How to Use a Makita Drill

Makita drills are highly customized and efficient. In this article, I’ll teach you how to use them appropriately.

The Makita drill is one of my most effective and convenient tools. Knowing how to operate your Makita Drill properly will simplify every DIY project you complete on your own. Additionally, understanding how to use a drill in general confidently will assist in avoiding injuries from flying projectiles or careless tool usage.

To use the Makita drill properly:

  • Wear protective gear such as eye and ear protection.
  • Engage the clutch
  • Install your drill bit
  • Clamp your metal or wood down safely
  • Exert slight pressure as you adjust the clutch to accelerate
  • Let the drill cool

I will go into more detail below.

Using a Makita Drill

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear Such as Eye and Ear Protection

Wear safety gear and eye protection before operating a Makita drill, whether electric or manual. If you have long hair, tie it up and refrain from wearing any jewelry or anything too baggy. You don’t want to get any clothing or hair stuck in your drill.

Additionally, put on safety glasses or goggles that protect your eyes so they are shielded from flying particles or tiny shards of material.

Step 2: Engage the Clutch

Tune the Makita drill to screwdriver mode. Then, engage the clutch with numbers 1 to 21 in different settings.

The drill has two speeds to choose from so you can decide exactly the right amount of torque, power, and speed.

makita drill in zoom
Video | ITS

Step 3: Get an Impact Gold Titanium Drill Bit (Recommended, Not Necessary)

Impact gold titanium drill bits in Makita drills are intended for speed and a quick start! You get flawless holes every time you use a split point with a 135-degree angle. The bit life is 25 percent longer with the titanium coating than with conventional non-coated bits.

Step 4: Insert the Drill Bit

Always be sure the drill is off before inserting a drill bit. Replace the drill bit by releasing the bit in the chuck, replacing the drill bit, and then tightening it again after your drill has been switched off and disconnected.

Step 5: Clamp the Metal or Wood You Want to Drill

Always make sure the materials you are drilling into are secure, either clamped or you have them held tight, before drilling a hole to prevent loose materials from flying about and hurting your hand. This is especially crucial if you are drilling into incredibly small materials. Try not to drill while holding down the material with just one hand since the drill could easily slip and hurt you.

Step 6: Put Consistent Pressure on The Drill

drilling using makita drill
Video | ITS

Regardless of the substance, you are drilling into; you must keep the drill stable and gently insert it. You’re probably using the improper drill bit if you have to exert more force than minimal pressure on the drill. In this case, replace the drill bit with a different attachment that works better with the material you’re drilling.

Step 7: Increase the Power by Adjusting the Clutch

The clutch must be adjusted if you have problems cutting through a material. Additionally, the clutch can be changed to reduce the power tool output if you drill screws into the wood too deeply. By adjusting the drill clutch, you can reach the depth you need.

Step 8: Use your Makita drill’s Reverse Switch

The ability to drill either clockwise or anti-clockwise is included in all power drills. Drill a pilot hole, then flip the switch directly above the trigger to reverse the direction of the drill’s rotation. This will make it easier and cleaner for your drill to exit the hole, preventing damage to the drill bit or the material.

Step 9: Do Not Let the Drill Bit Get Too Hot

The drill bit will experience extreme friction when drilling through hard materials or at very high speeds. The drill bit might overheat dramatically, getting so hot that it would burn.

Start the drill at modest rates to prevent the drill bit from overheating, and only speed up if the Makita drill isn’t cutting through the material.

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About Sam Orlovsky

b1d87d2ee85af3e51479df87928bdc88?s=90&d=mm&r=gCertifications: B.E.E.
Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering
Lives In: Denver Colorado

Electrical engineering is my passion, and I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. I’m not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share.

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