How to Use a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver: A Guide for UK Consumers

Last Updated on January 30, 2023

Do you ever feel like your toolbox is missing something? You have a hammer, some screwdrivers and maybe even a drill. But did you know that with just one of those tools – the hammer drill – you can do all three jobs? That’s right. It turns out that it is possible to use a hammer drill as a screwdriver if used correctly. So why not add this handy trick to your DIY arsenal and learn how to use it for more than drilling holes in walls? Let us guide you through what makes up the mighty hammer drill, whether or not it can be used as an alternative screwdriver, plus show off some alternatives too.

What Is a Hammer Drill?

A hammer drill is a power tool that combines the functionality of a regular drill with the added benefit of an impact hammering action. This type of drill is designed to quickly and efficiently bore holes into masonry, concrete, brick, stone and other hard materials. The hammering action provides more force than a standard electric or cordless drill can provide on its own.

The main difference between a regular drill and a hammer drill lies in how they operate. Regular electric or cordless drills use rotational force to drive screws into wood or metal surfaces while the hammer drilling action works by combining rapid rotation with short bursts of forward thrusts, which creates thousands of tiny impacts per minute. This makes it much easier to bore through tough materials such as concrete without having to apply too much pressure manually.

Hammer drills are also equipped with special chucks that hold onto bits securely during operation, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping out when working at high speeds or under heavy load conditions. They also come in corded and cordless models for maximum convenience, depending on your needs and preferences.

When using a hammer drill, it is important to make sure you use the right bit for the job; otherwise, you risk damaging your material or even yourself if used incorrectly. Always read up on safety instructions before attempting any DIY projects involving this type of tool, especially if it is your first time using one.

Key Takeaway: A hammer drill is a powerful tool that combines the functionality of a regular drill with an impact hammering action, making it ideal for quickly and efficiently boring through masonry, concrete, brick, stone and other hard materials. Always read safety instructions before using one to avoid damaging material or yourself.

Can You Use a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver?

Using a hammer drill as a screwdriver may seem like an attractive option, but it is not always the best choice. Hammer drills are designed to create holes in hard materials such as concrete and brick, while screwdrivers are intended for use with softer materials such as wood and plastic. As such, using a hammer drill on these softer materials can cause damage or even break them completely.

Hammer drills also have more torque than standard electric screwdrivers, which means they will drive screws into harder surfaces much faster than their counterparts. However, this increased power can be too much for some projects that require precision and accuracy when driving screws into soft material. In addition, the vibration from the hammer action of the drill could cause damage to delicate items if used incorrectly.

When using a hammer drill as a screwdriver, you should ensure that you select one with adjustable speed settings so that you can adjust it according to your project needs; otherwise, you risk damaging whatever material you’re working on due to excessive force being applied by the tool itself. Additionally, make sure that all safety precautions are taken before beginning any work – wear protective gear, including goggles and gloves, at all times.

If possible, it is better to use an appropriate tool for each job – meaning either an electric or manual screwdriver depending on what type of surface you’re working with – rather than attempting to use one tool for both purposes (i.e., drilling holes in hard surfaces and driving screws into soft ones). This way, there is less chance of causing unnecessary damage or injury during your project completion process.

Key Takeaway: Using a hammer drill as a screwdriver is not recommended due to its increased torque and vibration. It is best to use an appropriate tool for each job – an electric or manual screwdriver depending on the surface being worked with – in order to avoid damage or injury.

How to Use a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver

It’s important to know how to use it safely, however, so that you don’t damage the tool or injure yourself.

Before using the hammer drill as a screwdriver, make sure you have all of the necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and eye protection. Also, check that your work area is clear of any debris or obstacles that could cause injury while working with the tool.

To begin using your hammer drill as a screwdriver, select the appropriate bit for the type of screws you are driving into place. The most common types of bits used in this application are Phillips head and flathead bits. Make sure they fit snugly into the chuck before proceeding with drilling operations.

Once you have selected an appropriate bit for your project, adjust the speed setting on your hammer drill accordingly, depending on the material you will be drilling through (wood vs metal). For wood applications, set it at low speed; for metal, set it at high-speed. This will ensure optimal performance from your tool without damaging either the surface being worked upon or overloading its motor capacity.

Next, hold down firmly onto both surfaces being worked upon while inserting each screw one by one into place until they reach their desired depth level – do not force them too far in. Once all screws are inserted correctly, switch off the power supply to avoid accidental activation during the unscrewing process later on if needed again sometime soon after completion of today’s job; here now finished up just right.

Finally, disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet when you are done using the hammer drill so that no accidents occur due to residual energy stored within the device itself, even though it was switched off prior moments ago. This will ensure that your job is completed successfully without any issues arising whatsoever – thankfully, indeed.

Key Takeaway: To use it safely, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment, select the right bit for your project, adjust speed settings according to the material type and disconnect the power cord when finished.

FAQs in Relation to How to Use a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver

How do you remove a screw with a hammer drill?

Removing a screw with a hammer drill is relatively simple. First, ensure the bit you are using fits the head of the screw and that it is securely in place. Then, set your hammer drill to reverse mode and hold it firmly against the head of the screw. Finally, press down on the trigger and slowly pull back until you feel resistance as the screw comes loose from its threading. Once removed, be sure to dispose of any debris safely before continuing with your project.

Can you use a corded drill as a screwdriver?

Yes, you can use a corded drill as a screwdriver. It is possible to set the speed and torque of the drill to low levels, allowing it to be used for precise tasks such as driving screws into wood or metal. The key is to ensure that the drill bit is securely held in place and that you are using an appropriate size bit for the job at hand. When using a corded drill as a screwdriver, always make sure you wear safety glasses and keep your hands away from moving parts.

Can a hammer drill be used as a regular drill?

Yes, a hammer drill can be used as a regular drill. It has the same functions and features as a regular drill but with an added feature – it also has a hammering action that helps to break through hard materials such as concrete or brick. The hammering action is activated by pressing down on the trigger while drilling. This makes it ideal for heavier-duty jobs like drilling into masonry walls or concrete floors. However, when using it as a regular drill, make sure to turn off the hammer function, so you don’t damage your material or cause any harm to yourself.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to use a hammer drill as a screwdriver, but it is not recommended. If you need to drive screws into hard materials such as concrete or brick, then using a hammer drill can be an effective solution. However, for softer materials like wood and plastic, there are more suitable alternatives that will provide better results with less effort and risk of damage. Therefore if you’re looking for the best way to use a hammer drill as a screwdriver, consider investing in an appropriate tool specifically designed for this purpose.

Paul Skidmore

Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.