Though cordless drills/ drivers are quite popular and versatile, impact drivers can drive screws at an amazing speed. Both are useful tools, but there are significant differences between them. Are you looking for information to identify the best pick for your task? Then, you have approached the right place.
This post will shed light on the applications and advantages of using the impact driver vs drill with the solutions so that you can get the one that’s best for you.
The best thing about this article is that it explains the differences between a cordless drill and an impact driver. It will also go through the major distinctions between a cordless drill vs impact driver to help you better understand them. So there you have it.
Moreover, it will discuss the key differences between a cordless drill or driver and an impact driver to enlighten you. So, here you go.
What is a Cordless Drill/Driver
As the name implies, a cordless drill or driver is simply a power drill or driver that works without any cord. It is a powerful tool mostly used for drilling holes in the walls, assembling furniture, and woodworking.
It is a versatile tool that can work great as long the battery permits it to perform. You can use it anywhere, even when no electric outlet is there. So, why not enjoy instant drill power even without a cord to complete your work quickly and without any work hassles?
The cordless drill/ driver reduces the labor or human resources required to finish a project. Moreover, it saves a lot of time, effort, and energy and provides great ease of comfort to its users. So, whether you want to install drywall, replace or install the screws, fix the fasteners, or perform other such tasks, a cordless drill/driver can be useful.
Do you want to know more uses of a cordless drill/ driver? Then, the following list will surely assist you.
Here are a few uses of a cordless drill that will drive you crazy.
Uses Of A Cordless Drill
- Attaching and assembling: One of the top uses of a cordless drill/ driver includes assembling and attaching. The cordless driver/ drill can move or rotate in the counterclockwise direction and is a valuable device for installing or removing screws.
- Removing rust and grinding metal: If you do not own a handheld angle grinder, there is nothing to worry about because a cordless drill/ driver is there to facilitate you. It can easily remove rust and act as a grinder to grind materials like metal.
- You must pick up a brush bit to use with your cordless drill/ driver, and here you go. Remove the rust from iron, steel, or other household items.
- Twisting the wires: If you plan to twist them to get an equal length, spin them into your cordless drill/driver chuck. You will get your desired result.
- Shoe polishing: One of the unusual uses of a cordless drill/driver includes shoe polishing. You must attach a shoe buffer, turn on the power drill at a lower speed, and here you go. All the shoe dirt will disappear, and you will get a great shine on your shoes.
- Application in gardening: A cordless drill/driver can also act like a plant potter, and it will amaze you. Instead of working with a spade, connect a large-sized auger bit to your drill/ driver to put a neat hole within seconds.
- Paint mixing: Are you struggling with mixing paint to get your desired result? Then, there is no need to do it manually. Yes, you have got that right. A cordless drill/ driver will make it easier to mix paint, and your work won’t be messy. Attach a paint stirrer to the drill/driver and do your task. Isn’t it a wiser idea?
- Other uses: The other uses of a cordless drill/ driver include drywall installations, working as a hand crank generator, driving bolts into concrete, etc.
What is an Impact Driver
An impact driver is a compact, cordless tool mainly used to loosen or tighten the screws or nuts faster than a screwdriver. The impact driver has hexagonal-shaped collets, mostly used by professional carpenters or serious contractors.
However, with the rising popularity of doing home repairs by yourself, homeowners are also keeping it to perform their day-to-day tasks.
An impact driver is a powerful tool that is highly useful for cabinet makers, construction workers, or jobs that involve many fasteners. The impact drivers generate high torque by combining the rotational motion with a hammering action.
An impact driver has around five times more torque than a traditional drill. Therefore, tasks requiring high torque should be done with an impact driver rather than a cordless drill/ driver.
An impact driver has many advantages; for instance, it adequately fits into tight spaces, acts like a self-driving screw tool, is lighter in weight, has immense power, is less likely to strip the screws, etc.
Uses of an Impact Driver
An impact driver is a great tool for repetitive jobs like building a deck or hanging drywall. It drives the screws at an amazing speed and has more power than a drill.
Do you want to know more uses of an impact driver? Then, let’s have a look at the points given below:
- Tighten and loosen screws: An impact driver is used to tighten or loosen the screws and nuts faster than a screwdriver. An impact driver can be your best choice when tasks require high torque.
- Special tasks: A regular drill is perfect for you if you want to drill holes and drive medium-sized screws. But you should buy an impact driver to perform special tasks like building a deck, installing a plywood subfloor, a treehouse, or other tasks requiring lots of wood screws. An impact driver is a powerful tool that will quickly ease your work and save you effort.
- Driving fasteners: An impact driver is used to easily drive long fasteners into hard material. Moreover, it can also drive the self-threading screws much faster.
- Other uses: The other uses of an impact driver include removing car brake drums, loosening over-torqued or corroded bolts, screws, or nuts, etc.
Cordless Drill Driver VS Impact Driver: Key Differences
Their use is the main difference between a cordless drill/driver and an impact driver. If you need a general-purpose tool to perform your tasks, go for a drill/ driver. The impact drivers are specifically designed to drive threaded fasteners with amazing speed.
So, for tasks that need high torque, it is recommended to go for an impact driver. Moreover, a cordless drill/ driver is simply the best choice for softer woods.
However, for harder woods, masonry, concrete, and long fasteners being worked into heavy materials, an impact driver is the right pick for you.
FAQs
Is a drill driver better than an impact driver?
The impact driver is good in many ways compared to the impact driver as it is stronger and can offer more torque to break loose stuck bolts and screws.
Is it good to use an impact driver as a drill?
For drilling tasks with accuracy, the impact driver is not an ideal option and should be restricted to limited jobs where the hole size is not critical.
Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?
In this age of advancement, you should equip yourself with both tools for all driving and drilling applications. This will offer easy drilling for pilot holes and use the impact driver to sink closures.
Final Verdict
The cordless drill/driver and impact driver are great for specific projects. But, because each one excels in different ways, it’s important to figure out what task you need to be completed before choosing which tool to use. So, next time you’re starting a project, keep the above points in mind so that you can make your job easier and get the best results possible