How to Use Drill as Screwdriver? | Drive Screws Like a Pro

Using a drill as a screwdriver is simple: fit a matching bit, set it to low speed, and apply steady pressure with the right torque setting.

You don’t need a separate tool to drive screws. A standard drill with variable speed — and ideally a clutch — handles most screw-driving tasks around the house. The key is choosing the right bit, controlling your speed, and letting the tool do the work without forcing it. This guide walks through the setup and technique in a few practical steps.

What You Need to Convert Your Drill

Before driving your first screw, gather the right parts. The process is the same whether you’re using a compact 12-volt driver or a full-size 20-volt drill.

• Screwdriver bits: A No. 2 Phillips bit is the most common size for standard screws, but check the head of your screw to match the bit.
• A drill with variable speed: This gives you the control needed to avoid stripping screws. Many corded drills lack the clutch feature, making them harder to use for this task.
• A clutch (torque setting): Found on most cordless drill-drivers, this dial stops the chuck from turning once a set resistance is reached, preventing over-tightening.

If your drill has a clutch, you’re ready to go. If it doesn’t, you can still drive screws, but you’ll need a steadier hand and a lighter trigger finger.

How to Use Drill as Screwdriver: Step-by-Step

The technique comes down to preparation, alignment, and controlled pressure. Follow these steps for clean results without stripped heads.

1. Secure the workpiece. Clamp the material down if possible so both hands are free to control the drill.
2. Fit the bit. Loosen the chuck by turning it counterclockwise, insert the screwdriver bit, and tighten it securely. On cordless tools, remove the battery before changing accessories and only fit it after adjustments are complete.
3. Set the clutch to a low number. If your drill has a torque dial, start at a low setting for softer woods. Test on a scrap piece and increase the number until the screw sets at the right depth without stripping.
4. Align the bit with the screw head. Hold the drill straight and perpendicular to the screw. Tilted alignment is the fastest way to cam out and damage the head.
5. Start slow and apply steady pressure. Squeeze the trigger gently and push forward evenly. Let the drill reach speed first, then increase load gradually. For Phillips screws, low speed gives you far more control.
6. Use the reverse switch for removal. To take a screw out, flip the direction switch to reverse and repeat the same steady technique.

The screw sinks flush with the surface and the clutch clicks or slips before the head strips. If the bit slips out of the screw head, stop immediately — don’t push harder.

Controlling Speed, Torque, and Direction

Mastering the settings is what separates a clean screw from a stripped one. Here’s how each control works and when to use it.

• Speed: Low speed for driving and removing screws. High speed is for drilling holes, and using it for screws usually ends in damage.
• Torque/clutch: Soft materials like pine need low torque. Harder materials like hardwood or MDF need a higher setting. If the clutch keeps slipping before the screw is seated, dial it up one number at a time.
• Direction: The forward switch tightens screws; the reverse switch loosens them. Always check the switch before starting — one wrong tap can snap a screw head.

One more thing worth noting: a drill functions as a screwdriver, but it’s not the same as an impact driver. Impact drivers deliver rapid rotational bursts designed for long screws and tough materials, and they’re significantly louder. If you’re using one, hearing protection is a smart move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers run into these issues. Knowing what goes wrong helps you prevent it.

• Continuing after the bit slips. When a bit cams out of the screw head, pull the drill out, reset the bit, and try again. Forcing it only strips the head further.
• Using the wrong or worn bit. A dull or wrong-size bit increases the chance of slipping and stripping. Match the bit to the screw head and replace damaged bits.
• Too much speed or pressure. This reduces control and raises the risk of damaging the material or the fastener. Let the tool do the work.
• Skipping safety basics. Wear eye protection, keep fingers clear of the rotating chuck, and inspect your drill and battery before each use. If the tool warms excessively, stop and let it cool.

If you’re in the market for a tool that makes this job easier, our roundup of top battery powered drill screwdrivers covers models with the clutch and speed control that matter most.

References & Sources

• UNC Environment, Health & Safety. “Cordless Drill Safety.” Provides guidance on bit installation, safe operation, and PPE.