Impact drivers and drills are two of the most commonly used power tools for driving screws and drilling holes. While they may seem interchangeable, there are some key differences between impact drivers and drills that make each better suited for certain applications. Knowing when to use an impact driver vs. a drill can help you work more efficiently and achieve better results.
What is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is a power tool designed specifically for driving screws and other fasteners. It generates a tremendous amount of rotational force and delivers it in sharp, rapid strokes. This hammering action allows an impact driver to drive long screws and other fasteners with less effort compared to a standard drill.
Some key features of impact drivers include:
- Compact size – Impact drivers are relatively small and lightweight, making them easy to handle and control.
- High torque output – Impact drivers can generate significantly more torque than a comparable cordless drill, often over 1,000 inch-pounds. This makes them ideal for driving large fasteners and screws into dense materials.
- Variable speed settings – Most impact drivers allow you to adjust the speed and torque settings for greater control. Lower speeds are ideal for smaller fasteners.
- Hex shank bit compatibility – Impact drivers use hex shank driver bits. This prevents twisting or slipping of the bit under high torque.
- Brushless motor technology – High-end impact drivers use brushless motors that are more efficient, generate less heat, and have a longer lifespan than brushed motors.
What is a Drill?
A drill is likely the most common and versatile power tool. While mainly used for drilling holes, a drill can also drive screws and other fasteners. Key features of drills include:
- Variable speed triggers – Drills have variable speed triggers that allow you to adjust RPMs as needed for the material and task.
- High RPMs – Drills are designed to produce very high revolutions per minute (RPMs), usually over 1,000 RPM at top speed. This makes them well-suited for drilling holes.
- Keyless chucks – Most drills have a keyless chuck that allows you to quickly tighten and loosen drill bits.
- clutch settings – Many drills have adjustable clutch settings to prevent over-driving or stripping screws.
- Hammer function – Some hammer drills include a hammering function for driving into concrete and masonry.
Impact Driver vs. Drill: Key Differences
While impact drivers and drills can both drive fasteners, there are some important differences that make each tool better for certain jobs:
Torque Output
The most significant difference between these tools is torque output. Impact drivers generate tremendous rotational force, often over 1,000 inch-pounds, allowing them to drive large fasteners with ease.
In contrast, most compact drills max out at around 300-500 inch-pounds of torque. While sufficient for smaller jobs, they can struggle with larger screws and bolts.
Blows Per Minute
Impact drivers utilize a hammering action, delivering hundreds or even thousands of impacts (blows) per minute. This allows them to drive screws efficiently even at lower RPMs compared to a drill.
Drills rely solely on RPMs to drive fasteners and do not have an impact mechanism. To effectively drive screws, a drill needs moderately high RPMs.
Bit Retention
Impact drivers use hex shank driver bits that lock into the tool and prevent slipping under high torque. Drills use a keyed or keyless chuck that can sometimes allow bits to spin when driving larger fasteners.
Size and Weight
Due to their specialized nature, impact drivers tend to be more compact and lighter than most drills. Their small size makes them ideal for tight workspaces.
Drills are slightly larger on average and often heavier. However, the weight helps stabilize the drill when boring large holes.
Applications
In general, an impact driver works better for driving screws and bolts, especially larger fasteners into dense materials like lumber. The impact mechanism drives long screws efficiently with less wear and tear on the tool.
Drills are ideal for drilling holes into wood, metal, masonry, and other materials. The high RPMs and spinning action help remove material as you drill. Drills can drive smaller screws, but are less efficient than an impact driver.
When to Use an Impact Driver
Here are the best applications for an impact driver:
Driving Long Screws
One of the top uses for an impact driver is installing long screws, especially into dense materials. The high torque and impact mechanism drive fasteners in quickly without damaging screw heads or material.
Assembling Decks, Fences, and Other Wood Projects
Building wood projects often requires driving many large lag bolts and deck screws into lumber. An impact driver makes quick work of this without wear and tear on the tool.
Automotive Repairs
Impact drivers are commonly used in automotive shops to remove bolts and screws. The high torque and small size allow access into tight engine compartments.
Cabinetry and Woodworking
Driving screws to assemble cabinets, bookshelves, trimwork, and other fine wood projects is made easy with an impact driver. The precision and control prevent splitting delicate materials.
Tight Spaces
The compact size of most impact drivers allows you to drive fasteners in tight quarters where a drill won’t fit.
Overhead Usage
The one-handed operation and small size of impact drivers makes them perfect for driving screws overhead into ceilings and soffits where maneuverability is important.
Heavy Duty Construction
On construction sites, impact drivers are invaluable for driving large lag bolts into studs or cement screws into concrete and masonry. Their power makes fast work of these heavy duty jobs.
When to Use a Drill
While impact drivers excel at driving screws, drills are still the best choice for these tasks:
Drilling Holes
Drills are designed specifically for boring holes into various materials. Their high RPMs combined with spinning drill bits are ideal for this core function.
Smaller Screws
For installing hinges, drawer pulls, and other hardware with smaller screws, a drill provides plenty of driving power without overdoing it.
Starting Larger Screws
You can use a drill with a clutch to start driving larger screws before finishing them off with an impact driver. This prevents slipping.
Mixing Thin Materials
The high RPMs of a drill are perfect for mixing thin materials like paint or joint compound. Impact drivers lack the ideal speed range.
Driving into Very Dense Materials
In some cases like concrete, masonry, or steel, hammer drills provide better performance thanks to the hammer mechanism.
Precision Applications
Drills provide more finesse and control for detail work like small pilot holes or installing electronics where over-torquing is a concern.
Overhead Drilling
The overall balance and inline design of most drills makes them easier to control when drilling overhead. Impact drivers tend to be top-heavy.
Hole Saws
For cutting larger holes with a hole saw, a drill provides the best power and stability when boring the hole.
Driving Smaller Fasteners
For hardware, screws, and other lightweight fastening jobs, a drill provides adequate torque without overdriving.
Mixing Paint and Similar Materials
The smoother, slower rotation of a drill makes it ideal for mixing paints, joint compound, mortar, and similar semi-thick materials.
Impact Driver and Drill Combo Kit
For the average DIYer or homeowner, the best option is buying an impact driver and drill combo kit. Kits include both tools, batteries, a charger, and a carrying bag for one price.
This allows you to have the best of both worlds. Use the impact driver for driving screws and bolts efficiently. Switch to the drill when you need to bore holes or handle smaller fasteners.
Most major brands like DeWALT, Makita, Milwaukee Tool, Bosch, and Ridgid offer high-quality combo kits. Consider brushless motors for maximum efficiency and battery life. 18-20v kits provide the best balance of power and runtime.
Impact Driver vs. Hammer Drill vs. Driver Drill
To summarize the key differences:
- Impact Driver – Optimized for driving screws. Delivers short powerful impacts to drive fasteners quickly. More torque than a drill.
- Drill – Designed for drilling holes and basic driving of smaller fasteners. Provides high RPMs with a smooth chuck spin. Lacks driving power of an impact.
- Hammer Drill – Similar to a drill but with an added hammer mechanism for drilling into concrete and masonry. Not designed for driving screws.
- Driver Drill – A lighter duty drill focused more on driving than hole drilling. Lower torque and RPMs than a standard drill.
So in most cases, reaching for the impact driver will provide the best results when driving larger fasteners. A drill is still useful for smaller jobs or boring holes. For heavy duty concrete work, choose a hammer drill. Driver drills are best suited for very light duty use.
Tips for Using an Impact Driver
Follow these tips to get the most performance and avoid issues when using your impact driver:
- Use hex shank driver bits to prevent slipping and take advantage of maximum torque transfer.
- Start screws slowly and increase speed once the screw has gripped to avoid stripping screw heads.
- Reduce speed for smaller fasteners to prevent damage from over-torquing.
- Apply steady pressure on the axis of the screw to improve accuracy and prevent sideways stripping.
- Keep bits properly inserted and tight in the collet to prevent dislodging under torque.
- Maintain a firm grip to counteract the rotational force that naturally pushes the tool out of line.
- Beware of overdriving without proper depth perception – use a depth stop attachment if needed.
- Add a bit extension for hard to reach areas rather than just the bit alone.
- Lubricate screw threads and pre-drill pilot holes when driving into hardwoods to prevent splitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size impact driver do I need?
For most around-the-house tasks, a compact 12V to 20V impact will provide ideal power without being overly bulky. Higher voltages up to 18V or 20V provide greater torque for heavier jobs. Avoid anything under 12V for most applications.
Do I need an impact driver if I already have a drill?
If you ever find yourself struggling to drive screws with a regular drill, it’s worth investing in an impact driver. The extreme torque makes driving large fasteners much easier. Impact drivers are also more compact for tight areas.
Can you use an impact driver as a drill?
In a pinch, an impact driver can create holes in soft materials like wood. However, they lack the ideal RPM range, control, and drilling power of a true drill. Impacts are designed specifically for driving screws and bolts. For best results, use the right tool for the job.
What materials can an impact driver drive screws into?
Impact drivers can drive screws into virtually any material – wood, metal studs, concrete, brick, etc. Their high torque and impact mechanism provide plenty of power. Be sure to use the proper type of screw for each material.
Why is an impact driver louder than a drill?
The hammering action of an impact driver beating multiple times per second creates more noise compared to the smooth spin of a drill’s chuck. It’s loud by design to create the pulsing impacts. Always wear ear protection when using an impact driver.
Can I use an impact driver as a concrete mixer?
No, impact drivers lack the ideal RPM range and paddle design needed to properly mix concrete, thinset, or similar materials. You’ll create a huge mess. Stick to using a real concrete mixer or drill with paddle attachment.
Conclusion
Impact drivers and drills are two of the most useful power tools that serve different primary purposes. Impact drivers are engineered specifically for driving screws and bolts where high torque, quick impacts, and a compact size are beneficial. Drills are versatile for drilling holes and driving smaller fasteners where high RPMs and a spinning chuck provide the ideal function.
For most homeowners, owning both an impact driver and drill in a combo kit allows you to have the best tool ready for any job. Reach for the impact driver when you need serious driving power for large fasteners like deck screws or lag bolts. The drill is ideal for creating holes and driving small screws with more finesse.
Following the guidelines provided here will help you understand when to use an impact driver vs. a drill. Applying the right tool for the task will lead to faster results and a more satisfactory experience in your DIY and home improvement projects.