What Do the Numbers on a Drill Mean?

On this page (9 sections)

1. What do the numbers on a drill mean?
2. What do 1 and 2 mean on a drill?
3. How do you choose the right clutch number for a screw?
4. What drill settings should you use for wood and metal holes?
5. When should you use drill mode instead of a clutch number?
6. Why does a drill clutch keep slipping?
7. What common mistakes should you avoid with drill settings?
8. Which drill should you choose for learning the numbers?
9. What do the numbers on a drill mean when you are choosing a setting?

What do the numbers on a drill mean? The numbered ring usually sets the clutch for driving screws, while the separate 1 or 2 switch controls speed.

Use drill mode for holes so the screw clutch does not stop the bit as it meets resistance.

Start with a low clutch number for a screw, then increase it gradually until the screw reaches the depth you want. The right setting depends on the screw, material, pilot hole, and drill, so test first when you can.

What do the numbers on a drill mean?

The numbered ring near the chuck limits torque for screwdriving. At a low number, the clutch slips with less resistance; at a higher number, it lets the drill apply more force before slipping.

The numbers are settings, not standard torque measurements. A number on one drill won't necessarily match the same number on another model.

Many drills also have a drill icon at the end of the numbered ring. Choose that mode for making holes because it bypasses the screwdriving clutch.

What do 1 and 2 mean on a drill?

The 1 and 2 usually select a low or high speed range. Use the slower range for controlled screwdriving and the faster range for many drilling jobs.

The Bosch PS31-2A has two speed ranges, 0–350 and 0–1,300 RPM, plus 20 clutch settings and a drill mode. Its compact 12V design suits overhead work and tight corners.

It also suits smaller jobs where a lighter drill is useful.

A drill with many clutch numbers can make it easier to fine-tune screw depth, but you still need to choose the setting by trying the screw in the material. Don't assume that more settings make the drill a better fit for every job.

How do you choose the right clutch number for a screw?

Start low and raise the setting only when the clutch slips before the screw is seated. This helps you avoid sinking the screw too far or stripping its head.

1. Select the slower speed range.
2. Set the clutch to a low number.
3. Drive a test screw into scrap of the same material, if available.
4. If the clutch slips too early, increase the setting one step and try again.
5. Stop when the screw reaches the depth you want.

A small screw in soft wood usually needs less torque than a long screw in dense wood. A pilot hole can also reduce the force needed, so consider the hole and material before turning the clutch up.

Keep the driver bit straight and firmly seated in the screw head as you work. A mismatched or worn bit may slip in the screw, which can look like a clutch problem.

Follow how to change a drill bit when you need to switch to a bit with the right shape or size.

What drill settings should you use for wood and metal holes?

Use drill mode for holes, then match the speed to the bit and material. Start slowly enough to keep the bit from wandering, and hold the drill firmly with the bit straight.

Use the right bit for the job and secure the workpiece before drilling. If the bit begins to wander, a small pilot hole can help guide it when appropriate.

Don't force the drill if the bit binds; stop, clear the hole, and check that the bit is suited to the material.

The Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1 has a 1/2 in keyless chuck, variable speed, and a two-speed gearbox with ranges of 0–350 and 0–1,500 RPM. Its included battery and charger make it a practical choice for someone starting with a general-purpose drill kit or who wants a larger chuck for compatible bits.

Chuck size tells you the largest bit shank the drill can hold, not the torque or speed setting to use. Check that a bit's shank fits the chuck, then tighten the chuck securely before starting.

When should you use drill mode instead of a clutch number?

Use drill mode for holes and a numbered clutch setting for screws. Drill mode keeps the screw clutch from slipping as resistance changes during drilling.

The Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless Flip Drill Driver has electronically controlled torque settings and a drill mode. Its flip head switches between drilling and driving bits, which can save time when you alternate between pilot holes and screws.

Choose this style if you want a compact tool for tight spaces and frequent bit changes. Skip it if you prefer a traditional chuck or want a straightforward drill with fewer specialized features.

For masonry, a regular drill may not be the right tool. Read how to drill into brick with a cordless drill and check whether the material and bit call for a hammer drill.

Why does a drill clutch keep slipping?

The clutch may be set too low for the screw or material. Increase the number a step at a time, and test again before continuing.

If the clutch slips in drill mode, check that the selector is fully in position and that the bit is secure. If the drill turns but the bit slips in the screw head, switch to a correctly sized driver bit and keep it aligned.

Don't jump straight to the highest clutch number. Too much torque can strip the screw head, split wood, or damage the surface around the screw.

Stop if the screw binds, and check whether the bit, pilot hole, or material is the problem.

What common mistakes should you avoid with drill settings?

The main mistake is treating every number as a speed or torque rating. The clutch numbers, speed selector, and drill mode each control a different part of the job.

Avoid these habits:

• Using a high clutch number for every screw, which can drive screws too deep or damage the material.
• Drilling with the clutch set low, which can make the drill stop as the bit meets resistance.
• Using the high speed range to start a screw, which gives you less control.
• Assuming the same clutch number will work for different drills, screws, or materials.
• Starting without checking that the bit is secure and suited to the screw or hole.

If you aren't sure which mode to use, pause and check the icons near the clutch ring. A quick test on scrap often saves time and prevents damage.

Which drill should you choose for learning the numbers?

Choose a drill with clearly separated speed and clutch controls if you want to learn each setting. A two-speed drill with a clutch gives you a simple way to adjust screw torque without changing speed.

The Bosch PS31-2A is a fit for overhead jobs and tight spaces where its compact 12V form and 3/8 in chuck are useful. Choose the Craftsman V20 if you want a general-purpose 1/2 in drill/driver kit for home drilling and fastening.

The Skil flip drill suits projects where you often alternate between a drill bit and a driving bit or need to reach corners.

Skip the Bosch if your main priority is a larger chuck, the Craftsman if you need a compact flip-head design, or the Skil if you want a conventional drill layout. Match the tool to the work you expect to do most often, not the number of settings alone.

For a wider comparison of features and use cases, see our plain cordless drill buying guide. If you mainly drive screws and are deciding between tool types, read impact driver vs drill.

What do the numbers on a drill mean when you are choosing a setting?

Use the speed switch for how fast the chuck turns, the clutch ring for screw torque, and drill mode for holes. For screws, begin with a low clutch setting and move up in small steps until the screw seats cleanly.

Choose the Bosch for compact, overhead work, the Craftsman for a conventional 1/2 in home drill kit, or the Skil for quick changes between drilling and driving. If your work is mostly masonry, learn when a hammer drill is needed with our guide to drilling into concrete with a hammer drill.

Frequently asked questions

What do the numbers on a drill clutch mean?

The clutch numbers set a torque limit for driving screws. At a low setting, the drill stops turning the chuck sooner as resistance rises; a higher setting lets it apply more torque before the clutch slips.

Start low, test on scrap, and increase the setting only as needed.

Should I use a high or low drill number for screws?

Start with a low clutch number for small screws or soft material, then raise it in small steps if the screw stops before it sits flush. A higher number can help with larger screws or harder material, but too much torque can strip the screw head or damage the workpiece.

What do 1 and 2 mean on a drill?

The 1 and 2 usually mark the drill's two speed ranges. Setting 1 turns the chuck more slowly and gives more control for driving screws; setting 2 turns it faster for drilling.

The clutch numbers around the chuck are separate and control screwdriving torque.

What drill setting should I use to make a hole?

Use the drill symbol or drill mode for making holes, since it bypasses the screwdriving clutch. Choose the speed range that suits the bit and material, and begin slowly enough to keep the bit steady.

For masonry, use a hammer drill when the job and bit call for one.