An impact driver is a powerful DIY home improvement tool but a power drill also has its advantages. Both serve an important purpose in doing at-home projects. Both can be key companions in woodworking and other minor jobs. Here are the main differences between an impact driver and a drill, and which both are worth having a look at.
Why Buy An Impact Driver
Cordless impact drivers are an underrated tool yet so important to a number of DIY projects.
Impact drivers are more compact and lightweight than a drill. They also have more torque to them. They are essentially a stronger version of a drill and are used most commonly when force needs to be directed downward, hence the name ‘impact driver’.
When you’re working with a lot of wood and are using a lot of downward force, impact drivers are the better choice. They have the power to work harder and longer, and they’re more comfortable to use than a drill.
For long screws or lag bolts, you will also find the impact driver to be a better option. Basic drilling projects can be completed with an impact driver, just like some basic impact driver tasks are possible to get done with a drill. They very much perform a similar function, although a cordless impact driver is seen as sort of a specialized drill.
A big design difference in an impact driver is that it does not have a chuck. It uses a clamp to secure the drill bit or driver in place.
Why Buy A Power Drill
For quick projects where you just need to get in a screw or small fastener, nothing beats a drill.
A power drill is an essential for woodworking and all sorts of other home DIY projects. There aren’t any ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you don’t already have a cordless high-quality power drill, buy one. Eventually, you will need it. That’s a guarantee.
A power drill is an adjustable-speed tool that will drill and drive in fasteners. It does this with a drill bit that’s held securely in place with a keyed or keyless chuck. Standard and hex bits are drill-friendly.
When you’re working quickly and just need to drill in a fastener once or twice in a row, a drill is probably better than an impact driver.
Another area where a drill is better is for precision drilling. An impact driver is all about speed whereas a drill is more particular about the size and placement of a hole. This is why drills get more use than impact drivers.
The true difficulty is when you’re working with a material that requires a little more torque, i.e. metals or dense woods. Do you go for the drill for precision or the impact driver for that extra power – the answer is ultimately yours to make.
Shop cordless power drills, cordless impact drivers, and other need-to-have DIY tools for home projects at PrimeCables.ca.