Difference between Drill Drivers & Impact Drivers

In today's video I will be explaining the difference between Drill Drivers and Impact Drivers!

TODAY'S TOOL KIT
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* bare means no battery included in price

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Several months ago one of my subscribers asked me what the difference was between drill drivers and impact drivers, and it was this question that inspired me to make this video.

If you're watching this video, the chances are you have a drill driver - the most popular power tool ever because it's just so versatile. The keyless chuck accepts round drill bits, hex shank drill bits for drilling, but by slipping the tool into the slower speed, you can also use it for driving in screws - putting a hex shank screw bit into the drill.

But if you've graduated in your DIY to the stage that you don't want to keep chopping and changing between drill bits and driver bits on one tool, and you want a tool that's dedicated to driving in screws (eg you're putting some decking down), or screwing plasterboard to studwork) then you may be ready to upgrade to an impact driver, and so this video is for YOU!

An impact driver is dedicated to doing one job - driving in screws. It has a collet rather than a keyless chuck, which only accepts hex shank screw driver bits/ attachments. It uses bit rotation AND concussive blows to drive home the screws, and it is the concussive blows that give the drill driver its raw power - and which crucially transfer all that force into the screw and away from your arms and hands, making it a lot easier to use than a drill driver.

So in this video I pit my Ryobi drill driver and impact driver against each other in a couple of tasks - to see which works best and to help decide which tool would work best for YOU!

And finally - I point out just how important it is to use POWERFUL BATTERIES with your Drill Driver or Impact Driver.

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LET'S CONNECT!
Charlie DIYte

[the-potato-warrior]

One goes the other goer
You’re welcome

[ankewynmalen]

I have just bought myself, at age 83, my first drill ever (a Ryobi 18V Compact) and I have to learn everything. Now I know what a difference battery size can make. Thank you, Charlie.

[NofrillsGhiaGhost]

As a single mum with a new born during a pandemic it's so hard trying to fix things. I saw two different cordless drills I wasn't sure which one to get. I had no idea what impact driver was. Thank you...!

[campmein]

A “HOME-RUN” for me when you showed the difference between the 1 and 4 AH batteries. Great video, your time spent preparing the video is well appreciated.

[operator]

Drill: Go in there please
Driver: I wasn't asking

[boydmerriman]

I had no idea that the actual power force behind these batteries is the biggest difference. I always thought it was how much time you had with these batteries, such as, bigger battery equals longer drill time. Thanks for demonstrating this for us.

[jbirdlikespie]

Used both types a lot during my 3 years helping build large sets for the school theatre program, nobody would willingly use a drill driver over an impact driver as the feeling of trying to do a lot of work using the drill was miserable. Awesome video!

[victoreous]

Pilot holes are our friends. Makes life both easier for drilling but also prevents broken bits/screws and split wood.

[Coconutoilcrazy]

Thank you! I bought the Ryobi tool set, Drill Driver, Impact Driver, Recirpocating saw, Circular saw. I tried drilling screws into wood on a bridge with the drill driver with the 4 ah battery. It was a challenge to say the least. I didnt finish the job yet. Your video explained issues. I will attempt agian with the Impact driver and 4 ah battery. Your a life saver!

[SerenasuzanneCrossland]

Great job explaining the difference between the two! I work for a Home Depot, I get to asked that question all the time what the difference is between the two power tools. Alot my pro customers prefer impact drivers over tradional drivers.For tight spaces and also the quickness of the job being done. I'm glad you like Ryobi tools. All you pros out there, just remember that the Ridgid power tools( another Home Depot exclusive tool.) have the lifetime guarantee with the power tool and the battery just as long as you register it.

[RiffRaffMama.]

I didn't think I would actually learn anything or find your video interesting, but you taught me several new things! I came into ownership of a drill and a driver and genuinely always regarded them as the same thing, with one just being noisier than the other and having the inconvenience of only accepting hex head bits! I never realised just how different they actually were until now. The battery strength demonstration was quite eye opening too. I only have 4 mAh batteries so I've never come across the power issue you demonstrated but it is great to know. I have no Ryobi tools, but knowing the fact they never change their battery fitment is interesting and will genuinely influence any further power tool purchases I make. Thank you.

[bvan]

I’m a proud new owner of an impact driver. It’s a game changer in my opinion. I got one this weekend and put to a working test. I had no idea how amazing that tool is, but now I do. Wow. What a difference! Thanks for the battery comparison. That will certainly help me to choose the right battery, right tool for the job.

[cjhification]

I love my impact driver, made screwing lag bolts in to wood so much easier. Just so handy. I did have a few accidents, over driving smaller screws in the beginning, getting use to the power.

[raspberryinblue]

i came here to watch the difference between drill and impact drivers and learnt the difference between 1 Ah and 4 Ah batteries instead :D

[SteveH-TN]

Well appreciate your sharing your thoughts, experience and knowledge with us. I’m 75 years old have used manual crank drills, electric drills eventually battery powered drills.
Today I purchased myself a 18V Impact Drill not that I needed one but learn how to use one. Gain experience and hopefully knowledge that goes along with hands on experience . Your explanation was just what I needed.

[PonderingPerspective]

Thank you! Great training for me. I bought a set of four DeWalt tools, which includes a Drill Driver and an Impact Driver. Knowing nothing about impact drivers, I haven't used it yet. Now I will use it often. Thanks again!

[CitizenBeep]

Never realised the size of batteries made so much difference, I always though size equalled how long they would last.

[tyrekycker]

Like many others here, I didn't fully realise that the "ah" wasn't just about how much juice is in the tank, but the power of the juice also... Thank you!! 😀😀👍👍

[sayalay]

Thank you much for educating us on the different use of drill and impact drivers, the bonus is for knowing the importance of battery power in the performance of the drill.

[Sstantial]

Thanks for this info!!! I always thought the difference in batteries was only concerning how long they lasted. This clearly shows the difference in actual power which is very good to know!!!