Impact Drivers vs. Drills: Which One Do You Really Need?

When it comes to power tools, few comparisons generate as much confusion as impact drivers vs drills. At first glance, they look almost identical. Both spin bits, both can drive screws, and both are cordless in most modern designs. Yet, once you get into real-world applications, the differences become impossible to ignore. 

Choosing the wrong tool can mean stripped screws, stalled motors, or wasted hours on the job. That’s why professionals and serious DIYers usually keep both in their kit. But if you’re only investing in one, which should it be? Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of each so you can make the right choice.

At Voomi Supply, we know how essential it is to match the right electrical and mechanical tools to the task. Our catalog includes everything from drills & impact drivers to hard-to-find components that pros count on daily. This guide is here to help you decide which tool deserves your attention first.

What Is a Drill?

A drill is the classic power tool for creating holes and driving fasteners. Most modern cordless drills feature:

• Variable speed settings for controlling precision

• Torque adjustment (clutch) for different materials

• Keyless chucks that fit a wide variety of round and hex-shank bits

Because drills apply constant rotational force, they excel at clean, controlled drilling. That makes them the tool of choice for:

• Drilling holes in wood, drywall, plastic, or metal

• Driving small to medium screws without overdriving

• Projects that require finesse, like cabinetry or electronics installation

Advantages of Drills:

• Better control with delicate materials

• Versatility with a wide range of bit types

• Faster drilling in softer materials

• Lower learning curve for new users

Drawbacks of Drills:

• Less torque than impact drivers

• Struggles with long screws or dense material

• Higher risk of kickback when a bit binds

What Is an Impact Driver?

An impact driver looks similar to a drill but works very differently. Inside is a rotational hammering mechanism that delivers bursts of torque when resistance increases. Imagine tapping the handle of a stuck wrench with a hammer, only this happens thousands of times per minute.

Impact drivers usually feature:

• Compact, lightweight design

• ¼-inch hex collet for quick-change bits

• High torque output to power through stubborn screws and bolts

Because of that torque, impact drivers excel at:

• Driving long screws or lag bolts without pre-drilling

• Working with dense woods, sheet metal, or composite materials

• Removing rusted or stuck fasteners

• Fast assembly work with hundreds of screws

Advantages of Impact Drivers:

• Enormous torque in a small package

• Less wrist strain and kickback compared to drills

• Faster driving of large fasteners

• Ideal for repetitive fastening tasks

Drawbacks of Impact Drivers:

• Not great for precision drilling

• Limited bit compatibility (requires hex-shank, impact-rated bits)

• Louder operation than drills

Impact Drivers vs. Drills: Key Differences

Here’s where the two really part ways:

Drills are generalists, while impact drivers are specialists for high-torque fastening.

When to Use Each Tool

Use a Drill When:

• You need precise holes in wood, drywall, or thin metal

• Working with delicate screws or fragile materials

• Installing electrical boxes, panels, or enclosures that require control

• Using specialty drill bits (spade, hole saw, Forstner, etc.)

Use an Impact Driver When:

• Driving long screws into studs, subflooring, or decking

• Installing lag bolts, machine bolts, or structural fasteners

• Removing corroded screws or bolts

• Working in tight spaces where compact size matters

Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Drill?

Technically, yes, if you use impact-rated drill bits. For example, drilling pilot holes in wood or sheet metal can be done with an impact driver. But the finish isn’t always as clean, and fragile materials like glass, tile, or laminate can crack under the pulsing torque.

In practice:

• OK: pilot holes in wood, fastening into metal studs, smaller masonry tasks with multi-material bits

• Avoid: glass, tile, thick sheet metal, precise cabinetry work

If your work requires clean holes and fine control, stick with a drill. If raw power and efficiency matter more, the impact driver wins.

What About Hammer Drills?

Some buyers confuse hammer drills with impact drivers. They are not the same. A hammer drill is essentially a drill with a forward hammering action for masonry, concrete, and stone. An impact driver applies torque in rotational bursts for screws and bolts.

If your work involves concrete anchors or brick walls, you’ll want a hammer drill in addition to, rather than instead of, an impact driver.

Which One Should You Buy First?

If you’re just starting your toolkit and only want one tool:

• Choose a drill if your projects mainly involve light electrical work, cabinetry, drywall, or general home repair. It’s versatile and beginner-friendly.

• Choose an impact driver if you regularly work with decking, framing, dense wood, or heavy fasteners where torque matters most.

Many professionals end up with both because each solves problems the other can’t. Combo kits are often a cost-effective way to cover all bases.

Choosing the Right Tool from Voomi Supply

At Voomi Supply, we’ve spent years curating tools and components that professionals trust. When you’re wiring a panel, installing fasteners in electrical enclosures, or tackling a large construction project, having the right driver makes all the difference. That’s why we stock a full range of drills & impact drivers, alongside electrical components, HVAC parts, plumbing essentials, and hard-to-find tools you won’t easily get elsewhere.

Our focus is on supplying the reliability, speed, and performance that your job demands.

Final Word: Impact Drivers vs. Drills

So, impact drivers vs drills isn’t about which tool is “better.” It’s about which tool fits the job. Drills bring control, precision, and versatility, making them the go-to for clean holes and smaller screws. Impact drivers deliver brute torque with less effort, ideal for long screws, bolts, and repetitive fastening tasks.

If you can only pick one, evaluate your most common projects and choose accordingly. But if you’re serious about efficiency and want to avoid frustration, having both is the smartest move.

At Voomi Supply, we help professionals and DIYers build smarter kits with tools that last. Explore our range of drills & impact drivers and find the right fit for your next project.