How to Change a Drill Bit: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

by Zuzana January 4, 2022

written by Zuzana January 4, 2022

How to Change a Drill Bit Like a Pro

Safety Precautions

Before you start, it’s important to take some safety precautions:

Always unplug the drill before changing the bit.
If you must use the drill’s power to change the bit, squeeze the trigger gently.
Keep your hands away from the bit to avoid injury.
Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing that could get tangled in the bit.

Types of Drill Chucks

The first step in changing a drill bit is to identify the type of chuck your drill has. The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bit in place.

Keyless chuck: The most common type of chuck. It allows you to twist the chuck with your hands to lock the bit in place.
Keyed chuck: Found on larger, more powerful drills. Requires a key to loosen and tighten the chuck.
Quick-release chuck: Typically found on impact drivers. Features a quick-release collet with ball bearings that hold the bit in place.

How to Change a Drill Bit on a Keyless Chuck

Loosen the chuck by placing the drill in reverse and gently squeezing the trigger while firmly grasping the chuck.
If the chuck is too tight, you can use tongue and groove pliers to grip it.
Place the shank end of the new bit into the opened jaws (collet).
Manually spin the chuck to tighten the jaws as much as possible.
Further tighten the chuck by slowly squeezing the trigger while firmly grasping the chuck.

How to Change a Drill Bit on a Keyed Chuck

Unplug the drill.
Place the key into the hole in the side of the chuck and spin it counterclockwise to loosen the chuck.
Follow the steps above to insert the new bit and tighten the chuck by spinning the key clockwise.

How to Change a Drill Bit on an Impact Driver

Pull the collar on the quick-release chuck forward and pull the old bit out.
Slide a locking hex-shank bit into the collet and push until it locks in place.

Tips for Selecting the Right Drill Bit

Choosing the right drill bit depends on the size and material of the hole you want to create.

Drill Bit Shank Style

Round shank: Fits into keyed or keyless chucks.
Hex shank: Fits into 1/4-inch quick-release couplers.

Drill Bit Shank Size

The shank size limits which drills can use the bit. Larger drills have chucks that can accommodate larger-shank bits.

When to Use Different Types of Drills

Keyed chuck: For heavy-duty drilling or when using large bits.
Keyless chuck: For quick and easy bit changes.
Quick-release chuck: For use with impact drivers.

Additional Tips

Always center the bit in the chuck before tightening it.
Use gloves if the drill or bit is hot.
If you’re having trouble removing a stuck bit, try using a penetrating oil or lubricant.

Zuzana

Zuzana isn't your average homeowner. Sure, she spends weekends nurturing a vibrant garden, coaxing life from seeds and reveling in the calming rhythm of nature. But her passion extends beyond the flowerbeds. Zuzana thrives on transforming everyday spaces, unearthing design magic on a budget. Imagine her, armed with a stack of magazines (think recycled, of course!) and a twinkle in her eye, meticulously planning a living room refresh. Upcycled furniture finds new life with a coat of paint and strategically placed throw pillows. A cascading vine, meticulously nurtured from a cutting, adds a touch of organic charm. Zuzana's creativity isn't confined to expensive renovations; it flourishes in the realm of resourcefulness. Her love for all things green spills over into her design philosophy. Think repurposed mason jars transformed into hanging terrariums, or strategically placed houseplants that breathe life into a corner. Sustainability and resourcefulness are woven into the very fabric of her design aesthetic. Zuzana's journey isn't about achieving perfection from a catalog page; it's about expressing personal style with a dash of ingenuity. Whether it's breathing new life into a vintage find or crafting a unique centerpiece from foraged treasures, her creations are a testament to the power of imagination and a sprinkle of DIY magic.