Why Is My Drill Not Working? | Unrivaled Guide 2024

Drills are probably the most essential tool for home installations. They can drill holes in wood, metal and stone and, when equipped with the right bit, can perform basic tasks such as inserting and extracting screws and other fasteners from holes.

Today’s models have come a long way from the portable household drills launched in the early 1920s. At that time they weighed more than 5 pounds and were tied to a cord, which could spin the drill backward and break the wrist if the bit caught. However, with the advent of the torque-limiting chuck, this danger has largely disappeared and the drill can now also tighten screws and is called a screwdriver drill.

Cords have also largely disappeared. Today there are many cordless versions using modern lithium-ion batteries and high-performance electronics, with more power, longer range, and more functions (hammer drills!) ) are now available. Whether it’s drilling 1/16-inch holes in steel, 6-inch holes in wood, screws in drywall, or anchor bolts in concrete, there’s a drill/screwdriver to fit the bill.

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Why Is My Drill Not Working?

Portable power drills are the most convenient and versatile of power tools. Drilling holes, screwing in screws, sanding wood, polishing metal, mixing paint-you can do almost anything with a drill. But what to do when the drill breaks down? Some people think it is not good enough to be repaired, so they throw it in the trash and buy a new one. Repairs can cost as much as a new drill, but often a little maintenance and inexpensive parts can bring it back to life.

There are some repairs that are best left to professionals, such as replacing gears, bearings, and motor parts. However, replacing cables, switches, and brushes is not a difficult task, but there are a few basic things to understand before attempting it.

First, remember to unplug the tool before working on it. Work in a clean, well-lit area. Take the time to assemble the appropriate tools before working. In most cases, a pliers and screwdriver are sufficient. Some drills may require a hex or Torx screwdriver.

Disassembling power tools is easy, but reassembling them can be a challenge. One way to avoid this headache is to make notes and sketches of the tool before removing parts. Labeling small parts and wires with tape can also be helpful. When removing individual parts, store them in a tray to prevent them from being lost.

Finally, always use replacement parts manufactured for the drill. They may be available from your local service center (look in the yellow pages under “Tools, Electrics and Repairs”) or you can contact the manufacturer.

The most common failures of electric drills are loss of power and intermittent or no operation.

If the drill operates intermittently, the problem can be attributed to a faulty cord or worn brushes (it can also be a faulty switch, but usually the switch fails in the “on” or “off” position). The best way to check the power cord is with a continuity tester or ohmmeter. If these tools are not available, with a little experimentation you can isolate the faulty cable.

With the power cord connected, press the activation switch to the “on” position. Grasp the cord a few inches from the plug and bend it back and forth. If the drill turns on and off, the plug may be loose. Most tools have a molded plug, which must be cut off and a new one fitted. If the bend test does not help, try again. This time try bending the cable near the drill housing. If the drill turns on and off, the cable near the switch is defective. To repair it, it is necessary to enter the drill housing.

Cordless and corded drills

Power, mobility and weight are important factors in choosing a drill. Cordless drills are extremely mobile and offer access to a wide range of functions. A 4- to 8-volt cordless screwdriver is sufficient for light work, while a 12- to 18-volt drill can satisfy most household jobs. High-power types perform heavier jobs, but the higher voltage means the battery is also larger and heavier. Batteries in cordless drills need to be recharged regularly. It is a good idea to have a spare battery so that you can continue working while recharging. To compare battery lifetimes (the amount of time a battery is effective while in use), the current rating should be considered. More amperes and more volts will ensure longer battery life. Keep in mind that the charge level of the battery, the material you are working with, the level of continuous use, and even the temperature affect battery life.

Corded drills are high-powered. They are lighter than cordless models but offer similar characteristics. Constant power means longer uptime without the need to stop for charging. However, the cord limits mobility. Depending on the distance of the work area from an electrical outlet, corded drills may require an extension cord. To choose the right cord, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult power cord safety tips.

The most common types of cordless drill batteries are nickel-cadmium (NiCd or NiCad) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). Li-ion batteries are lighter and smaller than NiCd batteries of the same voltage. Li-ion batteries can remain charged for several months.

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Material to be drilled

Choosing the type of cordless drill depends largely on the material you are using. For woodworking, you will probably need at least a standard cordless drill. Ideally, you should have a small drill (such as a 12-volt) for drilling small preparation holes. If you are drilling deep holes or using a drill bit or hole saw, you should buy a larger 18- to 20-volt model. Wood drills can also be used for drywall and acrylic.

When working with metal, as much power as possible is needed. It is also advisable to invest in carbide-tipped drills to avoid premature dulling. Most cordless drills are suitable for drilling only light metals. For heavier applications, a metal drill press may be needed. Cordless impact drills are ideal for drilling holes in stone. The hammer rotates at high speed and can break and drill through concrete, stone, and other masonry pieces. For drilling glass and tiles, use special drill bits.

Battery

Battery life is the most important concern when comparing cordless drills. There are two types of batteries on the market today. Nickel-cadmium batteries are an older and cheaper technology. They tend to lose their charge even when not in use and, if stored, will fully discharge after about two months.

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are of the latest generation and are used in most cordless drills. Not only are they smaller and lighter than nickel-cadmium batteries, but they charge faster, discharge more slowly, and do not lose their effectiveness after repeated recharging.

Tip: At almost any level, lithium-ion batteries are a smarter choice. Whatever type of battery you choose, choose one designed to work with other cordless tools so that the same battery can power the entire store.

Motor

Let’s start with the power output. The voltage of the drill is a good indicator of overall power and a good point of comparison for cordless drills: 12-volt drills are suitable for light drilling and fastening work. They are smaller and more portable than most 18- or 20-volt drills, designed for harder materials, longer fasteners, and larger bits. Always check the maximum speed of the drill before purchasing.

For example, a drill running at 1500 rpm is an average maximum speed. Anything with a maximum speed of less than 1500 rpm is not suitable for large jobs. Many of the best cordless drills have brushless motors, which are more powerful, durable, and energy efficient because they can reach higher speeds with less power.

Also Read: How To Use Metal Shears

Batteries for drills

To learn more about batteries, we have created specific pages on batteries.

Batteries are advertised by voltage. There is a wide range of voltages on the market, but the three main voltages that can be found are

• 12V
• 18V or 20V
• 36V

Do not be confused if one drill indicates 18V and another 20V. The numbers are different, but the voltages are the same. Both have the same amount of cells.

What should go together

Drills are the most commonly used tools in the workshop, on the construction site, and in the home. When buying a drill, you need to consider its intended use. Most drills are used to tighten screws and drill small holes. Unless you are mixing mud or drilling large holes, you should use a cordless drill. If you buy a professional cordless drill, you can use it to mix mud and saw holes. You can also use an impact drill, but if you never intervene on concrete you can save money.

Using a drill

• The most important thing is to make sure you have the right bit and a sharp drill bit.
• Let the bit drill the hole, without forcing it. If you force the bit, it will dull.
• Use a magnetic bit to tighten the screw. This will keep the screw in the bit. Buy a good one that can actually hold the screw in place. I don’t know how many times I have tried to save money only to throw them away.
• When drilling holes in metal, you need to create a center punch.
• When drilling holes in hardwood, make a pre-drilled hole to avoid splitting.
• When drilling holes in plaster, you should drill slowly and, if necessary, tape the hole to prevent cracking.

Why Is My Drill Not Working? | Infographic

Why Is My Drill Not Working? | Video Explanation

FAQs

Conclusion

Whatever the job at hand, there is a type of cordless drill that is right for you. Pay special attention to the voltage, speed, and type of motor. Also, consider your intended use and look for a variable-speed drill if versatility is important to you. Purchasing drills that use lithium-ion batteries is highly recommended, as they add immense utility to all cordless tools.

Finally, consider the materials you will be working with and the unique challenges you may encounter while working, and invest in the equipment and bits that will help you succeed. Comparing cordless drills is easy, and the features of cordless drills are exactly what will help you get the right tool for you.