Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Drill? Pros, Cons and Tips.

If you’ve ever found yourself in need of a drill but only have an impact driver on hand, you may have wondered if you can use it as a substitute. After all, they look pretty similar, with their bulky bodies and rotating chucks. But can an impact driver really serve as a drill in a pinch? The short answer is yes, you can use an impact driver as a drill.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that they are designed for different purposes and excel in different areas. While a drill is built for precision drilling into soft materials like wood and drywall, an impact driver is meant for heavy-duty jobs that require more force, such as driving screws and bolts into tough materials like metal and concrete. Using an impact driver as a drill can work for simpler jobs, but you may run into issues with accuracy and control.
This is because impact drivers lack the adjustable speed settings and clutch settings found on most drills. Additionally, the impact action of the driver can cause the bit to wobble, making it harder to maintain a straight drilling line. Overall, while it’s possible to use an impact driver as a drill, it’s best to stick to the tool’s intended purpose whenever possible.
If you find yourself needing to drill more often than not, invest in a good drill that can handle the job with precision and ease.
Understanding Impact Drivers and Drills
If you’re wondering if you can use an impact driver as a drill, the answer is…
kind of. While both tools can drill holes, they function a bit differently. Drills are designed to drill precise holes with consistent speed and torque, while impact drivers are designed to deliver bursts of high-torque power to drive screws, bolts, and other fasteners.
So, while you technically can use an impact driver to drill holes in wood or other materials, it may not be the best choice for the job. The bursts of power from an impact driver can cause the bit to wobble and make the hole less precise. Plus, if you need to adjust the speed or torque, you won’t have as much control with an impact driver as you would with a drill.
While an impact driver can come in handy for certain drilling tasks, such as drilling through tough materials like concrete or metal, it’s generally best to stick with a drill when you need precise holes. That being said, having both tools in your arsenal can give you the flexibility to tackle a wide range of DIY or professional projects with ease.
What Is An Impact Driver?
An impact driver differs from a drill as it utilizes rotary thumps to enhance its power. It produces high torque and is useful for driving screws, especially large ones for which ordinary drills may struggle. Impact drivers apply bursts of rotational force that deliver an instant surge of power- commonly referred to as an “impact”.
This unexpected force can easily pound screws into the most challenging material, including hardwood. Its function and design make it the ideal power tool for working on hard wooden surfaces, replacing thread bolts in concrete, or building different deck projects. Its chuck is fitted with hexagonal and cylindrical bits that snap securely into a quick-change mechanism.
If you are a professional contractor, avid DIY enthusiast, or building personal projects around the house, then an impact driver is the best choice. Overall, its impact function improves efficiency, saves time, and produces great results, while remaining easy to use, strong and long-lasting.

What Is A Drill?
If you’re starting on a DIY project around the house, you’ll most likely need a drill or an impact driver. While people often use the terms interchangeably, there are key differences between the two. A drill is a versatile tool used to drill holes and drive screws.
It’s perfect for light to medium-duty work like assembling furniture or hanging curtains. In contrast, an impact driver is a heavy-duty tool used for driving long screws and working with dense materials like hardwood. It delivers strong bursts of rotational force known as impacts, which makes it ideal for tough jobs like building a deck or installing roofing.
So, before starting your project, consider what kind of work you’ll be doing to determine whether you should use a drill or an impact driver.
Differences Between Impact Drivers and Drills
Many people wonder if it’s possible to use an impact driver as a drill. While both tools are commonly used for drilling holes and driving screws, there are several differences that set them apart. Impact drivers are designed specifically for driving screws and have a higher torque rating than drills.
Their high-speed, rotational force makes them ideal for driving fasteners into dense materials like hardwoods or metal, which can be challenging for a traditional drill. However, impact drivers don’t have a chuck that can accept round shank drill bits, which means they can’t be used for drilling precise holes, making them unsuitable for tasks that require precision. So, while an impact driver can be useful for certain tasks, it’s not a substitute for a drill, and you should always use the appropriate tool for the job at hand.
Torque
Torque When it comes to power tools, impact drivers and drills are two of the most popular options out there. However, they each serve different purposes and have distinct differences. One of the main differences between the two is the amount of torque they produce.
An impact driver is designed to deliver a high torque output, perfect for driving screws or bolts into tough materials like hardwood or concrete. In contrast, a drill typically has a lower torque output, making it ideal for drilling holes in weaker or softer materials like wood or plastic. Another difference between the two tools is their speed.
A drill typically has a variable speed setting, allowing for more precise control. Meanwhile, an impact driver only has one speed and is meant for quick, powerful bursts of force. Ultimately, which tool you choose will depend on the specific task at hand.
For heavy-duty jobs that require a lot of force, an impact driver is the way to go. For more delicate or precise work, a drill is the better choice.
Speed Settings
When it comes to power tools, impact drivers and drills often get grouped together as if they’re interchangeable. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Perhaps one of the most significant differences between an impact driver and a drill is the speed settings.
An impact driver is designed to deliver bursts of torque in quick succession, whereas a drill is designed to provide continuous power at varying speeds. Impact drivers typically have two speed settings, whereas most drills have three or more. The high torque, low-speed setting on an impact driver is perfect for driving screws into dense materials without stripping them, while the high-speed setting on a drill is great for quickly drilling holes in soft materials.
Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the right tool for the job. So next time you’re faced with a tough task, consider the speed settings and choose the tool that’s best suited for the job at hand.
Chuck Size
When it comes to power tools, impact drivers and drills are two of the most common ones you’ll find in any DIYer’s toolbox. One key factor that sets these two tools apart is the chuck size. The chuck is the part of the tool that holds the drills or driver bits.
Impact drivers typically have a 1/4-inch hex chuck, while drills come with chucks that range in size from 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch. What this means is that an impact driver can only accommodate hex-shank bits, while drills can handle a wider range of bit sizes and shapes. The smaller chuck size of an impact driver allows for faster and easier bit changes, as there are no chucks to tighten or loosen.
It also provides better access to tight spaces, making it ideal for tasks like driving screws into cabinets or assembling furniture. However, the downside is that impact drivers may not provide the necessary power for larger drilling tasks or for drilling into hard materials. On the other hand, drills with larger chucks offer more versatility and power.
They can handle larger bits and can drill holes into harder materials, such as metal or masonry. However, changing bits can be more cumbersome, and getting into tight spaces can be a challenge. Ultimately, the choice between an impact driver and a drill largely depends on the specific task at hand.
Consider the chuck size, along with other factors such as power, torque, and speed, to make an informed decision.
Using An Impact Driver As A Drill
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you might be wondering if it’s possible to use an impact driver as a drill. The answer is yes, you can! While their design and function might differ slightly, they both serve the same purpose of driving screws and drilling holes. However, it’s worth noting that impact drivers are not ideal for every drilling task.
They are specifically designed for driving screws and bolts and perform best in situations where high torque is required. Nonetheless, if you need to drill a hole in softer materials like wood or plastic, then using an impact driver might just do the job. Just make sure to use a proper hex shank drill bit since impact drivers only support hexagonal bits.
So, the next time you’re facing a drilling challenge and don’t have a drill on hand, grab your impact driver and give it a try!
Advantages of Using An Impact Driver As A Drill
Impact Driver As A Drill An impact driver is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a multitude of tasks, one of which is drilling. There are many advantages to using an impact driver as a drill, including its speed, power, and convenience. Impact drivers are designed to deliver high torque and rotational force, making them ideal for drilling holes in tough materials like hardwoods, metals, and concrete.
Additionally, they are lightweight and compact in size, making them easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Unlike traditional drills, impact drivers utilize a quick-release chuck system that allows for easy and fast bit changes. This is particularly useful when working on a project that requires drilling multiple hole sizes.
Overall, using an impact driver as a drill is a great way to save time and effort while achieving professional-quality results.
Disadvantages of Using An Impact Driver As A Drill
The impact driver is a powerful tool that most DIY enthusiasts are familiar with. However, some people tend to use it as a drill since it can drive in screws easily. While it may seem convenient to use an impact driver as a drill, it has some serious drawbacks.
First of all, the impact driver may not provide the level of precision that a traditional drill offers. This is because an impact driver is designed to apply a lot of pressure in short bursts, which can cause the bit to jump around and damage the surface you’re drilling into. Another disadvantage of using an impact driver as a drill is that it can be quite loud, which can be a problem if you’re working in a residential area.
Lastly, using an impact driver as a drill can be quite tiring since it’s a heavier tool and can lead to fatigue after extended use. In conclusion, while an impact driver can be a useful tool in certain situations, it’s not ideal for use as a drill. If you need to drill precision holes, it’s best to use a traditional drill with the appropriate bit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while an impact driver may look and sound like a drill, it’s not quite the same beast. You can certainly use an impact driver for some drilling tasks, but it lacks the precision and control of a drill. It’s like trying to cut a tomato with a chef’s knife instead of a paring knife; it can be done, but it won’t be as effective or enjoyable.
So, if you’re in a pinch and only have an impact driver on hand, it’ll get the job done, but for the best results, stick with a dedicated drill. Trust us, your DIY projects (and fingers) will thank you.
FAQs
FAQs About Using an Impact Driver as a Drill
What is an impact driver and how does it differ from a drill?
An impact driver is a power tool that is specifically designed to provide high torque output for driving screws and bolts. It differs from a drill in that it has a rotating internal mechanism that generates rotational force while imparting concussive blows in a downward direction.
Can an impact driver be used as a drill for making drill holes?
Yes, an impact driver can be used as a drill, but only for small drill bits and light-duty drilling tasks.
What are the advantages of using an impact driver as a drill?
The main advantage of using an impact driver as a drill is that it provides high torque output and makes drilling tasks faster and easier. Additionally, since impact drivers are lightweight and compact, they are easy to maneuver and use in tight spaces.
Are there any drawbacks of using an impact driver as a drill?
The main drawback of using an impact driver as a drill is that it is not as versatile as a dedicated drill. Impact drivers are designed for driving screws and bolts and not for heavy-duty drilling tasks.
Can I use an impact driver to drill holes in masonry or concrete?
No, an impact driver is not suitable for drilling holes in masonry or concrete. Masonry or concrete drilling requires a hammer drill that can provide the necessary impact force.
What type of drill bits can be used with an impact driver?
Only hex-shank drill bits can be used with an impact driver. Round shank drill bits are not compatible with the chuck of an impact driver.
Does using an impact driver as a drill require any special technique or skills?
No, using an impact driver as a drill is fairly simple and straightforward. However, it is recommended to start with light-duty tasks and gradually move towards more complex projects.