There are two way to change the drill bits on a Porter Cable drill. One dont require the uses of power to change the bits, but the other utilize the drill itself to loosen or tighten the bits. Both method will allow you to accomplish your goals.
To manually change the bits, simply grip the chuck of the drill with one hand and twist the chuck in a counter clockwise direction until the bit no longer remains within the chuck. This takes a few twist of the chuck to loosen the bit within. The user dont require power to accomplish this task.
To manually install the new bit, simply insert the bit into a chuck and rotate the chuck in a clockwise direction to secure the bit into the chuck. Make sure to grip the chuck itself rather than the drill to adequately secure the bit.
The power assist method to change drill bits take a bit more time to learn how to properly perform this task but allows for the user to save energy over time by changing the bits so many times.
Power assist instructions
To loosen a bit using the power assist feature, first ensure that the drill’s chuck is switched to the reverse setting. With one hand, grip the chuck of the drill with your left hand and squeeze the trigger with your right hand. The bit will loosen from the chuck in just a few second.
To tighten the bit with the power assist feature, simply switch the drill to the forward setting. Insert the bit into the chuck opening. With one hand, grip the chuck itself. Squeeze the trigger with your other hand. The bit will be secure tightened within the drill.
Depending on how much pressure is pressed on the trigger, the bit will either become more secure within the drill or the chuck will spin the users hand if too much pressure is pressed on the trigger. A gentle squeeze will accomplish the task of securing the bit.
I mainly use the power-assist method for changing bits since it save energy. However, should the battery die or should the user require more precise control over the bit, then the manual method is the more preferred method for changing bits.
Ensure that the bit fully insert into the drill’s chuck prior to securing the bit. This will allow the bit to properly remain within the drill and will not become loose during use.
The switch for the bits to change to forward or reverse positions are located just above the trigger of the drill. This allows for the user to more easily switch between securing and loosening the bits.
I performed both methods several times to ensure the same result. The manual method took fifteen seconds to change the bits while the power assist method only took five seconds. This is simply a very straightforward process that becomes second nature with the user.
