All cordless drill drivers have a reverse function which means they can turn the drill or screwdriver bit backwards as well as forwards.
You can alternate between forward and reverse by depressing the forward/reverse switch on the side of the tool.
This switch is usually located just above the speed control trigger and can be pushed in from either side of the tool.
The direction you slide the switch to select reverse may vary depending on the make and model of your cordless drill driver.
When to use reverse
Removing screws
If a screw has been driven in using a power tool, it can be hard to remove using a manual screwdriver. A cordless drill driver with a reverse function can be used for this purpose, but you must use the correct screwdriver bit for the screw’s drive.
Backing out drill bits
When drilling holes, the drill bit can occasionally become jammed and simply pulling it out could cause damage. Putting the cordless drill driver in reverse means that you can back the drill bit out safely.
Lock-off or spindle lock
On some models of cordless drill driver, the forward / reverse switch can be used to lock the drill driver in the OFF position, by sliding the switch into the central position. This is also known as spindle lock.