They look alike, they often come in the same kit, and both turn a bit. But they work differently, and each is better at different jobs.
How they work
A cordless drill/driver spins its chuck smoothly. The adjustable clutch (the numbered collar behind the chuck) slips when the screw reaches a set resistance, so you don’t strip the head or sink it too deep. The keyless chuck holds round drill bits and hex driver bits. Most have two speed ranges: low for driving, high for drilling.
An impact driver spins too, but when the screw resists, an internal hammer adds rapid rotational blows. That’s the clatter you hear. It drives long or large screws with little effort and much less twist in your wrist. It takes hex-shank bits in a quick-release collet and has no clutch.
Which does which job better
| Job | Better tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling holes in wood, metal or plastic | Drill/driver | Round bits, smooth speed control |
| Hole saws and spade bits | Drill/driver | Steady torque, chuck grips round shanks |
| Small screws: hinges, switch plates, cabinet hardware | Drill/driver | The clutch stops before stripping or cracking |
| Assembling furniture | Drill/driver, low clutch setting | Particleboard strips easily |
| Long screws in framing, decks, fences, sheds | Impact driver | Drives without stalling or wrist strain |
| Lag screws and structural screws | Impact driver | Made for high-resistance fastening |
| Loosening a stuck screw or bolt | Impact driver | Impacts break it free |
| Drilling into concrete or brick | Neither: a hammer drill | Needs hammering along the bit’s axis, not rotation |
Which to buy first
Buy the drill/driver first. It does both jobs well enough for almost everything inside a house: hanging shelves, drilling pilot holes, installing blinds and replacing hardware. Its clutch is the safety net a beginner needs.
Add an impact driver when you start building outside. If you’re building a deck, a fence or a shed, or framing a basement, you’ll drive hundreds of long screws. That’s where an impact driver earns its place. Many people then keep the drill loaded with a drill bit and the impact driver loaded with a driver bit, and stop swapping.
Batteries. If you buy both, buy them on the same battery platform, so one set of batteries and one charger runs both.
Tips for each
Drill/driver
- Start the clutch on a low number and turn it up until the screw seats flush.
- Use the low-speed range for driving and the high range for drilling.
- Drill a pilot hole near the end of a board or in hardwood, so the wood doesn’t split.
Impact driver
- Use impact-rated bits. Regular bits can snap.
- Ease off as the screw head reaches the surface. There’s no clutch, so it will keep driving.
- Don’t use it for small screws in soft material. It strips them before you notice.
Safety
Wear safety glasses with both tools, and hearing protection with the impact driver on long runs. Pull the battery before changing bits. Before drilling into a wall, check for wires and pipes. Our stud-finding guide covers how. OSHA’s basic tool rules apply to both: right tool for the job, check it before use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Related
- The basic tool kit every homeowner needs
- Videos that use a cordless drill, an impact driver or a hammer drill.
Sources
- US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), five basic safety rules Source