The Difference Between a Drill, an Impact Driver, and a Hammer Drill

The Difference Between a Drill, an Impact Driver, and a Hammer Drill

When starting out on a DIY project, it’s easy to get confused about the different types of power tools available. However, understanding the difference between a drill, an impact driver, and a hammer drill can make a big difference in the success of your project.

Drills vs. Impact Drivers vs. Hammer Drills

Drills, impact drivers, and hammer drills are all used to drill holes and drive fasteners, but they work in different ways and are well-suited to different tasks.

Drills

Drills are the easiest to understand, conceptually: Your trusty power drill spins the bit, delivering consistent, constant torque at a variety of speeds.

Impact Drivers

Impact drivers also spin the bit and provide consistent torque—until the driver hits resistance. Then it adds a rapid, perpendicular, concussive force that temporarily increases the torque beyond what a standard drill can do.

Hammer Drills

Hammer drills operate like a standard drill, but when they’re in hammer mode (which you have to select), they deliver a downward-driving force (like a hammer hitting a nail) as opposed to the impact driver’s horizontal force.

How to Choose Between a Drill, Impact Driver, and Hammer Drill

Knowing how each of these tools works makes it a little easier to decide when to use one over the other.

Drill, Impact Driver, or Hammer Drill?

Drills are precision tools that are ideal for driving small fasteners like standard screws or boring holes into softer materials, like wood or drywall.

Impact Driver

Impact drivers are best used on denser materials, like very hard woods, or with larger or longer fasteners that require a lot of power to drive home.

Hammer Drill

Hammer drills are best for drilling or fastening in very hard materials like stone, concrete, or brick—in fact, you should avoid using hammer mode on lighter materials, because it can cause damage.

Which One Should You Buy?

Since a hammer drill can also be used as a standard drill, it’s the best option if you’re not sure which tool you should get or you want to avoid buying an additional tool for a future project—it gives you both standard drill capabilities and the added power of the hammer action.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a drill, an impact driver, and a hammer drill can make a big difference in the success of your DIY project.

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