Drill or impact driver: which should you buy first?

A drill and an impact driver look almost the same, and both drive screws. They're built for different jobs, though, and choosing the wrong one first is a common, expensive mistake.

The short answer

• Buy a drill first if you'll do a mix of small jobs: drilling holes, hanging things, putting together furniture, driving small screws.
• Add an impact driver when you start driving lots of screws, or long, thick ones, such as building a deck, fence or shed.
• Buy a combo kit if you know you'll want both. Kits with two tools, two batteries and a charger are usually much cheaper than buying them separately.

What a drill does well

A drill/driver spins the bit smoothly and steadily.

• Drilling holes in wood, metal and plastic, and in masonry with the right bits and a hammer-drill setting.
• Precise screw driving thanks to the clutch, the numbered ring behind the chuck. It slips at a set torque so you don't strip a screw or crack the material.
• Accepts round and hex bits in a three-jaw chuck, plus accessories like hole saws and paddle bits.

A hammer drill adds a pounding action for drilling into brick and concrete. You can switch it off for normal use.

What an impact driver does well

An impact driver adds quick rotational hammer blows when it meets resistance. That lets it deliver much more twisting force in a compact body, with less strain on your wrist.

• Long and large screws: deck screws, lag screws, structural screws.
• Stubborn fasteners: loosening stuck screws and bolts.
• Compact size: shorter than most drills, handy in tight spots.

Limitations:

• It takes 1/4-inch hex-shank bits only. Use impact-rated bits; standard bits can snap.
• It usually has no clutch, so it's easy to overdrive small screws or crack delicate material.
• It's loud when the impact mechanism engages; ear protection is a good idea for long sessions.
• It's not ideal for precise hole drilling.

Side by side

	Drill / driver	Impact driver
Best at	Holes and controlled driving	Driving long or large screws fast
Bits	Round or hex, in a chuck	1/4-inch hex only
Clutch	Yes	Usually no
Noise	Moderate	Loud under load
First tool for most people	Yes	Second

What the numbers on the box mean

12V vs. 18V/20V. Compact 12V tools are lighter and great for light work around the house. 18V/20V tools have more power for bigger jobs. Note that "20V max" and "18V" are usually the same battery voltage described differently: 20V is the maximum when fully charged, 18V the nominal working voltage.

Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler and tend to last longer than brushed motors. They cost more, and for occasional home use a brushed tool can be fine.

Amp-hours (Ah) measure battery capacity. A 2.0 Ah battery is light; a 4.0 or 5.0 Ah battery runs longer but adds weight. Many people keep one of each.

Torque figures are measured differently by different brands, so they're only useful for comparing tools from the same maker.

The battery platform is the real decision

Batteries generally only fit tools from the same brand, and often the same voltage line. Your first tool decides which batteries you'll own, and every later tool will likely be bought to match. Before you choose:

• Look at the range of tools on that platform, including the ones you might want later (a circular saw, a leaf blower, a work light).
• Check battery prices. A second battery often costs as much as a bare tool.
• Watch for kits that are cheap because they come with very small batteries.

Questions people ask

Can an impact driver drill holes?

It can drill small holes using hex-shank drill bits, but it's not as accurate or controlled as a drill. For most hole-drilling, use a drill.

Do I need a hammer drill?

Only if you'll drill into brick, block or concrete with any regularity. For occasional masonry holes, a hammer drill function on a regular drill/driver is enough; for big jobs, a rotary hammer is the right tool.

Is a 12V drill strong enough for a homeowner?

For hanging pictures, furniture assembly and small repairs, often yes. For drilling large holes or building outdoor projects, an 18V/20V tool will be less frustrating.