Sometimes people get confused between a cordless screwdriver[^1] and a drill — I totally get it. They look alike, sound similar, and even share some functions. But do they really work the same way? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

A cordless screwdriver works like a light-duty drill, but it’s mainly for driving screws, not drilling holes. It spins slower, has less torque, and is designed for precision work rather than heavy drilling.

If you’ve ever stood there wondering why your cordless screwdriver stops halfway through a piece of wood, don’t worry — it’s not broken. It’s just doing exactly what it’s built for: gentle, controlled screwdriving. Now, let’s dig deeper and see how it compares when drilling, swapping bits, or replacing a drill entirely.

Can you drill a hole with a cordless screwdriver?

Most cordless screwdrivers can drill small holes in soft materials like wood or plastic — but they’re not meant for heavy-duty drilling.

A cordless screwdriver can drill light holes in soft materials, but it lacks the torque and speed needed for metal, concrete, or thick wood. For serious drilling tasks, you’ll need a proper drill.

Let me tell you, I tried this once when I was assembling a wooden shelf in my workshop. I grabbed my little 12V screwdriver, thinking, “Hey, it’s got a bit — this should work.” Well, after a few seconds, the bit stopped spinning halfway through the wood. The poor screwdriver just didn’t have the power.

Here’s what I’ve learned since:

If you’re just making pilot holes for screws, your cordless screwdriver will do fine. But for anything thicker or tougher — grab a drill and thank yourself later.

Can I put a drill bit in a cordless screwdriver?

You can insert a drill bit into a cordless screwdriver, as long as it fits the chuck, but not all bits or screwdrivers are compatible.

Yes, you can use drill bits in a cordless screwdriver if the chuck accepts them, but torque and RPM limits mean it only works for light drilling. Always check bit size and fit before use.

I remember helping a friend hang curtain rods once. He didn’t have a drill, just a small cordless screwdriver. We managed to pop in a drill bit — it fit perfectly — but when he pulled the trigger, it felt like watching a snail dig a tunnel. It worked, technically… but painfully slow.

Here’s the deal:

• Check if your screwdriver has a ¼-inch hex chuck — most small drill bits fit this.
• Use short bits; long ones can wobble or slip.
• Avoid hard surfaces. Plastic, drywall, and soft wood are fine.
• Don’t force it — it can strip the bit or burn out the motor.

So yes, it works, but with boundaries. Think of it as using a spoon to dig a hole — possible, but not ideal.

Do I need a drill if I have an electric screwdriver?

It depends on what kind of work you do — but generally, yes, a drill is still essential.

An electric screwdriver is ideal for assembling furniture and driving screws, while a drill is built for boring holes in tougher materials. They complement each other rather than replace one another.

Here’s how I like to explain it — your cordless screwdriver is like a nimble helper, perfect for light jobs, quick fixes, and assembly work. Your drill? That’s the muscle. Together, they cover almost every household or workshop task.

When I work on tool testing sessions, I often carry both. The screwdriver saves my wrist when driving dozens of screws, while the drill handles the heavier stuff. If you’re serious about DIY or professional use[^3], having both isn’t a luxury — it’s efficiency.

Conclusion

A cordless screwdriver can act like a drill in light cases, but it’s not a true substitute. Use it for screws and soft holes — and keep a drill for the tougher jobs. Both have their place, and once you know when to use each, your work becomes smoother and faster.