1. The cord is carefully laid out so that it cannot trip the person using the drill.
2. It is good practice to use a circuit breaker. This will cut power if any electrical fault in the drill occurs.
3. Always wear safety goggles to protect the eyes. Never operate equipment like this without eye protection.

4. When using a corded drill hold both the normal handle and front handle securely. This will help steady the drill as it vibrates during use. It also allows the user to put pressure against the drill as it is used to drill holes in difficult materials.
5. The person using the drill should space their feet apart. This helps the person balance and lean into the drill, applying his/her weight safely.
6. Always check that electrical wires or water pipes are not in the area of intended drilling. Drilling through an electrical wire can be extremely dangerous.
7. Always seek instruction / training from an appropriately qualified instructor before using any tools, especially power tools.

A basic corded drill is shown below. Even basic drills are provided with accessories. For instance, corded drills usually have a front handle that can be fitted if required. It is strongly recommended that the front handle is fitted as it provides extra support an makes it more likely that the drill will be used safely. If both hands are holding the drill then it is impossible for the user to accidentally place his /her hand in the way of the drill whilst it is in use.

The drill speed (rpm, revolutions per minute) can be changed according to the material being drilled. On the example shown above the speed is changed by turning the dial on the on/off switch. This will vary depending on the model of drill being used.

A. The drill bit is changed by using a chuck key to loosen the chuck. The bit is normally changed if a larger diameter is needed OR a different type of drill bit. For example, a normal HSS drill bit is use to drill wood / metals. However, for masonry and brick / stone a ‘masonry’ bit is required.

Most corded drills will have at least two basic settings - normal and hammer. This allows the drill to be used on a range of materials such as natural woods, manmade boards, metals, masonry, brick and stone.

TIP

When drilling a difficult material such as stone. Fit a masonry drill bit and start drilling on a normal setting. Once a small hole has been started, switch to the ‘hammer’ setting. If the ‘hammer’ setting is used right at the beginning, the drill bit can slip as it vibrates at high speed.

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