DEBATING ON BUYING A DRILL OR IMPACT GUN?

Which is right for you?

 

Whether you work construction for a living or you’re just someone that hangs a picture frame from time to time in your house, one of the most important tools to own is a drill. Drills are used every day for a multitude of task that include drilling pilot holes, tightening screws, cutting out door knob holes and even mixing paint, but many of us completely ignore it's cousin the impact driver.

Impact drivers are a lot like your conventional drill, but with a lot more muscle. Both the drill and the impact can drive screws, the difference is that the impact turns the bit while actually adding a hard twisting motion at the same time. While the drill will just turn smoothly, the impact will add small burst of twisting energy that sounds like a small hammer striking the screw or bolt. Because of this strong twisting effect, you are able to take of lug nuts much easier than what you would be able to with a drill or by hand.

Now, with all that is great with the impact, you still need you drill for your basic function....which is drilling. You would not be able you use a drill bit in an impact gun as the hammer like twisting motion would snap in in half. Even on softer wood you could drive a screw much deeper than intended. I would also never hang drywall or sheet rock with an impact as it would put the screw straight through the sheet without even thinking about it. That being said, I would not use my drill while removing lug nuts, or even on very hard woods.

If you were to ask me which tool should I buy (impact or drill), I would say both. Each tool brings its own unique ability to do work around the house, but if you budget only allows to choose one, go with the drill. Many tool companies such as Ridged and/or Ryobi offer bundle deals that come with a drill, impact, batteries and charger for around $150.00 to $200.00.

Also, take into consideration what maintenance will go into these tools down the road. Many tool companies such as the Ridgid Gen5X offer brushless motors that will never need their brushes replaced after a few years of use. Also look to see what size batteries you may need for your tools. a 2.0 Lithium Battery will generally last up to around 45 minutes with moderate use, while a 4.0 battery could last double that time.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to the work you actually want you tools to do for you. If your building furniture or more advanced diy projects around the house, look into the impact gun, but you can never go wrong with the trusty drill.