Impact Drivers vs. Drills

Impact drivers and drills are both power tools that screw and unscrew different types of fasteners. They both use rotational speed, torque and a variety of bits. However, there are basic differences:

• A power drill is an adjustable-speed tool that drills and drives in fasteners. Its head features a keyed or keyless chuck that holds the bits securely in place.
• An impact driver is more compact and lightweight by design. Impact drivers have more torque and use a quick-change clamp to hold bits with a hexagonal shank.

Drills are used to drive in small screws or fasteners. Different rotating speeds make the tool easier to control and ideal for precise work. A must-have for every toolbox, drills are a popular choice for everyday projects around the house. Use them for everything from drilling holes to mixing paint. Some even have smart features that automatically adjust drilling speed depending on the type of material.

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

Impact drivers give you better contact with the head of a screw, resulting in less stripped heads. They're ideal for driving in a lot of screws, bolts and other fasteners because impact drivers are easier on your hands and wrists. They're a great choice for heavy-duty drilling such as screwing large bolts into concrete.

Drills are designed for lighter tasks such as drilling small holes in wood or drywall. With all the different types of bits available, a drill is one of the most versatile tools in a toolbox. Ideal projects for a drill include:

• Hanging shelves or curtains
• Installing light fixtures
• Drilling holes in metal or plastic
• Installing door knobs or handles
• Mounting artwork or mirrors on walls

If you’re driving in a lot of fasteners, longer screws and lag bolts, an impact driver is the best choice. Impact drills are known for having a powerful torque that lets them drill through dense materials such as metal or knotted wood. Great projects for an impact driver include:

• Building a deck or fence
• Assembling furniture with large screws
• Removing stubborn or rusted bolts and screws
• Assembling outdoor structures like sheds or pergolas
• Installing cabinets or shelving

Like an impact driver, a hammer drill is a heavy-duty tool used for bigger projects. A hammer drill combines a hammering action along with a strong rotational torque. This makes it an excellent choice for tough projects that involve concrete or masonry. Unlike an impact driver, you can turn its hammering feature off and use it as a regular drill. This gives the hammer drill more versatility than an impact drill but it’s still not ideal for lighter tasks.

When comparing impact drivers vs. drills, think about the pros and cons of each. It’s important to consider why you’d be using one and how often you’d use it.

Impact driver pros:

• Higher power and torque
• More features
• Heavy-duty drilling like large screws and bolts

Impact drivers cons:

• Less precise
• Higher upfront investment
• Noisy

Drill pros:

• Precise control
• Variable speeds
• Budget friendly

Drill cons:

• Not ideal for hard materials
• Less durable
• Can’t handle larger diameter screws

When choosing a power tool it's important to decide whether it’s powered by a brushed or brushless motor. Drills with brushed motors are more budget-friendly and are ideal for occasional use. Brushed motors provide higher torque at low speeds. Although easy to use, the wear and tear on the brushes means they may need to be replaced sooner than later.

Drills with brushless motors are a better choice if you’re planning on regular and heavy use. Since brushless motors operate without friction, they have more power, less heat and a longer-life battery. Brushless tools are easier to maintain, but can require a higher upfront investment.