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Power tools are incredibly useful pieces of equipment that can help you get a job done quickly.
It’s great to know how to do things by hand, but sometimes we just don’t have enough time to take that route. This is why power tools are so handy.
Power drills are one of the best power tools out there, but in order for their use to be effective, you have to know how to use them properly.
One of the things you need to know is how to change the drill bit. If you don’t know how to change the drill bit on your drill, it’s going to slow the whole process down.
If you’ve never changed a drill bit before then don’t worry! We’re going to guide you through it right here. So let’s get started!
How To Change A Drill Bit
Before you change your drill bit, it is important for you to know if you have a keyless drill or a chuck key drill.
Regardless of which one you have, we’ll be going over both methods here, so you don’t have to worry about that.
Before you follow the required method, check to see if your drill is keyless or chuck key. Once you are positive you know which one you are working with, go to the appropriate section and follow the instructions provided.
Keyless Drills
The first method we are going to be walking you through is how to change a drill bit on a keyless drill.
This is a relatively straightforward process that won’t take much time as long as you follow the instructions exactly!
1. Loosen The Chuck
The first thing you are going to need to do is loosen the chuck on your drill. The chuck is a piece that is on the end of your drill that loosens and tightens and holds the bit.
Just hold the chuck with one hand and with the other hand hold the drill.
Twist the chuck counterclockwise in order to loosen it. By loosening the chuck, you will be able to open the jaws that clamp on the drill bit itself.
2. Remove The Bit
Once you have loosened the chuck, you will then be able to remove the bit. If you have successfully loosened the chuck, the drill bit will start to wobble.
When this happens, you will easily be able to pull the drill bit out of the chuck.
It’s in your best interest to check the bit to see if it is worn down or damaged. If this is the case, throw that bit out and replace it.
3. Set The Bit
Now, you are going to hold the bit with your thumb and index finger. Make sure that the smooth part of the bit is facing the jaws of the chuck.
Take the bit and insert it into the chuck. Once you have done this, immediately pull it back towards you roughly half a centimeter.
It is important during this step that you always keep your fingers on the bit and the chuck because if you don’t, the bit can fall out.
4. Squeeze The Trigger
Once you have set the bit, tighten it into place.
To do this, you just need to shortly squeeze the trigger a few times. Make sure you keep your other hand loosely holding the bit throughout this whole process.
5. Ratcheting Mechanism
This step only applies to drills that have a ratchet mechanism. If your drill does have this, apply some extra pressure to the shank of the drill bit.
You need to make sure that the ratcheting mechanism clicks into place.
You then need to engage it by twisting the ratcheting mechanism next to the chuck. Make sure you do this in a clockwise direction.
Chuck Key Drills
If your drill has a chuck key, then you will need to use the chuck key method for your drill. These drills have a cog on the end of the drill key that also has teeth.
Chuck keys are usually found on power drills rather than cordless versions.
1. Insert The Chuck Key
The first thing you’re going to do is insert the chuck key in order to loosen the chuck. All you need to do for this step is line the teeth up on the chuck key so they match the teeth on the actual chuck.
Then, insert the tip into one of the holes on the side of the chuck.
2. Turn The Chuck Key
For the next step, you will need to turn the chuck key counterclockwise. As you are turning the key in this motion, the jaws of the chuck will start to open.
You will need to continue turning the chuck key until the chuck itself opens so that it will be easy to slide the drill bit out.
3. Remove The Bit
Now, you need to remove the bit. Using your thumb and index finger, you need to pull the bit out. Keeping your thumb and index finger on the chuck will stop the bit from falling out.
You need to inspect the bit once you’ve removed it. If it’s worn or damaged in any way, get rid of it and replace it with a new one.
4. Insert The Bit
Now, you need to insert the bit into the drill while the jaw of the chuck is open wide. Make sure the smooth part of the bit is facing the jaws and insert it with your thumb and index finger.
5. Tighten The Chuck
Finally, you just need to tighten the chuck before you use it. Hold the bit in place with one hand and turn the chuck key clockwise with your other hand.
Once it is firmly secure, remove the chuck key. Remove your hand from the bit and test the drill to make sure it’s working.
Conclusion
As long as you follow the instructions we have provided for both types of drills, you’ll have your drill bit changed in no time at all!
