Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Remove the bit manually
• Method 2 of 3: Using the drill to remove the bit
• Method 3 of 3: Remove one from a drill with a wrench

Electric drills are compatible with many different types of bits that can be used in different situations. To attach a new bit to the end of your drill, you must first remove the bit that is inside. With most modern drills, the bits can be removed manually or by means of the drill itself. If you want to remove a drill bit from an older drill or drill stand, you will need a special tool, a chuck key. Regardless of the type of drill you have, it can be very easy to remove a bit and should take a few minutes at the most.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Remove the bit manually

1. Find the chuck on the end of the drill. The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bit in place. This part is usually made of plastic and can rotate back and forth.
   • The drill can be on or off.
2. Turn the chuck counterclockwise. Hold the handle with one hand and turn the chuck counterclockwise. This will loosen the internal parts, loosening the drill bit. Keep turning the chuck until the drill bit falls out. Work over a desk so the bit doesn't fall to the floor.
3. Set the bit aside so you don't lose it. Place the bit in a bag or with your other drill bits so you don't lose it. You can also organize your bits in a toolbox.
4. Unscrew the chuck if it is tight. If your chuck doesn't yield when you turn it, it may be stuck. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the tip of the drill and turn the screw in the chuck counterclockwise. This should loosen the chuck enough to turn it. Once the chuck turns again, replace the screw.
5. If tight, turn the chuck counterclockwise with a wrench. If you can't manually turn the chuck, it may be stuck. In this case, you can use a large wrench or pipe wrench to loosen the chuck counterclockwise.
   • Forcing the chuck while it is stuck can further damage the drill.

Method 2 of 3: Using the drill to remove the bit

1. Push the button on the left side of the drill. There should be a button above the handle of your electric drill. This button indicates which direction the drill will turn when you press the trigger. To remove the bit, you have to set the direction counterclockwise.
   • Pressing the button on the left causes the bit to rotate counterclockwise, while the button on the right causes the bit to rotate clockwise.
2. Hold the chuck at the end of the drill. The chuck is the end of the drill that holds the bit in place and is usually made of plastic. Hold the end of the chuck in place with your free hand to keep it from turning when you trigger the drill.
3. Push the trigger. Hold the chuck while pushing the trigger. This should cause the internal parts of the chuck to rotate, loosening the bit. Once the bit is removed from the drill, set it aside in a safe place to avoid losing it.
4. Loosen the chuck with a wrench if it is tight. If tight, turn the chuck counterclockwise with a wrench or pipe wrench. This gives you additional turning power, so you can still turn the chuck manually. Mind you, this can damage your drill.

Method 3 of 3: Remove one from a drill with a wrench

1. Find the holes on the end of the drill. Some older drills and drill stands have holes on the end of the drill that can hold a special wrench. Find the place where the bit is in the drill, which is the chuck. Drill stands may have more than one hole that must be loosened before you can remove the bit.
2. Turn the key counterclockwise in the holes. Your drill should come with a wrench that fits into the hole on the chuck. Place the end of that wrench in the hole on the chuck, then turn the wrench counterclockwise five or six times. This should release the bit from the drill.
   • If you can't find the chuck key, you will need to get a new one that works for your specific drill.
3. Loosen the rest of the holes on the chuck. Once you've loosened one hole, you'll need to loosen the other holes. Once all holes are loose, it should be possible to remove the bit from the drill. Remove the bit from the drill and set it aside.
   • If the drill bit is still stuck, it is likely that you have not loosened all the holes. Check all holes and make sure you have turned them all counterclockwise.