracking, throw it out.

• Insert a bit – With the drill jaws still opened wide, place in the new bit with your thumb and index finger so that the shank goes in first.

• Tighten it up – While lightly keeping your fingers on the bit and chuck to hold the bit in place, turn the chuck key clockwise to firmly tighten up the chuck’s jaws with your other hand. Then remove the chuck key, and remove your hand from the bit before turning on the drill to test before using.