“`html
Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Hammer Drill? A Pro’s Answer
While you can put a special masonry bit in an impact driver, you should not use it as a hammer drill. An impact driver creates rotational force (for driving screws), not the forward hammering action needed to drill into concrete or brick. Using it for masonry is ineffective and can damage the tool.
You have a project. You need to hang something on a brick or concrete wall. You grab your trusty impact driver—the tool that sinks 3-inch screws like a champ. You look at the wall, then back at your tool, and a question pops into your head: “Can this thing drill a hole in that?”
It’s a common thought for every DIYer. You already own a powerful tool, so why buy another one for just a few holes? You’re in the right place for a clear, no-nonsense answer. We’ll break down exactly what these tools do, why they aren’t interchangeable, and what your best options are. Let’s get you drilling the right way.
First, What Is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is a specialist tool designed for one primary job: driving screws and fasteners with incredible efficiency. It looks a bit like a compact drill, but it works very differently.
Think of it this way: when an impact driver senses resistance (like when a screw is getting tight), it engages an internal hammer and anvil mechanism. This mechanism delivers powerful, rapid rotational bursts of force, or “impacts.”
Key features of an impact driver include:
- High Torque: It produces much more turning force (torque) than a standard drill, making it ideal for long screws or large lag bolts.
- Rotational Impacts: The force is applied in the same direction the chuck is spinning. It’s like a tiny power wrench that hammers the screw around.
- No Kickback: Because the force is delivered in quick bursts, it doesn’t transfer back to your wrist, making it more comfortable to use.
- 1/4-Inch Hex Collet: It has a quick-change collet that only accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits, like screwdriver bits and nut drivers.
In short: An impact driver is a master of driving fasteners. Its power comes from rotational hammering.
And What Is a Hammer Drill?
A hammer drill, on the other hand, is designed specifically for drilling into hard materials like concrete, brick, stone, and mortar. It also looks like a standard drill, and in fact, most models can be used as one.
The magic of a hammer drill happens when you switch it to “hammer mode.” It engages a mechanism that delivers rapid, powerful forward hammering blows directly behind the drill bit. It’s like a tiny jackhammer that pulverizes the masonry while the bit’s rotation clears away the debris.
Key features of a hammer drill include:
- Hammering Action: It delivers thousands of “blows per minute” (BPM) in a straight, forward-and-back motion.
- Drilling and Driving: Most hammer drills have multiple modes: standard drilling (for wood/metal), screw driving, and hammer drilling (for masonry). This makes them very versatile.
- Adjustable Chuck: They typically have a traditional three-jaw chuck that can hold a wide variety of round-shank and hex-shank bits.
In short: A hammer drill is a master of making holes in masonry. Its power comes from forward hammering.
The Core Difference: Rotational vs. Forward Force
This is the most important concept to understand. The reason you can’t use an impact driver as a hammer drill comes down to the direction of the force.
- An Impact Driver hits the bit sideways, forcing it to turn. It’s all about rotational power.
- A Hammer Drill hits the bit from behind, forcing it forward. It’s all about chipping and pulverizing power.
Imagine trying to hammer a nail into wood by hitting the side of the nail instead of the head. That’s essentially what you’re asking an impact driver to do when drilling into concrete. It’s the wrong tool applying the wrong kind of force.
So, Why Is Using an Impact Driver on Concrete a Bad Idea?
Now that we know how they work, let’s look at what actually happens if you try to force the issue and drill into masonry with your impact driver.
1. It’s Extremely Ineffective
Your impact driver will spin the bit, but without the forward hammering action, the carbide tip on the masonry bit can’t effectively chip away at the concrete. You’ll spend a lot of time, create a lot of noise and heat, and maybe end up with a shallow, messy, and oversized hole. A hammer drill would do the same job in seconds.
2. You Risk Damaging Your Impact Driver
Impact drivers are not designed to handle the intense vibration and axial load of being pushed hard against concrete. The internal hammer and anvil mechanism can be damaged, and the bearings can wear out prematurely. You could easily ruin a perfectly good (and expensive) tool by using it for a job it wasn’t built for.
3. You Can Break the Drill Bit
Masonry bits have a small, hard carbide tip brazed onto the end. The rotational impacts from an impact driver can easily shatter this brittle tip, rendering the bit useless. The hex shank itself can also snap under the strain.
4. It’s a Safety Hazard
When a bit fails to cut, it can bind in the material. With the high torque of an impact driver, this can cause the bit to snap violently, sending shards of metal flying. The tool can also overheat, creating a burn risk.
What About “Impact-Rated” Masonry Bits?
This is a common point of confusion. You can find masonry bits with a 1/4-inch hex shank that are marketed as “impact-rated.” This does not turn your impact driver into a hammer drill.
The “impact-rated” label simply means the bit is built to withstand the rotational impacts of an impact driver without shattering immediately. These are designed for very light-duty tasks, such as:
- Drilling into soft brick or mortar joints.
- Drilling a single, small-diameter hole for a plastic anchor.
- Enlarging an existing hole slightly.
They are a “last resort” option, not a primary solution. For drilling into hard concrete or for any job requiring more than one or two small holes, they are still the wrong choice and will perform poorly compared to a proper hammer drill.
Pro Tip: Even if you use an impact-rated masonry bit, the process will be slow. If you must try, use light pressure, let the tool do the work, and pull the bit out frequently to clear dust from the hole. But we still don’t recommend it.
The Right Tool for the Job: When You Need a Hammer Drill
Save yourself the time, frustration, and potential cost of a broken tool. You absolutely need a hammer drill (or a more powerful rotary hammer for bigger jobs) if you are:
- Drilling into concrete slabs, foundations, or walls.
- Drilling into modern, hard bricks or cinder blocks.
- Drilling into natural stone or countertops.
- Needing to drill holes larger than 1/4 inch in any type of masonry.
- Drilling multiple holes for a project.
Your Options If You Only Have an Impact Driver
Okay, so your impact driver is out. What should you do? Fortunately, you have several easy and affordable options.
- Buy an Inexpensive Corded Hammer Drill: This is the best solution for most homeowners. You can buy a brand new, reliable corded hammer drill for a surprisingly low price. It will outperform your impact driver by a mile and will be ready for any future masonry projects.
- Rent a Hammer Drill: For a one-off project, check your local home improvement store. You can often rent a high-quality hammer drill for a small daily fee.
- Consider a Combi Drill: If you’re in the market for a new cordless drill anyway, look for a “combi drill.” This is a standard drill/driver that includes a third, hammer drill setting. It’s the most versatile all-in-one tool for a DIYer.
- Borrow One: Ask a friend, family member, or neighbor. Many people have a hammer drill sitting in their garage that they’d be happy to lend you.
Conclusion: Use the Right Tool for the Right Job
While the impact driver is a phenomenal tool for driving screws, it simply cannot replace a hammer drill for drilling into masonry. Its rotational impacts are the wrong type of force for pulverizing concrete and brick. Trying to make it work will only lead to frustration, slow progress, and potential damage to your tool, your bits, and your project.
By understanding the difference between rotational force and forward hammering, you can make the smart choice. Investing in an affordable corded hammer drill or renting one for the day will save you time, give you cleaner results, and ensure both your tools and you stay safe. Happy building!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between an impact driver and a hammer drill?
The main difference is the direction of the force. An impact driver uses rotational impacts (like a wrench) to drive screws. A hammer drill uses forward-and-back impacts (like a jackhammer) to chip away at masonry while it drills.
2. Can I put a hammer drill bit in an impact driver?
You can if the bit has a 1/4-inch hex shank. However, just because it fits doesn’t mean you should use it for drilling concrete. The impact driver lacks the forward hammering action needed to make the bit work effectively and can damage both the bit and the tool.
3. Will trying to drill concrete damage my impact driver?
Yes, it’s very likely. The tool is not designed to handle the forward pressure and intense vibration from being forced into concrete. This can cause premature wear on the bearings and damage the internal impact mechanism.
4. What happens if I try to drill concrete with an impact driver?
You will experience very slow progress, if any. The bit will mostly just spin and scrape the surface, creating a lot of heat and noise. You risk burning out the tool’s motor, breaking the drill bit, and creating a messy, oversized hole.
5. Is a combi drill the same as a hammer drill?
A combi drill is a cordless drill that includes a hammer drill function. It typically has three settings: screw driving, standard drilling, and hammer drilling. For a DIYer, a combi drill is an excellent, versatile tool that can serve as your primary drill and a capable hammer drill for light-to-medium-duty masonry tasks. For more information, you could check out our guide on the best combi drills.
6. For drilling into brick, do I really need a hammer drill?
Yes. While some very old, soft brick might yield to a standard drill, most modern brick is very hard. A hammer drill is the correct tool. It will create a clean hole quickly and without overheating your tool. Using the wrong drill can crack the brick or result in a sloppy hole.
“`