How to Change the Drill Bit

Drills are handy and versatile, but you need to use the right drill for the job. If you don’t know exactly how to change the drill, don’t worry! We’ll guide you step-by-step, regardless of whether your drill has a drill handle or not. The process is very simple for both of these drills. In just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to use the drill.

Table of Contents

For drills without drill bit locking arms

Loosen the drill chuck. The drill chuck is the part that can be loosened or tightened to hold the drill bit. Grasp the clamp with one hand while holding the drill handle with the other hand. Turn the chuck counter-clockwise to loosen, or you can squeeze the trigger gently while holding the clamp. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Loosening the clamp will cause the jaws to hold the drill bit open.

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Remove the drill bit. After loosening the clamp, the drill will begin to wobble. You will easily remove the drill from the machine once the jaws holding it in place have been loosened. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Always check the drill bit after removing it. If it is damaged or worn, you should throw it away so you don’t accidentally reuse it later.

Install the drill bit. Hold the drill bit between your thumb and forefinger so that the smooth part of the drill (stem) is facing the jaws of the clamp. Insert the drill bit into the clamp and immediately pull it toward you about an inch. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Continue to use your fingers to hold the drill bit and the clamp because it is not tightened at this time.

Pull the trigger. Secure the drill bit by squeezing and clicking the trigger a few times. The other hand is still holding the drill slightly while pulling the trigger. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Hold the drill bit gently while pulling the trigger to make sure the drill is installed straight.

Install the ratchet locking mechanism if necessary. If the drill has a ratchet locking mechanism to add pressure to the drill stem, it must be fitted. You will fasten this mechanism into position near the clamping bulb clockwise. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For drills with drill bit locking arms

Insert the locking handle into the clamp. If the drill has a drill lock handle, you will need to use it to loosen the clamp. The locking arm looks like a gear. To use the locking arm, you engage its gear in the teeth on the clamping bulb, and insert the locking tip into the hole in the holder body.

Many types of drills have a lock-handle storage design on the body.
Drills with locking arms are more common than models without locking arms.

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Turn the locking handle counterclockwise. When you turn the locking handle, the jaws on the clamp will begin to open. Continue rotating until the chuck opens wide enough to remove the drill bit.

The clamp usually has three or four jaws inside the mouth that clamp the drill in place.

Remove the drill bit. Use your thumb and index finger to pull out the drill once the clamp is loosened. If the chuck has expanded and you tilt the drill down, the drill will fall out on its own.

Check the drill bit after removing it. Look for damaged or worn locations. If the drill bit is too worn, you should replace it with a new one. If the drill bit is bent or shows signs of cracking, it should be discarded so as not to accidentally reinsert it.

Install the drill bit. When the jaws in the chuck are expanding, you insert the new drill into it. Hold the drill bit between your thumb and forefinger so that the smooth part of the drill (stem) is facing the jaws of the holder, and insert the drill into it. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Continue to use your fingers to hold the drill bit and the clamp because it is not tightened at this time.

Tighten the clamp. While holding the drill bit with one hand, use the other hand to turn the locking handle clockwise to tighten the jaws of the chuck. Be sure to tighten enough so that the drill does not fall out. Remove the locking handle from the clamp. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Take your hand off the drill bit and run the drill to check before using it.

Advice

Store the locking handle on the drill or in a safe place. If you lose the locking arm, you can purchase a new set of locking handles in different sizes to fit the clamp.

Things you need

Drill
Replacement drill bit
Drill handle (if needed)

Steps

For drills without drill bit locking arms

For drills with drill bit locking arms

Advice

Things you need

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