Drill
A chuck holding a rotating bit, used to make holes and — with a driver bit instead of a drill bit — to drive screws. Every pilot hole the rest of this database assumes is made with one.
What it does
- Drilling pilot holes for screws
- Through holes in sheet, plate and section
- Driving screws and machine screws with a bit
Materialswhat it is used on
All materialsFasteners it fits21 standards specify hexagon socket / slotted
All standardsMatched on the drive form recorded against each standard, not on the tool's own claims — so this list changes when the fastener data changes, not when this paragraph does.
What to look forthe judgement calls, before the spec sheet
- Hole size decides the bit, not the machine — a chuck that will not close below 1.5 mm rules out the smallest pilot holes before any other question is asked.
- Torque reaction is the difference between a drill and an impact driver: a drill reacts against your wrist, so it drives small screws adequately and large ones badly.
- For metal, use a low speed and a cutting fluid. Running a twist drill fast in steel work-hardens the surface and the bit stops cutting at the point where it was cutting best.
- Cordless is now the default; corded matters mainly for continuous work in masonry and for holes above about 20 mm.
Misuse and safetythe ways this tool causes rework
- A drill is a poor torque tool. Where a tightening torque is specified, stop before it and finish with a torque wrench — a drill will pass the figure without telling you.
- Chuck slippage is the usual cause of a rounded bit shank and a chewed screw head. Tighten the chuck on all three jaws, not by hand on one.
Projects that call for itand what it is doing on each one
All projectsFrequently asked questions
What drill size does an M6 tap need?
5 mm for a standard 1 mm pitch — the nominal diameter minus the pitch, the rule of thumb that holds across the metric range. The tap drill for every thread in this database is listed in the thread tables.
Should I drill a pilot hole for a screw?
Below about 3 mm into softwood, often not. Into hardwood, engineered board or anything above that, yes: the pilot hole is roughly the root diameter of the screw, which is what stops the stock splitting.
Why does my bit stop cutting in stainless?
Stainless work-hardens under heat. Too much speed and not enough feed burnishes the hole instead of cutting it, and each further attempt meets a harder surface. Slow the drill, keep pressure on, and use a fresh bit.