Impact Driver Buying Guide - Difference Between Impact Driver and Regular Drill
What is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is a power tool specialized in driving and removing screws with high force. It differs from a regular drill with its rotational impact mechanism that provides much higher torque.
Impact Driver vs. Regular Drill
| Criteria | Impact Driver | Regular Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Torque | 150-300 Nm | 30-80 Nm |
| Size | Smaller & lighter | Larger |
| Chuck | 1/4" hex | 10/13mm chuck |
| Drilling | Limited | Excellent |
| Screwing | Excellent | Good |
| Vibration | Less on hand | More |
When Do You Need an Impact Driver?
- Installing metal roofing and sheet metal.
- Removing rusted or tightly fixed screws.
- Installing furniture and shelving in bulk.
- Drywall and decoration work.
- Vehicle and equipment maintenance.
Best Available Impact Drivers
- Makita DTD172: 180 Nm, 18V battery, professional grade.
- Bosch GDR 18V-200: 200 Nm, lightweight.
- DeWalt DCF887: 205 Nm, 3-speed.
- INGCO CIDLI2002: 170 Nm, excellent value.
Expert Tip
If you're a professional, get both: the drill for holes and the impact driver for screws. If your budget is limited and most of your work is screws, choose the impact driver. Available in all brands at ESCO Engineering Warehouses.