Hammer Drill or Impact Driver? How to Pick the Right Tool for Every Job?

Trying your hand at powerful tools like hammer drills and impact drivers can be overwhelming, especially if you’re only starting out as a DIYer. But your life becomes easier upon learning how to choose between these tools and various functions unique to each machine. 

The advent of power-driven tools has significantly impacted construction and building, allowing us to finish certain difficult tasks efficiently without compromising speed. Think anything you want to build at your home or office - a hanging shelf or pavement - using heavy-duty tools is a must. 

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Even though hammer drills and impact drivers are known for making your job easy, handling them without proper knowledge can lead to devastating accidents. This is not uncommon among beginners using the tools for the first time. 

To save you the trouble, we have curated a comprehensive comparison between hammer drills and impact drivers, so you know which tool to reach for when building a tree house or drilling through masonry.

Table of Content 

• What is a hammer drill?
• What is an impact driver?
• Key Differences between the two at a Glance
• Best uses of both power tools
• Key Cons of Hammer Drill and Impact Driver
• Safety measures to follow while using both

What is a hammer drill?

A hammer drill is one of the most powerful tools used in construction, involving tough materials like concrete, brick, and masonry. Also known as a rotary hammer or percussion drill, the machine combines the rotational motion of a regular drill with hammering action to create short bursts of force that can break through tough surfaces.

Although a hammer drill is specifically designed to bore holes in bricks, concrete, and similar materials, it can also be used on plastic, wood, and metal, provided the hammer mode is turned off. 

The tool can be used for DIY projects or by professionals working on outdoor fixtures for security cameras, hose reels and more, which need holes to be drilled into walls. 

It also comes in handy when working on home renovation projects. The hammer drill only takes a couple of seconds to make precise holes for bolts and screws through bricks, stone and concrete. 

Its multiple functions and dual mode (hammer and non-hammer) further allow you to perform other tasks like removing old tiles using a chisel bit and drilling into tile backer boards or concrete subfloors.

What is an impact driver?

While hammer drills and impact drivers look similar, they are used for completely different tasks. An impact driver is a powerful tool used for driving screws and fasteners into less tough materials. 

Unlike a hammer drill, this machine combines rotational motion and impact blows to make precise holes. It is more forceful than a standard drill and screwdriver, of course.  
 
Impact driver is specifically useful for long screws, lag bolts or to drill into dense materials like hardwood or metal. The power machine is run by a motor, which converts electrical energy into rotational motion. 

Although not all, some drivers come with a cloth - mechanical or electronic - allowing you to control torque levels precisely. The tool is designed to withstand the force while ensuring it is comfortable and safe to use during high-torque applications.

Key Differences between the two at a Glance

We understand the technicalities surrounding the two tools can be overwhelming, especially for DIYers. Hence, we have broken down the difference between a hammer drill and an impact driver in the most basic language.

• Bits - The specialized drill bit is created in such a way that it can withstand the intense impact from drilling or hammering mechanisms. While impact drivers typically use hex-shank impact-ready bits, hammer drills accept all bits and use a 3-jaw chuck..

• Size - Impact drivers are typically smaller, shorter and lighter compared to hammer drills. The smaller size means it’s easier to use the former in less ideal spaces.

• RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)  -  RPM simply signifies the speed at which a chuck or bit spins. A hammer drill typically falls in the range of 0 to 3000 RPM, while an impact driver boasts 0-3500 RPM. While more RPM ensures faster drilling in soft materials like wood or drywall, less RPM provides more control, especially when creating holes in brittle materials.

• Settings - Hammer drills often come with speed and torque settings for better control and versatility. Furthermore, you can turn the hammer function on or off. Whereas, impact drivers have pressure-sensitive triggers, which enable better control over screw septh.

• Stability - Impact drivers are known for maintaining better contact with fasteners than a hammer drill, even though the latter has an option to disengage the hammer setting.

• Noise and Vibration - Considering the high-speed drivers work with, they tend to make a lot of noise during impact. However, there is less vibration to the hand. Hammer drills can be loud and also create high vibrations, especially when working with tough materials.

• Heating - Most power tools tend to heat up when in use, and the same goes for hammer drills as well. It isn’t recommended for extended screw driving, which can cause the motor to overheat. However, impact drivers can handle long sessions of drilling without overheating.

• Repeated Drilling - You must also carefully choose each tool depending on the purpose you’re trying to achieve. For instance, impact drivers can handle long sessions, but they aren’t ideal for repeated drilling. Hammer drills, on the other hand, are more accurate for repetitive sessions.

• Precision and finish - Even though impact drivers are easier to handle, they can’t be trusted for fine tasks. The impacts can be rough due to rapid torque bursts. Hammer drills are ideal for achieving smoother holes and a cleaner finish. They work better with proper bits and low-speed settings.

Best uses of both power tools  

Let’s say you’ve picked the tool of your choice. What next? Most DIY enthusiasts are well-informed about the functions of their dream tool without knowing how to put it to use. 
Therefore, we have listed numerous tasks you can finish with each tool, with practical examples.

Real-life uses of an Impact Driver

Building heavy furniture - Wood is the common material one would use to build furniture, and impact drivers come in handy for such projects. The tool delivers bursts of torque that drive long fasteners efficiently through wood and other materials. You can also use it to build decks, fences and sheds. 

Subfloor constructions - The same tool speeds up the production when constructing subfloors. It can be used to secure studs, joints, or for flush fastening without stripping screws. 

Floating shelves and hanging cabinets - While floating shelves and hanging cabinets can significantly enhance the appeal of your home, it’s important to ensure they are properly constructed to avoid scary accidents. An impact driver could do the job for you by securing long screws into hardwood or drywall anchor quickly and efficiently. 

Other mechanical work - As well as constructing, an impact driver can also be used for other types of assembling and mechanical jobs. You can use it for removing and fastening bolts, brackets and machinery, which is difficult to perform with bare hands. 

Real-life uses of a hammer drill

Shelves and curtain rods - Some shelves can only be installed by drilling into concrete or brick walls, which is possible with a hammer drill. The same goes for curtain or television mounts. While regular drills can’t handle masonry, hammer drills conveniently break through the surface, and the rotation clears the debris. 

Securing metal frames - Most often, canopies, pergolas and other installations require drilling through concrete floors or walls. Hammer drill can drill precise holes in such instances for placing bolts and screws. 

Plumbing work - Heavy-duty tasks like plumbing or even electrical installation demand access holes for conduit, wiring or pipework. The hammer drill is the only powerful tool that can penetrate concrete and brick consistently. 

Tile work - Another major use of a hammer drill is in tile work, or you need to make holes for wall plugs. Both the hammer-on and hammer-off modes enable you to create precise holes in various types of materials. 

Despite the various functions hammer drills and impact drivers offer, professionals tend to use both tools for numerous tasks as they complement each other perfectly.

Key Cons of Hammer Drill and Impact Driver

Power tools are a thoughtful investment. Make no mistake - a wrong tool is a waste of money and a hindrance as it doesn’t deliver the results you desire. Hence, you must be aware of the disadvantages of hammer drills and impact drivers.

Drawbacks of a Hammer Drill

• You may want to avoid using hammer drills early in the morning owing to the noise they create, especially in enclosed spaces or when you’re drilling masonry. 

• The impact and high vibration can cause a lot of discomfort. Extended use can strain your hand so much that you may struggle to make precise holes. 

• This must never be used to drive screws as it can easily strip screw heads or overdrive screws. 

• Hammer drills are typically heavy and not convenient to use in awkward or tight spaces. 

• As far as the price is concerned, hammer drills are expensive than impact drivers and other powerful tools.

Drawbacks of an Impact Driver

• While the vibration is less intense in an impact driver, it also holds the reputation for a sharp “ratcheting” sound, which can be annoying or painful to hear. 

• Unlike a Hammer drill, you cannot adjust the torque or clutch in an impact driver, it isn’t suitable for delicate fastening tasks. Similarly, it can also lead to the risk of overdriving or damaging material with the inability to stop at precise depths.

• One of the biggest drawbacks of this tool is its limited bit compatibility. With an impact driver, only a ¼” hex-shank bit works. Although speciality bits are available, they are an expensive option. 

• Due to their high torque bursts, impact drivers fail to drill through softer material precisely, often resulting in a rougher impact.

Safety measures to follow while using both

It’s crucial to follow multiple safety measures when working with hammer drills or impact drivers, as one simple mistake can damage your device and, worse yet, cause devastating accidents.

General safety tips for the user

• Always wear safety glasses to stop debris and metal shavings from entering your eyes. 

• Ensure you are using heating protection, considering both tools tend to make a lot of noise when running. 

• Never overlook the importance of wearing gloves for a better grip and to protect your hands from sustaining any injury. 

• Respirators or dust masks are mandatory when drilling through concrete, brick or treated wood. 

Checklist for using hammer drills and impact drivers

Here are a couple of things you must always do before handling either powerful tool, in addition to wearing all the necessary gear mentioned above. 

Inspect the tool before use - Always check for cracks, loose parts or damaged bits before turning on an impact driver or hammer drill. The bit holder must always be secure. 

Ensure you’re using the right bit - The tools can endure irreversible damage from the incorrect bit. Therefore, make sure to use a hex shank for an impact driver and a masonry and similar bits for a hammer drill. 

Workpiece must be properly secured - It’s not enough if you and the tools pass all the checks before you get to the task. Any material you’re working with must be properly clamped down or tightly held to prevent it from moving when drilling or driving. 

Use both hands when necessary - DIYers, pay attention. Not using both hands while handling the tool drastically compromises safety. 

Regardless of what you’re trying to build or fix - a hanging shelf or pavement - picking the right power tool makes all the difference. 

If you’re DIYer, we recommend getting your hands on an impact driver first. You can start off by working with wood or drywall to experience the impact of the tool yourself. It is perfect for driving long screws and heavy-duty bolts. 

A hammer drill is ideal for someone with prior experience in drilling, as long as you follow the safety measures. So, take control of your next project by shopping for the right tool that meets your needs and purpose. 

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