Drill/Driver 101: How to Set a Screw Properly | Tool School | This Old House

This Old House contributor Mark Clement shows you the proper technique for lining up and driving screws. Use these tips to avoid stripping screws and slowing your progress.

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Drill/Driver 101: How to Set a Screw Properly | Tool School | This Old House

[G_de_Coligny]

how about impact driver ?
I've never destroyed so much screws than before I got one...  There seems to be no settings and it can ruin any screw head in 1/4 of the time needed with any regular drilling machine with a screwdriver head...

[neilbohrs]

Looks so easy, but when I try it, it doesn't work. This is definitely not enough info for a newbie.

Had to watch several videos learn enough about drilling screws. You showed the importance of lining it straight and to start it by jabbing the wood, another showed a very useful drill guide that makes starting it much easier and safer, another showed how to stop wood splitting and screw stripping with pilot holes, another showed that a pz screw top is different than phillips top. I learned from a comment in that video that you can set the torque to prevent stripping. I assume these videos are all for newbies like me. Why don't you instructors just make it comprehensive in the first place, especially if you're putting 101 in the title.

[Ms.Dee]

I am 24yr old and my boyfriend is literally always working I can’t wait for a whole week to put up a picture lol, thank you this helped me out, you should also do something for beginners who rent or own

[RedRonFJB]

Any specific bit for screws that you recommend?

[Lanninglongarmmowing]

I use an impact driver to drive screws. They work so much better than a drill. After using an impact driver to drive screws you'll never go back to using a drill. Some of the same things in this video do still apply.

[margielavarias]

Thank you sir! I’m about to start my project using a hand drill

[pocketpangolin]

Any recommendations on doing this upside down? I'm having the hardest time getting the screw to go into the bottom of the cabinet. I'm trying to install a hanging paper towel holder, but I'm not having success. I just keep dropping the screw. I'm a total novice at drill-use, but I'm trying to learn. I'll keep trying. I was thinking of maybe using a hammer to get it started and then drilling it. I might try that.

[wesleywheeler]

Kind of a stupid question here: Do I risk splitting the wood if I don't pre-drill a hole first?

[RedRonFJB]

I think part of my problem is using an industrial strength drill...way to big and awkward for screws. Ive seen much smaller drills like Milwaukee brand being used more effectively.

[williamself]

Only GOATS know this show came on after pbs kids on a Saturday

[alexanderverbeek]

The key is a snug fitting driver bit.
No matter what drill or impact driver is used, if the bit isn't the right type, it will never work as designed.
Phillips 2 and Pozidriv 2 are not interchangable. I've seen lots of people do it, but it just doesn't work.

[hollywood]

It seems when I'm hanging something requiring 3 or 4 screws, they end up not going in smoothly, even after marking the holes. I guess the secret is to get it straight with set screws, then drill holes for the remaining screws last.

[HamidA-tovy]

My tip is: If the screws do not drive well, throw the bit in garbage not in your tool box, and grab new bit. Always buy brand bits. Do not wait until the bit visibly worn out, good bit should last few days, bad bit will last few minutes. Finally, as the bit quality matters, the screw quality matters too.

[anandabrian]

It's so frustrating. Especially with longer screws

[easilyimpressedmoviereview]

yeah I'm trying to do this on aluminium if I do that I destroy the thing

[sjsg]

So much GREAT information packed into such a short video.
I hope they make this a series.
I am drooling with anticipation in what will be in Drill/Driver 201.

[MrJohndeere]

i use a drill 2 drive screws in. works just fine 4 me. if u were going 2 drive screws in all day long a impact driver might be better. u just have 2 no how 2 use a drill.

[Woody-]

So why 'goose" the trigger ? Once I start it, I just drill it in, and, it's fine, , ,

[sheet-son]

Drills are drilling, impacts are for screwing. Simple as that.

[emutiny]

+Michel BURTE II
 Your comment is incoherent.  I read it 5 times.  I still cant tell whether or not you like impact drivers.  Learn to communicate my brother.