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Drill vs Impact Driver — What’s the Difference & Which One Do You Actually Need?

If you’re building a garage workshop or tackling DIY projects, you’ll quickly run into one of the most common questions in the power tool world:

“What’s the difference between a drill and an impact driver — and which one should I buy?”

While they look similar, drills and impact drivers are radically different tools engineered for completely different jobs. Understanding those differences prevents stripped screws, burnt motors, and frustrating mistakes.

This guide breaks down their mechanisms, torque output, applications, and recommended setups so you can choose the right tool the first time.

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What Is a Drill?

A drill (also called a drill/driver) is designed for:

• Making precise holes
• Driving small to medium screws
• Using drill bits, spade bits, hole saws, and more

A drill uses constant rotational force, which delivers accuracy and control.

Recommended Drill

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

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Best Uses for a Drill

• Drilling pilot holes
• Installing shelves
• Electrical boxes
• Cabinet installation
• Light-duty woodworking
• Deburring and polishing (with attachments)

Useful Drill Accessory

DEWALT Titanium Drill Bit Set (21-Piece)

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Strengths of a Drill

• Excellent precision
• Smooth, predictable operation
• Works with round, hex, and specialty bits
• Great for beginners
• Inexpensive starter tool

Weaknesses

• Struggles with long screws
• Can strip screws easily
• Lower torque than impact drivers

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What Is an Impact Driver?

An impact driver is engineered for high-torque fastening. Instead of smooth rotation, it uses rapid rotational hammer strikes to power fasteners into wood and metal with far less effort.

Recommended Impact Driver

DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver

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Best Uses for an Impact Driver

• Driving long screws
• Decking
• Lag bolts
• Building workbenches
• Automotive brackets
• Dense lumber

Useful Hex-Shank Bit Set

Makita Impact-Ready 1/4” Hex Bit Set (40-Piece)

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Strengths of an Impact Driver

• Extremely high torque
• Easily drives long or stubborn fasteners
• No wrist kickback
• Prevents cam-out (bit slipping)
• Compact and lightweight

Weaknesses

• Not ideal for drilling accurate holes
• Very loud
• Uses only 1/4” hex bits
• Can overdrive screws if inexperienced

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Drill vs Impact Driver — Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Drill	Impact Driver
Torque	Moderate	Very High
Mechanism	Continuous rotation	Rotational impacts
Best For	Drilling holes	Driving screws/bolts
Speed Control	Excellent	Moderate
Noise	Low	High
Weight	Slightly heavier	Often lighter
Bit Type	Any (via chuck)	1/4″ hex only
Precision	High	Low

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Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Drill?

Yes — but it’s not ideal.

An impact driver can drill small holes using hex-shank drill bits:

DEWALT Impact-Ready Metal Drill Bit Set

However, they are:

• Less accurate
• More likely to overdrill
• Prone to cracking delicate materials
• Missing clutch settings

If your project requires precision, always use a drill.

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Do You Need Both Tools?

For most garage setups, the answer is YES.

A drill excels at controlled, precise drilling.
An impact driver excels at high-torque fastening.

This is why most professionals and serious DIYers own both tools.

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Which One Should You Buy First?

Buy a Drill First If You:

• Are new to DIY
• Will be drilling more than driving
• Want more control
• Want a versatile starter tool

DEWALT 20V Drill/Driver (Cordless)

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Buy an Impact Driver First If You:

• Build decks, shelves, or furniture
• Drive long screws into 2x4s
• Do garage builds
• Work on cars (non-delicate fasteners)
• Want big power in a small tool

DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver

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Best Overall Value: A Drill + Impact Combo Kit

If you want the best value AND the most capability, get the combo kit:

DEWALT 20V MAX Drill + Impact Driver Combo Kit (2 Batteries & Charger)

This kit includes both tools, two batteries, a charger, and a storage bag — everything most garages will ever need.

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Frequently asked questions about the Drill vs Impact Driver: What’s the Difference & Which One Do You Need? (2026 Guide)

What Is a Drill?

A drill (also called a drill/driver) is designed for: Making precise holes Driving small to medium screws Using drill bits, spade bits, hole saws, and more A drill uses constant rotational force, which delivers accuracy and control.

What Is an Impact Driver?

An impact driver is engineered for high-torque fastening. Instead of smooth rotation, it uses rapid rotational hammer strikes to power fasteners into wood and metal with far less effort.

Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Drill?

Yes — but it’s not ideal. An impact driver can drill small holes using hex-shank drill bits: DEWALT Impact-Ready Metal Drill Bit Set However, they are: Less accurate More likely to overdrill Prone to cracking delicate materials Missing clutch settings If your project requires precision, always use a drill.

Do You Need Both Tools?

For most garage setups, the answer is YES. A drill excels at controlled, precise drilling.An impact driver excels at high-torque fastening. This is why most professionals and serious DIYers own both tools.