Impact driver vs drill: When to use each one at home

An impact driver and a drill can handle some of the same tasks, but they’re designed for different jobs. Choosing the wrong one can lead to stripped screws, stalled motors, or wasted time. So, what's the difference between an impact driver and a drill, and how do you know which one to pick?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key features, real-world uses, and pros and cons in the impact driver vs drill debate, so you can choose the right tool for the job.

Impact driver vs drill: What’s the difference?

At a glance, an impact driver and a drill look nearly identical. Both are handheld power tools with a pistol grip, trigger, and battery pack. They’re also available in corded and cordless options. However, as their names imply, a drill is mainly used to drill holes, while an impact driver drives screws and fasteners into tough materials. 

Let’s look at how each tool works in detail.

How each tool works

The main difference between how a drill and an impact driver works is in how they deliver torque. This determines the extent of control and power you have, and ultimately determines how each tool functions.

What a drill does best

A drill uses rotational torque to drive a bit into a material, allowing you to twist and carve out a hole. One of its biggest strengths is versatility. You can use a drill to create pilot holes before driving screws and swap in screwdriver bits to drive small screws into wood, plastic, or other soft materials. If the drill has a hammer mode, you can use it to install anchors or mount brackets on a brick wall. Hammer mode also adds a tapping or pounding action to the regular spin, allowing you to chip away at concrete or brick while it rotates.

Another strength of drills is their control and precision during delicate tasks, thanks to a variable speed trigger and adjustable torque settings. You can adjust the bit spin speed and amount of torque applied to match the tool’s power to the job. For instance, lower torque works well for soft materials, such as wood or drywall, while higher torque is more effective for tougher materials, like metal or hardwood.

What is an impact driver used for?

An impact driver is used for driving screws, bolts, and other fasteners into dense surfaces, such as hardwood, metal, or pressure-treated lumber. It achieves this by delivering a higher torque than a standard drill can.

What primarily makes an impact driver stand out is the way it delivers the torque. Instead of applying a constant, smooth rotational force like a drill, it uses rapid bursts of rotational force, known as an impact action. Inside the impact driver, a spring-loaded mechanism builds up energy and then releases it in quick, repeated hammer-like hits. These bursts drive screws more effectively and with less effort, especially when working with long fasteners or dense materials such as hardwood, metal, or concrete.

Key differences to know

An impact driver looks a lot like a drill at first glance, but they’re built for different jobs. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between a drill vs impact driver.

• Mechanisms: A standard drill uses a keyless chuck, which opens and closes around the bit by twisting it with your hand. This type of chuck can grip round or hex-shaped bits in various sizes, making it suitable for precision drilling and light screwdriving tasks. On the other hand, an impact driver uses a 1/4-inch hex collet with a quick-release mechanism. You pull the sleeve forward to snap in or release a bit. This setup is faster for bit changes but limits you to using hex-shank bits only.
• Torque delivery and speed: Drills deliver steady, continuous torque. They’re great for jobs that require precision, such as drilling clean holes or driving small screws. You can also control the amount of torque delivered, which helps prevent overdriving or stripping screws. Impact drivers work differently. They combine high rotational torque with rapid, hammer-like bursts of force. This pulsing action delivers more power, especially when the tool senses resistance, and helps drive long screws or bolts into dense material without bogging down or stripping the screw.
• Weight, size, and ergonomics: Drills are bulkier and longer, which gives you better stability and control during precision work. However, the extra size, especially when equipped with larger chucks or attachments, can make them more challenging to use in tight spots or over extended periods. Impact drivers are shorter, more compact, and lighter in weight. They’re easier to maneuver in small spaces. Additionally, since the internal mechanism absorbs a lot of the torque that would otherwise twist your wrist, they are more comfortable to hold during heavy or repetitive tasks.
• Types of bits each uses: Drills offer flexible bit choices due to their keyless chucks, which can grip bits with smooth, round, or hex-shaped shanks. This allows it to work with twist bits, spade bits, hole saws, wire brush attachments, and even mixers for paint or thin mortar. In contrast, an impact driver only accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits, limiting the range of attachments it can take.

When to use an impact driver vs a drill

A drill is best when you need control, accuracy, and versatility. It’s your go-to tool for driving small to medium screws directly into soft wood and for drilling into wood, plastic, drywall, brick, stone, and even concrete. It’s also useful for tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging shelves, or installing cabinet hardware, as well as for creating pilot holes, drilling precise holes at an angle, or using specialty attachments like hole saws or sanding drums. 

However, drills lack the high torque needed for heavy-duty tasks. They can struggle with long screws, and if the material is too dense, the motor may stall, or you might strip the screw head from applying too much force.

In contrast, an impact driver is built for power and is best-suited for when you’re working with long screws, lag bolts, or dense materials like hardwood, pressure-treated lumber, or metal. It shines when you’re building a deck, framing walls, or fastening thick boards together. It’s also widely used in garages for automotive work, and when you're dealing with rusted or over-tightened fasteners.

That said, impact drivers aren’t designed for precision drilling. It lacks a clutch or speed control settings, which makes it less precise and easy to overdrive screws if you’re not careful. It’s also not suitable for many specialty attachments because it only accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits.

To choose the right tool for your project, consider the material you're working with, the type of fastener, and the level of precision or torque required. 

There are times when the two tools overlap; for example, an impact driver can be used to drill holes into wood or thin metal. Likewise, a drill can drive screws in soft materials or when the screws aren’t too long or stubborn, but each tool has its limits, as we’ve already outlined.

Should you own both tools?

If you undertake more than basic home repairs or are a contractor working on regular home improvement projects, owning both a drill and an impact driver is worthwhile. Having both tools allows you to handle a broader range of tasks more efficiently, as you won’t need to keep swapping bits back and forth, and you’ll always have the right tool for the job.

That said, if you’re on a tight budget, just getting started, or mostly tackling smaller DIY projects, a combo kit is a practical way to get both tools without overspending. Combo kits typically include a drill, an impact driver, one battery, a charger, and sometimes a carrying case. They cost less than buying the tools separately, and the shared battery makes switching quick and convenient.

Beyond the upfront savings, combo kits also offer long-term value. You’re investing in two tools that extend the life of each other, since you won’t be pushing one tool beyond its limits. Over time, this means improved performance, fewer stripped screws, and reduced wear on their motors.

Recap: The difference between a drill and an impact driver matters

A drill delivers smooth, consistent torque for precision tasks, while an impact driver uses rapid bursts of torque in repeated hammer-like hits. This difference matters because each tool is designed to handle specific tasks, and using the wrong tool can damage materials or cause unnecessary strain on your hands and wrists.

When buying your first power tools, check the voltage rating. Batteries typically come in three sizes: 12V, 18V, and 20V. If you’re mostly working with smaller fasteners or doing light-duty tasks, go for a 12-volt tool. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. Higher voltages, such as 18V or 20V, mean more power and torque; however, keep in mind that they also require larger and heavier batteries, which can contribute to fatigue during extended use.  

Additionally, pay attention to the battery system. Many brands allow you to use a single battery across multiple tools, so consider investing in one that offers greater flexibility down the line.