There are times when a bit will get stuck in your DeWalt drill. The drill bit may have broken, or something may have jammed. When this happens, it is important to know how to remove the bit without damaging your drill.
In this article, we will discuss how bits might get stuck in your DeWalt drill and give step-by-step instructions on how to remove the drill bit without damaging your drill. Knowing how to do this will save you time and money.
Why Do Bits Become Stuck In DeWalt Drills?
There are a few reasons a bit may become lodged in a drill. Here are some examples of why the bit may become stuck:
- User error
- The bit is broken
- The bit is the wrong size
- The bit is jammed
- The chuck is over tightened
- The chuck is dirty
Knowing the cause will help you quickly identify the proper removal method. So, let’s get started.
Why User Error Contributes to a Stuck Bit
User error of drills refers to improper usage of the drill. This can happen if you are unfamiliar with using a power drill. To learn how to use your DeWalt drill refer to the instruction manual that came with it.
Another option is to look up the instruction manual for your DeWalt online. In order to find your instruction manual, go-to DeWalt’s tool service page. In the search bar at the top of the page, type in the model number found either on the side of the tool or in the battery port.
Your search will then ask you to identify the type of drill you have. This is also found on the same label as the model number. Once this is typed in and searched, the owner’s manual and more will be available for you.
Basic Instructions For Adding and Removing a Bit From a DeWalt Drill
It is important to know the proper way of installing and releasing a bit. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and job site instructions.
DeWalt TV explains the basic installation instructions for a ½ inch cordless drill with a keyed chuck:
- Take the battery off of your drill.
- Insert the drill bit into the chuck by aligning the flats with the teeth on the chuck.
- Hand tighten the chuck.
- Remove the chuck-key and further tighten the chuck by slipping its tip into the hole on the side of the chuck while making sure to align the teeth of the key and the chuck. Twist it to the right.
- Then replace the chuck key in it’s holder clip.
- Insert the side handle into one of the three positions available on the drill by hand twisting it tightly into place.
- Reinsert the battery.
- Test the drill to ensure the bit is spinning freely by pulling the trigger.
If your bit is not aligned correctly, or if you need to change bits, reverse these instructions and remove or readjust the bit in the chuck.
How to Remove a Stuck Bit From a Keyless DeWalt Drill?
Removing a stuck bit from a keyless DeWalt drill is very simple. It is done using a vise and some cardboard. Here is how to do it:
- Open your vise and line with cardboard
- Place the chuck of your drill into the vise and tighten the vise snuggly.
- With your drill on the reverse setting, pull the trigger.
This will release the stuck bit, dropping it from the drill.
How to Remove a Stuck Bit From a DeWalt Drill
There are as many ways to remove a stuck bit as there are ways the bit became stuck. Here are some helpful tips. To remove a bit that is stuck you may need some extra tools. Grab
- a pair of heavy-duty gloves.
- Needle Nose Pliers.
- Vise grips, or a vise.
- Something to wrap around the chuck to prevent cosmetic damage to the chuck, such as a piece of Non-slip shelf protector.
One technique is to wrap the chuck with the protector and attach the vise grips to the chuck. Switch the chuck to reverse and turn the drill on while holding the vise grips tightly. This should loosen the chuck to allow the bit to come out.
Another method is to use a pair of needle nose pliers. Attach the pliers to the stuck bit. Holding on to the bit with the needle nose pliers, put the drill in reverse to give it some torque. This should give you enough leverage on the broken bit to remove it.
Removing a Broken Drill Bit
Having a broken bit can be much more difficult to remove, and it may require some disassembly to remove it from your drill. If your bit has broken off and it is difficult to hold it to get the chuck to release it, there are some steps you can take that will help you.
To remove a severely broken bit from your drill, you must carefully remove the compression ring using a small screwdriver and gently pry it up. It is spring loaded and has the potential to fly across the room once released.
Now remove the washer and spring and set them aside. This will expose the ball bearing.
Remove the ball bearing by pushing in on the spring. Carefully put the tiny ball bearing aside where it will not be lost. Remove the spring as well and set it aside.
There is now an oval-shaped hole in the drill chuck. Use a sturdy flattened item to insert in this hole. You can make a tool for this by sharpening a sheetrock screw.
- Place your drill chuck in a vice to help you hold it.
- Then spray some silicone lubricant into the oval hole.
- Insert the flattened sheetrock screw point toward the front opening of the chuck into the hole.
- With a hammer, gently tap the screw until the bit moves forward and you can get it out.
- Reassemble the chuck by reversing the above directions.
Please remember, these instructions are a last ditch effort to remove a stuck bit. If you can avoid disassembling your tool, you should do so at all costs!
How Do You Avoid Stuck Bits in DeWalt Drills?
Avoiding a stuck bit in a DeWalt drill will save you even more time. To ensure you do not end up with a stuck bit, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and only use high-quality bits. Inspect your bits carefully and discard any that are damaged or bent. You should also keep your tool clean and properly oiled.