What Do You Use an Impact Drill For
Discover how an impact drill (often called an impact driver) is used for fastening, drilling, and more. Learn bit selection, torque settings, safety best practices, and real world applications for DIYers and professionals.
Impact drill is a power tool that combines rotation with percussive impacts to drive fasteners. It is primarily used for high torque screw driving and bolt driving, with limited drilling capability.
Understanding the Impact Drill: Torque, Impacts, and Usability
What do you use an impact drill for? The short answer is driving screws and fasteners with high torque. An impact drill blends rotational force with rapid impacts, delivering bursts of torque that help fasteners bite into wood, metal, or composites without stripping the head. The result is quicker assemblies and less fatigue compared to using a plain drill for the same task. While some models can handle light drilling, the primary strength of an impact drill is fastening. For DIY enthusiasts and professionals, this means you reach for it when you need to seat screws or bolts in dense material, or when a long fastener would otherwise stall or cam-out. According to Drill Bits Pro, understanding what you use an impact drill for helps DIYers choose the right tool for fasteners and light drilling tasks. With the right bit and the correct torque setting, you gain control, speed, and reliability even on demanding projects.
Primary Uses: Fastening with Precision and Speed
Acting as the fastest path to robust joints, the impact drill is optimized for fastening. The core use is driving screws, lag bolts, and other heavy fasteners with torque that would stall a manual screw or a standard drill. The tool’s design includes a clutch that allows you to set a torque limit, so you don’t over-drive into soft wood or strip a screw head. In deck framing, cabinetry, and metalworking projects where long fasteners require significant torque, an impact drill makes repetitive fastening tasks more predictable and less tiring. You’ll typically pair hex driver bits or star drive bits with the appropriate screw length. For professionals, the speed advantage is real: fewer revolutions per fastener, more consistent joints, and a smoother workflow. For DIY projects, you’ll still get clean results, particularly when you’re fastening many screws in a row or working with hardwood where cam-out is a frequent problem. Remember to choose bits with robust shanks and a proper coating to minimize wear.
When to Drill with an Impact Drill and Limitations
Although primarily a driver, some impact drills can accept drill bits and perform light drilling tasks. For wood and soft plastics, you can use appropriate pilot holes or small-diameter bits, but expect slower speeds and limited hole size. For metal, small holes may be possible, but you should generally switch to a dedicated drill or a drill/driver for larger holes or precision work. Masonry and concrete are typically outside the scope of an impact drill unless a hammer function is included, in which case a dedicated hammer drill is a better choice. Understanding these boundaries will help you avoid damage to bits and workpieces.
Differences: Impact Driver vs Hammer Drill vs Drill with Hammer Function
An impact driver uses a hammering action to push torque into the fastener, whereas a hammer drill uses percussive motion to advance a bit through masonry. A standard drill with a clutch is designed for drilling holes and driving smaller fasteners with controlled torque. This section clarifies why you would reach for an impact drill when a regular drill would slow you down, especially in long fastening tasks. If you’re drilling through metal or wood with heavy fasteners, the impact action reduces cam-out and improves control.
Choosing the Right Bits and Accessories
For driving tasks, hex driver bits or Torx bit sets are common on impact drills. Use impact-rated bits designed to handle high torque and avoid twisting bits. If you need to drill tiny pilot holes in wood, metal, or plastic, select small-diameter twist bits with a hex shank that fits your tool’s drive system. Ensure the bit length suits the depth of the fastener and the material you’re working with. Bit quality matters; a robust shank and a corrosion-resistant coating improve longevity under repeated hammering. Keep a small set of driver bits on hand and choose bits compatible with your screw heads for reliable seating and clean joints.
Techniques for Preventing Damage and Stripping
Cam-out and stripped screw heads are common when the torque is too high or the bit slips. Mitigate this by starting with a pilot hole, setting the clutch to a lower torque, and gradually increasing as the fastener seats. Maintain steady, controlled pressure rather than hammering the tool; let the tool do the work. Use a magnetic bit holder to prevent bits from dropping and ensure the work surface is secure. For repetitive tasks, take breaks to prevent heat buildup in bits and the drive train. Inspect bits for wear and replace worn items to maintain performance and avoid jamming.
Safety, Ergonomics, and Best Practices
Always wear eye protection and gloves as appropriate. Secure clamping prevents workpieces from shifting during fastening or drilling tasks. Check battery status and avoid overheating the tool during extended use by letting it cool between heavy cycles. Use the lowest torque setting that achieves the goal to maximize control and minimize wear. When combining an impact drill with long fasteners, securing materials and applying consistent pressure is essential for safe operation.
Maintenance, Storage, and Longevity Tips
Keep the tool clean, dry, and free from dust. Wipe the chuck and bit shanks, inspect bits for wear, and replace damaged ones promptly. Charge or replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and avoid leaving a fully discharged pack idle for long periods. Store the tool in a case to protect it from impact and moisture. Regular inspection of the clutch mechanism and drive train helps catch wear early and extend the tool’s life.
Real-World Scenarios: Quick Reference
In deck construction, an impact drill speeds up fastening of joist hangers and deck boards. On metal framing, it helps drive self-tapping screws through steel studs. For cabinet installation, the reduced effort and consistent torque improve alignment and reduce fatigue on repetitive tasks. Keep a set of different bit types handy and a few spare screws for quick swaps during a workflow.
Got Questions?
What is the primary use of an impact drill?
An impact drill, or impact driver, is primarily used to drive screws and bolts with high torque. It minimizes cam-out and wrist strain, allowing fast, efficient fastening on wood, metal, and other materials.
The primary use is driving screws and bolts with high torque, reducing cam-out and fatigue.
Can I drill holes with an impact drill?
Yes, for small pilot holes or soft materials using appropriate bits, but it is not ideal for large holes or masonry. For bigger holes, switch to a traditional drill or drill/driver.
You can drill small holes, but for larger holes use a traditional drill.
What is the difference between an impact drill and a hammer drill?
An impact drill uses a pounding action to drive fasteners, while a hammer drill uses percussive action to aid masonry drilling. For fastening, choose impact drill; for masonry drilling, use a hammer drill.
Impact drills drive fasteners with a pounding action; hammer drills are for masonry drilling.
Is an impact drill suitable for metal and wood?
Yes, with the right bits and settings. Use impact-rated bits for metal and wood, and manage torque to avoid over-driving screws or damaging material.
Yes, with proper bits and torque settings.
Can I use ordinary drill bits with an impact drill?
Only use bits designed for impact drivers or hex shank bits. Ordinary twist bits may wear quickly or break under high torque.
Only use impact-rated bits; regular twist bits may fail under high torque.
How can I prevent stripping and cam-out when using an impact drill?
Start with a pilot hole, set the torque correctly, and apply steady pressure. Let the tool do the work and avoid forcing the bit.
Start with a pilot hole and set the right torque to prevent stripping.
Top Takeaways
- Master the torque clutch to control fasteners.
- Reserve impact drills for high torque fastening tasks, not heavy drilling.
- Use impact-rated bits and proper bit types for best results.
- Practice safety and ergonomics for longer projects.
- Maintain your tool for longevity and reliability.