Guide to Drill Drivers

DRILL GUIDE

Tool Guide

GUIDE TO DRILL DRIVERS, IMPACT DRIVERS, AND MORE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Whether working at home or the jobsite, a drill will likely be one of your most commonly used tools. It’s an essential item for a wide range of fastening applications involving materials like wood and metal, from home remodeling to smaller DIY tasks. However, there are many types of drills to choose from, and you may be unsure which is best for the project at hand.

We’ve put together this guide to help you better understand the differences between drill drivers, hammer drills, impact drivers, electric screwdrivers, screw guns, and right angle drills. You’ll find explanations for the primary function of each tool, the tasks they’re best suited for, and products from top brands you can purchase right now to handle all your drilling needs.

Drill Driver

While needs will vary among users, there’s a good chance you’ll get the most use out of your basic drill driver (sometimes simply known as a cordless drill). That’s because the drill driver is one of the most versatile drill types. It can both drill holes and drive screws into various materials, helping to securely fasten pieces together for construction, woodworking, home repair, and other purposes.



Drill drivers also feature expandable chucks which can hold different types of bits based on the size and shape of the hole you need. They may include a clutch as well to adjust the power level. Their cordless design makes them ideal for locations where maneuverability is key. If you anticipate doing a lot of light DIY work at home involving driving screws, drilling holes, setting nuts, tightening bolts, and similar tasks, a drill driver is likely the answer.


There is a large selection of quality drill drivers available from tool brands like DeWALT, Makita, Bosch, Metabo HPT, and more.

Hammer Drills

hammer drill (also known as a percussion drill or impact drill) is similar to a drill driver with the added bonus of hammer functionality. It includes a hammer mechanism that allows it to drill more easily through tough materials such as brick, stone, concrete, and mortar. The hammer action pushes the drill bit in and out as it rotates in order to apply more force to these typically stubborn materials.

Those who need a tool that packs more punch than a drill driver for masonry drilling or similar work would do well to consider a hammer drill. Some models even let you turn the hammer action off and just use it like a regular drill, providing an extra layer of versatility and convenience.


Shop a large assortment of best-selling hammer drills from Bosch, Makita, and DeWALT.

Impact Drivers

The impact driver is generally smaller and lighter than the drill driver but offers significantly more torque or twisting power. This makes an impact driver well-suited to tightening or loosening tougher nuts and bolts, as well as driving fasteners into materials like concrete.

Impact drivers usually aren’t the best choice for general drilling tasks, however, as they aren’t as versatile as drill drivers, which can also handle lighter duties. They’re best suited to situations when you need to drill screws faster and with more power than a standard drill driver, such as construction.


If you need a new impact driver, take a look at great options from DeWALTMetabo HPT, and Makita.

Electric Screwdrivers

An electric screwdriver is exactly what it sounds like: a battery-powered tool that allows you to drive screws much faster than by hand. It operates similarly to a drill driver with a rotating chuck. However, electric screwdrivers aren’t as powerful as regular drills and are generally only good for minor screwdriving tasks, such as drilling screws into an electrical switch plate. If you’re working with small, fragile materials where a more delicate touch is needed, an electric screwdriver may be the right choice for the job. When the task requires more power, you should probably go with a cordless drill.


Looking for an affordable electric screwdriver that’s slim and compact enough to take with you on the go? Consider some great options from DeWALT and Senco.

Screw Guns

Screw guns may look similar to standard drills, but their main purpose is to drive screws rather than drill holes. They’re a bit of a combination between a drill and an electric screwdriver in that they offer screwdriving functionality with some extra power and versatility. Instead of a chuck, screw guns feature an adjustable nose with which you can set the desired driving depth. They’re great for installing drywall, as adjusting the depth with the nose ensures you won’t drive a screw too deep and damage the drywall.


If you're in the market for a new screw gun, Dewalt and Metabo HPT make some solid options.

Right Angle Drills

The first thing you’ll likely notice about a right angle drill is that it has a longer handle and much shorter head than a regular drill. This makes it ideal for reaching into those tight, confined spaces that traditional drills can’t navigate. The head sits at a 90-degree angle, so it’s easier to drill in a small space without the need to hold your arm in an awkward position. Those who work in building construction will certainly get a lot of use out of their right angle drill, especially for drilling in the spaces between joists or beams. Plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and carpenters will also want one in their toolbox.


Makita and DeWALT right angle drills make versatile options for a variety of users.

Finding the Right Drill for the Job

We hope this guide has answered some of your questions about the distinctions between drill drivers, hammer drills, impact drivers, electric screwdrivers, screw guns, and right angle drills. Once you’ve determined the tools that best match your needs, we have a huge selection of new and factory reconditioned drills at great prices from the leading brands.

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