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Can I Drill with an Impact Driver? Yes! Here’s the Right Way to Do It
Yes, you can absolutely drill with an impact driver. It works great for making holes in wood, plastic, and even soft metals. The key is to use special drill bits with a hex-shaped shank. For high-precision jobs or drilling into very hard materials like concrete, a standard drill is still better.
You have a project. You need to make a hole. You grab your tool bag and pull out your trusty impact driver. But wait… can this thing actually drill? It’s a question every new tool owner asks. You don’t want to buy another tool if you don’t have to, and you definitely don’t want to break the one you have.
You’re in the right place. We’re going to clear up all the confusion. This guide will show you exactly when, why, and how to use your impact driver for drilling. We’ll cover the right bits to use, the best techniques, and when you should stick to a traditional drill. Let’s get started!
First, What’s the Real Difference? Impact Driver vs. Drill
Before we jump into the “how-to,” it’s important to understand why this is even a question. An impact driver and a drill look similar, but they work very differently.
The Standard Drill
Think of a standard drill (or drill/driver) as a tool of pure rotational force. It spins the bit consistently to shave away material and create a clean, smooth hole. Most drills have a keyless chuck you can tighten by hand and a clutch with different torque settings. This clutch is designed to stop the rotation when a certain amount of resistance is met, which prevents you from stripping screws or drilling too deep.
- Action: Consistent spinning force.
- Best for: Creating precise, clean holes; driving screws with controlled torque.
- Key Feature: Adjustable clutch and a three-jaw chuck that can hold round-shank bits.
The Impact Driver
An impact driver combines rotation with powerful, rapid concussive blows (impacts). It spins like a drill until it meets resistance. Then, an internal hammer-and-anvil mechanism kicks in, delivering short, powerful rotational bursts. This is why it makes that distinct, loud “rat-a-tat-tat” sound.
Imagine trying to loosen a stubborn lug nut on a car. You could pull on a wrench with all your might (like a drill), or you could hit the end of the wrench with a hammer (like an impact driver). The impacts make it incredibly efficient at driving long screws or loosening tight bolts.
- Action: Rotation + rapid rotational impacts.
- Best for: Driving long screws and lag bolts; loosening stubborn fasteners.
- Key Feature: No clutch and a 1/4-inch hex collet that accepts hex-shank bits.
When Should You Use an Impact Driver for Drilling?
So, an impact driver can drill, but it’s not always the best choice. Here’s a simple breakdown of where it shines and where it struggles.
Excellent For:
- Wood: It powers through all types of wood with ease. It’s especially good for larger holes using spade bits or auger bits, as the impacts help power through tough spots and knots without stalling.
- Driving Long Screws: This is its primary job. The impacts prevent the bit from “camming out” or stripping the screw head.
- Soft Metals: Drilling into aluminum, copper, or thin sheet metal is no problem. The power makes quick work of these materials.
- Plastic: It will easily drill through most plastics, but it’s wise to start slow to avoid melting or cracking the material.
Not Ideal For:
- Precision Holes: The impacts can cause the bit to “walk” or wander slightly when you start the hole. For fine woodworking or when hole placement must be perfect, a drill is superior.
- Hardened Steel: The impacts are not designed for the slow, steady, high-torque pressure needed to drill hard metal. You risk burning up your bit or damaging the tool.
- Masonry (Brick, Concrete): An impact driver is not a hammer drill. A hammer drill provides forward-and-back impacts (like a tiny jackhammer) to chip away at masonry. An impact driver’s rotational impacts won’t do the job. You can learn more about tool differences from experts like Pro Tool Reviews.
- Delicate Materials: The immense torque can easily crack brittle materials or overpower small, delicate projects. There is no clutch to save you.
The Right Tools for the Job
To drill successfully with your impact driver, you need more than just the tool itself. Having the right accessories is critical.
What You’ll Need:
- An Impact Driver: Your main tool, fully charged.
- Impact-Rated Hex-Shank Drill Bits: This is the most important part. Standard round drill bits will not fit in an impact driver’s 1/4-inch hex collet. You must use bits with a hexagonal base. It’s best to get “impact-rated” bits, as they are made from more durable steel that can withstand the concussive force.
- Safety Glasses: Non-negotiable. Wood chips, metal shavings, and even broken bits can fly at high speed.
- Work Gloves: Protect your hands from splinters and sharp edges.
- Clamps (Recommended): Securing your workpiece prevents it from spinning and leads to a cleaner, safer job.
How to Drill with an Impact Driver: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to make some holes? Follow these simple steps for a safe and effective result.
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Step 1: Gear Up for Safety
Before you even touch the tool, put on your safety glasses. If you’re working with metal, gloves are also a very good idea. Safety first, always.
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Step 2: Select and Insert the Correct Bit
Choose a hex-shank drill bit appropriate for the material and hole size you need. To insert it, pull the metal sleeve (the collet) on the front of the impact driver away from the tool body. Slide the hex shank of the bit all the way in, then release the collet. It should snap back into place, locking the bit. Give the bit a gentle tug to ensure it’s secure.
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Step 3: Mark Your Spot and Create a Dimple
Use a pencil to mark exactly where you want to drill. For a super-accurate start, especially on metal or smooth surfaces, use a center punch or even a nail to create a small dimple. This tiny indentation will give the tip of your drill bit a place to sit, preventing it from wandering when you start drilling.
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Step 4: Start Slow and Steady
Place the tip of the bit on your mark. Squeeze the trigger on your impact driver very gently. Most modern impact drivers have variable speed triggers, allowing you to start very slowly. This gives you maximum control as the hole begins. At this low speed, the impacting mechanism will not be engaged.
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Step 5: Apply Firm Pressure and Increase Speed
Once the hole is started, you can increase the speed. Apply firm, steady pressure straight down into the material. Don’t lean on the tool with all your body weight; let the tool do the work. As the driver meets more resistance, you will hear and feel the impacts kick in. That loud buzzing/hammering noise is normal—it means the tool is working as designed!
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Step 6: Clear Debris as You Go
For deep holes, it’s a good practice to periodically pull the bit out of the hole while it’s still spinning slowly. This action, known as “pecking,” helps clear out wood chips or metal shavings, reducing friction and heat. This leads to a cleaner hole and a longer life for your drill bit.
Pro Tips for Cleaner, Better Holes
Want to take your impact-drilling skills to the next level? Keep these expert tips in mind.
Use a Pilot Hole: For very large holes or dense hardwood, drill a smaller “pilot” hole first. This removes some material and gives the larger bit a path to follow, reducing strain on the tool and resulting in a cleaner finish.
Clamp It Down: Always secure your workpiece with clamps. This is a huge safety measure. It prevents the material from violently spinning if the bit binds, which could injure you or ruin your project.
Back It Up: To prevent “tear-out” (splintering on the backside of the hole), clamp a scrap piece of wood to the back of your workpiece. When you drill through, the bit will enter the scrap wood, supporting the wood fibers and leaving a clean exit hole.
Let the Tool Work: The biggest mistake beginners make is trying to force the tool through the material. With an impact driver, you just need to apply firm, steady pressure and let the impacts do the heavy lifting. Pushing too hard can actually be less effective.
Conclusion: A Versatile Tool When Used Correctly
So, can you drill with an impact driver? The answer is a resounding yes. For many common tasks around the house and workshop—especially in wood—an impact driver with the right hex-shank bits is more than capable. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that can save you from needing to own or carry a separate drill.
However, it’s just as important to know its limits. For jobs that require ultimate precision, delicate control, or drilling into hard masonry and steel, a dedicated drill or hammer drill is still the undisputed champion. By understanding the strengths of each tool, you can choose the right one for the job every time, ensuring better results and a safer work environment. For more tool comparisons, you can check out our internal guide on Impact Driver vs. Drill: The Ultimate Showdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use my regular, round drill bits in an impact driver?
No, not directly. An impact driver has a 1/4-inch hex collet designed to hold hex-shank bits. A standard round bit will not fit and cannot be secured. You can buy a keyless chuck adapter with a hex shank, but this adds bulk and isn’t ideal, as the impacts can cause the chuck to loosen over time.
2. What are hex-shank drill bits?
Hex-shank drill bits have a standard cutting end (the drill part) but the base of the bit is a 1/4-inch hexagon shape. This shape locks securely into the collet of an impact driver, preventing it from slipping under the high torque and impacts.
3. Is it safe to drill with an impact driver?
Yes, it is safe as long as you follow proper safety procedures. This includes always wearing safety glasses, using the correct impact-rated hex-shank bits, securing your workpiece with clamps, and using a two-handed grip for good control.
4. Why is my impact driver so loud when drilling?
The loud, rapid hammering sound is the internal impact mechanism at work. This only engages when the tool meets significant resistance. It’s completely normal and is the source of the tool’s immense power. A standard drill is much quieter because it only uses smooth rotational force.
5. Can I drill into concrete or brick with an impact driver?
It is strongly advised not to. An impact driver delivers rotational impacts, which are not effective for drilling into masonry. You need a hammer drill, which delivers forward impacts (like a tiny jackhammer) to chip away at concrete and brick while it spins.
6. Will an impact driver damage the wood when drilling?
Generally, no. However, due to its high power, it can cause some splintering or “tear-out” on the exit side of the hole. To prevent this, start the hole slowly and clamp a piece of scrap wood to the back of your workpiece for a cleaner exit.
7. What’s the difference between an impact driver and an impact wrench?
They are similar but built for different scales. An impact driver has a 1/4-inch hex collet for screwdriver and small drill bits. An impact wrench is larger, more powerful, and has a square drive (typically 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch) for attaching sockets to work on large nuts and bolts, like car lug nuts.
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