So you’re looking to embark on some home renovation projects and have invested in a good drill (read more about this here). What do you need to check before you start drilling?

Well, apart from the equipment and accoutrements such as drill bits and drivers, safety is obviously of utmost importance. Here are some things that you need to ensure before, during and after you finish working with the drill.

1. Personal safety

Wear fitted clothes, use gloves if you have sweaty palms, and put on a mask and safety goggles. Wearing the right clothes and gear will help you move more freely and feel comfortable throughout the process.

2. Assess the area to be drilled

Access the wall that is to be drilled. Ensure you don’t accidentally drill into any electrical wires that usually run near power sockets, switches and wall lightings. If you are drilling the bathroom wall to hang accessories, make sure there’s no concealed pipeline.

Also, be mindful that longer screws might penetrate and damage any concealed wiring and piping on the other side of the wall. To be absolutely certain, use a stud sensor – a handy electrical tool that can locate pipes, wiring or studs hidden in the wall.

3. Identify the surface material

You need to recognise the surface material you are drilling into, as different materials would require a different type of drill bit.

4. Measure and mark

Using a measuring tape and leveller, mark the position of the hole with an X directly on the surface with a pencil or marker. You could also paste paper tape on the spot and put the mark on the tape instead. After drilling, just remove the tape.

5. Switch off the plug

Every time you change the drill bit or finish drilling, remember to switch off the power at the mains. Don’t take any chances because even the slightest press of the trigger could lead to accidents.

Most importantly, don’t leave the power tool unattended; store it away immediately after use.

Once you have covered all the preliminary dos and don’ts, it is time to power up the drill. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Attach the right drill bit

Having identified the surface material, find the suitable drill bit for it. Make sure the bit size matches the screw you will later use. Then, attach the bit to the front part of your drill.

2. Mark the depth of the hole

A hammer drill usually comes with a removable marker that looks like a ruler, with which you can set the desired depth of the hole. Once the marker touches the wall when you drill, you should stop adding pressure and withdraw.

You can put a mark on the drill bit itself using a marker.

3. Hold and drill

Holding the drill, stand steady and firmly position the bit to the wall at a 90° angle on the marked point. Put your finger on the trigger and press it slowly. If you are drilling on a brick wall, you might need to add some pressure.

Once the bit has penetrated into the wall, continue pressing the trigger and adding steady pressure until you get the desired depth. Finally, slowly withdraw the bit from the hole you have just drilled.

4. Insert the wall plug

Grab a wall plug that matches the size of the hole and screw, and lightly hammer it into the wall.

5. Drive the screws in

Depending on what the hole is for, drive the screw in accordingly. If you want to hang a picture frame, wall clock or vanity mirror, leave around 5mm jutting out from the wall. But if you are affixing furniture to the wall, make sure you drive the screws all the way in so it is properly secured.

If you’re a first-timer, you might come across some common hiccups:

1. The drill bit does not penetrate

This is one of the most common problems for beginners and could be attributed to the wrong drill bit, or a bit that is blunt. Make a quick stop at the hardware store and get a suitable bit for the surface you are drilling into.

2. Parts of the wall are harder to penetrate

Some parts of the wall might be harder to drill through, which could be due to the existence of other materials concealed in the wall, such as metal to protect wiring and pipelines.

If you still want to follow through, change the drill bits as necessary. Otherwise abandon the hole, plaster it up, and think of an alternative location for your furniture or item.

3. Cordless drill spins too slowly

This is usually due to depleting batteries, so remember to charge your drill beforehand. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a drill die midway through the task.

If you are using a corded drill, have a spare extension cord on standby. Even if you can reach the spot to drill, it is safer to keep the cord loose at all times.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.