Function of a Drill Driver Compared to an Impact Driver

The main function of a drill driver is to drill. It can very well make a hole on your wall, furniture or floor. You can also use it to drill a screwdriver in effortlessly. The power tool is believed to drive screws on both wood and metal. It is that powerful.

An impact driver, on the other hand, is better at fastening screws on harder surfaces which a regular drill driver cannot effectively do. It can also unfasten super tight screws. Unlike the drill driver that moves in a circular motion and drills, the impact driver pounds on the surface and is not for drilling. This blow motion makes the user finish the work faster if the sole purpose is getting the nail or screw inside the material.

Some Comments on Driver Functions

It used to be the manual screwdriver, then electric screwdriver. But people have become so innovative with their power tools and created power drills which can perform many tasks. The impact driver is an upgraded version of a drill driver. There are times when the function of the drill driver is enough so even if the impact driver is the updated power tool, it is not necessary to use. If you need to drill, use a drill driver. If you need impact and force on a surface, use an impact driver. This is the distinction between their function.

Important Feature of a Drill Driver Compared to an Impact Driver

The drill driver is equipped with a clutch settings. The number of levels will depend upon the brand and company maker. Some have as much as 9 levels. Others are less than that. The whole point of having clutch setting is to regulate the drilling work. If low clutch setting is used, the drill driver will automatically stop when the nail or screw is snugly fit on the material. This is to minimize over tightening which usually happens if the clutch is off. (Over tightening can destroy the screw and drive it too far back on the metal, wood or other surface used.)

The impact driver has one feature and that is its quick-jerking pounding movement. Unlike the drill driver which requires too much effort in drilling the screw inside, the impact driver does not require you to work too hard on driving the screw in. One blow and pound, the nail or screw is in deeper and faster compared to a drill driver. If you use wood planks and other metal materials with the impact driver, your work is cut in half. It is easy to do and the job is done accordingly. But then again, impact driver is a fastening and screw kicking tool. Drill driver is a drilling tool. It will be risky to use your impact driver in a sensitive piece of furniture because of its torque and power. You cannot control its pounding. With the drill driver, there is always the clutch. This is the basic distinction of the two.

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The point is that low voltage cordless drills have their own usage and capabilities that a medium or high voltage cordless drill cannot perform well. The condition is vice versa as well. So depending upon the job, the right voltage on your cordless drill is very important. Let us discuss each category in voltage capacity and how it affects the performance of the cordless drill.

Light Duty

The cordless drills with low voltage, as mentioned above, can perform light duty only. These light duty works are for easy applications. It does not perform at top speed nor does it perform with too much power. For simple at-home jobs like securing a screw, drilling a small hole on the wall or cabinet and the likes, drills on this category are enough to do the work. Most homeowners choose the 12V, though. This is also the perfect voltage for the first time user just to familiarize how to handle a cordless drill.

Medium Duty

If you are into fixing up your home, doing small repair jobs or if you are redecorating, then, cordless drills in this category will serve you best. Some purchase the 14.4V and the 18V. These users however are those who have ample experience in handling cordless drills. These power tools have enough speed, power and torque. For the newbies, drills in this category might overwhelm them. These drills are suggested to be used by those with intermediate cordless drill handling capability. By the way, these drills are all-purpose meaning, they can punch through holes and fasten screws at all surfaces with haste. Some professionals use these drills too.

Heavy Duty

These cordless drills are for professional use and not recommended for domestic applications. Construction workers generally use these high-powered drills to perform their jobs. Because of its power, these cordless ones perform as if they are corded and attached to an electric outlet. That is how powerful drills in this category carry out. The purpose of these drills are easy access and mobility by the professionals who use it.

A point to consider:

I have an 18V NiCad drill and saw an 18V Li-Ion online. Are these two cordless drills the same?

It does not mean that because both drills have the same voltage, it gives out the same performance. This applies for light, medium and heavy duty cordless drills. It can be of low voltage or high voltage. The result is still the same.

It will all boil down to the battery. Sure the voltage are the same. It has the same strength. The same torque ability is achieved. It can do the job as expected of it. But the difference will fall down on the battery used. How long does it take to charge the battery? How long is it working or running time capacity? And if not in use, will it dissipate? These are things that affect the performance regardless of voltage power. Li-Ion is preferred over NiCad.

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1. Power and Voltage

The voltage of cordless drills start from 6 and reach up to 18. This means that the higher the voltage power, the more resistant the drill is. The downside to that is the weight. The lesser the voltage, the lighter the drill. An 18 volt cordless drill weighs 10 lbs while a 9.6 volt drill weighs 3 lbs. If you are going to use the cordless for light work, you can opt for lesser power. But if you need it for heavy drilling, opt for a high-powered one.

2. Handle Design

Most handles these days are what they call the “T-Handle”. This is a slip-free handle because the base of the drill is contoured to the grip. It is also a great design as it balances the cordless drill on the hand even if it is heavy. Another thing about the T-Handle is that it can squeeze in small spaces.

But if you want a higher voltage on your cordless drill, the traditional pistol grip is recommended. This higher powered means it is a heavier drill and it will be better to have the pistol grip to apply upward pressure when drilling. So, remember these two tips when choosing your drill.

3. Clutch Settings

Older models do not have the clutch settings but the most current ones are equipped with the feature. This is prevent the drill from over working or under working while in use. Depending on its drilling mode, some cordless drills can adjust up to 24 levels. Why is this important? The motor provides too much resistance and without the clutch, it can be damaged. The end result is that the motor is running but the driver has stopped moving. The clutch will regulate the drill power.

4. Speed Switch

What is your main use for the drill? Is it to make holes, mainly for screwdrivers or for both? The best choice is that you get a cordless drill with a 2 speed switch. The lower one is for the screwdrivers while the higher one is for hole drilling. Usually, the speed are at 300 rpm and 800 rpm. If you need heavy duty, you can opt for a higher speed which is up to 1000 rpm.

5. Batteries and Charging Systems

Ask for NimH batteries because this type is much more dependable compared to Nicad. The former runs better and longer compared to the latter. It is also a good choice to use a cordless drill with NimH batteries because disposing of it is more Earth-friendly. Nicad batteries are toxic to the environment.

Remember that all drills come with a charger and an extra battery. Also, do not be fooled by fast charging feature. Use it sparingly as it can damage your NiMH batteries. The heat generated from quick charging can cause a lot of damage to your battery. It will best to charge it around 2 to 3 hours. But if you need it fast, quick charge is an option but do not do it all the time. Also, do not expect full working capability with it. It will drain easy.

So here are some things you need to check when purchasing your cordless drills. Remember that all these factors will affect your decision. But mainly, the type of drill you will have to buy is the one which will serve you best depending on your need.

Disclaimer: The information on the chart were extracted from Amazon, Target  site and correct at the point of posting.

Rating- The rating (on a 5 star scale, where 5 star is the best and 1 star the worst) are given by Customers of Amazon who has bought and used this product. Hence, it is best that one looks out for the product that has the most no. of stars. As a rule of thumb, choose products which has 3 stars and above. This gives a sense of assurance that the product has worked well for others. However, there may also be cases where the product is newly released  and thus there are no star rating reviews as yet. Generally, I would suggest to my Customers that he/she look at the specifications and compare them against other products in the market. If the product is value for money, then they can give it a shot.

Availability- Amazon provides excellent shipping and delivery services. The products which you order online would usually reach your doorstep within 2-3 business days if there is stock. This explains why Amazon is popular with many shoppers who wants a fuzz-free and convenient shopping experience.

Sale Price- There are 2 prices on Amazon. One is the normal price and the other the sale price which can sometimes go as crazy as 50-60% off retail price. In this case, we have only indicated the sale price which is the price which you are expected to pay.

LED Light- The LED light installed in the cordless drills can be used for night lighting or outdoor lighting.

Type- There are 3 main types of cordless drills- the hammer drill, cordless drill and cordless impact drill.

The hammer drill is the most effective of all drills. It allows you to drill holes into any sort of material like concrete, brick and any other forms of material.

The cordless drill is the most efficient of all drills. It is known for their high performance, light weight and compact size. Armed with a torque clutch, a variety of applications can be used on this drill. 

The cordless impact driver is good for driving several screws and greatly accelerates the rate of construction. However, they cannot use for removing nuts and bolts.

Voltage- refers to the power of the drill. A higher voltage can be interpreted as more torque-spinning strength to overcome resistance. There are currently the 6, 7.2, 9.6, 12, 14.4 and 18V drills in the market. A 18V drill is sufficient to create holes in flooring and framing lumber. However, the disadvantage of these powerful drills is the increased in weight.

Clutch- The clutch gives control so that you do not overdrive or strip it. It also protects the motor when a lot of resistance is met in tightening the bolt or driving screw. The higher number of clutch settings means more levels of power you can fine-tune for the drill to deliver. It is advisable that for smaller screws, you can set a lower clutch setting and higher clutch setting for bigger screw.

Tool Weight (Pounds)- refers to how heavy/light the drill.

Speeds (rpm)- refers to how fast the drill can operate. The more expensive drills run on 2 or more fixed speeds. A trigger or a switch will allow you to select the speed. It is recommended that a low speed be used softer drillings and a high speed for harder forms of drillings. If you have more refined repair tasks, it is advisable to choose a drill which has two-speed switch and variable speed control which allows you to vary the speed from 0 rpm to the top of each range. For example, if you would like to do hard drilling, adjust the variable speed control to 1000 rpm.

Impact Per Minute (bpm)- refers to the hammering action per minute

Max torque- refers to the highest torque setting you can set. Think of them as a power setting for your drill. The higher the setting , the more power.

Battery Type- The Nicad battery is the latest form of battery available in the market which does not contain any highly-toxic cadmium.

Charging Time (minutes)- refers to the time required to charge the drill. There are cordless drills that come with fast recharge time. However, this can damage the batteries due to excessive heat being generated due to fast charging. It is advisable to go for drills from Makita, Panasonic or Hitachi. Alternatively, slow-charge your drills.

Tool Warranty- The greater the no. of years of warranty, the better.

Lastly, take the following safety precautions to ensure proper drill performance:

• Use protective eyewear to prevent blisters
• Put the drill on a towel when not using to prevent touching finished surfaces
• Apply a holster to be hands free and the drill handy
• Do not use a spoilt battery

Where to Buy- We have compared the prices across many online stores and found that Amazon gives the most competitive pricing most of the time. As a result, their stocks gets purchased at a fast rate. Hence, do not spend too much time considering.

Disclaimer: The information on the chart were extracted from Amazon, Target  site and correct at the point of posting.

Rating- The rating (on a 5 star scale, where 5 star is the best and 1 star the worst) are given by Customers of Amazon who has bought and used this product. Hence, it is best that one looks out for the product that has the most no. of stars. As a rule of thumb, choose products which has 3 stars and above. This gives a sense of assurance that the product has worked well for others. However, there may also be cases where the product is newly released  and thus there are no star rating reviews as yet. Generally, I would suggest to my Customers that he/she look at the specifications and compare them against other products in the market. If the product is value for money, then they can give it a shot.

Availability- Amazon provides excellent shipping and delivery services. The products which you order online would usually reach your doorstep within 2-3 business days if there is stock. This explains why Amazon is popular with many shoppers who wants a fuzz-free and convenient shopping experience.

Sale Price- There are 2 prices on Amazon. One is the normal price and the other the sale price which can sometimes go as crazy as 50-60% off retail price. In this case, we have only indicated the sale price which is the price which you are expected to pay.

LED Light- The LED light installed in the cordless drills can be used for night lighting or outdoor lighting.

Type- There are 3 main types of cordless drills- the hammer drill, cordless drill and cordless impact drill.

The hammer drill is the most effective of all drills. It allows you to drill holes into any sort of material like concrete, brick and any other forms of material.

The cordless drill is the most efficient of all drills. It is known for their high performance, light weight and compact size. Armed with a torque clutch, a variety of applications can be used on this drill. 

The cordless impact driver is good for driving several screws and greatly accelerates the rate of construction. However, they cannot use for removing nuts and bolts.

Voltage- refers to the power of the drill. A higher voltage can be interpreted as more torque-spinning strength to overcome resistance. There are currently the 6, 7.2, 9.6, 12, 14.4 and 18V drills in the market. A 18V drill is sufficient to create holes in flooring and framing lumber. However, the disadvantage of these powerful drills is the increased in weight.

Clutch- The clutch gives control so that you do not overdrive or strip it. It also protects the motor when a lot of resistance is met in tightening the bolt or driving screw. The higher number of clutch settings means more levels of power you can fine-tune for the drill to deliver. It is advisable that for smaller screws, you can set a lower clutch setting and higher clutch setting for bigger screw.

Tool Weight (Pounds)- refers to how heavy/light the drill.

Speeds (rpm)- refers to how fast the drill can operate. The more expensive drills run on 2 or more fixed speeds. A trigger or a switch will allow you to select the speed. It is recommended that a low speed be used softer drillings and a high speed for harder forms of drillings. If you have more refined repair tasks, it is advisable to choose a drill which has two-speed switch and variable speed control which allows you to vary the speed from 0 rpm to the top of each range. For example, if you would like to do hard drilling, adjust the variable speed control to 1000 rpm.

Impact Per Minute (bpm)- refers to the hammering action per minute

Max torque- refers to the highest torque setting you can set. Think of them as a power setting for your drill. The higher the setting , the more power.

Battery Type- The Nicad battery is the latest form of battery available in the market which does not contain any highly-toxic cadmium.

Charging Time (minutes)- refers to the time required to charge the drill. There are cordless drills that come with fast recharge time. However, this can damage the batteries due to excessive heat being generated due to fast charging. It is advisable to go for drills from Makita, Panasonic or Hitachi. Alternatively, slow-charge your drills.

Tool Warranty- The greater the no. of years of warranty, the better.

Lastly, take the following safety precautions to ensure proper drill performance:

• Use protective eyewear to prevent blisters
• Put the drill on a towel when not using to prevent touching finished surfaces
• Apply a holster to be hands free and the drill handy
• Do not use a spoilt battery

Where to Buy- We have compared the prices across many online stores and found that Amazon gives the most competitive pricing most of the time. As a result, their stocks gets purchased at a fast rate. Hence, do not spend too much time considering.

Disclaimer: The information on the chart were extracted from Amazon, Target  site and correct at the point of posting.

Rating- The rating (on a 5 star scale, where 5 star is the best and 1 star the worst) are given by Customers of Amazon who has bought and used this product. Hence, it is best that one looks out for the product that has the most no. of stars. As a rule of thumb, choose products which has 3 stars and above. This gives a sense of assurance that the product has worked well for others. However, there may also be cases where the product is newly released  and thus there are no star rating reviews as yet. Generally, I would suggest to my Customers that he/she look at the specifications and compare them against other products in the market. If the product is value for money, then they can give it a shot.

Availability- Amazon provides excellent shipping and delivery services. The products which you order online would usually reach your doorstep within 2-3 business days if there is stock. This explains why Amazon is popular with many shoppers who wants a fuzz-free and convenient shopping experience.

Sale Price- There are 2 prices on Amazon. One is the normal price and the other the sale price which can sometimes go as crazy as 50-60% off retail price. In this case, we have only indicated the sale price which is the price which you are expected to pay.

LED Light- The LED light installed in the cordless drills can be used for night lighting or outdoor lighting.

Type- There are 3 main types of cordless drills- the hammer drill, cordless drill and cordless impact drill.

The hammer drill is the most effective of all drills. It allows you to drill holes into any sort of material like concrete, brick and any other forms of material.

The cordless drill is the most efficient of all drills. It is known for their high performance, light weight and compact size. Armed with a torque clutch, a variety of applications can be used on this drill. 

The cordless impact driver is good for driving several screws and greatly accelerates the rate of construction. However, they cannot use for removing nuts and bolts.

Voltage- refers to the power of the drill. A higher voltage can be interpreted as more torque-spinning strength to overcome resistance. There are currently the 6, 7.2, 9.6, 12, 14.4 and 18V drills in the market. A 18V drill is sufficient to create holes in flooring and framing lumber. However, the disadvantage of these powerful drills is the increased in weight.

Clutch- The clutch gives control so that you do not overdrive or strip it. It also protects the motor when a lot of resistance is met in tightening the bolt or driving screw. The higher number of clutch settings means more levels of power you can fine-tune for the drill to deliver. It is advisable that for smaller screws, you can set a lower clutch setting and higher clutch setting for bigger screw.

Tool Weight (Pounds)- refers to how heavy/light the drill.

Speeds (rpm)- refers to how fast the drill can operate. The more expensive drills run on 2 or more fixed speeds. A trigger or a switch will allow you to select the speed. It is recommended that a low speed be used softer drillings and a high speed for harder forms of drillings. If you have more refined repair tasks, it is advisable to choose a drill which has two-speed switch and variable speed control which allows you to vary the speed from 0 rpm to the top of each range. For example, if you would like to do hard drilling, adjust the variable speed control to 1000 rpm.

Impact Per Minute (bpm)- refers to the hammering action per minute

Max torque- refers to the highest torque setting you can set. Think of them as a power setting for your drill. The higher the setting , the more power.

Battery Type- The Nicad battery is the latest form of battery available in the market which does not contain any highly-toxic cadmium.

Charging Time (minutes)- refers to the time required to charge the drill. There are cordless drills that come with fast recharge time. However, this can damage the batteries due to excessive heat being generated due to fast charging. It is advisable to go for drills from Makita, Panasonic or Hitachi. Alternatively, slow-charge your drills.

Tool Warranty- The greater the no. of years of warranty, the better.

Lastly, take the following safety precautions to ensure proper drill performance:

• Use protective eyewear to prevent blisters
• Put the drill on a towel when not using to prevent touching finished surfaces
• Apply a holster to be hands free and the drill handy
• Do not use a spoilt battery

Where to Buy- We have compared the prices across many online stores and found that Amazon gives the most competitive pricing most of the time. As a result, their stocks gets purchased at a fast rate. Hence, do not spend too much time considering.