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Can a Hammer Drill Be Used as an Impact Driver? The Ultimate Guide
Quick Answer: No, a hammer drill cannot be used as a true impact driver. A hammer drill pushes forward (like a jackhammer) for drilling into masonry. An impact driver uses powerful rotational force to drive screws. While you can use a hammer drill for simple screws by turning the hammer function off, it is not a substitute.
Have you ever stood in your workshop, holding a hammer drill and staring at a long screw? You probably wondered, “Can this tool do the job of an impact driver?” It’s a common question. After all, they look similar and both make a lot of noise.
You want to save time and money by using one tool for everything. We get it. The good news is, you’re in the right place for a clear answer. We will explain the key differences and show you the safe way to handle screws with your drill. Let’s dive in and make you a tool expert.
What is a Hammer Drill? The Power of Forward Force
Think of a hammer drill as a regular drill with a special power-up. Its main job is to drill holes.
But when you need to drill into very hard stuff like brick, stone, or concrete, you switch on its “hammer” mode. This mode adds a rapid, forward-punching motion. It’s like a tiny jackhammer pushing the drill bit forward while it spins.
- Main Action: Spinning and punching forward.
- Best For: Drilling holes in masonry (brick, concrete, stone).
- Key Feature: A mode selector switch that lets you turn the hammer action on or off.
When the hammer function is off, it works just like a standard drill. You can use it to drill holes in wood or metal, or to drive small screws using its adjustable clutch.
What is an Impact Driver? The Power of Rotational Force
An impact driver looks like a short, stubby drill. But it works in a completely different way. Its job is to drive long screws and big fasteners with incredible power.
Instead of pushing forward, an impact driver delivers quick, powerful rotational bursts. Imagine using a wrench to tighten a bolt. When it gets tough, you might tap the side of the wrench with a hammer to get it tighter. An impact driver does this thousands of times per minute.
- Main Action: High-torque rotational impacts (twisting force).
- Best For: Driving long screws, lag bolts, and removing stubborn fasteners.
- Key Feature: A quick-release hex chuck that only accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits.
This rotational force makes it easy to drive large fasteners without stripping the screw head or twisting your wrist.
The Core Difference: Pushing vs. Twisting
The confusion between these two tools comes down to one word: “impact.” But the direction of that impact is completely different.
- A Hammer Drill impacts IN and OUT. It pushes the drill bit forward into the material.
- An Impact Driver impacts SIDE to SIDE. It delivers rotational force to twist the screw in.
Using a hammer drill’s forward hammering action to drive a screw would be a disaster. It would hammer the bit against the screw head, destroying the screw, the bit, and possibly the surface you are working on.
How to Use a Hammer Drill for Screws (The Right Way)
So, you’re in a pinch and only have your hammer drill. Can you drive a screw? Yes, for light-duty tasks, as long as you follow these crucial steps. You are essentially using it as a regular drill, not an impact driver.
Step 1: Turn the Hammer Mode OFF
CRITICAL STEP: This is the most important rule. Look for the mode selector on your drill. It usually has icons for a drill bit (drilling), a screw (driving), and a hammer (hammer drilling). Turn the dial away from the hammer icon and set it to the drill or screw icon. If you leave hammer mode on, you will strip the screw instantly.
By turning off the hammer function, you stop the forward-punching action. Your tool will now act like a standard drill-driver, which is safe for screws.
Step 2: Use the Correct Bit and Adapter
A hammer drill has a three-jaw chuck that you tighten by hand. Impact drivers have a 1/4-inch hex collet. To use impact-rated bits (which are stronger and recommended), you may need a simple adapter.
Tools for the Job:
- A hammer drill
- A 1/4-inch hex shank bit holder (if using hex bits)
- Impact-rated screwdriver bits (Phillips, Torx, etc.)
- Safety glasses
Insert the bit holder into the drill’s chuck and tighten it firmly. Then, you can easily snap your screwdriver bits in and out of the holder.
Step 3: Set the Clutch
Most hammer drills have a numbered ring behind the chuck called a clutch. This is a huge advantage for delicate work. The clutch controls the amount of torque, or twisting force.
Pro-Tip: Start with a low clutch setting (e.g., 3 or 4). Drive a test screw into a scrap piece of wood. If the drill “clicks” and stops before the screw is fully seated, increase the clutch setting by one number and try again. This prevents you from driving the screw too deep or stripping the head.
An impact driver does not have a clutch. It drives with full power, which is why it’s better for large fasteners but can be too powerful for small, delicate screws.
Step 4: Control Your Speed
Use the variable speed trigger. Start slowly to set the screw into the wood and ensure it’s going in straight. Once it’s started, you can squeeze the trigger harder to increase the speed. A slow and controlled approach is always best to avoid mistakes.
Why It’s Still Not a Real Substitute: The Risks
Even when used correctly, a hammer drill isn’t a great screwdriver. Here’s why using the right tool matters:
- Stripped Screws: Drills provide constant, direct torque. If the screw meets resistance, the drill will keep turning with full force, often stripping the screw head. An impact driver’s rotational taps are much less likely to do this.
- Cam-Out and Slipping: The direct force of a drill can easily cause the bit to “cam-out” or slip from the screw head, especially with Phillips screws. This can damage your project and your bit.
- User Fatigue and Wrist Strain: When a drill meets resistance, that twisting force is transferred back to your hand and wrist. An impact driver’s mechanism absorbs most of that force, making it much more comfortable for driving dozens or hundreds of screws.
- Lack of Power for Big Jobs: For driving a 3-inch deck screw or a 1/2-inch lag bolt, a drill’s motor and clutch simply can’t compete with the immense torque of an impact driver. You will likely stall the drill or drain the battery quickly.
Conclusion: Use the Right Tool for the Job
So, can a hammer drill be used as an impact driver? The answer is a qualified “in a pinch.” By turning off the hammer function and using the clutch, you can use your hammer drill as a standard drill-driver for light-duty screwing tasks.
However, it can never replicate the speed, power, and comfort of a true impact driver. The tools are designed with different forces for different tasks. A hammer drill pushes, while an impact driver twists.
For any serious DIYer or professional, owning both a hammer drill and an impact driver is the best investment. It ensures you have the right power and precision for every job, from drilling a tiny pilot hole to driving a massive lag bolt.
Using the right tool not only makes the job easier and faster but also gives you safer, more professional results. Happy building!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use impact driver bits in my hammer drill?
Yes, absolutely. Impact-rated bits are stronger and more durable than standard bits. Most have a 1/4-inch hex shank, so you can either clamp the shank directly in your drill’s three-jaw chuck or use a hex bit holder for a more secure fit.
2. What happens if I accidentally leave the hammer function on while driving a screw?
You will likely damage the screw head, the bit, and the surface of your material. The intense, rapid forward hammering will cause the bit to jump and grind against the screw, stripping it almost instantly. Always double-check that your drill is in “drill” or “screw” mode before driving fasteners.
3. Is a combi drill the same as a hammer drill?
Yes, for the most part. The term “combi drill” is more common in the UK and Europe. It refers to a combination tool that has three functions: drilling (for wood/metal), screw driving (with a clutch), and hammer drilling (for masonry). It’s the same versatile tool we often call a hammer drill in the US.
4. Can I use my impact driver to drill holes?
Yes, you can, but with limitations. You’ll need to buy special drill bits with a 1/4-inch hex shank. It works well for drilling small to medium-sized holes in wood. However, it’s not great for drilling large holes (as it can be rough) or for drilling into metal (where slow, steady speed is better). It is not a substitute for a hammer drill when drilling into brick or concrete.
5. As a beginner, do I really need both tools?
It depends on your projects. If you only plan to hang pictures and assemble flat-pack furniture, a good standard drill-driver is all you need. If you plan to build a deck, a fence, or do any work with concrete, owning both a hammer drill and an impact driver will save you a massive amount of time and frustration.
6. What’s the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer?
A rotary hammer (or SDS drill) is like a hammer drill’s bigger, much stronger brother. While a hammer drill uses a mechanical system for its hammering action, a rotary hammer uses a piston mechanism (like a real jackhammer). It’s designed for heavy-duty, professional work like breaking up concrete or drilling large holes in solid rock.
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