How to choose and use a drill and impact driver

A Drill and Impact Driver are the most useful tools you’ll own, and will help you out on a variety of jobs from simple maintenance to large building projects. Here’s what to look out for when purchasing one, and how to use it safely.

They may look similar, but both are used differently. An impact driver is solely used for driving in screws and coach screws, and a drill is used primarily for drilling holes – although most drills can also be used to drive in screws.

CHOOSING A DRILL OR IMPACT DRIVER

To help narrow down your choice think about the kind of jobs you’ll be doing and how often you’ll be using it.

• Entry level: For occasional use on simple jobs and light home maintenance, like hanging pictures, curtain rails, or installing door handles.
• Mid-range: Will suit more experienced DIYers, or those starting out in the trade. They’ll be more robust, with a few more features. Suits projects like building a deck, a fence, or renovating your home.
• Heavy-duty: If you’re in the trade, are going to be using it a lot, and on big jobs like drilling large holes, driving in long screws or coach screws through hard timber, or mixing up paint or plaster – then you’ll need something more heavy duty.

Experienced DIYers and professionals will generally have both a drill, and an impact driver. If you’re doing a lot of driving, then you’ll need an impact driver as you’ll over-work your drill trying to use it to drive in a lot of longer screws.

BATTERY VS CORDED

Corded

• Corded models might suit if you’re working in one location, like a workshop or shed.

Battery powered

• Most drills and impact drivers these days are battery powered.
• Battery technology has improved greatly and they’ll last for long periods of time.
• Portable, with no lead to get in the way.
• The battery can usually be used on other tools in the brand’s range. Battery basics
• Voltage (V): determines how much power a battery can deliver. Higher voltage batteries are more powerful. Lower voltages are fine for light work.
• Amperage hours (Ah): the higher the amperage hours the longer the battery will last between charges – good if you’re using it for long periods.
• Types of battery: Lithium Ion batteries are now standard. They deliver more consistent power for longer and can be recharged more than Ni-Cad batteries.
• Multi Volt batteries: automatically switch between 18v – 36v depending on the tool it’s fitted to.

DRILL – MAIN FEATURES

• Variable speed trigger: gives you more control.
• Forward & reverse function.
• Speed setting: use a high speed for drilling holes, or lower speed for driving in screws – this gives you more control and doesn’t use as much battery power.
• Drill, screw, and a hammer setting for drilling into concrete.
• Chuck: holds the bit in place, it’s keyless making it easy to change bits.
• Torque setting: adjusts the torque, or rotational force of the drill. This gives you control so you don't strip a screw or overdrive it. It controls how far your screw will penetrate the timber.
• Battery level indicator.
• LED light: so you can see what you’re doing in dim areas.
• Brushless motor: lower maintenance, and your tool lasts longer.
• Charger: if you’re going to be using your battery all day consider a fast charger. Some chargers can detect if a battery is faulty, and won’t charge it. Some also have a fan, which cools down the battery whilst it’s charging.

IMPACT DRIVER – MAIN FEATURES

Impact drivers are smaller and generally don’t have as many features as a drill, because their sole purpose is driving in screws or coach screws.

• Quick release chuck.
• Variable speed trigger: gives you more control.
• Forward & reverse.
• LED light: so you can see what you’re doing in dim areas.
• They’re very high torque. Some models allow this to be adjusted with a button.

DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER SAFETY

• Always use eye protection.
• Use ear protection for impact driver
• Avoid loose clothing.
• Tie back long hair.
• Remember to turn your charger off after use.
• Use an RCD if using a corded model outdoors.

HOW TO USE A DRILL & IMPACT DRIVER

Choose the right bit or attachment

There are a number of different jobs you can do with a drill and impact driver, and there is a bit or attachment to suit - so make sure you’re using the right one for the job.

Select the right settings for the job

• If drilling a hole, select the drill setting, and the high speed setting.
• If drilling into masonry, select the hammer setting.
• If driving a screw, select the right torque setting. Generally, the smaller the screw the lower torque you’ll need.

Pre-drilling

• When screwing timber close to its edge it is best practice to pre-drill a hole so the timber doesn’t split.
• Choose a drill bit that is the same size as the interior shaft of your screw, and drill a hole.
• Then choose a driver bit to fit the type of screw you’re using.

Driving in a screw

• Make sure your screw is on a 90 degree angle to your timber.
• Squeeze the trigger gently, not all the way down, then increase power if needed.

Countersinking

This attachment pre-drills a hole into the timber, and allows your screw to be attached flush with the surface of your timber, or slightly below its surface.

Spade bit

• A spade bit allows you to drill wider and deeper holes than most standard drill bits can achieve.
• Handy for drilling holes through framing for pipes or wires, or large bolts.

Auger

• Does a similar job to a spade bit.
• Is faster, and has a rougher finish.

Hole saw

• Can drill wider holes through timber.
• Use a heavy-duty tool.
• Start with a lower speed, then increase.
• Drill halfway through your board, then flip it over and drill from the other side. This will prevent the wood from blowing out.

Landscape screw

• Pre-drill if driving a screw close to the edge.
• Use an impact driver with a higher torque setting.

Tiles

• Use a masonry bit to drill through a tile.
• Using masking tape will ensure the bit doesn’t slide around.

Metal

• Use a metal bit, on a slower speed.
• Use a centre punch to create an indentation on the of the metal so the bit doesn’t slide around.