Five Creative Ways to Use a Cordless Drill
If you have a cordless drill in your toolbox at home, you might think it’s only good for drilling and maybe driving screws. But you can do a lot of weird and wonderful things with a drill that I bet you’ve never thought about. Here are some of the most creative ways to use a cordless drill for more than just making holes.
Security Note
While most of the drill applications described here won’t necessarily take place in your home workshop, a rotary drill can still send particles and projectiles into the air, as well as into your eyes. Remember to wear safety glasses to prevent injury and tie long hair back to prevent it from getting sucked into the drill.
Use a drill as a scraper
The drill spins fast enough that it can be used as an electric scrubber if you have the right attachments . You can use attachment brushes to clean grout; clean cracks that are difficult to reach with a sponge; detail your car; or break up old, accumulated spills. The rotating brush allows you to clean faster, saving time and effort on cleaning. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging delicate surfaces such as natural stone or paint.
Restore metal
To use a drill for restoration, first start with a wire brush attachment and a rust remover or deoxidizer to remove as much rust and dirt as possible. Then use a buffing pad to buff the metal using a polishing compound to give the metal surface a shiny and protective appearance. For smaller parts, it is recommended to use a vice or clamp to hold the parts stationary rather than placing your fingers close to the rotating wire wheel.
Dig a hole for a post
You can use a large auger and drill to dig holes for fence posts. Keep in mind that fence post holes need to be about a third of the height of the fence to be secure, so consider the final height of the fence when choosing a drill bit. A taller fence over five or six feet will require a larger drill bit than a regular drill can safely accommodate, so for a taller fence you’ll need a larger tool . Always remember to call 811 before digging.
Use a drill as a mixer
While cooking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of getting out a drill, its spinning motion makes it ideal for use as a hand mixer if you don’t have one or if you’re like me. just like using power tools for everything. When choosing a mixer attachment for your drill, make sure it is food safe . If you don’t have an attachment, you can try inserting a whisk or fork into the drill chuck to quickly and easily install the attachment.
Wind the yarn
If you’re a crafter, you’ve probably already used your drill for some DIY projects, but did you know it can be used to wind yarn? To wind the fibers, insert a dowel, tying needle or spindle into the drill chuck and tighten it. Then attach the end of the yarn (masking tape will work) to your chosen winding core. Set the drill to its lowest setting and begin spinning the spindle, removing the tape once the yarn has been wrapped securely several times. Then continue rotating until all the yarn is wound at the speed you are comfortable with.