What’s the Difference Between a Drill and an Impact Driver?

What’s the Difference Between a Drill and an Impact Driver?

If you’ve ever stood in the power tool aisle wondering whether to grab a cordless drill or an impact driver, you’re not alone. These two tools look similar and often get lumped together, but they’re built for different jobs.

Let’s break it down.

---

The Cordless Drill (Your DIY Workhorse)

A cordless drill is the go-to for most home projects. It’s versatile, beginner-friendly, and perfect for tasks like:

• Drilling holes in wood, drywall, or plastic
• Driving screws into soft or medium materials
• Mixing paint or drywall compound (with the right bit)

Pros:

• Smooth, controlled torque
• Great for general-purpose use
• Works with a wide range of bits

Best for: Hanging shelves, assembling furniture, or pre-drilling holes for screws.

---

The Impact Driver (Small But Mighty)

An impact driver is like a cordless drill’s tougher cousin. It’s built to handle stubborn screws and dense materials — and it does it with a rapid hammering motion that delivers extra force.

Pros:

• Packs more torque for heavy-duty jobs
• Prevents cam-out (stripping the screw head)
• Compact and easy to maneuver

Best for: Driving long screws into wood, installing lag bolts, or working on decking and framing.

---

Do You Need Both?

For most weekend DIYers, a cordless drill is plenty. But if you’re tackling bigger builds — or driving dozens of screws a day — adding an impact driver is a game-changer.

💡 Pro tip: Many manufacturers sell combo kits that include both, like this one we recommend:

👉 DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit

---

Looking for your next weekend win? This list of Projects for a Drill or Impact Driver is full of simple ideas that pay off.

Final Word

Use a drill for control. Use an impact driver for power.
And if you’re serious about your home projects? Keep both in your toolkit.
Before tackling your next project, make sure you’ve read this guide on common DIY mistakes.