12 13
APPLICATIONS WARNING
To reduce the risk of electric shock,
check work area for hidden pipes
and wires before drilling or driving
screws.
Drilling in Wood, Composition Materials
and Plastic
When drilling in wood, composition materials
and plastic, start the drill slowly, gradually
increasing speed as you drill. When drilling
into wood, use wood augers or twist drill bits.
Always use sharp bits. When using twist drill
bits, pull the bit out of the hole frequently to
clear chips from the bit fl utes. To reduce the
chance of splintering, back work with a piece
of scrap wood. Select low speeds for plastics
with a low melting point.
Drilling in Metal
When drilling in metal, use high speed steel
twist drills or hole saws. Use a center punch
to start the hole. Lubricate drill bits with cut-
ting oil when drilling in iron or steel. Use a
coolant when drilling in nonferrous metals
such as copper, brass or aluminum. Back
the material to prevent binding and distortion
on breakthrough.
Drilling in Masonry
When drilling in masonry, select the ham-
mer-drill operating mode (Cat. No. 0617-20
and 0627-20 only). Use high speed carbide-
tipped bits. Drilling soft masonry materials
such as cinder block requires little pressure.
Hard materials like concrete require more
pressure. A smooth, even fl ow of dust indi-
cates the proper drilling rate. Do not let the
bit spin in the hole without cutting. Do not
use water to settle dust or to cool bit. Both
actions will damage the carbide.
Driving Screws and Nut Running
Drill a pilot hole when driving screws into
thick or hard materials. Set the torque se-
lector collar to the proper position and set
the speed to low. Use the proper style and
size screwdriver bit for the type of screw
you are using.
With the screwdriver bit in the screw, place
the tip of the screw on the workpiece and
apply fi rm pressure before pulling the trig-
ger. Screws can be removed by reversing
the motor.
Overloading
Continuous overloading may cause perma-
nent damage to tool or battery pack.
Bit Binding
A high rotational force occurs when a bit
binds. If the bit binds, the tool will be forced
in the opposite direction of the bit rotation.
Bits may bind if they are misaligned or when
they are breaking through a hole. Wood
boring bits can also bind if they run into
nails or knots. Be prepared for bit binding
situations.
WARNING
High rotational force. To reduce the
risk of injury, always hold or brace
securely. Always use side handle
on tools.
To reduce the chance of bit binding:
• Use sharp bits. Sharp bits are less likely
to bind when drilling.
• Use the proper bit for the job. There are bits
that are designed for specifi c purposes.
• Use caution when drilling pitchy, knotty,
wet or warped material or when drilling in
material that may contain nails.
Typical Bracing Methods
Fig. 12
Reaction
Fig. 14
Bracing against a stud
Reverse rotation
Reaction
Forward rotation
Fig. 13
Forward
rotation
Bracing against your leg
Reaction
Forward rotation
Bracing against
the fl oor