Hammer Drill as Screwdriver: Shocking Results!

Yes, you absolutely can use a hammer drill as a screwdriver, but with important caveats! While it’s technically possible and can be effective for many tasks, improper use can lead to stripped screws, damaged materials, or even a damaged drill. We’ll guide you through the best way to do it safely and efficiently.

Ever stared at your toolbox, wondering if that powerful hammer drill could also handle the simpler task of driving a screw? It’s a common thought, especially when you’re in the middle of a project and don’t have a dedicated screwdriver drill handy. Many DIYers and homeowners worry about damaging their tools or materials if they try to use a hammer drill for screwdriving. It’s understandable to feel a bit hesitant; after all, a hammer drill is designed for much tougher jobs! But don’t let that power intimidate you. With the right settings and a little know-how, your hammer drill can be a surprisingly versatile tool for all your screwdriving needs. We’re here to break it all down, step by step, so you can tackle your next project with confidence. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your hammer drill work smarter, not harder!

Can a Hammer Drill Be Used as a Screwdriver? The Simple Answer

The short answer is a resounding yes! Your hammer drill, despite its name and powerful hammering action, is essentially a versatile drill that can also function perfectly well as a standard drill and, by extension, as a powerful screwdriver. The key lies in understanding and utilizing the correct settings on your tool.

Most modern hammer drills come equipped with a clutch and a mode selector. These features are crucial for switching between drilling, hammer drilling, and screwdriving. When you select the screwdriving mode, the hammer action is disengaged, leaving you with a tool that operates like a standard drill, allowing you to control the torque and speed for precise screw insertion.

Understanding Your Hammer Drill’s Capabilities

Before we get into the how-to, let’s ensure you know what makes a hammer drill capable of screwdriving. It’s all about the features designed for versatility.

The Clutch: Your Best Friend for Screwdriving

The clutch is arguably the most important feature on your hammer drill when it comes to screwdriving. It’s a mechanism that allows you to set a maximum torque level. When the screw reaches this preset resistance, the clutch will disengage, preventing the drill from over-tightening or stripping the screw head. This protects both your screw and your workpiece.

Clutch settings are typically numbered, with lower numbers indicating lower torque and higher numbers indicating higher torque. For delicate materials or small screws, you’ll want a lower setting. For larger screws or denser materials, you might need a higher setting.

Mode Selector: Switching Gears

Hammer drills usually have a mode selector, often a collar or switch near the chuck. You’ll typically see icons representing:

• Drill Mode (Drill Bit Icon): This is for standard drilling into wood, metal, or plastic. No hammering action occurs.
• Hammer Drill Mode (Hammer Icon): This engages the hammer action for drilling into masonry like concrete or brick.
• Screwdriver Mode (Screw Icon): This is what you’ll want for driving screws. It disengages the hammer action and often pairs with the clutch for controlled torque.

Always ensure your drill is set to the correct mode before you start driving screws. Accidentally leaving it in hammer drill mode can lead to disaster!

Variable Speed Trigger: Precision Control

Almost all modern drills, including hammer drills, feature a variable speed trigger. This allows you to control the speed of the drill by how hard you squeeze the trigger. For starting screws, a slower speed is usually best to ensure the screw goes in straight. As the screw progresses, you can increase the speed, and then back off as you approach the final tightening to avoid over-driving.

How to Use a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to put your hammer drill to work as a screwdriver? Follow these simple steps for a smooth and successful experience.

Step 1: Select the Right Screwdriver Bit

The type and size of the screwdriver bit are crucial. Using the wrong bit is a surefire way to strip a screw head. Ensure your bit matches the screw head type (e.g., Phillips, flathead, Torx, Robertson) and fits snugly. Many hammer drills come with a variety of bits, or you can purchase them separately. For hammer drills, it’s often best to use higher-quality, impact-rated bits if you have them, as they are designed to withstand more stress.

Step 2: Set Your Hammer Drill to Screwdriver Mode

Locate the mode selector on your hammer drill. Turn the collar or slide the switch until it aligns with the screwdriver icon (usually a screw head). This disengages the hammer function, allowing the drill to spin without the percussive action.

Step 3: Adjust the Clutch Setting

This is where you prevent over-tightening. Start with a lower clutch setting (a lower number on the dial). You can always increase it if the screw isn’t driving adequately. For very soft materials or tiny screws, you might need a setting as low as 1 or 2. For driving larger screws into harder wood, you might go up to 5, 6, or higher.

Tip: If you’re unsure, test on a scrap piece of the same material with a spare screw. This will help you find the sweet spot for your clutch setting.

Step 4: Insert the Bit and Screw

Place the screwdriver bit firmly into the drill’s chuck. Ensure it’s seated properly and tighten the chuck securely. Then, place the tip of the screw into the material you want to fasten. Position the drill bit onto the screw head, ensuring it’s centered and straight.

Step 5: Start Slowly and Steadily

Begin by squeezing the variable speed trigger gently. This will start the drill at a slow speed, allowing you to guide the screw straight into the material. Maintain consistent pressure and keep the drill perpendicular to the surface to avoid wobbling or damaging the screw head.

Step 6: Increase Speed and Monitor Clutch

As the screw starts to bite and drive into the material, you can gradually increase the speed by squeezing the trigger a bit harder. Keep an eye on the screw as it goes in. Listen for the clutch to click and disengage when the desired torque is reached. The drill will then spin freely without driving the screw any further.

Step 7: Fine-Tune if Necessary

If the screw isn’t driven in deep enough, increase the clutch setting slightly and continue driving. If the screw head starts to strip or the clutch engages too early, reduce the clutch setting. For the final tightening of a screw, you might even temporarily disengage the clutch and carefully finish by hand or with a very light touch on the trigger to ensure it’s snug without over-driving.

Pros and Cons of Using a Hammer Drill as a Screwdriver

While a hammer drill can certainly do the job, it’s helpful to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• Versatility: The primary advantage is having one tool that can handle multiple tasks, saving you from buying a separate impact driver or dedicated screwdriver drill for simpler jobs.
• Power: Hammer drills offer ample power, which can be beneficial for driving larger screws or screws into dense materials where a standard drill might struggle.
• Torque Control: The adjustable clutch allows for precise control over how tightly screws are driven, preventing damage.
• Cost-Effective: If you already own a hammer drill, you save money by not needing to purchase another tool.

Disadvantages:

• Bulkier Size: Hammer drills are often larger and heavier than dedicated impact drivers or cordless screwdrivers, which can make them less maneuverable in tight spaces.
• Potential for Over-Driving: While the clutch helps, it’s still possible to over-drive screws if the clutch setting isn’t perfect or if you accidentally use the hammer function.
• Slower for Repetitive Tasks: For high-volume, repetitive screwdriving jobs (like building a deck), a dedicated impact driver with its rapid, rotational impacts is significantly faster and more efficient.
• Not as Precise as a Dedicated Screwdriver: While the clutch offers control, a specialized cordless screwdriver or a drill with a very finely tuned clutch might offer even greater precision for very delicate work.

When to Choose a Hammer Drill for Screwdriving

So, when is it a good idea to reach for your hammer drill to drive screws?

• Occasional Screwdriving Tasks: If you only need to drive a few screws now and then, and don’t want to invest in another tool, your hammer drill is a great option.
• Driving Larger or Longer Screws: The inherent power of a hammer drill can be very useful for screws that require more torque to drive into wood or other materials.
• Projects Where Space is Limited: If you’re working on a project and only have your hammer drill available, knowing you can use it for screwdriving is a lifesaver.
• When You Need More Torque Than a Standard Drill: For tasks where a regular drill might bog down, a hammer drill in screwdriver mode offers that extra bit of power.

When to Consider Other Tools

While versatile, there are times when a different tool might be more appropriate:

• High-Volume Repetitive Screwdriving: For tasks like building furniture, decks, or installing drywall, an impact driver or a dedicated cordless screwdriver will be far more efficient and less fatiguing.
• Extremely Delicate Materials: For very thin plastics, veneers, or soft woods where even a low clutch setting might be too much, a dedicated precision screwdriver or a drill with a highly sensitive clutch is better.
• Working in Very Tight Spaces: Compact drills or dedicated screwdrivers are often designed to fit into tighter areas where a bulkier hammer drill might not.

Hammer Drill vs. Impact Driver vs. Cordless Screwdriver

It’s helpful to understand how your hammer drill stacks up against other common fastening tools.

As you can see, each tool has its strengths. A hammer drill in screwdriver mode bridges the gap, offering more power than a cordless screwdriver but less specialized impact action than an impact driver.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the right settings, a few common mistakes can trip you up:

• Forgetting the Mode: The most critical error is leaving the hammer drill in hammer mode. This will absolutely damage screws and materials. Always double-check the mode selector.
• Incorrect Clutch Setting: Too high a setting will strip screws; too low will prevent them from driving fully. Experimentation is key.
• Using the Wrong Bit: A loose-fitting bit will chew up the screw head, making it impossible to drive or remove.
• Not Starting Slow: Rushing the start can cause the bit to slip, damaging the screw and potentially your workpiece.
• Applying Too Much Pressure: Let the drill do the work. Forcing the drill can lead to stripped heads or bit slippage.

Maintaining Your Hammer Drill for Screwdriving Success

Proper maintenance ensures your tool performs reliably for all its functions, including screwdriving. Keep your hammer drill clean and free of dust and debris, especially around the chuck and mode selector. Ensure the battery is charged and the tool is stored properly. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions, as recommended by manufacturers like Bosch or DeWalt for optimal performance and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my hammer drill for all types of screws?

Yes, you can use your hammer drill for most types of screws, provided you use the correct screwdriver bit and set the drill to screwdriver mode with the appropriate clutch setting. For very small or delicate screws, a dedicated cordless screwdriver might offer more control.

What happens if I use the hammer drill setting for screws?

Using the hammer drill setting for screws will cause the drill to pound the screw head while rotating. This can quickly strip the screw head, damage the material you’re screwing into, and potentially damage the drill itself. Always ensure the hammer function is disengaged.

How do I know what clutch setting to use?

Start with a low setting (e.g., 1-3) and test it on a scrap piece of material. Gradually increase the setting until the screw drives in to the desired depth without stripping. The ideal setting depends on the screw size, material hardness, and desired tightness.

Is it better to use an impact driver or a hammer drill for screwdriving?

For repetitive, heavy-duty screwdriving tasks, an impact driver is generally better due to its specialized rotational impacts, which drive screws faster and with less effort on your part. However, a hammer drill is a capable alternative for less frequent or less demanding screwdriving jobs.

Can I damage my hammer drill by using it as a screwdriver too much?

As long as you use the correct screwdriver mode and clutch settings, you are unlikely to damage your hammer drill. Overusing it without proper settings, or pushing it beyond its intended torque limits, could lead to premature wear, but normal screwdriving is well within its capabilities.

Do I need special bits for using a hammer drill as a screwdriver?

While not strictly necessary, using high-quality, impact-rated screwdriver bits is recommended. These bits are typically made from stronger materials and are designed to withstand the torque and potential stresses of power tool use, reducing the likelihood of cam-out (slipping) and breakage.

So, there you have it! Your hammer drill is a more versatile tool than you might have thought. By understanding its settings and following a few simple guidelines, you can confidently use it as a powerful and effective screwdriver for a wide range of DIY projects. Happy building!