Hammer Drill VS Impact Drill - 4 Facts You Should Know When Choosing the Right Drill for Your Project

Working on DIY projects often involves driving screws and drilling holes. Whether you choose the right saw blade or another tool, having the right gear for the job is critical. 

 

About Hammer Drill vs. Impact Drill.

Working on DIY projects often involves driving screws and drilling holes. Whether you choose the right saw blade or another tool, having the right gear for the job is critical. 

Hammer drills and impact drills may look similar, but they perform differently. It's important to use each tool correctly, such as centrifugal blower, but you need to find the right equipment first.

In this article, we will focus on the differences between hammer drills and impact drills. So, here's what you need to know when choosing the right tool for your next project!

 

 

1. What is a hammer drill?

A hammer drill is a powerful tool that can drill holes in different materials. Therefore, it is suitable for materials such as granite, marble, brick, concrete, etc. 

It is a handheld tool, which means that you hold it in your hand while operating it. Each unit comes with a drill bit that you can push back and forth through the material. 

In addition to the standard hammer drill driver, you can also use a more powerful electric hammer. Therefore, if you are working with rough materials, an electric hammer may be a better choice.

Pros

❤ It is capable of drilling in a variety of materials.

❤Some drills come with both conventional and rotary hammers.

❤These tools offer excellent versatility.

❤ It is able to drive bolts and screws.

❤ It provides high torque.

Disadvantages

❤ It has a small learning curve, especially because it is heavier.

❤The price tag may be higher than an impact drill.

❤You may lose the chuck key.

❤ It does not handle other tasks well except drilling.

 

2. What is an impact driver/drill?

It is crucial to distinguish whether you are using an impact driver or a drill. An impact driver is used to screw screws, fasteners and bolts into holes. It has a high rotation so it can generate enough torque when needed. In addition to driving, these tools are also suitable for removing screws and bolts. Thus, they make it easy to remove rusty units when necessary.

However, the impact drill performs the same action as its hammer counterpart. Thus, it can drill holes in a variety of materials. Depending on the equipment, some units have only a drive function, while others can also perform drilling.

Advantages

✴ It can drive screws and bolts, and it can also remove them.

✴ The tool provides high torque when necessary.

 

✴ It is easy to handle even if you are a novice.

✴Some units are suitable for performing drilling actions.

✴ They don't have a collet key, which means you can't lose it.

Disadvantages

✴ It doesn't always have the same accuracy as a hammer drill.

✴ Lifespan depends on the unit.

✴ Versatility doesn't match the hammer drill.

✴ It does not perform well in tasks other than driving screws.

 

3. What is the difference between a hammer drill and an impact drill/driver?

3.1. Uses

If you look at their uses, you will understand the key differences between these tools. Thus, the uses of hammer drills mainly consist of drilling into different materials. Therefore, you can use them for anything from wood to harder materials such as bricks and stones.

On the other hand, an impact driver is mainly used to drive screws in various materials. Therefore, you can use it to drive and loosen bolts, nuts and screws of different sizes.

3.2. Design

Novices may find the design of hammer drill drivers and impact drivers similar. Therefore, the key difference is the three-jaw chuck in the hammer drill. To clarify, it is used to save bits, which makes it a convenient addition. The standard hammer unit is reminiscent of an electric drill, while the rotary tool is larger and heavier.

On the other hand, impact drills have a shorter head. In addition, they are significantly thicker and shorter around the barrel and have a hexagonal socket for inserting the drill bit.

3.3. How do they work?

In short, a standard hammer drill operates by repeating the blow in the desired direction. Thus, the force moves along the length of the tool or its vertical axis. Thanks to this, it is possible to drill holes in different materials. The suitability for various applications depends on the equipment.

If you use a hammer impact driver, the force is mainly in the direction of rotation. You will find the power moving through the vertical axis. However, the force of these shock strikes is different from the hammer strike unit.

3.4. Each accepts a different drill

You will find an option to insert the drill bit into the adjustable chuck of the impact drill. Thus, the tool is suitable for hexagonal shank and standard drills. As for the hammer unit, you can insert the same type of drill bits. However, the difference is that they should be more durable, so carbide is a wise choice. Therefore, if you only use impact drivers, you need to insert special driver heads that provide the right impact rating.

 

4. Hammer Drill vs. Impact Drill - Which one is best for your project?

Each tool has specific advantages and disadvantages, so you can use both in your shop. The key, therefore, is to choose the right equipment for your project. 

DIY hobbyists who do masonry projects will benefit from using a hammer drill. However, professionals may find electric hammers more suitable because they provide additional power. Therefore, if you plan to do demolition work, a rotary unit is a wise choice.

While you can use an impact drill for concrete, it is vital that you find a quality unit. Also, you may find impact drivers handy for home projects. These tools are both inexpensive and practical. As a result, they can make your job easier when it comes to driving and loosening screws and bolts.

 

Overview

Although they are similar at first, you will notice some differences between hammer drills and impact drills. To summarize, you use a hammer drill primarily for drilling holes, and an impact driver for tightening and loosening screws. In addition, there may be differences in design, mechanism and the chucks used.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact BSP TOOLS, we have been in business for many years and can help you select the right tools and accessories for your shop. You can order the best quality products and receive them in the shortest time possible, ensuring that you start the projects you need as soon as possible.