Drill/Driver vs. Impact Driver
All you need to know about these two indispensable cordless tools
Welcome to Joe Shows How! The cordless drill/driver is by far the most popular portable power tool of all time, and it’s not going to lose that title anytime soon. However, cordless drills are beginning to lose ground to a similar looking cordless tool: the impact driver. And that’s got do-it-yourselfers asking questions: What’s the difference between a drill/driver and impact driver? How does an impact driver work? And, if I own a drill/driver why would I need an impact driver? In this week’s video I’ll take an in-depth look at the features and benefits of each tool, which will hopefully answer all your questions. And after viewing this video, don’t be surprised if you decide that you must own both tools!
A cordless drill/driver is a super-versatile tool that’s designed to drill holes and drive screws. Its keyless chuck accepts a wide variety of round- and hex-shank drill bits and screw-driving bits, as well as hole saws, rotary sanders, wire-wheel brushes, and assorted other accessories. All cordless drill/drivers are also equipped with a slip clutch that allows you to adjust the amount of torque for precise, consistent screw driving.
An impact driver is similar to a drill/driver, but for one noticeable distinction. Instead of a keyless chuck, it has a collet that accepts hex-shanked driver bits. This tool is specially engineered to do one job: drive screws, which it does faster and easier than any other tool. And impact drivers can drive long, large fasteners—including fat lag screws—that would stall the very best drill/driver. Here’s how an impact driver works:
The tool uses both bit rotation and concussive blows to power-drive screws through the thickest, densest woods. The result of this two-punch combination is raw, unadulterated power. In fact, impact drivers typically deliver two to three times more turning force (torque) than the average drill/driver. Yet despite all its brute strength, an impact driver is extremely easy and comfortable to use because the concussive action transfers much of that high-energy torque—a.k.a. reactionary torque—directly to the screwhead, not to your wrist, forearm and elbow. Plus, impact drivers run twice as fast as drill/drivers and they’re more compact so they fit into tighter spaces. My advice is to buy both tools, but not separately. Instead, purchase a combo kit that includes both tools, two batteries, a battery charger, and a carrying case. Then, you’ll be fully armed and ready to tackle any hole-drilling, screw-driving job you’ll ever encounter.