Ever stood in front of a wall of power tools and thought, ‘they all look the same’? Well, for most first-time DIYers, that’s a tale as old as time. But each one will help you to, ahem, nail, certain tasks.
If you’re stuck working out the differences between an impact driver vs a drill, we’re here to help! These tools do overlap, but they’re built to tackle different things. Pick the right one, and weekend DIY will feel easy. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll be fighting it the whole way. And probably still messing with screws and settings well into Sunday night.
Our guide breaks it all down in plain English. No jargon. No DIY knowledge - or experience - required. Whether you’re hanging a picture or replacing your garden fence, we’ll help you pick the right power tool for the job.
Power tools guide: impact drivers vs drills vs combi drills
Let’s start off simple…
A drill is best for drilling neat holes and light screwdriving.
An impact driver specialises in driving long or stubborn screws. To do that, it uses lots of twisting force.
A combi drill combines drilling, screwdriving and hammer drilling into one handy tool.
If you want one tool to handle most home jobs (and don’t fancy spending loads on a bunch of different tools from the off), a combi drill is usually the safest bet. But if you’ve got a few big projects planned, the above often come as a pair/trio in special combo kits. Which means you’ll be ready to tackle almost anything!
Impact driver vs drill driver
Now for a classic DIY face-off - impact driver vs drill driver. Yes, they look similar. But they behave very differently once you pull the trigger.
A drill driver is the most common DIY tool. It spins smoothly and gives you plenty of control. You can drill holes in wood, plastic and metal. And you can drive screws at a steady pace without things getting out of hand. Most drill drivers have an adjustable clutch, too, which stops you from over-tightening screws.
On the other side of things, an impact driver is a bit of a beast. Instead of smooth spinning, it uses quick bursts of rotational force (hence the ‘impact’ part of the name) to get the job done. That extra oomph and torque make it brilliant for driving long screws into tough materials like thick timber or decking boards. It’s usually smaller and lighter, but much stronger when it comes to twisting power. Don’t underestimate it.
In real life:
If you’re hanging a picture or assembling a wardrobe, grab a drill driver.
If you’re building a fence, laying decking or putting up a shed, an impact driver will save your wrists.
Impact drivers also use hexagonal bits instead of a traditional chuck. So, swapping bits in and out is fast and easy. The downside, though? You’ll have less control over any delicate work.
Impact driver vs combi drill
This is where a lot of people get confused. A combi drill looks like a drill driver, but it can do more. Let’s break things down a bit.
A combi drill has three main modes:
Drilling
Screwdriving
Hammer drilling (for brick and masonry)
Because of this, combi drills are really, really versatile. You can drill into wood, metal, brick and concrete (as long as it’s not too thick). Then switch over to screw mode to assemble shelves or furniture.
Compared to an impact driver, a combi drill doesn’t hit with sudden bursts of torque. It’s smoother and easier to control. That means it’s a lot better for beginners to get to grips with, and makes it great for any smaller indoor jobs. However, a combi drill can struggle with very long screws or dense timber. That’s where an impact driver shines.
Project examples:
Putting up blinds, shelves or curtain poles (combi drill)
Drilling into brick for wall plugs (combi drill – hammer mode)
Driving hundreds of decking screws (impact driver)
Key differences between drills and impact drivers
Here’s how drills and impact drivers stack up:
| Feature | Drill / Combi Drill | Impact Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Drilling holes & light screwdriving | Driving screws with high torque |
| Mechanism | Smooth, continuous rotation | Rotational impacts (twisting bursts) |
| Chuck type | Adjustable chuck (fits many bits) | Hex chuck (quick-change bits) |
| Control | High control with clutch settings | Less control, very powerful |
| Power feel | Steady & predictable | Punchy & aggressive |
| Size & weight | Usually slightly larger | Compact & lightweight |
| Best for | DIY, home projects, drilling | Heavy-duty fastening jobs |
In short, drills are all about precision and versatility. On the other hand, impact drivers are better for tasks that require strength and speed.
When to use an impact driver vs a drill
Still not sure which one you need? If you’re new to DIY – and haven’t even tackled your first flat pack – buy a combi drill first. It’ll cover nearly all of those basic home tasks. You’ll be able to hang shelves, drill into walls, build furniture, and fix things around the house.
You’ll need to choose an impact driver if:
You’re working outdoors
You’re driving long screws or bolts
You’re building fences and decking in the garden
Your drill keeps stalling or stripping screw heads
What to use on certain materials:
Wood (drill or impact driver)
Metal (drill)
Brick/masonry (combi drill – hammer mode)
Chunky timber and structural screws (impact driver)
How to use an impact driver
Impact drivers are pretty simple pieces of kit. But a few must-dos will make a big difference:
Use impact-rated bits to prevent breakage
Hold the tool square to the screw
Start slow, then squeeze harder once the screw bites
Let the tool do the work – don’t force it!
Wear ear protection (we’re not kidding when we say they’re loud)
How to use a drill
Drills are all about control. Do things right, and you should have clean holes and neat finishes every time you use one. And make sure to keep this in mind:
Choose the right drill bit for the material
Tighten the chuck securely
Set the clutch low for delicate screw jobs
Increase the speed gradually when you’re drilling
Keep steady pressure, and avoid using brute force
How to use a combi drill
Combi drills give you plenty of options to suit different jobs. Here’s when to use what:
Select drill mode for making holes in wood and metal
Pick screw mode and adjust the clutch for furniture
Pick hammer mode only for brick and masonry
Mark the drill depth with tape to avoid drilling too deep
Let the hammer action do the hard work on the walls
FAQs
Can you drill a hole with an impact driver?
It is possible to drill a hole with an impact driver. It’s not ideal, though. Impact drivers can drill holes in wood using hex drill bits, but they lack accuracy. For clean, precise holes – especially in masonry or metal – a drill or combi drill is much better.
Can a combi drill go through brick?
Absolutely. Combi drills have a special hammer mode that’s designed to go through brick and light masonry. Use a masonry bit, select hammer mode, then apply some steady pressure. For very hard concrete, a dedicated SDS drill is more effective.
Can a combi drill be used as a screwdriver?
A combi drill can be used as a screwdriver. After all, that’s one of its main strengths. Use screwdriver bits and adjust the clutch to prevent over-tightening things. This makes combi drills perfect for furniture, fittings and everyday DIY.
Can you use an impact driver as a drill?
Yes, you can use an impact driver as a drill. But it’s not recommended for most jobs. Impact drivers lack the control and chuck design needed for accurate drilling. They’re best kept for driving screws, especially long or stubborn ones.
