Daily focus
Archive Replay
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Sign of the Day
drilling machine
This iconic BSL sign vividly represents operating a drilling machine. The S-handshape simulates gripping the tool's handle, while the repeated wrist rotation clearly depicts the drilling action. It's a clear visual representation
A2 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Neutral
Today’s Snapshot
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This page turns your sign metadata into a fast, readable fingerprint of how the sign looks, feels, and fits into real conversation.
Dominant hand forms a fist (S-hand), representing holding the handle of the drill
Dominant wrist rotates repeatedly
Discussing tools, home improvement, construction projects
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 dominant S-hand (fist)
- Place hand at mid-chest height
- Palm forward or slightly down
- Repeatedly rotate wrist back and forth
Coach prompt
Practice holding the dominant hand in a fist and rotating the wrist repeatedly
Signature details
Handshape
Dominant hand forms a fist (S-hand), representing holding the handle of the drill · Code S-hand
Dominant hand
Right
Symmetry
Asymmetric
Contact
Air
Palm orientation
Forward or slightly downward
Eyebrows
Neutral
Eye gaze
Forward
Head movement
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.
I need a drilling machine to fix this shelf
Iconic sign mimicking holding and operating a hand drill
Best fit: Discussing tools, home improvement, construction projects
Mirror focus
Practice holding the dominant hand in a fist and rotating the wrist repeatedly
Catch the slip
Ensure wrist rotation is clear and consistent; avoid making it look like a screwdriver
Use it today
I need a drilling machine to fix this shelf
Common mistakes: Incorrect handshape, wrong location, or non-repeated movement
When not to use it: To refer to a medical drill, a fire drill, or a military drill
Regional note: Minor
Cultural note: Reflects common manual tasks in everyday British life
1.[en] I need a drilling machine. / BSL:[NEED DRILLING MACHINE]
2.[en] The drilling machine is broken. / BSL:[DRILLING MACHINE BROKEN]
3.[en] He bought a new drilling machine. / BSL:[HE BUY NEW DRILLING MACHINE]
Connect the Dots
Turn one sign into a small learning cluster
These links use your relationship fields, related vocabulary, and category context so the daily page becomes a launchpad instead of a dead end.
Word web
Drill
power drill
bore
Tool
workshop
construction
DIY
Tool
Screw
Hammer
Build
Workshop
This sign for "drilling machine" uses an S-hand (fist) with repeated wrist rotation. It differs from "screwdriver" (often G-hand or A-hand, slower, more controlled twist), and "wrench" (often a C-hand or S-hand twisting, usually larger arc, at a different location). The specific handshape and rapid, continuous rotation are key
Tools
machinery
construction
DIY
workshop
Drill
machine
tool
power tool
building
Construction
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.
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