Complete guide to choosing, setting up and using a drill safely

Want to learn how to use a drill for the first time? This beginner-friendly guide explains everything you need to know, from choosing your first drill and understanding drill settings to selecting the right drill bits and drilling safely into walls, wood, metal and masonry.

Whether you’re putting up shelves, assembling furniture, hanging pictures or starting your DIY journey, this guide will help you use a cordless or corded drill with confidence.

Table of contents

• What is a drill used for?
• Should you buy a corded or cordless drill?
• Is a 12V or 18V drill better?
• Understanding the parts of a drill
• How to choose the right drill bit
• How to drill into walls safely
• How to use a drill to drive screws
• Common beginner drilling mistakes
• Best drills for DIY beginners
• Frequently asked questions

What is a drill used for?

A power drill is one of the most versatile DIY tools you can own. It can be used for:

• Drilling holes in wood
• Drilling into brick and masonry
• Drilling metal
• Installing shelves and curtain poles
• Building flat-pack furniture
• Driving screws into timber and plasterboard
• Removing screws quickly and efficiently
• Hanging mirrors, pictures and wall-mounted accessories

If you’re starting DIY for the first time, a drill is often the first power tool worth buying.

Should you buy a corded or cordless drill?

One of the most common questions beginners ask is whether they should buy a corded or cordless drill.

Cordless drills

Cordless drills are the most popular choice for home DIY because they:

• Offer greater flexibility
• Work anywhere without a power outlet
• Are easier to carry around the home
• Often include additional features such as hammer drilling and multiple speed settings

Corded drills

Corded drills are ideal if you:

• Want a lower-cost option
• Need continuous power
• Don’t want to manage battery charging

For most homeowners and DIY beginners, a cordless drill is usually the best choice.

Is a 12V or 18V drill better?

When researching the best drill for DIY, you’ll likely see both 12V and 18V models.

12V drills

12V drills are best for:

• Flat-pack furniture
• Hanging pictures
• Small household repairs
• Lightweight everyday use

Benefits include:

• Compact size
• Lightweight design
• Easier handling for beginners

18V drills

18V drills are best for:

• Drilling masonry
• Larger DIY projects
• Decking and timber work
• Frequent use

Benefits include:

• More power
• Greater versatility
• Better performance in tougher materials

For occasional DIY projects, a quality 12V drill is often sufficient. If you expect to tackle larger projects, an 18V drill may be a better investment.

Understanding the parts of a drill

Before using a drill, it’s important to understand the controls and settings.

What is a keyless chuck?

The chuck is the front section of the drill that holds drill bits and screwdriver bits.

Most modern drills feature a keyless chuck, allowing bits to be changed quickly and easily by hand.

What does the drill clutch do?

The clutch controls how much turning force, known as torque, the drill applies.

A lower clutch setting helps prevent:

• Overdriving screws
• Damaging materials
• Stripping screw heads

Higher settings provide more power when needed.

What is the forward and reverse switch?

The forward setting drives screws in.

The reverse setting removes screws.

Most drills also include a central safety lock position that prevents accidental operation.

What do drill gear settings mean?

Most drills have two gears:

Gear 1

• Lower speed
• Higher torque
• Ideal for driving screws

Gear 2

• Higher speed
• Lower torque
• Ideal for drilling holes

How does a variable speed trigger work?

The harder you squeeze the trigger, the faster the drill spins.

This allows for greater control and more accurate drilling.

How to choose the right drill bit

Using the correct drill bit is essential for clean, accurate holes.

Best drill bit for wood

Wood drill bits are designed specifically for timber and wood-based materials.

Best drill bit for brick and masonry

Masonry bits are used for:

• Brick
• Concrete
• Stone

These are typically used with a hammer drill setting.

Best drill bit for metal

Metal drill bits are designed to cut through:

• Steel
• Aluminium
• Sheet metal
• Other metals

Always choose a drill bit that matches the material you are drilling into.

How to drill into a wall safely

Safety should always come first when drilling.

Before drilling into any wall, make sure you take the following precautions.

Check for hidden services

Make sure there are no:

• Electrical cables
• Water pipes
• Gas pipes

A cable and pipe detector can help identify hidden hazards before you begin drilling.

Wear appropriate safety equipment

Recommended safety equipment includes:

• Safety glasses
• A dust mask when drilling masonry
• Hearing protection for extended use

Use the correct drill setting

For brick and masonry:

• Use a masonry bit
• Select hammer mode if available

For wood and metal:

• Use standard drill mode

How to drill a hole: step-by-step

1. Mark the drilling location.
2. Select the correct drill bit.
3. Tighten the bit securely in the chuck.
4. Hold the drill straight and level.
5. Start drilling slowly.
6. Apply steady pressure.
7. Increase speed gradually.
8. Remove dust as required.

Pro tip: use tape as a depth stop

Wrap masking tape around the drill bit at the required depth.

When the tape reaches the surface, stop drilling.

This simple trick helps create accurate holes without drilling deeper than necessary.

How to use a drill to drive screws

Many beginners don’t realise that drills are excellent screwdrivers.

To drive screws:

1. Insert the correct screwdriver bit.
2. Select screw-driving mode.
3. Set a low clutch setting.
4. Drive the screw slowly.
5. Increase clutch settings if needed.

Using the clutch correctly prevents damage and gives more professional-looking results.

How to remove screws with a drill

Removing screws is quick and easy.

1. Switch the drill to reverse.
2. Insert the correct screwdriver bit.
3. Apply firm pressure to the screw head.
4. Pull the trigger slowly.

The screw should back out smoothly without damaging the surrounding material.

Common drill mistakes beginners make

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using the wrong drill bit
• Forgetting to tighten the chuck
• Drilling too quickly
• Applying excessive force
• Ignoring clutch settings
• Failing to check for hidden pipes and cables
• Using hammer mode unnecessarily

Correcting these habits will improve both safety and results.

Best drills for DIY beginners

When choosing a beginner drill, look for:

• Variable speed control
• Keyless chuck
• Adjustable clutch
• Good battery life
• Comfortable grip
• Reliable brand support

Popular beginner-friendly brands include Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Wickes.

If possible, visit a store and hold a few different drills before buying. Comfort and balance can make a huge difference, especially if you’ll be using the drill regularly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a drill as a screwdriver?

Yes. Most cordless drills are designed to both drill holes and drive screws.

What drill bit do I need for a wall plug?

The drill bit size should usually match the wall plug size. For example, a 6mm wall plug typically requires a 6mm masonry bit.

Do I need hammer mode for brick?

Yes. Hammer mode makes drilling into brick and masonry much easier and faster.

What is the best drill for a beginner?

A lightweight cordless drill with adjustable clutch settings and variable speed control is usually the best choice for first-time users.

Is an 18V drill too powerful for beginners?

No. An 18V drill is perfectly suitable for beginners and offers more versatility for future DIY projects.

Final thoughts

Learning how to use a drill is one of the most useful DIY skills you can develop. Once you understand drill settings, drill bits, clutch control and basic safety principles, you’ll be able to tackle a huge range of home improvement projects with confidence.

Whether you’re hanging a picture, installing shelves or assembling furniture, a drill can make DIY projects faster, easier and far more enjoyable.

Looking for more beginner-friendly DIY tutorials, tool guides and step-by-step home improvement advice? Explore our other DIY articles and start building your skills today.

About the author: Georgina Bisby is a consumer journalist, DIY content creator and founder of Your Home Explained. She creates practical guides and tutorials to help homeowners and beginners tackle DIY projects with confidence.