Cordless drills and impact drivers look similar, and both drive screws. They work differently, though, and each is better for certain tasks. Knowing the difference helps you decide which to buy first and whether you need both.
How a Cordless Drill Works
A drill spins a bit with steady rotation. It has an adjustable chuck that holds round and hex bits. Most drills have a clutch that limits torque, so the drill stops turning screws at a set resistance. This helps avoid overdriving screws.
Strengths
- Drilling holes precisely
- Controlled screw driving with a clutch
- Accepts a wide range of bits, including large drill bits and hole saws
- Mixing paint or finish with suitable attachments
How an Impact Driver Works
An impact driver combines rotation with rapid rotational impacts that help drive screws with less effort and less wrist strain. It uses a quick-change hex collet that accepts hex-shank bits.
Strengths
- Driving long or large screws
- Driving many screws quickly
- Reduced kickback to the wrist when driving fasteners
- Compact size
Limitations
- Less precise for drilling
- Usually lacks a clutch, so it is easier to overdrive small screws
- Hex-shank bits only
- Louder
Comparison Table
| Feature | Drill | Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck | Adjustable | Hex collet |
| Clutch | Usually | Usually not |
| Drilling | Excellent | Limited |
| Driving long screws | Good | Excellent |
| Fine control | Good | Less |
| Noise | Moderate | Louder |
Which Should You Buy First?
For most beginners, a drill is the better first tool because it both drills and drives with control. See the beginner woodworking tool list. An impact driver is a strong second tool, especially for building workbenches and projects with many screws. See how to build a DIY workbench.
Using Both Together
Many woodworkers keep a drill set up with a drill bit and an impact driver set up with a driver bit, avoiding constant bit changes.
Hammer Drills
Hammer drills add percussion for drilling into masonry. Woodworkers rarely need hammer mode, but some combo drills include it.
Combo Kits
Combo kits bundle a drill, impact driver, batteries and charger. They can be convenient if you need both tools.
Battery Platforms
Choose a battery system with tools you are likely to want later. Sticking to one platform lets batteries work across tools.
Features to Compare
- Brushless motors: Often more efficient
- Weight and balance: Affect comfort
- Speed settings: Multiple speeds help with different tasks
- LED lights: Illuminate work
- Battery capacity: Affects run time
Bits
- Drill bits: Twist bits, brad-point bits for clean wood holes, spade bits and Forstner bits
- Driver bits: Phillips, square and others; impact-rated bits for impact drivers
- Countersink bits: For flush screw heads
Pocket Holes
Both tools can drive pocket-hole screws. A drill’s clutch helps avoid overdriving. See pocket-hole joinery.
Safety
- Wear eye protection
- Secure work with clamps
- Keep hands away from bit paths
- Remove batteries before changing bits
- Follow the manual
Common Mistakes
- Overdriving screws with an impact driver
- Using non-impact bits in impact drivers
- Drilling without pilot holes in hardwood
- Not using the clutch
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Which tasks will I do most: drilling, driving or both?
- Do I already own batteries for a platform?
- How important is weight for overhead or long sessions?
- Will I need to drive long structural screws?
- Do I want a clutch for delicate work?
Choosing a Chuck Size
Many drills come with chucks that accept a range of bit shank sizes. Larger chucks accept larger bits. For most woodworking, common chuck sizes are adequate. Check the maximum bit size your projects need.
Battery Care
Store batteries in moderate temperatures, avoid leaving them in hot vehicles and follow manufacturer charging guidance. Use only chargers and batteries approved by the manufacturer.
Corded Options
Corded drills are still available and never run out of power. They can be useful for long drilling sessions, mixing or large bits.
Starting Small
If budget is limited, buy a quality drill first and add an impact driver later as projects demand.
A Note on Pilot Holes
Driving screws into hardwood or near board ends without pilot holes can split the wood. Drilling a pilot hole sized for the screw, and a countersink for flat-head screws, helps prevent splitting and gives a cleaner result. Combination pilot and countersink bits speed this up.
Final Pre-Purchase Check
- Battery platform chosen with future tools in mind
- Drill with clutch and suitable chuck
- Impact driver if you drive many long screws
- Impact-rated driver bits
- Drill bit set including brad-point bits
- Charger and spare battery if needed
Starting Small
A single quality drill with a good set of bits handles most beginner projects. Learn its clutch and speed settings well before adding more tools.
A Note on Ergonomics
Hold tools with both hands when possible, keep wrists straight and take breaks during long sessions. Lighter tools reduce fatigue for overhead work and small projects.
A Note on Clutch Settings
Start with a low clutch setting and increase it gradually until the screw seats flush. Lower settings suit small screws and soft wood; higher settings suit longer screws and hardwood. Most drills also have a drill mode that bypasses the clutch for drilling holes, so remember to switch back before driving screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an impact driver drill holes?
It can with hex-shank bits, but drills offer more control.
Do I need both?
Many woodworkers find both useful, but a drill alone works to start.
What is a clutch?
A setting that limits torque to prevent overdriving.
Are combo kits worth it?
They can be if you need both tools.
Which is better for pocket holes?
Either works; a drill’s clutch offers more control.
The Bottom Line
A drill is the best first tool for drilling and controlled driving. An impact driver excels at driving many or long screws. Many woodworkers eventually own both on one battery platform.
Editorial note: Joint Bench is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.