Hand Drills

Introduction

In the Baxter Innovation Lab, there are four main types of hand drills engineers use for projects, shown below. The Hammer Drill Driver, the Right Angle Drill, the Impact Drill, and finally, the Three-Mode Hammer Drill. On this page, you will find information for each individual drill, what each part of a drill does, and which drills to use for which projects.

Safety Check List

Always wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris and dust.

Select the correct Drill or Driver for the application.

Choose the correct drill bit for the material you're working with (wood, metal, masonry, etc.). A dull or incorrect bit can cause damage to your work surface or result in the drill binding.

If you're using a power drill for extended periods, consider earplugs or earmuffs to protect your hearing.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges, rough surfaces, or hot components, but avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the drill.

Check the drill before each use. Make sure the drill bit is securely attached and that the tool is in good condition. Check for damaged parts.

Always clamp or secure the material you're drilling into a stable surface. This will prevent the workpiece from moving or slipping, which can lead to accidents or injury.

Always maintain a firm grip on the drill. Keep both hands on the tool when possible, especially when drilling through tougher materials.

Begin drilling at a lower speed to avoid slipping or damaging the material. Once the bit has a firm hold, you can increase the speed if necessary.

Keep the drill perpendicular to the work surface, unless you're drilling at an angle intentionally. This ensures that the hole is drilled straight and helps prevent the bit from binding or breaking.

Battery: The battery of a drill is the power source that supplies energy to the drill's motor, enabling it to function. It can be removed and replaced at the very bottom of the drill, and needs to be charged separately for the drill to function.

Trigger: The trigger of a drill is the primary control mechanism that activates the drill’s motor, allowing the user to start and stop the tool. The trigger is usually designed to be variable, meaning the more you press it, the more power is supplied to the motor. This allows for speed control, enabling the user to adjust the drill's performance depending on the task. 

Drill Mode (Standard Drilling):

• This is the basic mode, where the hammer drill operates like a regular drill. It rotates the drill bit without any hammering action, making it ideal for drilling into softer materials like wood, plastic, or metal.

Hammer Mode (Impact Drilling):

• In this mode, the hammer drill combines rotational movement with a rapid hammering . This mode is designed for drilling into hard materials like concrete, brick, or masonry. The hammering helps break up the material, allowing the drill bit to penetrate more easily.

Combination Mode (Hammer Drill Mode):

• This mode combines both rotational and hammering action. It's the most common setting for drilling into tougher materials like concrete or masonry. It allows you to drill while also applying a hammering force to break up the surface, making it much easier to drill into harder surfaces.

Screwdriver Mode:

• Some hammer drills have a screwdriver mode, where the tool can function as a driver for screws. In this mode, the hammering action is turned off, and the drill just rotates to drive screws into wood, drywall, or other softer materials. The torque is typically adjustable.