Hand Drill Using a Screwdriver

by matt392 in Workshop > Tools

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Hand Drill Using a Screwdriver

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How to make a simple, inexpensive hand drill with a screwdriver.  The reasons someone might want to build a hand drill are:
1.  Cannot afford a cordless or corded drill, but still need to drill holes and build things.
2.  Need to drill quietly because of roommates, sleeping spouse, etc.
3.  Necessary to have lightweight, portable drilling capability.
4.  Need to hold the wood while you use a hand drill.  Traditional hand-cranked drills require 2 hands to use.
5.  No access to electricity, ie: an emergency situation or out in the field, but still need to drill
6.  Environmentally conscious; uses no electricity

This one is a slightly downgraded version of my first hand drill:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Hand-drill-from-Home-Depot-parts-under-10/

Parts:
  1. Screwdriver (can buy them for 99 cents at Home Depot)
  2. Ryobi Speedload Titanium 1/8 in drill bit; Home Depot SKU: 773939
  3. Cable ties (can buy at Home Depot or 99 cent store)
  4. Duct tape (available at Home Depot)
  5. Rubber bands (preferably the thicker ones)
  6. Wire cutter (not shown)

Tape the Drill Bit to Shaft

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  1. Align the drill bit with the end of the screwdriver.
  2. Using the duct tape, secure it to the end.
  3. Try to make sure it is aligned straight with the shaft and that it doesn't lean to either side.

Secure With Cable Ties

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  1. Using the cable ties, loop them over the drill bit and duct tape. I used about 6 or so.
  2. Lock them down as tight as possible.
  3. Using a wire cutter, trim the ends off.

Further Secure Them With Rubber Bands

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  1. Loop about 6 or 7 rubber bands onto the drill bit to hold it tighter to the shaft.
  2. Make sure you go in between the cable ties when looping so that the rubber bands are not cut on the ends of the ties.
  3. Make sure the drill bit cannot move side to side.
  4. If it does, add a few more rubber bands to make sure it doesn't move.