ARRGH help please power-tool-savvy people

[Twenty3]

Using power drill with screwdriver bit to drive slotted (not phillips) screws, what is the TRICK TO THIS?

There's gotta be some trick to this. Isn't there?

signed,
owie-fingers
not-power-tool-savvy

P.S. Even some suggestions for Google search keywords would be appreciated. I'm not having success there.

P.P.S. Answers to anticipated questions.....

#1: They didn't have phillips-head screws in the size I needed, the next-closest hardware store is 45 min away and it's closed anyway.

#2: I have a hurt wrist. Manual screwdriver not an option here.

#3: I need (ok, want) to get this done today if humanly possible.

THANK YOU!!!

[democracyindanger]

1. ?

Not clear what the problem you're having is.
- Is the drill not driving the screw?
- Does the bit keep slipping out of the slot?
- What kind of material are you trying to drill the screw into?

[Nomad559]

2. Drill a hole first

The screw will then go in much easier, be careful not to make the drill hole bigger than the screw.

[Twenty3]

4. answers

1. Drill drives the screw fine if not for #2
2. YES bit keeps slipping out of the slot! (hence owie-fingers) I am trying to go as slow as it'll go.
3. Wood. I drilled pilot holes first.

Thanks :)

[democracyindanger]

6. Hmm

If you've drilled pilot holes and are going slow and steady, there shouldn't be a problem.

Are you using wood screws (pointed tip v. flat)?

[Wcross]

3. Two tips

Go slow! That way when things start to go bad you can correct! Slow drill speed!
Drill a pilot hole. Drill a hole with a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw you are using. It makes it easier for sure!

[wtmusic]

5. Hint from Heloise

Scrape the screw on a piece of bar soap first. It goes in...like MAGIC!!

[madrchsod]

7. next time

you`re at the hardware store get a bit with a collar on it, it slides to cover the blade so it won`t slip of. pre-drill,and soap are really good suggestions esp if the wood is harder than pine

[democracyindanger]

8. And pick up some nails too

:)

[opihimoimoi]

9. Is it an electric screw driver??? or an electric drill??? Huge diff

Once you got the bit with collar, as suggested, your probs are half done. Once you got the correct screws for the pilot hole and to accomplish the intended job, the other half is done

Go easy, swear a lot, and drink more. Tastes great.

[Twenty3]

10. Electric drill

Never had this problem with phillips-head screws.

I will get that collar bit thingie, for next time.

But now I am going out to finish this job one way or another, with much swearing etc.