Before starting a project, choosing the right tools is necessary. Without the right tools, the project can’t run successfully. But in a market of lots of products, which one is the right choice? Don’t worry; we are here to help you as we have provided a detailed comparison between Impact driver and drill.
Going by their function, both impact drivers and drills are similar. But actually, they are different from each other and have benefits in certain conditions. So, the question is which one is better? Which one should you use for renovating my house? Which is suitable for factories?
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Our Verdict
Owing to the differences in power and force, both tools are meant for different types of projects. The impact driver is for DIY enthusiasts and handymen. It is best to use it for loosening nuts and small drilling. Drills are mainly for boring holes and fastening or loosening screws. For power, an impact driver is better. For Accuracy, a drill is better. However, both can do either job but are best in their area.
The torque delivered by an Impact driver is much more than that by drills. The torque by impact driver is 2x or 3x times the torque by a drill. You can also see how impact drill compares with hammer drill.
2. Main Work
Impact drivers drill screws into metals, sheets, etc. The Drills are mainly used to bore holes and to drive screws. Though Drivers can also fasten or loosen screws but have lower efficiency than drills.
3. Type Of Project
Impact drivers are for bulky projects. Drills are for relatively easy and small projects. This due to the difference in max torque of both tools. Here we have compared two of the best impact drivers from Dewalt.
4. Ease Of Use
Impact drivers are easier to use, comfortable, and user-friendly.
5. Power Source
Impact drivers can be corded or cordless. That means it either runs on battery or electricity. Drills have four modes of power—corded, cordless, Pneumatic, or Hydraulic.
Both tools use the rotational torque mechanism. Both impact drivers and drills are handhelds. They can be corded or cordless—both the tool’s spin when you squeeze a trigger. Most models of both have variable speeds.
An Impact Driver is a powerful tool for fastening or loosening screws. It is also called an Impact drill. With an internal impact mechanism, it exerts high torque. The torque is usually in the axial direction. The tool is useful for both professionals and DIYers. It can be used in factories and at homes. The main work is to fasten the screws. If operated in a reverse direction, it loosens the screw. We also advice to read through this comparison of four similar looking tools.
Moreover, it is also used for drilling. It looks like a cordless drill. The strong, repeated, and rotating hammering impact smoothly cuts into the surface.
A cordless drill has the same functions. The difference lies in power and efficiency. The impact driver is much more potent than a drill. This is due to the high rotational torque. Working with a drill gives fatigue and stress. Impact drivers are very efficient and don’t cause any fatigue or stress to the worker.
Impact drivers are tough and can drill into metal and wood. Typically torque ranges between 1500-1800 inch.lb. Impact drivers have an added safety feature. While using it, the user won’t face wrist twists or reactionary torque.
Uses of an Impact driver:
The typical use is driving screws into rigid surfaces. Due to high torque, they can easily penetrate studs and metal sheets. Thus, they have high efficiency and need less power. They are more efficient than drills.
You can also drill 1/4inched holes with a hexagonal shank. Drilling holes with impact drivers is easy. But if you are drilling on softer materials, you need to be careful.
Things We Like
Impact drivers are potent and have high speed (RPM)
Multipurpose in nature. Suitable for DIY and also factories.
Impact drivers are flexible. You can change bits according to your needs.
Impact drivers give minimal kickbacks despite high RPM.
Impact drivers are affordable in price.
Impact drivers are lighter in weight than regular cordless drills.
Things We Don't Like
Impact drivers produce a lot of noise. Wearing ear protection is essential.
Absence of a clutch. Controlling speed is an important task, especially for softer materials. Otherwise, you may drill too far.
Bits from regular drill can’t be used in impact drivers. You have to buy drill bits separately.
More runtime and capacity over standard units delivered by DEWALT-built brushless motor and lithium ion batteries of...
The cordless impact driver has an optimized application versatility with 3-speed settings
Added control for precise applications with Precision Drive in speed 1 for precision applications and added control
This DeWalt impact driver is highly recommended. It has a high rating with a torque of 2000in.lb. It is light in weight. The LED lighting helps in more precision and Accuracy in work, even in the dark. You get three-speed settings. The first one is the Precision drive. The precision drive helps in steady and accurate operation. It is cordless and runs on batteries. You get two batteries in the box with change indicators on them. Overall, it is decent and best in price pick.
One of the best tools in the market. It is cordless and has powerful, long-lasting batteries. They get charged very quickly and last long. It can provide a maximum torque of 2200 in-lbs. With a sleek body, it is user-friendly and comfortable.
What Is Drill?
A drill is most commonly used to make holes or to drive fasteners. Drills have always had a prominent place in the toolbox. It has a bit fitted inside. The bit can be a driver or drill according to the application. Some drills also have the hammer function. Drills vary in power, size, and speed.
Drills are used in woodworks, metal works, construction projects, and other utility projects. Drills can be specially designed for use in space, medicine, and other applications. Cordless ones have an adjustable clutch. The clutch adjusts the torque. The chuck of drill works on both round and hex bits. The hex also provides an exceptionally smooth spinning action. Drills are suitable for Drilling holes, tightening and loosening bolts, and driving screws.
Pistol-grip is a common form of corded drills. For tight spaces, a right-angle drill is preferable. A universal motor powers the corded drills. It has a high strength to weight ratio. But you always need to be in the vicinity of an electric socket. The corded ones have high power than cordless ones.
Cordless Drills
These are the most commonly used drills. Cordless drills use rechargeable batteries. These are also available in hammer configuration. The right-angle configuration helps in working in tight spaces. The only problem is that for working continuously, you would need many batteries. While drilling large holes of 12-25mm, the battery drains quickly. If you don’t have spare batteries, you would have to wait while it recharges.
Batteries of newer technologies charge within 10-15minutes. Batteries in the older cordless drill were of 7.2V. Now higher voltages are available- 24V, 28V, AND 36V. Another thing is that cordless ones give you the freedom to move. You can move freely without bothering about the electric connection.
Hammer Drills
Hammer drills are similar to cordless drills. The special thing is they have a hammer for drilling masonry. You can add or remove the hammer function as you like. The hammer action is possible due to two cam plates. These plates move the chuck forward and backward rapidly. This movement can be measured by Blows Per Minute (BPM). Penetrating harder materials with large bits is difficult with a hammer drill. This is due to the increased weight. The acceptable bits are 6mm and 13mm.
Rotary Hammer Drills
It is a hammer drill with a rotation mechanism. It is usually used in masonry or on concrete materials. Spline Shank bits are used in rotary hammers. These make drilling into hard material relatively easy. Also see how rotary and hammer drills differ.
Things We Like
The tool is multipurpose
Perfect for jobs that require precision
The tool can accommodate various sized screws and bits
The tool used a constant torque
Useful for professionals and also DIYers
Drill often strips the screws
Things We Don't Like
Drill often strips the screws
The drill can stall out when you use it on large fasteners
With time the bits inside the chuck become loose
Give fatigue to the user
Best Drills In The Market
1. Bosch 06019G81K2 GSB-120 Cordless Drill
Rated as one of the best drills in the market, this Bosch drill is perfect in all sense. The special battery protects itself from overheating and overloading. It is compact, sleek, and has a smart design. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects. The GSB 120-2Li, 10.8V battery ensures long life. The tool is very convenient with a T-design, which gives it ease of use. The tool has 15+1 clutch settings for high power and torque. It also has two drill modes and 20-step torque settings.
You can use the drill for woods, steel, and also masonry. The tool is made of plastic and weighs 2.10kgs.
The right angle drill features dual speed ranges (0-650/0-2000) rpm for increased user flexibility providing a wide...
Compact front to back length (4.0-inch) allowing users to fit into hard to reach spaces
Multi-grip trigger of DEWALT angle drill provides comfort and convenience, allowing the user to get into tighter spaces...
The DeWalt DCD740C1 is a right-angle drill. It has an 18V XR 1.3Ah Li-battery for longer life. The tool has an ergonomic design with rubber over handle for user comfort. Changing bit is straightforward with automatic spindle lock and compact keyless chuck. The multi-grip trigger gives the user the option to trigger various positions. The highly efficient fan increases durability. The tool also has integrated LED light, steel belt chip, two-speed setting, and other useful features. The tool weighs 2.50kgs.
2. For a job that requires more power, what should I choose- Drill or Impact driver?
Impact drivers have twice or thrice the power of the drill. They also have burst impacts. Thus, for more power and torque, the Impact driver is better.
3. What is the best drill for working with concrete?
The hammer drill is best for working on concrete. A standard handheld drill won’t work here. You can also use a Rotary drill.
4. Does Impact drivers have chuck?
No. Impact drivers don’t have chuck.
Bottom Line
Now you know about both the tools, similarities, and differences. Both have their pros and cons. You also know when to use which tool and even some of the best products in the market.
To conclude, in a line, an impact driver is much more potent than drills. This has its advantages and disadvantages. The drill is preferable for jobs that need precision and Accuracy. The primary function of the impact driver is to drive screws. At the same time, drills excel at boring holes. Impact drivers have burst impacts (see how to use it properly) that are very powerful. And are also lighter than drills.
Now with so much information about both, you should consider the job needs, the features of the tool and then make a choice. All the best!
The DeWalt DCD740C1 is a right-angle drill. It has an 18V XR 1.3Ah Li-battery for longer life. The tool has an ergonomic design with rubber over handle for user comfort. Changing bit is straightforward with automatic spindle lock and compact keyless chuck. The multi-grip trigger gives the user the option to trigger various positions.
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