How to Change a Drill Bit on a Cordless Drill

On this page (10 sections)

1. How do you change a drill bit on a cordless drill?
2. How do you open and tighten a keyless drill chuck?
3. How do you use a chuck key?
4. How do you change a bit in a quick-change holder?
5. How do you choose the right bit before changing it?
6. How can you tell whether the bit is secure?
7. What mistakes should you avoid when changing bits?
8. How do you use and care for a drill bit after changing it?
9. How do you change a drill bit safely?
10. Which method should you use to change a drill bit?

To learn how to change a drill bit, switch off the cordless drill, remove its battery, open the chuck, seat the new bit straight, and tighten the chuck firmly. Check that the bit is centered and secure before reconnecting the battery.

Most cordless drills have a keyless chuck that turns by hand. Some use a chuck key, while quick-change holders accept compatible hex-shank bits.

The method depends on the holder in front of you.

How do you change a drill bit on a cordless drill?

Remove the battery, open the chuck, place the bit in the center, and tighten the chuck around its shank. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while you work.

1. Switch the drill off and remove its battery.
2. Turn the chuck sleeve counterclockwise to open the jaws.
3. Pull out the old bit.
4. Place the new bit straight between the jaws.
5. Turn the sleeve clockwise until the jaws grip the shank.
6. Check that the bit sits straight, then reinstall the battery.

Don't use the trigger to tighten or loosen a bit unless your drill manual specifically directs you to do so. Hand-tightening keeps your fingers away from moving parts.

How do you open and tighten a keyless drill chuck?

Turn the chuck sleeve counterclockwise to loosen the jaws and clockwise to tighten them. The chuck is the part at the front of the drill that grips the bit.

Keep the drill switched off and the battery removed. Grip the textured sleeve behind the jaws, not the bit, and turn until the jaws open enough to release or accept the shank.

Center the bit between the jaws and keep it straight as you tighten. Insert the smooth shank far enough for a firm grip, but keep the flutes and cutting tip outside the jaws.

Look at the bit from the side when you finish. If it leans, loosen the chuck and reseat it instead of trying to straighten it while the jaws are tight.

The Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1 has a 1/2 in keyless chuck, so it suits routine bit changes by hand. Its kit includes a battery and charger; skip it if you only need a bit set or already have a drill that fits your work.

How do you use a chuck key?

Fit the chuck key into a side hole and turn it to move the jaws. A keyed chuck needs its matching key to open and tighten properly.

Remove the battery first. Fit the key's teeth into the chuck gear, then turn counterclockwise to loosen the jaws or clockwise to tighten them around the bit.

Some keyed chucks have more than one key position. Tighten each position in turn for an even grip.

Then remove the key before reconnecting the battery. Never leave the chuck key in place when you switch the drill on.

How do you change a bit in a quick-change holder?

Pull back the holder's collar, remove the old bit, and insert a compatible hex-shank bit until it locks. This holder works differently from a standard chuck.

Remove the battery before changing bits. Hold the collar back while pulling out the old bit, insert the replacement until it seats, then release the collar and give the bit a gentle tug.

Quick-change holders may not accept round-shank drill bits. Check the drill manual and bit packaging before use.

Can an impact driver hold a regular drill bit?

An impact driver usually needs a compatible hex-shank bit in its quick-change holder. A standard round-shank bit may not lock into that holder.

For jobs that involve making holes as well as driving screws, read where an impact driver works as a drill. A regular cordless drill's chuck is more suitable when you need to grip a round-shank drill bit.

How do you choose the right bit before changing it?

Match the bit to the material, the hole or fastener, and the drill's holder. A secure fit is useful only when the bit is made for the job.

For a hole, choose a drill bit with the diameter you need and a cutting design suited to the material. Wood, metal, masonry, and tile call for different bits.

Use a masonry bit and the right drilling approach for brick; our guide to how to drill into brick with a cordless drill covers that job.

For screws, choose a screwdriver bit that matches the screw head. Drill bits make holes; screwdriver bits drive fasteners.

Don't force a bit into a holder that can't grip its shank.

The DeWalt DW1361 set has 21 drill bits from 1/16 in to 1/2 in for wood, metal, and plastic. Its pilot point design starts on contact, so it suits someone who needs a range of common sizes for those materials; skip it if you need masonry bits or screwdriver bits.

For metal work, use a bit suited to the material and see how to drill through metal with a cordless drill. If you're unsure what your drill's settings do, read what the numbers on a drill mean before drilling.

For fastening, the DeWalt 40-Piece Impact Ready Screwdriver Bit Set includes several bit types and a magnetic screw lock sleeve. It suits repetitive screwdriving or work with an impact driver; skip it if you mainly need bits for making holes.

Choose a bit tip that fits the screw head, then seat the shank fully in the drill chuck or compatible holder. The magnetic sleeve can help reduce drops and wobble, but it doesn't replace a secure fit.

How can you tell whether the bit is secure?

With the battery removed, give the bit a gentle hand tug and check that it sits straight. It should not slip or lean in the chuck.

Turn the sleeve a little farther by hand if the bit moves. If it still slips, remove the bit and check that the shank and chuck jaws are clean and undamaged.

Confirm that the shank fits the chuck or holder.

After reconnecting the battery, point the drill away from yourself and others. Run it briefly at low speed without touching the work; stop if the bit visibly wobbles.

A bent bit can wobble even when tightened. Replace it, and consult the drill manual or service support if the chuck appears faulty.

What mistakes should you avoid when changing bits?

The most common mistakes are leaving the battery in, gripping the bit crookedly, and using a shank the holder cannot lock. Check those points before you drill.

Don't put the cutting tip or flutes inside the jaws when a smooth section of shank is available.

Don't use pliers or strike a stuck chuck with a tool, since that can damage it. If the sleeve won't turn, check your manual for the approved method.

Don't leave a chuck key in a keyed drill. Don't run the drill to test whether a loose bit will center itself.

Remove power, reseat the bit, and check the fit instead.

How do you use and care for a drill bit after changing it?

Start with the bit straight, secure the workpiece, and use a speed and pressure suited to the material. Stop if the bit slips, binds, or begins to wobble.

Wear eye protection and keep the bit pointed away from people. Secure the workpiece so it cannot spin or shift, and avoid pushing hard enough to bend the bit or stall the drill.

Follow the drill and bit makers' instructions, especially for materials that create dust. Let a hot bit cool before handling it, and store bits so their cutting edges are protected and their sizes are easy to find.

How do you change a drill bit safely?

Remove power before touching the chuck, keep the bit pointed away from people, and check the fit before drilling. These steps lower the risk of an accidental start or a loose bit.

Remove the battery from a cordless drill; unplug a corded drill. Keep your fingers clear of the trigger and chuck jaws while changing the bit.

After checking that the bit is centered and secure, wear eye protection and hold the drill firmly. Follow the tool manual and use a bit made for the material.

Which method should you use to change a drill bit?

Use the holder on your drill to choose the method: turn a keyless chuck by hand, use the matching key on a keyed chuck, or pull back the collar on a compatible quick-change holder. Always remove power first and match the bit to the task.

If you need a general cordless drill for common hole-making and fastening, start with our plain cordless drill buying guide. Choose the Craftsman kit for a drill with a keyless chuck, the DeWalt DW1361 for wood, metal, and plastic drill bits, or the DeWalt screwdriver set for fastening jobs.

Frequently asked questions

Which way do you turn a cordless drill chuck to loosen it?

For most keyless chucks, turn the sleeve counterclockwise as viewed from the bit end to open the jaws, then clockwise to tighten them. Keep the drill off and remove its battery first.

If the chuck has a key, use its teeth and follow the drill manual.

Should you remove the battery to change a drill bit?

Yes. Remove the battery before changing a bit when your drill has a removable battery.

This keeps the trigger from starting the tool while your fingers are near the chuck.

For a corded drill, unplug it.

Follow the manual for your model.

How far should a drill bit go into the chuck?

Seat the shank far enough between the chuck jaws for a firm grip, while keeping the flutes and cutting tip outside the jaws. Center the bit and tighten all the jaws evenly.

A short or crooked grip can let the bit wobble or slip.

Can you use any drill bit in a cordless drill?

No. Match the shank to the chuck or holder, and choose a bit made for the material and task.

A standard chuck can grip many round and hex shanks within its capacity.

A quick-change holder may require a compatible hex shank, so check the drill manual.