What is the Difference Between an Impact Driver and a Drill

For anyone involved in building, carpentry, or home improvement, knowing the difference between an impact driver and a drill is essential. While both tools may look similar and are often found side by side in toolboxes, they perform very different functions. Each has a specific role in construction and DIY tasks, and understanding which to use can save time, effort, and potential damage to materials or fixings. In the UK, where home renovation and professional trades are thriving, these two cordless tools have become indispensable for efficient and precise work.

Understanding the Basics of Each Tool

A drill is a versatile power tool designed to make holes in materials or drive screws at a steady, controlled speed. It works using continuous rotational force and is commonly used in woodworking, metalwork, and general household maintenance. An impact driver, by contrast, is a specialist tool that delivers bursts of torque through rapid rotational impacts, allowing it to drive screws and bolts into dense materials more effectively.

In simple terms, a drill is about precision and control, while an impact driver is about power and efficiency. Both use electric motors to turn a bit, but the internal mechanisms that generate their motion are entirely different.

How a Drill Works

A standard drill applies constant torque to rotate a bit smoothly through material. Most modern drills include variable speed triggers, clutch settings, and forward-reverse controls, allowing users to adjust torque for delicate or heavy tasks. When drilling holes, the bit spins continuously, cutting through surfaces like wood, metal, or plasterboard. When driving screws, the clutch prevents overdriving or stripping by disengaging once the required torque is reached.

Cordless drills are available in a range of voltages, usually from 12V to 18V, with 18V models offering greater power for tougher materials. A drill’s key advantage is versatility: it can both drill and drive with precision. However, when faced with large screws or high-resistance materials, a drill can struggle, stall, or cause wrist strain due to kickback.

How an Impact Driver Works

An impact driver works differently. Instead of applying continuous torque, it combines rotational motion with concussive blows. Inside the tool, a spring-loaded hammer mechanism strikes an anvil as resistance increases, delivering rapid bursts of high torque. This mechanism allows screws and bolts to be driven into dense materials with far less effort from the user.

The pulsing motion also prevents cam-out, which is when a drill bit slips out of a screw head. Because the impacts are rotational rather than percussive in the same direction as a hammer drill, the user experiences minimal kickback. The tool feels controlled even when delivering powerful torque, making it ideal for tasks like fixing decking, framing timber, or securing large bolts.

Key Differences Between an Impact Driver and a Drill

While both tools can drive screws, the difference lies in how they deliver power. A drill relies on steady torque, while an impact driver uses rapid bursts. Drills are better suited to precision work such as drilling holes or driving small screws, whereas impact drivers excel in heavy-duty applications that require force rather than fine control.

Another key difference is the chuck type. Drills use a three-jaw chuck that accepts round or hex-shanked bits, secured by tightening the jaws around the bit. Impact drivers use a hex quick-release chuck, designed specifically for hex-shanked bits that can withstand impact forces. This design allows for faster bit changes and greater durability during repetitive fastening.

Drills usually feature a clutch for torque adjustment, while impact drivers do not. The absence of a clutch means the driver applies its full torque automatically when resistance is encountered. While this can make impact drivers less suitable for delicate work, it ensures maximum power for tougher jobs.

Applications in Construction and DIY

In UK construction and home improvement, both tools serve distinct purposes. A drill is used for general-purpose tasks such as drilling holes in walls for plugs, assembling furniture, or fitting shelves. It is also essential for accurate work where precision depth or diameter is required, such as installing hinges or pilot holes.

An impact driver, on the other hand, is invaluable for fastening applications. It drives screws into hardwood, metal, or concrete with ease, reducing strain and preventing bit slippage. Carpenters and builders rely on impact drivers for framing, decking, and roofing, while electricians use them to fix junction boxes and conduit brackets securely.

In domestic projects, an impact driver is particularly useful for assembling large items or tackling garden structures like fences or sheds, where heavy screws are used. Homeowners often find that using an impact driver alongside a drill offers the most efficient setup for completing varied tasks.

Power, Torque, and Speed

One of the most noticeable differences between these two tools is torque output. A typical cordless drill produces around 40 to 60 newton metres (Nm) of torque, while an impact driver can exceed 150 Nm or more, depending on the model. This higher torque allows it to handle tougher materials without slowing down or stalling.

However, this power comes at the cost of control. Because impact drivers deliver their torque through rapid impacts, they can overdrive screws if not used carefully, particularly in softer materials like pine or MDF. Modern models often include variable speed triggers or torque settings to help manage this.

Drills, by comparison, offer a smoother, continuous rotation, making them better for drilling holes or working with fragile materials where accuracy matters. They usually operate at a wider range of speeds and can be used with various attachments, such as hole saws, paddle bits, or wire brushes.

Design and Ergonomics

Impact drivers are generally smaller, shorter, and lighter than drills, which makes them easier to use in tight spaces. The compact design allows users to work between joists, inside cabinets, or near corners. Despite their compact size, impact drivers deliver more torque due to their internal hammer-and-anvil system.

Drills, however, are typically larger because of their clutch mechanism and multi-purpose design. They are more versatile overall but less convenient for high-speed fastening. Both tools have ergonomic grips and variable-speed triggers, though impact drivers often have less vibration and kickback, reducing fatigue during extended use.

Cordless models in both categories use lithium-ion batteries, often interchangeable across the same manufacturer’s range. This compatibility allows users to build a collection of tools that share batteries and chargers, making them more efficient and cost-effective.

Safety Considerations

When using either tool, safety is paramount. A drill can produce significant torque and may twist suddenly if a bit catches, leading to wrist strain. Users should always grip the tool firmly and use auxiliary handles for larger models. Impact drivers produce less kickback due to their impact mechanism, making them safer for repetitive or high-resistance work.

Eye protection should always be worn when drilling or driving screws, as debris or metal filings can cause injury. Ear protection is also recommended for impact drivers, as the hammering mechanism produces noticeable noise during operation. Ensuring the correct bit type and size for the task prevents slipping, stripping, or damage to fixings.

Costs and Purchasing Considerations

The cost of impact drivers and drills varies depending on brand, voltage, and specifications. A standard 18V cordless drill typically ranges from £80 to £200, while a similar-grade impact driver costs between £100 and £250. Many manufacturers now sell twin kits containing both tools, which offer better value and ensure compatibility between batteries and chargers.

When choosing between them, buyers should consider the nature of their work. A homeowner who mainly drills holes or drives small screws will benefit more from a drill, while a tradesperson or frequent DIY user dealing with larger fixings will find an impact driver indispensable. For most people, owning both is ideal, as they complement each other perfectly.

Legal and Industry Standards

All power tools sold in the UK must meet safety standards under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and carry CE or UKCA marking. Manufacturers are also required to comply with electrical safety standards such as BS EN 60745. For professional use, employers must ensure that tools are safe, maintained, and used correctly under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Workplace health and safety rules, including those from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), emphasise the importance of safe handling to prevent vibration-related conditions such as hand-arm vibration syndrome. Impact drivers generally produce less vibration than hammer drills, but prolonged use still requires awareness and rest periods.

Recent Advances in Power Tool Technology

Modern impact drivers and drills have benefited from significant technological improvements. Brushless motors, now standard in mid to high-end models, reduce friction and heat, delivering longer runtime and improved efficiency. Smart torque control systems automatically adjust power output, helping prevent overdriving screws or damaging materials.

Battery technology has also advanced, with lithium-ion packs offering longer life, faster charging, and higher power density. Some professional systems now feature connected diagnostics, where users can monitor tool performance through smartphone apps, ensuring optimal operation and maintenance. These developments make both impact drivers and drills more reliable and efficient than ever before.

Case Example: Installing Kitchen Cabinets

A tradesperson fitting a kitchen uses both a drill and an impact driver to complete the job. The drill is used first to create pilot holes in the cabinet framework and wall studs. These small guide holes prevent the wood from splitting when screws are inserted. Once the pilot holes are complete, the impact driver takes over to drive long screws quickly and securely into the timber and wall anchors.

This combination demonstrates how the two tools complement each other perfectly. The drill provides control and precision, while the impact driver delivers the speed and torque needed for final assembly. The result is a clean, efficient installation completed in less time and with less effort than using a drill alone.

Sustainability and Efficiency

From a sustainability perspective, both impact drivers and drills have become more energy-efficient due to brushless motor technology and rechargeable batteries. Manufacturers increasingly use recyclable materials in tool housings and packaging, while battery recycling schemes help reduce waste. The trend towards multi-tool battery systems also means fewer batteries are needed across different tools, cutting down on material use and e-waste.

For professionals, investing in durable, serviceable tools reduces long-term environmental impact by avoiding frequent replacements. Many UK builders and homeowners are now choosing quality cordless systems that offer performance longevity and lower energy use over time.

Conclusion

The difference between an impact driver and a drill lies in their purpose and power delivery. A drill provides precision and versatility for drilling holes and driving light screws, while an impact driver excels at heavy-duty fastening with minimal effort and maximum torque. Each has its strengths, and together they form the foundation of any professional or domestic toolkit.

For anyone working in construction, carpentry, or home improvement, understanding how these tools differ ensures better results, greater safety, and improved efficiency. Whether building a deck, fitting furniture, or tackling structural work, choosing the right tool for the job makes all the difference in achieving professional-quality outcomes across the UK’s ever-evolving building landscape.