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Archive Replay
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Sign of the Day
twist drill
This sign iconically represents the rotational cutting action of a twist drill bit
B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
Today’s Snapshot
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Dominant hand forms an S-hand (closed fist, thumb across fingers)
Repeated twisting rotation of the wrist and forearm
Discussing specific tools, DIY, construction, or repairs
Break It Down
Watch, build, and feel the movement
Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.
How to form the sign
- Form S-hand with dominant hand, thumb across fingers
- Position hand in neutral space, slightly forward and to dominant side
- Repeatedly twist wrist and forearm as if drilling
Coach prompt
Practice the S-hand shape and consistent wrist rotation
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms an S-hand (closed fist, thumb across fingers) · Code S-hand
Dominant hand
Either
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Downwards or slightly forward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
None
Mouth morpheme
None
Body shift
None
Use It Today
Move from recognition to real-life use
Everything below is designed to make the sign sticky: where it feels natural, what learners miss, and how to use it without sounding robotic.
[en] I need a new twist drill for metal. / BSL: I NEED NEW TWIST-DRILL FOR METAL
Mimics the action of the drill bit itself, not the power tool
Best fit: Discussing specific tools, DIY, construction, or repairs
Mirror focus
Practice the S-hand shape and consistent wrist rotation
Catch the slip
Ensure S-hand, clear, repeated twisting. Avoid general 'drill' sign
Use it today
[en] I need a new twist drill for metal. / BSL: I NEED NEW TWIST-DRILL FOR METAL
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, confusing with verb 'to drill'
When not to use it: Not for general 'drill' (verb) or the power tool itself
Regional note: None known; sign is iconic and consistent
Cultural note: None specific to this tool sign
1.[en] Get the twist drill. / BSL: GET TWIST-DRILL.
2.[en] This is a twist drill. / BSL: THIS TWIST-DRILL.
3.[en] Use the correct twist drill. / BSL: USE CORRECT TWIST-DRILL
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Word web
Drill bit
N/A
Drill
screwdriver
spanner
hammer
Drill
tool
screw
hammer
bolt
DRILL (verb/machine): Often uses a different handshape (e.g., G-hand, 1-hand) and a more direct forward-and-back or circular motion, representing the action or machine. "Twist drill" specifically shows the bit's characteristic spiral rotation.
SCREWDRIVER: Typically involves an S-hand (or similar) but the twisting motion is often in a vertical plane (for a screw) or a less forceful, more controlled turn, often near the non-dominant hand acting as the "screw." "Twist drill" is a more vigorous, open-air, forward twisting
Tools
hardware
DIY
construction
Drill
tool
auger
bore
Construction
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