Drills and Impact Drivers

How to Choose the Right Drill or Impact Driver

Start by thinking about the jobs you do most often. If you need to drill holes into timber, metal, plastic or masonry, a drill is usually the main tool to consider. If you mostly drive screws, bolts or larger fixings into timber, an impact driver may be more useful.

For many garden DIY projects, a cordless drill is a practical starting point. It can help with pilot holes, screwdriving, assembling garden furniture and fitting brackets. An impact driver becomes more useful when you are working with long screws, decking fixings, fence panels or repeated fastening jobs.

What Matters Most When Comparing Drills and Impact Drivers

The main things to compare are power source, torque, battery size, chuck type, speed settings, weight, grip comfort, control and accessory compatibility. These features affect how easy the tool is to use and what materials it can handle.

Torque matters when driving larger screws or working with tougher materials. Speed settings help give better control, especially when moving between drilling and screwdriving. Weight is also important because drills and impact drivers are often used overhead, at awkward angles or for repeated fixings.

Drill or Impact Driver?

A drill is usually the more versatile tool. It can drill holes and drive screws when fitted with the correct bits. It is a sensible choice for general home and garden DIY, especially if you only want one tool to start with.

An impact driver is designed mainly for driving screws and fixings with more force. It can make repeated screwdriving easier and is useful for decking, fencing, timber frames and heavier assembly jobs.

The trade off is versatility versus driving power. A drill does more types of work, while an impact driver is better for tougher fastening tasks. Many DIY users eventually find that having both tools is the most practical setup.

Corded or Cordless Drills and Impact Drivers?

A corded drill can be useful when you want steady power and do not need to move far from a socket. It can suit workshop jobs, indoor DIY and longer drilling sessions where battery life would be a concern.

A cordless drill or impact driver gives you more freedom around the garden. This is useful when building fences, working on sheds, repairing outdoor furniture or moving between different areas without trailing a cable.

The trade off is power consistency versus convenience. Corded tools avoid battery charging, while cordless tools are usually easier to use outdoors where access to mains power may be awkward.

Battery Platforms, Bits and Accessories

If you are buying cordless tools, check whether the battery and charger are included. Some tools are sold bare, which means the battery and charger may need to be purchased separately.

It is also worth thinking about battery compatibility. Some brands use the same battery system across multiple tools, which can be useful if you plan to add more garden or DIY tools later.

Bits and accessories matter too. Drill bits, screwdriver bits, masonry bits, spade bits, nut drivers and extension holders all serve different purposes. Always match the bit to the material, fixing and tool.

Comfort, Control and Everyday Use

A good drill or impact driver should feel balanced and comfortable in your hand. Look at grip shape, trigger control, weight and whether the tool gives you enough control for delicate as well as heavier jobs.

For outdoor construction, control is just as important as power. A tool that is too heavy or too aggressive can make accurate fixing harder. For regular use, features such as variable speed, work lights, belt clips and quick bit changes can make jobs smoother and more convenient.

Find Drills and Impact Drivers That Suit Your Projects

Browse our range of drills and impact drivers and compare options by tool type, power source, battery system, torque, weight and intended use. Choose the tool that suits your materials, fixings and garden DIY projects so you can drill, fasten and assemble with more confidence.

Drills and Impact Drivers FAQs

What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?

A drill is used for drilling holes and general screwdriving. An impact driver is mainly used for driving screws and fixings with extra force, especially in tougher materials.

Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?

You may not need both if you only do light DIY. A drill is usually the most versatile first choice. An impact driver is useful if you regularly drive long screws, build decking, fit fencing or work with timber.

Are cordless drills good for garden DIY?

Cordless drills are a good choice for many garden DIY jobs because they are easy to move around without a cable. They are useful for sheds, fencing, planters, outdoor furniture and general fixing work.

What should I check before buying a drill?

Check the power source, chuck size, torque settings, speed control, battery size if cordless, weight, grip comfort and whether it suits the materials you need to drill.

What should I check before buying an impact driver?

Check the torque, speed settings, bit compatibility, battery system, weight, grip comfort and whether it is suitable for the screws, bolts or fixings you plan to use.

Can a drill drive screws?

Yes, many drills can drive screws when fitted with the correct screwdriver bit. Using adjustable torque settings helps reduce the risk of damaging the screw head or material.

Can an impact driver drill holes?

Some impact drivers can drill holes with suitable hex shank bits, but a drill is usually the better choice for accurate hole drilling. Impact drivers are mainly designed for fastening.

Are brushless drills and impact drivers worth considering?

Brushless tools can be worth considering if you use drills and impact drivers regularly. They are often designed for better efficiency and longer tool life, depending on the model.

What accessories do I need with a drill or impact driver?

Useful accessories may include drill bits, screwdriver bits, masonry bits, wood bits, nut drivers, bit holders and spare batteries if the tool is cordless. Choose accessories that match the tool and the job.

Are drills and impact drivers suitable for beginners?

Drills and impact drivers can be suitable for beginners if the tool is manageable and used correctly. Start with lighter jobs, use the correct bits and follow the product guidance for safe use.

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