How To Reverse A Power Drill: [Find Out]

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links - at no extra cost to you.
Updated in January 2026 | By John

Are you wondering You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, I’ll show you how to reverse the rotation of your drill in just a few simple steps. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, this information will come in handy. So let’s get started!

How To Reverse A Power Drill

To reverse a power drill, first press the drill’s trigger to engage the clutch. Then, while holding the trigger down, use your other hand to turn the chuck’s collar clockwise. The chuck will rotate in the opposite direction, and the bit will begin to turn in reverse.

How To Reverse A Power Drill

Step 1: Find the Reverse Switch

The reverse switch is usually located on the side of the drill, near the trigger. It may be a toggle switch or a push button.

Step 2: Turn the Drill Off

Before you can reverse the drill, you need to turn it off. This will prevent you from accidentally drilling in the wrong direction.

Step 3: Move the Reverse Switch to the Reverse Position

Once the drill is turned off, you can move the reverse switch to the reverse position. If the switch is a toggle switch, you will need to flip it up. If the switch is a push button, you will need to press it.

Step 4: Turn the Drill On

Now that the reverse switch is in the reverse position, you can turn the drill on. The drill will now be drilling in the reverse direction.

Step 5: Use the Reverse Function Carefully

The reverse function on a power drill can be dangerous if it is not used carefully. Be sure to keep the drill pointed away from yourself and others when you are using the reverse function.

Additional Tips

If you are not sure how to reverse a power drill, consult the owner’s manual.

Some drills have a lock-out button that prevents the reverse switch from being accidentally activated. If your drill has this feature, be sure to release the lock-out button before you try to reverse the drill.

The reverse function on a power drill should only be used for unscrewing screws or bolts. Do not use the reverse function to drill holes.

Also Read: How To Unscrew With A Power Drill

FAQs: How To Reverse A Power Drill

How do I reverse a power drill?

To reverse a power drill, locate the reversing switch on the side of the drill. This switch is usually a small lever or button that can be flipped up or down. To reverse the drill, flip the switch up. The drill will now rotate in the opposite direction.

What does the reverse function do on a power drill?

The reverse function on a power drill allows you to drive screws in or out of a surface. When the drill is in reverse, the chuck will rotate in the opposite direction, which will cause the screw to be driven out of the surface.

How do I know if my power drill is in reverse?

If your power drill is in reverse, the chuck will rotate in the opposite direction. You can also check the reversing switch on the side of the drill. If the switch is up, the drill is in reverse.

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a power drill in reverse?

When using a power drill in reverse, be sure to:

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Keep your hands clear of the chuck.
Do not use the drill on a surface that is unstable.
Be aware of the direction of rotation before you start drilling.

What are some common problems with power drills and how can I fix them?

Some common problems with power drills include:

The drill won’t turn on.
The drill is not drilling straight.
The drill is not getting enough power.
The drill is overheating.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, you can try the following solutions:

Check the battery to make sure it is charged.
Clean the chuck to remove any debris.
Check the power cord to make sure it is not damaged.
Allow the drill to cool down before using it again.

About The Author

Hi, I’m John, the creator of this site.
With years of hands-on gardening experience, I’m passionate about growing fresh fruits and vegetables and making gardening easy for everyone.
Here, I share tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you enjoy a thriving garden—no matter your skill level!