how do i change my milwaukee drill from drill mode to screwdriver mode?

— asked by Mike

Quick answer: You're asking about switching a Milwaukee M18 FUEL *Circular Saw* (2732-20) between drill and screwdriver mode, but this tool is a saw and does not have these modes. Your question and the provided instructions refer to a standard Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill/driver.

Diagnosis

You're asking about switching a Milwaukee M18 FUEL *Circular Saw* (2732-20) between drill and screwdriver mode, but this tool is a saw and does not have these modes. Your question and the provided instructions refer to a standard Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill/driver. The confusion is understandable, as the model number in the question doesn't match the function you're describing.

How to Fix It

For a standard Milwaukee M18 FUEL drill/driver (like model 2804-20), you change modes using the torque selector collar, the ring directly behind the chuck.

  1. Ensure the tool is completely stopped and not under power.
  2. For Drill Mode (for drilling holes in wood, metal, etc.): Rotate the collar until the drill bit icon lines up with the arrow on the tool's housing.
  3. For Screwdriver/Clutch Mode (for driving screws without stripping or over-driving): Rotate the collar so that one of the numbered settings (typically 1-14 or 1-15) aligns with the arrow. Start with a low number (e.g., 4-6) for small screws and increase until you achieve the desired depth without slippage. The clutch will disengage when the preset torque is reached.
Always test your clutch setting on a piece of scrap material identical to your workpiece.

If That Didn't Work

If your drill isn't changing modes or the collar is stuck, ensure the battery is removed before attempting to free it. The collar can sometimes become stiff with debris; clean around it with a dry brush and rotate it back and forth. If the tool is a hammer drill model, you will have a third hammer icon setting for drilling into masonry; ensure you are not accidentally set on this.

Heads Up

The numbered clutch settings are inactive in drill mode. Using drill mode on a screw can damage the screw, the material, or the tool. Conversely, never use a clutch setting when attempting to drill a hole, as the bit will stop before the hole is complete.

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