Cordless Drill Use

The best advantage to a cordless drill is that you can take it anywhere since it has its own power source. Cordless drill power is measured in volts; the higher the voltage the more powerful the drill. Keep in mind, however, that as the voltage increases, so does the tool##apos##s weight. You can use your Skil cordless drill for household repairs, DIY projects, craft projects, and construction projects. You can drill holes and drive screws wherever needed.

Choosing the Right Drill

Unlike corded drills which are measured in amps, cordless drill power is measured in voltage. A 12 volt drill is recommended for occasional, around the house repair projects and is fairly lightweight and easy to handle. As you increase the complexity of projects, increase the amount of voltage. A 14.4 volt drill is best suited to more frequent household use while an 18 volt drill is best for heavy use or complicated repairs and DIY projects.

Variable speed

Variable speed allows you to control the speed at which your Skil drill's bit will rotate so you can adapt the speed to the project. For example, to drill pine, plywood or other softer woods you'd want a higher speed of rotation because making the material easier to penetrate. Oak or hardwoods usually demand slower speeds to avoid heat build-up and scorching. Also faster speeds are ideal for drywall screws, but slower speeds work best for more dense material such as mahogany.

Batteries

Since cordless drills depend on their batteries for power, it’s a good idea to have more than one battery. When working on a project, one battery can be used in the tool while the second battery is charging.

Special Features

Many Skil cordless drills include extra on-tool features to make your drilling jobs easier and more convenient. Extras such as a bit index (used to match the screw size to the correct drill bit), stud finder (used to locate studs in framed walls) or a laser level (used to mark level lines) ensure drilling and screwdriving projects are completed more successfully.

Choosing the right bits

Many drill bits can be used in both cordless and corded tools. Accessories for drills include bits for drilling wood, metal, ceramic, glass, or masonry. In addition to bits other accessories include hole saws, home project sets and screwdriving bits. Skil has a variety of drilling and drilling & driving sets that are ideal for gift giving as well. See the accessories section for a complete listing.

Other Uses

Your Skil cordless drill is a versatile tool that can be used for many projects. With the proper accessories, you can sand and polish. See the Accessories Section for a complete listing of accessories that extend the uses for your Skil drill.

Drilling Basics

Start driving screws or drilling slowly (i.e. with a low rotational speed, and gradually increase the speed). To do this, press the main trigger only slightly at the start. The more firmly you press the trigger, the faster the tool drives screws or drills. This enables you to start cleanly and prevents the screwdriver bit from slipping out of the screw or the drill bit from slipping away from the marked position.

Hold the tool in a straight position and press it perpendicular to the surface of the wall or of the work piece. If your drill/driver has an auxiliary handle, you can use this to increase the pressure you apply to the tool for more control.

When driving screws, using the wrong bit can strip the screw head. Match the screw head type (slotted, Phillips, or hexagon) and the right bit size to the type and size of screw.

Use the right type of screw depending on the project application: wood screws for wood projects, drywall screws for drywall related projects. The diameter and length of the screws must also be determined: if the screws are too long, they will pass right through the work piece. If they are too thick, they can split thin wood.

On smooth surfaces such as metal, it is easy for the drill bit to slip slightly when beginning to drill. To avoid this, first knock a small hole or indentation in the metal with either a punch or a hammer and nail. Then place the drill bit in the hole or indentation. In the case of hard material, make a pilot hole with a small diameter drill bit then complete your drilling with the appropriate sized drill bit.

Safety

Skil Tools urges you to use your tool safely - even on seemingly small projects. Learn how using the right tool, wearing the right gear and keeping your tools properly maintained could all impact your safety.

Work Area

Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes. Keep by-standers, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adaptor plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If the tools should electrically malfunction or break down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user. Improper grounding can shock, burn or electrocute. Grounded tools are equipped with three conductor cord and three prong type plugs. Before plugging in the tool be certain the outlet voltage supplied is within the voltage marked on the nameplate. Do not use "AC only" rated tools with a DC power supply. Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded. If operating the power tool in damp locations is unavoidable, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter must be used to supply the power to your tool. Electrician's rubber gloves and footwear will further enhance your personal safety. Don't expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry The tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord Away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords Increase the risk of electric shock. When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension Cord marked "W-A" or "W". These cords are rated for outdoor use And reduce the risk of electric shock. Refer to "Recommended sizes Of Extension Cords" in the Accessory section of this manual.

Personal Safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do

not use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of in attention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch Is "OFF" before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that have the switch "ON" invites accidents. Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool "ON". A wrench or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.

Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations. Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.

Tool Use and Care

Use clamps or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control. Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.Do not use tool if switch does not turn it "ON" or "OFF". Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired. Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally. Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users. Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools, with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control. Any alteration or modification is a misuse and may result in a dangerous condition. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect the tools operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools. Develop a periodic maintenance schedule for your tool. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used on another tool.

Service

Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury. For example: internal wires may be misplaced or pinched, safety guard return springs may be improperly mounted. When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or injury. Certain cleaning agents such as gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, ammonia, etc. may damage plastic parts.

Water Damage in Tools

If your electric power tools have been submerged in water for an extended period of time, it is very important that you properly clean, dry, and safety test them before attempting to put them to use. Water is an extremely effective conductor of electricity and failure to properly inspect and test your electric tool could result in an unsafe and dangerous situation. Water contamination can have a detrimental effect on both the electrical and mechanical portions of the tool; therefore a complete examination is required prior to using your tool. We strongly encourage this evaluation and testing be performed by a Bosch Factory or Authorized Service Center or qualified electric motor repair facility.

Electrical

The motor, including the armature, field, brushes, and springs should be completely disassembled and blown off with clean, dry compressed air. Armatures and fields should be safety tested using a high voltage test according to manufacturer’s and UL specifications.Brush springs or holders that appear rusted should be replaced. All wiring connections, including field and switch leads, must be clean and dry. Make sure to blow out all cavities in the motor housing where moisture can be trapped. Clean, dry, and repack bearings. Sealed bearings that run rough should be replaced. Inspect the power cord for any sign of water contamination such as swelling or discoloration and replace if necessary. The complete tool must be safety tested before use with a high voltage test according to manufacturer’s and UL specifications.

Mechanical

Clean and re-lubricate the gear box according to manufacturers specifications Clean, dry, and repack bearings. Sealed bearings that run rough should be replaced Chucks, bit, and blade holders can be sprayed with a WD-40 type lubricant and then blown off with clean dry compressed air. Check circular saw lower guards, these should move freely and close quickly. If not working properly replace lower guard and bearing plate – do not lubricate or apply oil.

Batteries and Chargers

Battery packs have internal cells and connections that can become corroded and/or rust when water enters the case through a vent hole. Such batteries will exhibit lower power and have reduced capacity to be charged. The vent holes may also become clogged and non-functional. Batteries have no serviceable internal components and must therefore be replaced under such conditions. Chargers: Blow off exposed terminals with clean, dry compressed air and allow to sit for 48 hours, longer if possible, to allow for evaporation.