A power drill is one of the most forgiving tools in the shop, until it decides to remind you who’s boss. A few small mistakes can lead to broken bits, stripped screws, or a surprise wrist workout you definitely didn’t sign up for. Here’s how to avoid the big ones.
1. Too much pressure
If you’re leaning on the drill like you’re trying to win an arm-wrestling match, you’re doing it wrong. Gentle, steady pressure is the way to go.
2. A weak grip
A loose grip means your drill might suddenly try to escape your hand like a slippery pickle (sorry for the weird analogy but that's all I could come up with). Hold it firmly with good balance and your wrist will thank you.
3. No backup battery
Nothing kills momentum faster than the silence of a dead battery. Keep a spare charged so you don’t end up staring at your drill like it betrayed you.
4. Wrong drill bit size
Using the wrong size bit is a great way to strip screws or start questioning your life choices. The bit should match the width of the screw but not the threads.
5. Skipping pilot holes
Pilot holes take about five seconds and prevent wood from splitting. Think of them as the warm-up stretches of woodworking: quick, easy, and absolutely worth it.
If you want to make drilling even easier, my Drill and Sanding Station Plans keep your drill, bits, and batteries organized and ready to rock. This has been a fantastic upgrade in my shop and there is even room for my sander, sand paper, jigsaw, router, drill bits, and a whole lot more. I also designed it to hang on the wall using a French cleat for easy installation.
Happy Building
- Thomas Gojkovich
Thomas Custom Woodworks