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.

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🔧 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.

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⚡ 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.

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🛠️ 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

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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.