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How to use reverse on a cordless drill driver?

How to use reverse on a cordless drill driver

Shop for Cordless Drill Drivers

A cordless drill driver set in reverse All cordless drill drivers have a reverse function which means they can turn the drill or screwdriver bit backwards as well as forwards.
Forwards/reverse button on a cordless drill driver You can alternate between forward and reverse by depressing the forward/reverse switch on the side of the tool.
A view of two sides of a cordless drill driver with a red circle around the reverse button on each side 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.

Wonkee Donkee says "REMEMBER Don’t alternate between forward and reverse while the drill is still turning - wait until it has come to a complete stop"

When to use reverse

A cordless drill driver removing a screw from a piece of wood

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.

A cordless drill driver in reverse (backing out a drill bit) from a piece of wood

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

Reverse/forward button on a cordless drill driver as a 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.

For more information, see the section: What is spindle lock?

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