What’s the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?

Key takeaways: drill driver versus impact driver

• A drill driver is mainly for drilling holes and handling light screw driving.
• An impact driver is mainly for driving lots of screws, longer screws or tougher fixings with less effort.
• Drill drivers use a chuck that can hold various bit types; impact drivers use a quick-change hex fitting for driver bits.
• Impact drivers help reduce stripped screws and wrist strain by delivering short bursts of turning force.
• If you’re choosing your first tool, a drill driver is usually the most versatile place to start.

What exactly is the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?

“The easiest way to think about it is this: a drill driver is for making holes and doing light screw driving, while an impact driver is for driving lots of screws, or longer screws, into tougher materials without as much effort,” explains Dan Gibney, Power Tool Buyer.

While both drill drivers and impact drivers can drive screws, the key difference is that an impact driver is built to make repetitive fastening jobs feel easier – especially when the screw gets tight.

What is a drill driver and when to use one

A drill driver spins a drill bit in a smooth, steady motion. Most have:

• A clutch (a numbered ring near the chuck) to stop you over-tightening screws.
• Two-speed gearing (slow for driving screws, fast for drilling).
• A chuck (the front jaws) that grips different bit sizes, including drill bits and driver bits.

Use a drill driver for beginner-friendly jobs such as:

• Hanging pictures, shelves and hooks (with the right wall plugs).
• Assembling flat packs and general household fixes.
• Drilling pilot holes in timber before driving screws.
• Drilling holes in timber, plasterboard and light metal (with the correct bit).

What is an impact driver and when to use one

An impact driver looks similar, but inside it has an impact mechanism that delivers rapid, short bursts of turning force (torque). Instead of one constant twist, it “taps” the screw around as resistance increases.

That’s why many people find it more comfortable on bigger fastening jobs. Gibney explains that impact drivers can improve “comfort and control” because “it delivers short bursts of power so the bit stays in the screw head, which helps reduce cam-out, stripped screws and strain on your wrist.” (Cam-out is when the driver bit slips out of the screw head.)

Use an impact driver for jobs such as:

• Building outdoor furniture, planter boxes or garden edging.
• Driving long screws into framing timber.
• Working on larger projects like decks, pergolas and wall framing.

“For most everyday jobs around the home, like hanging pictures or putting flat packs together, a drill driver will do everything you need,” explains Gibney. “When you start building decks, pergolas or framing walls, an impact driver really comes into its own because it drives long screws quickly and cleanly.”

Key differences between a drill driver and an impact driver

Here’s what changes in day-to-day use:

• Bit fitting: A drill driver’s chuck grips many bit types and sizes. An impact driver uses a quick-change hex fitting (great for swapping driver bits quickly).
• Control: Drill drivers with a clutch are forgiving for beginners when driving screws into softer materials. Impact drivers don’t usually have a clutch, so you’ll rely more on trigger control.
• Power delivery: Drill drivers apply smooth rotation. Impact drivers add bursts of torque when things get tight.
• Feel: Impact drivers are louder and can feel more “hammer-y” (that’s normal). Drills feel smoother and are usually quieter.

Which tool do I need first?

If you’re choosing what to buy first, start with the most versatile tool for beginner power tools: a drill driver. As Gibney advises, “If you’re just getting started, I usually suggest buying a good quality drill driver first because it is the most versatile tool in the kit. As your confidence grows and your projects get more ambitious, adding an impact driver is a smart upgrade that makes heavier fastening jobs much faster and less tiring.”

A common combo for growing D.I.Yers is a drill driver for holes and lighter driving, plus an impact driver for the heavier fastening work later on.

Safety basics before you pull the trigger

• Wear safety glasses and consider hearing protection (especially with impact drivers).
• Clamp or secure your workpiece so it can’t spin or shift.
• Use the right bit for the job and replace worn driver bits to reduce slipping.
• Remove the battery (or unplug) before changing bits or making adjustments.
• If you’re drilling into walls, check for hidden services (wiring and plumbing) before you start.

Compare drill drivers and impact drivers for your next project

Ready to choose your tool? Explore our great range of drill drivers and impact drivers online or at your local store to compare options and find what is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

Can a drill driver replace an impact driver?

For many everyday jobs, yes. A drill driver can drill holes and drive screws for lighter tasks. But if you’re driving lots of long screws into tougher timber, an impact driver will usually feel easier and faster.

Can an impact driver drill holes?

Not as well as a drill. Impact drivers are built for screw driving, and they don’t use a standard chuck. You can use hex drill bits for some holes, but for clean, accurate drilling, a drill driver is the better pick.

What does “impact” mean in an impact driver?

It refers to the tool delivering quick, repeated bursts of turning force (torque) when the screw resists. That helps keep the bit engaged and reduces cam-out (slipping).

Which tool is better for flat packs and small fixes?

A drill driver is usually the easiest option for beginners because the clutch helps you avoid over-tightening and damaging furniture materials.

What’s the best tool for beginners: drill driver versus impact driver?

If you’re just starting out, a drill driver is typically the best tool for beginners because it covers more jobs (holes and light screw driving). An impact driver is a great next step once you start bigger build projects.