How to use a drill! - featuring a DeWalt DCD796, 18v cordless drill

First drill? New to woodworking? Have no fear, we’re here to help!
This might seem like a very basic video to most of you out there, but I regularly meet people who have never done any woodworking, would like to, but literally don’t know the first thing.
So if you’re looking at your project, you know you’re going to need a hole, and you know you’re probably going to need a drill to make that hole, then this video is for you.
Here’s a drill, and this is what it does and how it works!
This drill that I’m showing is a DeWalt DCD796 brushless cordless compact combi hammer drill. Mouthful I know, but this long list of words is actually telling you all you need to know about the drill.
Ignore the brushless bit, you don’t need to know about that. Cordless - it has a battery instead of a cable to plug in. Compact - it’s small. Combi - it does lots of things. Hammer drill - it has the ability to bang the drill bit forwards and backwards as well as spinning it around very fast, this is a very useful feature if you’re trying to drill through very hard things, such as bricks or concrete.
If you’ve bought a drill, then you probably already understand the concept… a handheld device that spins a metal rod (drill bit) with a spirally pattern on it (flutes) to make a hole, into which one might then put a screw or dowel or similar. Or that hole might be your end goal. Whatever the plan, a drill is what you need.
In this video we go through the various features you’re likely to find on almost any modern drill, including how to operate the keyless chuck, the variable speed trigger, how to adjust torque settings and what you need them for.
The drill is such an important woodworking tool that it’s not worth going through like not using it properly, or even missing out on some of the super useful features that modern power tools offer.
If you’re anything like me, then you probably carefully moved the instruction booklet out of the box and into the bin when you first opened the box of your new drill. Actually I often fish the instructions back out of the bin again for exactly the reasons that it might be worth any woodworker having a watch of this video - new drills on the market are packed with gadgets that are all there to make your life easier.
So whether you’re experienced in the workshop, or new to all DIY, it’s worth spending a bit of time learning what your drill does and how to make the most of it.
As always, hope you enjoyed watching.
Drop me a comment below!

[@natashacrosby4928]

Thank you for this great video! I just bought my first drill and you’ve explained everything so clearly and positively.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment I'm glad it was helpful

[@forestr5808]

That was very helpful! Thank you so much! I've owned my drill for 14 years and really didn't know how to use it properly. Hello from Ohio in the States!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Many thanks for your kind comment. I'm glad it was helpful 😊

[@monicasimmons4894]

I'm a female and want to thank you for clear information that I will surely use.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your very kind comment, I hope you will enjoy using it

[@ReggieChump]

I'm a Male 👍

[@ReggieChump]

Male

[@oh.ok_woodwork]

Dude, I've had this for 2 years and I didn't realise there was a magnet on the side! 😁 Such a great video man, thank you 🙏

[@vladdragomir6447]

😂😂😂😂

[@ironwoodjones8599]

😄 No me to !! 🤣 Thanks

[@KennethRynard]

I enjoyed his slow commentary on the use of the drill. Some videos go too fast as though the person is talking to someone who has the knowledge already. He explained each feature in detail at a pace I could understand. tks

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment 🙂

[@jacoblangdon7333]

This is perfect I was looking up how tos and the fact that you actually use the drill on camera makes this the best video I've seen so far

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Many thanks glad it was useful

[@RaduCCR]

I can't wait to use my drill. I bought it today, and your video is very useful. Good job and thank you!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RóisínWalsh-n4f]

Thank you very much for clearly explaining how to use this drill :) from a single mum trying to put the christmas tree up for two kids, Cheers!!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment. I hope the Christmas tree looks good ☺

[@abdullahae9915]

What a nice man I just got mine today and I’m very excited to use it this is the best video to learn how to use it Thanks from Saudi Arabia 🙏🏻

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you that is very kind of you to say. I do hope that I have helped , they are a great tool and will make your DIY life alot easier. Happy New Year to you.....Andy

[@adleneboulebtateche156]

Seriously ?!!! Less than 6K views. This video deserves at least a million views. Thank you Sir.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your very kind comment 😊

[@ElsaNail]

Thank you very much from Arkansas in the US! Your tutorial was very easy to follow and helped me more than you know. Your presentation is un intimidating and easy to follow. Thank you!!!! D

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment I'm glad it was of help 😊

[@eddyyymachete]

I’m a dad and am starting to get into tools. I never learned so thank you for this!!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad it was of use Cheers

[@bxprincess0724]

My mom got me a Dewalt drill for Christmas cause I just moved into my first apartment, and the manual DOES NOT at all explain how to use it or what its components are. Thank you so much for this super helpful, and also very quick, video! I am pretty good with technology, but we just so stumped on how to work the drill and how to get the bits in it, and you explained everything perfectly.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment, I am glad to have helped and here's to many happy hours DIY-ing in your new apartment 😊

[@kevpinder6821]

A natural commentator and a joy to listen to whilst explaining in clear concise detail. Advert free bliss.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment, glad you enjoyed it cheers 😊

[@susanbeal4322]

thank you i just got my first drill/ driver! good clear info

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Many thanks for your comment I hope you enjoy using it 😊

[@eileengeldard323]

Why thank you. I've just been given a drill that was about to be chucked. It works fine but no instructions, so your instructions have been invaluable .

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment, I'm glad it was of help and hope you have many a happy hour with your new to you drill

[@FrankEdwards2023]

By far and away the best video on how to use drills.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Many thanks for your kind comment 😊

[@Cookiecookeer]

Great video. I have the same drill and love it. Very powerfull and precise at the same time. There is only one little thing wrong in your explanation; the way you secure your drill bit. That is how most people do it and end up with the chuck loosening. In order to prevent this, you must LOCK THE CHUCK. You do this by tightening until you hear a few ratcheting sounds AND THEN YOU TURN IT ON THE OPOSITE DIRECTION UNTILL YOU HEAR OR FELL A CLICK. There, the clutch is locked and the bit won't fall. Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee also have this feature.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi many thanks for kind comment it just shows you are never to old to learn something new i did not know that thanks

[@Cookiecookeer]

@@ironwoodjones8599 I certainly found this to be life altering knowledge. Hard to believe at first that such an anoying problem has such a simple solution and no one tells you about it. You can clearly hear the clutch lock mechanism at 5:49. Don't take my word for it, hope you test it yourself and make a video about it. I bet lots of people will be happy to not have their bits fall off from an expensive drill and think they wasted their money.

[@ReggieChump]

Thank you 👍

[@alastairjamesweaver-jones6704]

Thank you so much for this video! I've just opened my new drill (I'm a total beginner) and this was a HUGE help! Please make more videos as well - you're really informative and you explain things so clearly!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you your very kind. More coming soon

[@magspies]

I'm teaching myself diy and this was so clear and useful. thx!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment good luck with with the diy

[@swissanthony]

Sitting here with my new drill watching this great video…..Many thanks mate 👍👍👍

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad it was of help cheers😊

[@radharcanna]

An excellent explanation of the drill functions. Makes a change from loud Americans! It’s amazing the number of features this little drill has. Just discovered your channel. Subscribed.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Many thanks for kind comment and the sub

[@DeadlyAquarious]

Thank you very much for the informative video. It helped me a lot with my first drill.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad to be of help many thanks

[@andrewtc6165]

Excellent video. Cheers!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thanks much appreciated 😊

[@jennywu1169]

Very good explanation!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@fiona8808]

Thank goodness I found you. haven't used a drill for a long time and just bought a new de walt - similar to the one you are showing. Was confused about the numbers and the drill and hammer pictures. Now its all clear. Great clear and well presented.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment. Good for you for getting back into woodwork/DIY I hope it goes well enjoy.

[@voisir8774]

Hi, Sir, your video is awesome, it is the best tutorial video for this drill I have seen so far, love your voice!! and I'm surprised that you have so little subscribers for such a great video. You definitely deserve much more than this! I believe that this is because you have published little about of videos, I believe that if you would like to create more videos like this, you would be a great content creator on KZbin! Have nice day! and thank you for your work! Please do not give up if you like this!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your very kind comment and yes I to think you are right. I plan to make more videos very soon thank you 😊

[@susieq72]

Quite liked your video mate, just thought you should have explained what and when you should use the hammer setting and demonstrated. Cheers

[@ewen832]

I love my 18v Dewalt drill and driver and have watched a few videos to help me use them properly over the years but I had to pause this video and go out to my garage to see if the battery had the change indicator you described, it does and I haven’t seen it discussed before. Great Video thank you. I haven’t paid much attention to the batteries because they keep their charge for a long time.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind words. None of us are ever old to learn something new 😄

[@duyetnguyen65]

Thank you for a great demonstration

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you

[@jpbaudey2875]

Great and useful as usual... Thx Andy

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Glad you enjoyed it thank you

[@stefanusbudiman5840]

Thank you sir, you're very helpfull. I hope you could share more in the future🙏

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you I'm glad you found it helpful. I am planning to start making more content very soon, the last year has been very difficult for us with a lot of upheaval but things are now settling down and I can focus back on the channel more. Lots of interesting projects coming soon. many thanks

[@stefanusbudiman5840]

@ironwoodjones8599 Thank you Sir.

[@alosha22]

Amazing informative video

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thanks 😊

[@daniellane9551]

Excellent video. Happy to subscribe.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thanks for your kind comment and for the sub 🙂

[@dtek1832]

amazing video mate - thank you very much sir

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@sully8317]

brilliant great video for DIY thanks

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you 😊

[@wandering_not_lost]

Thank you very much, that was very useful. The instructions with the drill were poor so your video was most helpful. Thanks.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment i am glad it was useful

[@satcbs]

Merci c'est nickel comme tuto 👍

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Merci pour votre aimable commentaire, je suis heureux que vous l'ayez trouvé utile.

[@JohannaLuisa_]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@ironwoodjones8599]

You're welcome!

[@HayleyPhiladelphia]

Thank you, so helpful!!!

[@ammarawad1153]

Excellent

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you😊

[@danddd1]

Thanks that was really helpful.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Thank you for your kind comment, glad it was helpful

[@annjones-r7s]

Excellent advice for a new beginning like me. Thank you for your Video, you are a very good teacher.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

You're very welcome! Glad it was of help 😀

[@ReggieChump]

👍 from, England'istan 👍

[@francescamai3622]

I was considering buying this same exact drill model for my backstage theatre work and your video was so useful! What drill bits and screwdriver bits would you recommend as absolute essentials that are compatible with this model (mainly for minor fixes and woodwork)?

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi Frances thank you for your kind comment. I would suggest a combination set, dewalt do one it comes with set of drill bits and screwdriver bits and a few other bits and bobs you might use and it comes in a handy case so you have it all to hand when you need it. Happy scene making 😊

[@adamleach5422]

Really helpful intro to DCD796. Thanks - what's the meaning/use of the side buttons with hammer sign??

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi Adam I was not very clear on that point was I. The hammer sign on the drill is for drilling into masonry with a masonry drill bit but be carful as its very loud ! 😵‍💫 many thanks Andy

[@adamleach5422]

Thank you Andy. You are very clear in the video! I understand the hammer setting on the ring (for settings). It's the two buttons (on either side of the tool) that have a hammer logo. I think it's just for show ? They do not move or depress so I assume it's not functional ?? Thank you

[@NoNo-uy2bq]

@@adamleach5422 it’s to stop it marring a surface if you’re drilling in a horizontal position.

[@FidesVerum7602]

Could you be more specific around which is reverse and which is forward please :)

[@oh.ok_woodwork]

If you're holding it with your right hand, pushing the button with your index finger will be forward. If you push with your thumb, it'll be going in reverse.

[@alwilliams1997]

Hi, do the gears or speeds work in the hammer mode, drill and driver modes? Cheers

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Yes they do, some times it's a good idea to start off slow to make sure the drill bit does not wander then once you have started your hole then crank the speed up to drive it in. cheers

[@gillmackinnon4460]

helpful thank u

[@UnseenSpirit]

Hi, this drill is £163 with 2 4ah batteries. Is it still worth it for today or are there more up to date models that are worth purchasing over this. Thanks

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi these drills are still current technology today but battery power is improving all the time and the size of battery is important especially for heavy jobs like masonry drilling the bigger the battery the more grunt so to speak. I think mine are 5 amp hour and they do all i want, I have just been on screwfix in the UK and they have a deal at the mo for a DEWALT DCD778P2T-SFGB 18V 2 X 5.0AH LI-ION XR BRUSHLESS CORDLESS COMBI DRILL for a £149 and has 2x 5 ah battery's that looks to me like a pretty good deal but not sure for how long though. hope that helps cheers

[@UnseenSpirit]

@@ironwoodjones8599 hi buddy, thanks for the reply. I did see that deal before I looked at the 796 model (assuming it's better). So would you go for 5amp x 2 and the screwfix model over the 796 with 4 amp?

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi yes I still think the screw fix deal is a really good one as I said for me its all about power so for me 5.0ah is more powerful and gives longer run time before changing your battery out. happy hunting cheers@@UnseenSpirit

[@oh.ok_woodwork]

The 5AH for sure will be longer lasting, but I believe it's the same power (18V). Fwiw, I got the 4AH with this and it lasted about a year before I had to charge it (I forgot that it even needed charging 😆)... But if you can afford the 5AH, definitely recommend if you have other 18V DeWalt tools since they can be very power hungry and run the batteries flat quickly.

[@stefanusbudiman5840]

Question???: If we don't use it for a long time, should we charge the battery full.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi Stefanus I am no expert when it comes to battery technology. I also have battery tools i do not use for sum time but as i understand it. Cycling in mid-state-of-charge would have best longevity. Lithium-ion suffers from stress when exposed to heat, so does keeping a cell at a high charge voltage. A battery dwelling above 30°C (86°F) is considered elevated temperature. Exposing the battery to high temperature and dwelling in a full state-of-charge for an extended time can be more stressful than using it on a regular basis. I hope that helps many thanks Andy

[@stefanusbudiman5840]

@ironwoodjones8599 Thank you Andy.

[@anywhoToYou]

My chuck wont move, neither manually or while depressing the trigger. No clue what happened, it worked fine when I last used it.

[@ironwoodjones8599]

Hi it sounds like you have just nudged your forward and reverse button in to neutral a very common problem it is located just below the trigger push it all the way in on one side or the other (see about 4 mins in the video) and hopefully that should do the trick

[@Do_not_assume]

What about the XR technology.what is that?

[@ironwoodjones8599]

XR Stands for eXtreme Runtime. ( may also be called extended runtime) If it's stamped on the batteries: this is a claim that these batteries last longer than non-XR versions. They are the higher amp hour batteries and have a larger fuel tank so to speak. If it is stamped on the tool: this means that the tool is brushless.