Impact Drivers vs. Drills

Drills are most commonly used to drill holes and to drive in screws and other small fasteners. They make a great choice for quick projects around the home. 

Some may ask, what is an impact driver used for? Impact drivers are more commonly used to drive in a large quantity of fasteners, longer screws and lag bolts. Long screws and, with the use of an adapter, lag bolts can be driven in more easily by an impact driver. If you use impact-rated, 1/4-inch hex-shank drill bits, you can accomplish some basic drilling tasks with an impact driver. However, these tasks will be limited in scope. An impact driver is not ideal for precision drilling tasks and should be limited to jobs where the size or placement of the hole is not crucial but more torque may be needed, such as drilling through metal and dense or knotty wood.

Tip: Always follow manufacturer’s use and safety recommendations for drills and drill accessories.

When it comes to drills, the extreme versatility of the design is the main advantage. So many different bit types are available for power drills, that they can serve multiple functions. Best of all, drills are a very affordable tool that fits within most budgets.

The main advantage of impact drivers is their ability to drive in numerous fasteners quickly. The added force offered by the tool saves your hands and wrists as you work. This can help extend the time you can comfortably work on your project. Also, the impact driver is much less likely to strip your screws when in use. The short pulses tighten in a more controlled fashion, allowing the tool to maintain better contact with the screw head.

A hammer drill features a body that's similar to a power drill or impact driver, but an impact driver is not as well-suited for masonry. A hammer drill delivers more power in the form of a hammering action. The force of the hammer drill is applied directly to the bit. 

They are most commonly used for drilling in concrete and masonry. The hammering portion of this motion can be turned off, allowing the tool to function more like a standard drill. This can be useful when you are unsure what the material you’ll be drilling is. For example, if you’re are unsure if there is wood or concrete behind a wall, a hammer drill is a great choice. However, since a hammer drill is more expensive and heavier than a standard drill, it is not ideal for lighter household tasks.

One major consideration when choosing an impact driver or a drill-driver is choosing between a brushed or brushless motor. 

Due to friction produced in its operation, a brushed motor is slightly less efficient than its brushless counterpart. Brushless motors operate without friction, leading to a number of benefits: more power going to the tool, precision motor and power control, more battery run time, less heat generated during use and a longer-life battery. Brushless tools also require less maintenance. Due to the friction produced by contact, the parts in a brushed tool may occasionally need to be replaced. However, these advances in brushless technology come at a higher cost.

If your tools will get heavy and regular usage, investing in brushless may be a great value in the long run, but if you only break out your tool box for occasional household and DIY projects, brushed tools can serve you well and save you upfront costs.