Here’s How to Choose the Best Drill or Impact Driver for Any Project
From hanging pictures to full renovations, drills and impact drivers can help you complete almost any job or project around the house. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you find the best tool for your next project.
Types of Drills & Impact Drivers
Although drills and drivers resemble one another, they differ by size, power and chuck or collet. Whether you’re shopping for a drill or an impact driver, your best choice will depend on the types of projects you want to tackle.
Drill or Driver, What’s Better?
The answer depends on the task at hand. A power drill is a versatile option for every room of the house, while an impact driver really shines for specific tasks.
Drill & Driver Features
While power drills and impact drivers share similarities, different models have specific features that set them apart. Here are some important features to be aware of.
Speed | Drills and drivers come with different speed options. In general, lower settings are used to drive in screws while higher speeds drill holes. |
Torque | Torque refers to the force of a drill or impact driver. In general, the greater the torque the easier it is to drive through tough materials. |
Chucks | Drills have a keyed or keyless chuck, which tightens to hold a drill bit firmly in place. A keyed chuck needs a tool to loosen, whereas a keyless chuck can be adjusted by hand. An impact driver usually has a hex chuck to accept bits with a standard hex head. |
Brushed or Brushless Motors | A brushed motor is slightly less efficient than brushless versions because brushless motors operate without friction. This provides more power and precision. |
Attachments & Accessories
Get even more use from your power tools by investing in extra attachments and accessories.