The device is the drill.
The driver or bit is the thing you insert into the end of the drill.
this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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If the attachment is what makes it a screwdriver, then the attachment is also what makes it a drill.
An electric kitchen mixer is not a drill. At least, it wasn't designed to be one. But I could weld a drill bit on there and turn it into something which can maybe drill - if terribly.
Similarly, the 'device' part of what we call an electric drill can't drill anything, not until you put the drill bit in. It's not a drill in its base form - just a handheld spinny thing waiting for a purpose.
But I could add a whisk and turn it into a kitchen mixer....
We generally call the body part of a drill 'a drill' because that's what it was designed to be. It's got speed settings and torque control and hammer function and all the things that were engineered to make it good at drilling. But it's not a drill without the bit - both practically and philosophically - and what community is more philosophical than showerthoughts.
If we're speaking philosophically, do we really know that an electric kitchen mixer, when fitted with a bit, would make a terrible drill? It's probably not something that's been tested or studied much, if at all.
For all we know, it would make an excellent one.
Maybe we should apply for grants, talk to labs. Set up some experiments.
The drill is the shit you insert
Sir, if you are inserting actual shit, you're not going to have much success either turning screws or making holes in things.
Both are just an engine with spindle. They are the same if you ignore nuances like torque, speed, etc...
That's right. Every tool is a lathe one way or another.
Most drills that I've seen do have a screwdriver setting on them. It differs from normal drilling in torque and probably speed.
Disengages the hammer too
That is true.
Also, consider an impact driver. You'll thank me
I use my impact driver as a drill (and I own a drill) 👀
I have done that too. For a couple big difficult holes. It seemed logical and it actually worked out better than I thought it would. But it's a technique that I save for extremis.
ex HVAC tech, impact was my go-to drill due to sheet metal screws.
I am a carpenter. I use the impact a lot. Much easier on the wrist.
So does a hammer if you hit a screw with it.
I reckon as soon as you remove the bit, it is no longer a "drill", its just a generic "[spinny thing] driver".
"Drill" is a short hand for the combination of driver and drill bit.
These modern mongrel drill drivers have betrayed their pure drill ancestors by screwing around.
And a hole saw, and a grinder!