Drills and impact drivers are both commonly used tools when tackling DIY projects or professional tasks. While both are power tools used for driving screws and drilling holes, they serve different purposes and offer unique advantages depending on the job at hand.

In this article, we'll cover when to use each tool and how they can make your job easier and more efficient.

What Is An Impact Driver?

An impact driver is primarily used to easily drive in screws and other fasteners. The tool uses short bursts of high torque, which means it delivers more power than a drill without constant pressure. And it's small and lightweight, making it easy to use in tight spaces. It's designed to minimize wrist stress, making it a top choice for projects that require repetitive driving.

Offering powerful torque, and multiple settings for a variety of tasks, the Seesii impact wrench is ideal for professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Advantages:

1. Powerful and faster when driving long screws or bolts
2. Easy on the wrist and arm due to the automatic burst of power
3. The compact size makes it great for tight places

Disadvantages:

1. Not ideal for drilling holes
2. Requires a specific drill bit, which can be more expensive

Common Types of Impact Drivers

1. Cordless Impact Drivers: Powered by rechargeable batteries, these are highly portable and ideal for jobs where mobility is important.
2. Corded Impact Drivers: They offer consistent power and are best for long, heavy-duty tasks, but require a power outlet.
3. Hydraulic Impact Drivers: Quieter and smoother, they use oil to reduce noise and vibration, making them suitable for indoor or long-term use.

What Is A Drill Bit?

A drill is a tool used to drill holes in materials and drive screws in. Drills are typically available in both corded and cordless models, offering adjustable speed settings and torque control to handle different materials and tasks efficiently.

Drills are essential tools for making holes and driving small fasteners. They apply torque to rotate the drill bit, allowing you to drill through wood, metal, and even drywall.

Advantages:

1. Great for drilling precise holes
2. Can handle softer materials
3. Often more affordable

Disadvantages:

1. Difficult to handle larger fasteners
2. It may require more physical strength

Common Types Of Drill Bits

1. Twist drill bits: Great for drilling holes in wood, plastic, and light metal.
2. Masonry drill bits: Have a solid tip for drilling holes in brick, stone, and concrete.
3. Spade drill bits have a wide, flat blade for drilling large holes in wood. For fine woodworking,
4. Foster bits: Drill clean, precise holes.
5. Hole saws: Can be used to cut large holes in a variety of materials.

Each drill bit type is suited to a specific job to ensure efficiency and minimize damage to materials and tools.

Impact Driver vs. Drill: Which One to Use?

When choosing between an impact driver and a drill, understanding their differences in terms of purpose, power deliverance, size, ease of use, Bit compatibility, control, and applications will help you make an informed decision.

Purpose

An impact driver is specifically designed for driving fasteners, making it the go-to tool for tasks requiring high torque, such as driving long screws or bolts into dense materials. In contrast, a drill is more versatile, excelling in drilling holes and light fastening, but it lacks the raw torque needed for heavy-duty fastening tasks.

Power Deliverance

Impact drivers combine rotational motion with bursts of impact, delivering much higher torque without transferring the force to the user. This makes them ideal for heavy fastening jobs. Drills rely solely on continuous rotational power, which is sufficient for drilling and light screwing tasks, but they may struggle with tougher materials and larger fasteners.

Size

Impact drivers are typically more compact and lightweight, making them easier to handle, especially in confined spaces or for extended periods. Drills, while generally not excessively large, tend to be bulkier, which can lead to fatigue when used for longer jobs or in awkward positions.

Ease of Use

Because impact drivers use impact force to drive fasteners, they reduce the strain on the user’s hand and wrist. This makes them more comfortable for long-term use, especially for high-torque applications. Drills, on the other hand, may cause fatigue, particularly in high-load situations, as the user must control the torque manually.

Bit Compatibility

Impact drivers are typically limited to 1/4-inch hex shank bits, which are standard for driving fasteners. Drills, however, are compatible with a wide variety of bits, including drill bits, spade bits, and hole saws, giving them greater flexibility for a range of tasks.

Control

Impact drivers provide better control when driving screws, thanks to their burst-driven torque that prevents over-tightening and reduces the risk of stripping screws. Drills, with their faster rotational speed, can be harder to control, particularly when driving fasteners into hard materials or when applying too much force.

Applications

Impact drivers are best suited for tasks that involve driving fasteners into tough materials or completing projects requiring high torque. They are indispensable for jobs like decking, framing, or automotive work. Drills, on the other hand, are ideal for drilling holes and handling light to moderate fastening tasks, making them the more versatile choice for general home or workshop use.

By considering these factors, you can determine which tool is best suited for your specific project needs. An impact driver is the preferred choice for heavy fastening jobs, while a drill is better suited for drilling and lighter fastening tasks.

Why You Should Buy an Impact Driver

If you frequently work with long fasteners or tough materials, an impact driver is a must-have. Its high torque and ease of use make it a superior choice for driving screws and bolts. Plus, its compact size allows for more maneuverability, especially in tight spots.

If you need more power and efficiency for driving screws, SeeSii WH760 Cordless Impact Wrench. It delivers 738 ft-lbs (1000 Nm) of torque and comes with two 4.0Ah batteries, providing a strong balance of power and battery life. Priced at $149.99, it is highly praised for its efficiency, durability, and ability to handle tough tasks such as removing nuts. The package includes the essential accessories, making it a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What Should I Look For When Buying An Impact Driver?

When choosing an impact driver, there are three key factors to consider:

1. Power and Voltage: For most tasks, an 18- or 21-volt model is best, providing enough torque for driving long screws and bolts. Higher voltage gives more power but also adds weight to the tool.
2. Motor Type: Opt for a brushless motor if possible. While more expensive, it’s more efficient, generates less heat, and lasts longer than brushed motors.
3. Comfort and Features: Look for a tool with a variable-speed trigger, built-in light, and ergonomic grip to make work easier, especially in tight or dark spaces.

FAQ

When To Use An Impact Driver

Drive Long Screws into Hard Materials: An impact driver can quickly drive long screws into dense wood or hard surfaces, which can be difficult with a regular drill.

Securing Lag Bolts or Machine Bolts: When you’re fastening lag bolts or machine bolts into wood or metal, the impact driver’s ability to apply strong torque helps tighten them securely.

Working in Tight or Overhead Spaces: The impact driver’s small size and light weight make it ideal for working in tight or hard-to-reach areas, such as installing fasteners in ceilings.

Related Reading： Real-World Applications: How the Seesii Impact Wrench Can Simplify Your Projects

Can You Use An Impact Driver As A Drill?

Yes, an impact driver can be used as a drill in certain situations, but it's not ideal for most drilling tasks. Here’s why:

Limited Bit Compatibility: Impact drivers only accept hex-shank bits, which means you can't use standard drill bits unless they’re specifically made for impact drivers.

Lack of Precision: Impact drivers apply bursts of high torque, which is great for driving fasteners but not for making clean, controlled holes in materials like wood or metal.

Specialty Drill Bits Required: If you need to drill with an impact driver, make sure to use “impact-ready” drill bits to handle the higher torque and prevent breaking.

When Not To Use An Impact Driver

1. For drilling precise holes, it’s not the best choice. It lacks the fine control needed for clean, accurate drilling, especially in softer materials like drywall or wood.
2. On delicate materials like ceramic, glass, or plastic, the high torque can cause cracking or damage.
3. When working with small screws, the impact driver can strip them easily since it applies too much force to tiny fasteners.

In these cases, a regular drill is a better option.

Conclusion

Knowing the differences between a drill and an impact driver helps you choose the right tool. Having both tools in your toolbox ensures you are prepared for a variety of tasks. By knowing when to use them, you will work more efficiently and achieve better results.