What is Impact Driver?
An impact driver is a specialized hardware tool that is used to drive fasteners into a hole. It is designed in such a way that it works by producing the maximum amount of torque. When it is used to drive large bolts and screws into a hole, the optimal torque of the driver allows it to penetrate the screw or bolt deep into the hard surface, which is otherwise impenetrable. An impact driver also employs effective rotational force to push the screw into the cavity.
The most distinctive feature of an impact driver is its ability to keep moving at the optimal pace because while penetrating hard surfaces, other hardware equipment, like drills, may get stuck at a given point. At this point, an impact driver exerts its considerable torque and makes it through the blockage. The hardware industry has now been innovating impact drivers with more features like adjustable speed and rotational mechanisms.
Impact drivers provide unmatched utility to workers that require hardware. For example, it can easily penetrate a metal surface as well and drive the screw into it. Standard equipment would simply fail because its power does not outreach the metallic resistance. Still, the use of impact drivers is not as much as other equipment because it is a recent invention. It will, however, increase over time.
What is Drill?
A drill is a used hardware equipment that is used to draw holes and drive screws/bolts in a surface, e.g., metal, plastic, wood, et cetera. The functionality of a drill can be controlled by the available switches on it. You can easily change its mode, speed, and working as per the requirements of your task. A drill is a multifunctional device and is used for other tasks like boring and tapping.
Some major types are portable drills, radial drills, upright drills, gang drills, and deep drills. The drill contains an electric motor, fit inside its plastic body. Once the switch is turned on, the motor starts working, thereby producing a rotational force that causes its round part to move. The rotation chuck can be used with varying portable front heads of a drill machine.
Drills have an increased usability rate because of their easily adjustable and deployable parts. They have a bearable weight and size and, therefore, can be carried over long distances. Drills require electric power and provide high output at rapid speed. They need the least maintenance and thus reduce the cost of usage. Workers use their drills for years unless it gets seriously broken or damaged.
Difference Between Impact Driver and Drill
- The amount of torque produced by the impact driver is greater, whereas drills offer less amount of torque.
- Impact drivers are specially designed to peep into heavy surfaces, whereas drills can be used on everyday materials like plastic.
- Impact drivers have more penetration power, whereas the penetration level of a drill is lesser.
- The rotational of an impact driver draws the bolts in, whereas the same force is used to penetrate by a drill.
- The usability of an impact driver is lesser, whereas drills are more used.
Comparison Table Between Impact Driver and Drill
| Parameters of Comparison | Impact Driver | Drill |
| Torque | It produces an extensive amount of torque | Drills have relatively lesser torque involved |
| Suitability | Suitable for projects that involve hard surfaces | Suitable for minor projects demanding less force |
| Penetration Power | The penetration power is greater | Offers comparatively lesser penetration |
| Rotational Type | The rotation is mainly to drive screws in | The rotation is mainly to drill into the surface |
| Usability | Not used by ordinary artisans in everyday work | More convenient and used tool by workers |