You can see the drill sputter and stop, even if the drill isn't nearby

This is I-DRILL:

<ROUTINE I-DRILL ()
     <FSET ,BATTERY ,RMUNGBIT>
     <SETG DRILL-POWERED <>>
     <DISABLE <INT I-DRILL>>
     <TELL "The " D ,DRILL " sputters, and the bit stops turning." CR>>

It means you'll see the drill stop even if it's not nearby:

>TURN ON DRILL
The drill bit begins to spin.

>DROP DRILL
Dropped.

>SOUTH
Crew's Quarters
You are below deck in the crew's quarters. Narrow, uncomfortable bunks line the
bulkheads, and you note the similarity between this area and a sardine can.
Sleeping here is necessary but uninviting. A ladder leads up and out to the fore
deck.

>EXAMINE DRILL
You can't see any drill here.

>WAIT
Time passes...
The portable drill sputters, and the bit stops turning.

I'm not sure what the best way of checking if the drill is visible is.

the-infocom-files / cutthroats

You can see the drill sputter and stop, even if the drill isn't nearby #31