Impact vs. Drill

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Impact vs. Drill

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impacts are just for engine work and things that are usually torqued down, as in not household or handyman repair work

the impacts are for working on your cars and stuff in the garage like lawnmowers

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All these young whipper snappers seem to use impact drivers nowadays. Why? What can they do that a drill cannot?

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1. They are shorter than a typical drill and so can fit into tighter spaces
2. They use quick connect bits which are awesome
3. The impact action produces more power *and* is less likely to strip a screw or bit
4. They are much faster than a drill
5. They give you more control
6. A drill loses torque in the higher speed gear. Impact driver delivers more torque at higher speeds.
7. They tend to be smaller and lighter allowing you to work longer.
8. You don't need to apply as much forward force which saves your wrist.

I could go on. I used to think the same as you until I got one. I thought it cost too much and would be rarely used. I was wrong, it was well worth it. I use it for screws mostly, but I also use it for drilling and especially with spade bits. I have a set of quick connect diablo spade bits and the impact driver makes it a breeze. It's not for precision drilling obviously but I'd rather pop 10 big holes in a 2x4 with the impact than just 1 with a drill. It's incredible really, it just goes through wood like it's cheese. It's too fast sometimes, I have to hold it back and say "whoa boy!" before it busts through and starts eating something else.

If you already have a drill but no impact, then I'd say just use the drill unless you plan to drive maybe 100 or more screws. Any more than that and you'll want an impact driver. You'll drive screws 3x as fast. Borrow one from a friend and see for yourself.

screw gun is for screws
drill is for drill bits

I have a Dewalt drill I bought for a replacement 1 1/2 - 2 years ago. It’s still in the box. I have 3-4 impacts I use every day.
If you need to do some drilling, just get a set of quick connect bits.
The impact might be a little louder, but not very much louder than stripping the screws with the drill. And you will be finished a lot quicker.

Drill motors are not built to withstand the level of resistance(amperage load) of screwing things in or together. A drill is solely intended to drill holes.
An impact driver far exceeds the capabilities of a drill. An impact driver is a "go-to" tool. You'll find your list of things it can do will grow as time goes on.

I cant imagine going back to a regular drill unless its for a specific purpose. I'll say this; if you wanted to, the impact drill could put a screw all the way through that 2x4 and into the center of the earth

I can't tell you the last time I stripped a screw head with my impact driver. If I'm just throwing screws into wood, I grab it first every time. If you need precision or need to be delicate, a drill with am adjustable clutch is still preferred.

As another poster mentioned, I typically use something like a square drive screw instead of a phillips, but even with phillips, I see no stripping with impact.

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I need to do some projects around the house that involve lots of screwing (ha). All these young whipper snappers seem to use impact drivers nowadays. Why? What can they do that a drill cannot?

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Now that I have an impact driver I couldn't imagine not having one.

It makes driving screws so much easier, especially if you're in a weird position and can't get a good push. They zip in with minimal effort and stripping.

I have both and use the shite out of both of them for reasons a few people already mentioned. I could never go without an impact. I do lots of woodworking and building. I always have a project so my opinion may not be the best for those just doing normal homeowner stuff a couple times a week. I’m currently building an extension on our back patio. Roof, walls, etc and I have a tool belt with holsters for both and being able to just grab whichever one I need and go to it is pretty easy.

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The only answer is any homeowner should have both OP.

Drills are also good for low torque where you don’t want to over due something.

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Agreed. Dont use an impact on plastic or finishing work. Use a drill with a clutch that you can adjust the torque.

My rule of thumb with a ton of exceptions is use an impact to disassemble and something else to assemble. I follow that until Im comfortable with whatever material Im working with.