Drills Are Versatile Enough for Many DIY Tasks
A power drill, also known as a drill/driver, may be one of the most familiar tools for the do-it-yourselfer (DIYer). It’s also a great tool to start with for the beginner DIYer. An electric motor turns a chuck. The chuck holds a bit and the bit drills holes or drives fasteners. Combined with a variable-speed capability, the constant torque (rotational force) of a drill gives you precision and control useful for small screws and bolts. The chuck of a drill works with round-shank bits, such as a typical twist bit that drills into wood and the hex shanks of screwdriver bits or nut driver bits for installing and removing fasteners.
Cordless drills excel at drilling and driving. They usually have an adjustable clutch that allows you to avoid stripping or snapping the head, or driving a fastener too deep into the workpiece.
Corded drills give you long-running power but require you to work near a power outlet or use an appropriate extension cord. They’re best for drilling but can work for some driving tasks as well. They don’t have a clutch, so you must be careful not to overdrive the fastener.
When to Use a Drill/Driver
While drilling holes and driving fasteners are the primary functions of this tool, the variety of bits a power drill can accept make it one of the most useful tools you can own. With the right drill and the right drill bit or accessory, you can:
- Drill pilot holes for driving screws or installing wall anchors
- Assemble shelving or furniture
- Remove screws and small nuts or bolts quickly
- Install decking and railings on a deck
- Install hinges in a wood door
- Bore holes for installing door knobs and installing deadbolts
- Strip rust and paint
- Stir paint with a mixing arm
Find out more about how drills work, features that make them even more useful and the bits that make them so versatile by taking a look at our guide to power drills and our bits guide. We’ve also got tips for using a power drill.
Impact Drivers Deliver High Torque
What can you do with an impact driver? A cordless impact driver handles many of the same driving tasks as a cordless drill, but you can also use it to install large-diameter or long fasteners, or to drive fasteners into dense materials such as hardwoods or lumber that has a lot of knots — applications that could slow or stall a standard drill/driver.
An impact driver has a collet that accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits. When an impact driver meets resistance as it’s driving a fastener, it begins to apply blows that create bursts of torque in the direction of rotation and power the fastener through the resistance. In addition to the unique driving action, there are other ways an impact driver differs from a drill:
- An impact driver is typically lighter and more compact.
- An impact driver bit is less likely to strip a fastener head or slip off a head.
- The use of impacts to increase driving force can make an impact driver easier on your wrist.
- The high levels of torque require impact driver bits and accessories designed to handle the extra force.
- An impact driver is less suited for small fasteners, and you need to be careful to avoid driving a fastener too deep.
When to Use an Impact Driver
Like a drill, an impact driver has variable-speed capability, as well as forward and reverse settings. Some models allow you to control the speed and torque. While the tool can handle many driving jobs that a drill can, an impact driver is the right choice when you need to:
- Assemble a deck frame
- Drive lag screws or structural screws
- Install lots of fasteners quickly
- Install a metal door frame or door
- Remove stuck fasteners
If you want to be ready for most drilling or driving tasks a homeowner might need to take on, consider a two-tool combo kit. Most include a cordless drill/driver and a cordless impact driver. Our guide to power tool combo kits tells you more about the benefits of multi-tool sets.
Impact Drivers vs. Impact Wrenches
An impact driver and an impact wrench are each designed to install fasteners. However, while an impact driver typically drives screws or lag bolts for home improvement projects, an impact wrench uses impact sockets for installing larger nuts and bolts. This type of tool is typically used for auto maintenance and repair, such as removing or installing lug nuts on a wheel.
Impact Drivers vs. Hammer Drills
Hammer drills and rotary hammer drills are designed for heavy-duty drilling into materials like concrete and masonry. While they use an impact action, rather than applying the impact to increase rotational force, hammer drills use a pounding force along the path of the bit to drive it into the material. Like impact drivers, these tools require bits designed to work with the extra force the tool creates.
Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Features
Whether you’re adding a drill/driver kit or an impact driver kit (or both) to your tool box, there are features that can make your work easier:
- Brushless motors offer longer runtimes and more power than brushed motors.
- Torque, measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs), indicates the rotational force the tool can deliver. A higher inch-pounds rating means more driving power.
- Revolutions per minute (RPM) indicate how fast the tool can spin a bit. On a drill, higher RPM may mean you can drill faster, but higher RPM creates lower torque when driving. On an impact driver, higher RPM results in more impacts and more rotational force.
- Higher-voltage batteries offer more power for cordless drills and cordless impact drivers.
- A battery with a higher amp-hour rating generally means a longer runtime before recharging is necessary.
- Chuck size on a drill relates to the bit sizes the drill can accept. Generally, drills with larger chucks can handle heavier work.
- An included soft bag or hard case makes it easier to transport and protect the drill or impact driver.
Always follow the tool manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety, including the use of proper safety gear, including safety glasses, and depending on the work, hearing protection and a respirator. Disconnect the battery or unplug the tool before changing bits or accessories.
Find out more about different tools and the projects they’re designed for by taking a look at our power tool guide.
Impact Drivers vs. Drills Key TakeawaysImpact Drivers vs. Drills Key Takeaways
Here’s the quick rundown on impact drivers versus drills:
Drill/drivers offer:
- Drilling and driving modes
- Variable speeds and adjustable clutches
- Lots of versatility with different attachments
Impact drivers offer:
- High torque driving
- Quick, efficient fastener installation
- Power to drive in dense materials and with large fasteners
Shop Lowes.com for a drill and an impact driver, so you’re ready for your next project. A combo kit makes it easy to get both, along with a charger and an interchangeable battery. You can also shop for the drill bits, driver bits and accessories you need to make your project a success. Or visit your local Lowe’s so you can find the drill and impact driver that feels comfortable and has the power you need. A Lowe’s Red Vest associate can tell you about features and benefits of each and help you find the tools and accessories you need for your current project, as well as the next ones on your list.