It used to be simple—drills were enough for making holes and that was it. However, with the introduction of impact drivers, we now have more options than we often know what to do with. Many people have recently asked about the differences between an impact driver and a drill. In reality, when and how you use an impact driver versus a drill is important. Additionally, there is the question of using an impact driver versus a hammer drill, which leads to more inquiries. Before going too deep into the topic, it's important to understand that these tools use different mechanisms to accomplish tasks and have different applications. Using each tool correctly results in the highest level of efficiency, which is why professionals often carry multiple tools.
Basics of Impact Driver vs Drill
To put it simply, a drill operates by spinning the chuck located at the front of the tool. Nowadays, most chucks are keyless, which means you no longer need a peculiar-looking key bent at a 90-degree angle to change the drill bits. Using a keyless drill chuck is quite straightforward: just grab it and twist in one direction to loosen, and in the other direction to tighten. Ratcheting chucks, in particular, have enough strength to securely hold onto various shapes, including smooth drill bits.
Impact drivers operate similarly to drills, as they rotate the attached bit. When using a drill to drive a substantial fastener, you may reach a point where the drill is unable to proceed. Despite exerting maximum power and torque, the drill fails to move the large fastener or bolt. This is where the impact driver proves its usefulness. Impact drivers deliver significantly greater torque.
IMPACT DRIVERS FOR GREATER TORQUE
Imagine encountering a stubborn bolt that refuses to budge even with the force exerted by a wrench. Despite your best efforts, it remains firmly in place. In such situations, an impact driver comes to the rescue by delivering a powerful, short-lived burst of torque.
An impact driver is capable of performing this action multiple times per minute, making it an invaluable tool in various applications.
DRILLS PROVIDE FASTER SPEED FOR FASTENERS... BUT THERE'S A CATCH
While impact drivers offer more torque, they have a drawback. The repetitive cycle of the anvil driving the chuck causes them to lose efficiency. On the other hand, drills provide a constant force to the chuck, allowing them to drive fasteners without any interruptions. However, this means that impact drivers tend to drive fasteners a bit slower.
We have consistently observed this in our drill vs. impact driver comparisons. In most cases, a capable drill will sink a ledger screw faster than an impact driver. However, there is an exception. When the required torque exceeds the power of the drill to maintain its optimal speed, the drill slows down. In contrast, the impact driver continues driving the fastener into the material.
Impact Driver vs Drill Chucks
Impact drivers are equipped with a 1/4" quick-lock hex chuck. This type of chuck allows for easy insertion and locking of hex bits, with some models automatically securing the bit in place. Other less advanced designs may require you to pull out the flange in order to insert the bit, and to remove it, you would once again pull out the chuck, which then releases the bit.
One advantage of this system is that it results in a more compact design, enabling you to access tighter spaces with ease. However, it is important to note that this type of chuck only accommodates hex bits, meaning that your traditional round drill bits will not fit into these impact driver hex chucks.
Use a drill when:
- Driving screws into wood, drywall, and other soft materials.
- Tightening/loosening bolts that don't require a significant amount of torque.
- Drilling holes in wood, drywall, and other soft materials.
Use impact drivers when:
- Driving screws into wood or metal (you can use it for drywall if you have a lower speed/torque option).
- Driving large diameter screws or lag bolts.
- Tightening/loosening bolts, including those that should be very tight or have been stuck.
- Drilling holes in wood, drywall, or metal using new impact driver-designed drill bits.