Impact Drivers vs. Drill/Drivers: Which Tool Should You Choose?

When it comes to tackling various DIY projects or professional construction tasks, having the right tools can make all the difference. Among the most popular power tools in the market, impact drivers and drill/drivers often find themselves in the spotlight. Both tools have unique advantages and designers have designed them for specific applications. We’ll compare impact drivers and drill/drivers to help you choose the right tool for your needs. 

Understanding Impact Drivers

An impact driver is a powerful tool designed for driving screws and fasteners efficiently. It utilizes a combination of rotational force and blows to generate high torque. Unlike a drill/driver, impact drivers do not feature a chuck. They instead have a quick-change clamp that holds drill bits and driver bits with a hexagonal shank. This design is necessary for the power output an impact driver provides.

It is ideal for jobs that require a significant amount of power. These jobs include tightening strong screws into tough materials such as metal or wood. Impact drivers excel in applications like deck construction, framing, and automotive work where power and speed are paramount.

The Versatility of Drill/Drivers

On the other hand, drill/drivers are more versatile tools that provide both drilling and driving capabilities. They offer adjustable torque settings, allowing you to control the amount of force applied while drilling holes or driving screws.

People commonly use drill/drivers for a wide range of applications, from basic household repairs to woodworking projects. They are capable of drilling holes in various objects and driving screws effectively. However, they may not possess the same level of power as an impact driver.

Power and Torque

One of the key differences between impact drivers and drill/drivers lies in their power and torque capabilities. Impact drivers have more torque than drill/drivers, so they are great for driving big screws into tough materials. Their high rotational force helps prevent stripping or cam-out, providing greater control and reducing the risk of damage.

Speed and Efficiency

When it comes to speed, impact drivers also have an edge. Due to their impact mechanism, they can drive screws more rapidly than drill/drivers, saving you time and effort. The hammering action of impact drivers enables them to power through tough materials with ease, even in situations where a drill/driver might struggle.

Precision and Control

While impact drivers excel in power and speed, drill/drivers offer better precision and control. Drill/drivers have adjustable clutch settings to set torque levels. This is helpful for delicate materials or smaller screws. The ability to switch between drilling and driving modes makes drill/drivers a versatile option for a wider range of tasks.

Impact Drivers Fan Favorites

Milwaukee M18 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver (2953-20) is one of the top favorites amongst the selection of impact drivers. This powerful cordless tool features brushless motor technology that allows it to deliver impressive power and efficiency.

This motor also helps maximize runtime and extend the overall tool life. Equipped with a ¼” hex chuck, which allows for quick and easy bit changes. This design is particularly well-suited for fastening applications, such as driving screws and lag bolts.

This impact driver is small and light, making it easy to use in tight spaces and overhead tasks. This tool provides variable speed to help the user control the speed based on the application’s requirements. To enhance visibility while working in low-light or dark work areas, this impact driver comes with a built-in LED work light.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL ¼” Hex Impact Driver (3453-20) is also another very highly regarded impact driver, it is a compact and powerful cordless tool. The M12 FUEL Impact Driver has a brushless motor. This motor makes it efficient, durable, and powerful. It is similar to other tools in the FUEL series. This impact driver also features a ¼” hex chuck, allowing for quick and easy bit changes.

This design is ideal for tasks that involve driving screws, bolts, and other fasteners. Its compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for working in tight spaces, overhead tasks, and projects where portability is essential.

This impact driver also features variable speed settings, allowing you to control the speed based on the task’s requirements. This tool also features a built-in LED work light for low-light and dark work areas.

DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX ¼” Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Impact Driver (DCF850B) is a compact and efficient cordless power tool. It is also equipped with a brushless motor for improved efficiency, longer runtime, and increased overall tool longevity.

This impact driver features a 3-speed setting option, which is compared to most other impact drivers on the market. This 3-speed setting option allows for more specific applications amongst all tasks and projects.

It also features a ¼” hex chuck, making it easy to change and secure bits quickly. Due to its compact and lightweight design, it makes tight space work a breeze. To improve viability this impact driver also features a built-in LED work light.

DeWalt 20V MAX Atomic Brushless Compact ¼” Impact Driver (DCF809B), is another great cordless impact driver option. This impact driver is equipped with a brushless motor which improves efficiency, longer runtime, and increased overall tool lifespan. As a part of the Atomic series, this impact driver is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spaces and overhead applications.

The impact driver features a ¼” quick-release hex chuck, allowing for easy and quick bit changes. This quick-release mechanism enables efficient swapping of bits without the need for additional tools.

This tool is equipped with a variable speed trigger, enabling users to control the speed of the driver. This feature allows for precise and controlled fastening. This impact driver also includes a built-in LED work light to enhance visibility in dark or low-lighting work conditions.  

Bosch 18V Brushless Connected-Ready Freak ¼” and ½” Two-In-One Bit/Socket Impact Driver (GDX18V-1860CN) is a versatile and powerful cordless tool designed for fastening and driving tasks. The Bosch Freak Impact Driver features an unique 2-in-1 design that combines a ¼” hex shank and a ½” square drive socket. This versatile tool allows you to use both standard screwdriver bits and impact sockets with the same tool.

The impact driver is equipped with a brushless motor, which provides increased efficiency, longer runtime, and improved durability. This tool also features multiple speed settings, allowing you to adjust the speed and torque output based on the specific task’s requirements.

As part of the Connected-Ready series from Bosch, this impact driver is designed to be compatible with Bosch’s GCY30-4 Bluetooth module (sold separately). With the module attached, the tool can provide wireless tool customization, including speed and impact control, via a smartphone app. Lastly, this impact driver also features a built-in LED work light for low-lighting and dark work spaces. 

Last but not least, the FLEX ¼” Quick Eject Hex Impact Driver Kit (6.0Ah Stacked) (FX1371A-1H) is a cordless power tool designed for fastening and driving applications. This impact driver is equipped with a high-performance motor that includes the brushless technology that helps to maximize runtime and enhance overall tool durability. This impact driver was designed with user comfort and maneuverability in mind, making it suitable for extended use and working in tight spaces.

This kit includes a high-capacity 6.0Ah stacked battery, which offers extended runtime and reduces the need for frequent battery swaps. This impact driver also offers variable speed control, allowing users to adjust the speed based on the application’s requirements. To improve visibility in low-light conditions, the impact driver is probably equipped with a built-in LED work light. 

Drill/Drivers Fan Favorites

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL ½” Drill/Driver (2903-20) is a great choice when deciding which drill/driver you would like to purchase. It delivers the capability to drill the largest holes at high speed into dense materials. The brushless motor allows for 2-9/16” Self-Feed holes in dense woods making it the perfect go to drill-driver. At only 6.9” in length, this compact cordless driver allows for the best access and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Back to the yellow team, introducing DeWalt’s 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (DCD805B), this compact 7 in. cordless driver allows for easy access in tight areas as well. This drill/driver also has a ½” metal ratcheting chuck which allows for high bit retention. Just like impact drivers, this tool provides a variable trigger and 2 speed settings to provide different drilling capabilities for each task or project. DeWalt’s drill/driver also includes a 3-Mode LED light for those low-lighting or dark work areas.

Bosch also provides a highly regarded drill/driver, the 18V EC Brushless Connected-Ready Compact Tough ½” Drill/Driver (GSR18V-535CN) [Really chose a mouth full of a name there] This beast features Bluetooth connectivity, which links to the free Bosch Toolbox app on a mobile phone for enhanced tool control and detailed feedback. The Bosch drill/driver features Kickback control which reduces the risk of sudden rotational torque reaction. This drill/driver also features an upgraded all-metal chuck for bit retention as well as variable drilling speeds for different tasks.

Last, Flex’s 24V 2-speed 1-2” Drill Driver (FX1151-Z), compact drill/driver packs 750 in-lbs. of torque with an exceptional runtime of up to 80 1” spade bit holes in 2X4 lumber with a 2.5Ah battery (sold separately). This drill/driver is also equipped with an LED light for those dark or low-light workspaces. Finally, the Flex drill/driver is also equipped with a ½” all-metal ratcheting chuck allowing high bit retention and reliability.

Considerations for Your Projects

When deciding between an impact driver and a drill/drivers, it’s crucial to consider the specific requirements of your projects. If you frequently work with heavy-duty applications or deal with challenging materials, an impact driver would be the ideal choice. If you want a tool that can do drilling and driving tasks accurately, a drill/driver is a better choice. 

In the debate of impact drivers vs. drill/drivers, there is no clear winner as both tools have their unique strengths. Impact drivers offer immense power and speed, making them perfect for heavy-duty tasks. On the other hand, drill/drivers provide versatility and precision for a wider range of applications.

Assessing the needs of your projects and understanding the differences between these tools will help you make an informed decision. Having either tool will greatly improve your ability to handle DIY projects or professional tasks easily and efficiently. Each of these impact drivers are available at Ohio Power Tool today! Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!