Impact Driver vs Combi Drill vs SDS Drill - what's the difference?

Today we're looking at the fundamental difference between an Impact Driver, Combi Drill and SDS Drill. Once you get your head around how these tools work you'll be able to make a much better decision as to which one to use for which job and whether you need all three of them. Spoiler, if you're anything from a keen DIY'er to a professional trades person I would suggest you have all three of these. Each one has a purpose from drilling holes though to driving bolts and screws. A very Merry Christmas from the Mac family! x
Video about my classic SDS drill: • A look at the classic ...
How an Impact Driver works: • Slow Motion - How an I...
You can find all the products I talked about here:
gosforthhandyman.com/products...
NEWSLETTER: gosforthhandyman.com/newsletter
PATREON: / gosforthhandyman
SHOP: gosforthhandyman.com/shop/
EXTRA STUFF ON THE WEB: gosforthhandyman.com
INSTA: / gosforthhandyman
TWITTER: / gosforthandy
#DIY #Drills #Tools

[@JuiceBanger1]

I've all 3 and when building my shed this summer I discovered that a impact driver will drive a 2 inch screw through your finger , right through it, just as you realise what you've done. Some power in it. It also reverses out of your finger at variable speed to release yourself from the shed frame. 🤕😭

[@michaellionart3675]

JuiceBanger1 argh man that’s mint. Got me laughing thank you 😂. Hope you’re ok now tho x

[@JuiceBanger1]

@@michaellionart3675 it taught me about hand positions! Thankfully I'm better now

[@GosforthHandyman]

Awww nasty! I've done that with a drill before - oops! 😂👍

[@chrisoldman295]

I lasted ages not buying an impact driver.. always thought my combi drill was just fine. Until.. I bought one. I have never looked back! Hands down the best tool I own

[@Mark...]

I was the exact same, now couldn’t be without it.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah - they're amazing. Wouldn't be without mine! 👍

[@ironpirate8]

Not only for the ease of screwdriving, but for all the times you want a pilot bit in your combi drill, and you're using the two side by side.

[@MrBishbashbosh2012]

What brand did you buy? I have a DeWalt combi, I borrowed a mates impact driver and it was amazing! I do general diy and try as much as possible to do some joinery. Does anyone know how Screwfix own brands differ?

[@chrisoldman295]

MrBishbashbosh2012 I bought Makita.. from B&Q when they was doing there stock change. Screwfix always have offers on Dewalt and Makita.. you just have to keep checking to get the best deal 👍🏼

[@claussa]

Godsend! Ive watched 100s of these channels. This handyman youtuber is the best. The eye for details, exactness, versatility, the indepth explanations while keeping them as short possible simultaneously, even the graphics, the f.. jazz and the dry humor. THE BEST!

[@54lespaul77]

I went with Makita impact/drill two pack years ago, and haven’t been disappointed. I also got their 36 volt blower, hedge trimmer and portable vacuum. All have been tremendous over the years.

[@PeterPetersNL]

I bought a Bosch SDS drill in 1985 when I moved into a house with concrete walls. Except for changing the switch because it was filled with dust, I never had any problems with it. I even used it to drill big holes though walls and floors for plumbing and electrical conduits.

[@mugsterr5269]

I know more about all three particularly about the mechanism used in impact drivers. This is a clear, informative tutorial worth the 19 minutes.

[@mc-yt2rc]

what a fantastic video. I have all three, and use them regularly, I found out how to use them properly over time, I wish you were about 20 years ago!! Merry christmas to you and your family.

[@charlottea3773]

Brilliant, thank you, great to see the different drills in different surfaces.

[@strobie42]

Thanks for that, I was wondering why the "hammer" setting on a combi drill doesn't replace an SDS drill, and you've answered that perfectly!

[@GosforthHandyman]

There you have it Craig! 😀👍🌲

[@XX0ST]

The moment I bought an impact driver I never looked back. You're definitely right about combi drills though, I was helping my brother with some landscaping and needed to move a washing line bracket, an SDS was so needed my poor combi struggled so much, next tools on list is an SDS though alongside a multi-tool!

[@cheetahxs]

i watched this video several times already. Everytime, i learned some new things watching it again..

[@almostanengineer]

Having both an impact, and a combi is also good when your making cabinets etc, because you can have a pilot drill in the combi, and the driver but in the impact.

[@mumihp]

Thanks, very informative video. Female diyer here, mainly, use the blue bosch tools and ryobi tools. I agree with you, you should have all 3. I finally managed to pick up the bosch bare unit sds during black friday. My bosch drill is able to go through wall but worried I may burn it out and want the drill to last as long as I can. The sds will differently come in handy when I move into my own home, especially when I need to mount curtain rails, tv ect. I wanted to get a sds drill for a long time but they are pretty heavy and wanted one that was cordless. The BF deal was great for me, since I already own the battery and drill. Also, always get quality drill bits because I had cheap ones break on me. They are expensive, but worth it, best to pick them up during sale or even black Friday.

[@PaulWoodJatobaFilms]

Merry Christmas Andy, and to your family! Looking forward to next years videos....

[@steveh7866]

I'd still add a large hand brace in the kit as a back up, for when you just need extra torque, when you need to run silent (sleeping bairns, nebby neighbours or just a late finish) or when you've got power/battery issues. Something like a Yankee Bell Systems brace will chuck anything: for less able (but therefore much cheaper) chucks can get adapters easily enough.

[@paultipton743]

I have a set of 10.8 Makita combi and impact drill/drivers using a long dewalt screw sleeve for the screws works well and stops screws from dropping out especially on the new Dimplex quantum storage heaters where you need a longer screwdrive. Impact driver is great for getting out tight screws. I also got the 18volt combi with the socket screw drivers & drill bit set plus 36 volt Makita Sds even used it for chisel bits.

[@alastairwallis9499]

HI Andy. I took your advice a few months ago and brought a SDS drill. It's brilliant. Wished I had got one years ago. Have a good Christmas and a happy new year. Cheers

[@GosforthHandyman]

They're a game changer. Cheers bud - and to you and yours! 👍🌲

[@DjGiluk]

Such an informative video - great refresher for the avaerage DIYer

[@richardgadsby6642]

Thank you for this information!

[@scottrowland7448]

Just what I've needed, especially the battery tip. I have 2 out off 3 and was on the fence about a impact driver. Happy Christmas.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries - Merry Christmas to you and yours too! 👍😀

[@RobReynolds]

That was really helpful. That's probably the most useful video I've watched on KZbin Thanks

[@GosforthHandyman]

Glad it was useful! It's going to be fundamental for some vids I've got planned for 2020. 👍😀

[@SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK]

I'm on the Bosch platform and have both the 12v and 18v twin set combo and impact sets.... and just recently picked up the 18v bosch ads. This isn't a 'brand love' comment.... I just happen to be a bocsh user but I'm very very happy with all drills/drivers in my set. Merry Christmas Andy and thanks fir all your content.... Looking forward to seeing more of you in the new year. 👍

[@JC-om6vk]

Great video again mate… …I can’t remember the name of the film (or “fillem” as the lads from the North East say! 😊 ) where Denzil Washington says something like “Explain it to me like I’m a 5 year old”….but that’s exactly what you do in most of your videos. It’s the best compliment I can give you. Whether it’s a pro or an amateur watching your videos, we’ll learn a thing of two. You explain things simply and concisely, and - most importantly - you’re not too far up your own arse to show when you make the odd mistake or two. People appreciate that! I’m sure I speak for many of your subscribers (of which I’m now one) in wishing you all the best with future projects. Keep up the good work!

[@jimcoogan1529]

Thanks Andy. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Jim - and to you and yours! 😀🌲

[@RED97761]

Thank you for such great information.

[@drmkiwi]

Good stuff, thanks. Not sure how many hours I wasted using a vibrating drill for masonry and then discovering how easy it was with an SDS. My SDS also has a regular chuck so can also use non SDS bits - very handy when I need a powerful drill going into dense timbers etc. Good explanation describing the "hammer" on a combi drill providing vibration. All the best for Christmas and more importantly 2020. Cheers, David

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff! Yeah, it's a huge difference. Thank you David - and to you and yours! 👍😀

[@darrolmcroberts8614]

Merry Christmas Andy all the best for 2020

[@alanmullock381]

Have a cracking Christmas Andy!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Alan - and to you and yours bud! 😀👍🌲

[@louisd95714]

Thank you for your clear, thought out video. For us folks in the United States, the video was made in the UK, so the terminology is a bit different. In the US, a combi drill is known as a regular drill, or hammer drill, and the SDS drill is known as a rotary hammer. I'm in the US, but I prefer the way the UK calls them. It makes much more sense

[@lesjames5191]

Merry Christmas Andy, hope you your lass and the bairn have a great time. 🙂

[@jimc9596]

Excellent vid. Love Makita, first time I used one I was sold

[@irhgsy]

Another top class video, many thanks. My brand of choice is Bosch and their impact driver is on the Christmas list! Hope Father Christmas is listening. Merry Christmas and thanks again for really interesting videos.

[@brianfield792]

great video andy, such good info,always wondered what the difference was, have a great Christmas,brian,

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Brian - and to you and yours! 😀👍

[@paulschwartz6074]

Extremely informative and helpful video -- thanks. I'd love a follow-up video on torque settings for the combi-drill, and gear/speed settings for the impact driver. Happy Holidays.

[@felixreali7101]

thanks Andy, I've always wondered about this. clearly explained here :-) cheers (Merry Christmas btw)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Merry Christmas to you and yours too Felix! 👍🌲

[@peterdevine3209]

Off to buy an impact drill!! Thanks for the guide

[@backintheworkshop954]

Yea, Merry Christmas Andy I'm just starting out so very useful vid. 😊

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries - it'll be useful for some vids coming in the new year. 😀👍

[@paulmantegna76]

Merry Christmas and thank you for the past year of videos. All the best for the New Year. Being a "Home Gamer" my tools are Ryobi combi drill and impact driver. My SDS is an Ozito an Australian brand which is identical to Einhell (and actually owned by them).

[@GosforthHandyman]

Your very welcome Paul! And to you and yours! 👍🌲

[@darkrule1]

You now can get impact rated Drill bits for the impact driver. I’ve started to use this more often and it’s basically removed 3/4 of the jobs I would usually use a combi drill for (I tend to use a combi only for when I’m drilling into walls and I need to use a blunt drill bit in case hit a wire or pipe that my scanner hasn’t picked up). Milwaukee do a great selection of hex shank drill bits for the impact driver.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Chris! Although see my vid I did a while back about the DeWalt impact bits that got discontinued - loads of folk saying they kept snapping. Might have been a dodgy batch. 👍😀

[@chrisjudge31]

Nice work. Merry Christmas

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Chris! And to you and yours! 👍🌲😀

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Thanks for that...I have all 3 in Makita, paid for themselves times over!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Great video mate - have a good Christmas 👍

[@dannymurphy1779]

Charlie is too modest to say he has a great vid on this too, watch how he puts them through their paces on different types of wood. Both GH and his are great vids for us mere mortals :)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Charlie - and to you and yours. Danny - oh wow, great minds! Haven't seen it - that will be on my viewing for tomorrow. Charlie's channel is awesome. 👍😀🌲

[@CharlieDIYte]

@@GosforthHandyman Danny that's incredibly kind of you. Funnily enough I had something similar planned but Andy's beaten me to it and done a better job than I would have!! It's a great video to get out there because I still have people telling me that you can turn a combi into an impact simply by switching on the hammer action but as Andy points out, the hammer action is totally different. There's a lot of confusion out there and unfortunately the DIY shops in the main don't really help to inform and educate. Have a great Christmas 👍

[@CharlieDIYte]

@@GosforthHandyman Hi Andy, you raise an interesting fact in this vid, which is relevant to a bit of a disagreement I'm having with someone in my comments feed (who thinks the impact has become a total drill replacement). You say in your video that the hammer action on your Makita impact works in line with the screw, or to put it another way, into the wall like a more typical hammer action on a combi drill, as well as in the direction the screw is turning - which would suggest the impact is becoming a drill cross over. I thought the percussive blows on an impact only work in the direction the screw is turning. Can you shed some light on this? Cheers mate. 👍

[@SKTWoodDesign]

Great and informative video. Thank You!

[@Oli_Hudson]

Happy Christmas Andy

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you - and to you and yours! 👍🌲

[@alasdairmackenzie515]

Just finishing a 20 X 12 ft workshop. COULDN'T have done it without the impact driver.. Dewalt but more by accident than design - might have gone with Makita if I wasn't kinda tied to the batteries... All the best to you and your family. Andy!

[@Size15s]

Merry Christmas Andy! I invested in 12V Bosch before M12 Milwaukee stuff appeared in the UK so I can't afford to change colours now. But I've got a little 12V Makita CXT SDS+ Drill that makes general use into house brick walls a joy compared to the Bosch 12v combi 'hammer' drill I had been using. I expect the Milwaukee M12 alternative is good. I actually prefer the Bosch Flexiclick drill-driver over the impact driver for general assembly tasks as it is clutched. WERA bit holders are the best I've found so far although long torx bits from PB Swiss are working very well for me. Great video content - thanks!

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries - cheers Alastair! 👍😀

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi Andy another brilliant video thank you

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud! 👍😀

[@Subfightr]

The best explanation on KZbin.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Thank you! 👍

[@billconiston8091]

Great Video Andy and Happy Xmas! couple of notes - the 12v impact drivers (from a decent brand) can be a great option too, they are very light and handle most of the usual DIY duties as required so worth considering if you already have a 12v drill otherwise not really worth it due to having to buy battery and charger. My Hitachi one has been excellent. Totally agree on the lighter battery, much more comfortable and better balanced to use. On SDS drills - they are fantastic tools as you mention, I've got the cheap one from Screwfix (Titan) and it's been punished over my house refurb but has been fantastic. So if your on the fence a cheap SDS drill is much better than no SDS drill!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Great stuff Bill! Yeah, the way impacts are designed the battery power has very little to do with the torque since all the force is coming from the spring decompressing. The motor just 'charges up' the spring for the next hit... so the lighter the better in my view! 👍😀

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Great video and explanation Andy, I'd love to buy an impact driver and may do in the future but only being a hobbyist the battery would probably stuff up with the relative lack of use. I have 2 good Bosch drill/drivers where the batteries just won't charge up any more/

[@poohbears1995]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries! 👍👍

[@ningis21]

All the best.... Thanks for your efforts.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries - and to you! 👍🌲

[@geoffreycasey875]

Great video as always Happy Christmas from Ireland. 🍀🇮🇪

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud - a very Merry Christmas and happy new year to Ireland too! 👍🌲

[@Orgakoyd]

My dad bought a old Bosch SDS drill (from 2004) on Facebook in 2020 that was ''for repair'' for £5. It made a exploding sound when we pressed the button and stopped. A £13 replacement electrical part off eBay later and it has worked flat out on 3 house renovations! (I think it was the input filter or something? it looked clearly brunt when I opened it). Of course he found this drill 1 week after he bought a brand new Bosch and used it once! So the new one is just sitting as a spare.

[@theartistformallyknownasdi5338]

Great vid Andy, we now need a test Tuesday on bits! PS, I'm on blue Bosch for everything .

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud - there's an idea! 👍😂

[@paulmorris2690]

Great video. Hope you have a good Christmas mate ATB Paul

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Paul - and to you and yours too! 🌲😀

[@PowerToolsForBeginners]

tnks great video

[@MystiqWisdom]

Used my "hammer" drill (metal chuck and all) to drill about five holes into concrete each about 2" deep. My hands and arms were killing me by the end and they all took forever. Tonight, I am researching SDS drills. Probably going to go with the corded Bosch Bulldog because of the good price on Amazon.

[@RueFondary]

I have these 3 tools in Bosch blue (Various 18V combi drills + a corded GSB 21-2RCT on a Wabeco drill stand , a GBH 2-24H 2.7J SDS driver, and a GDX 18VEC impact + socket driver), as well as in the Parkside variety (including a 5J SDS driver)… largely as a result of owning batteries from these 2 platforms... All work well, despite the price difference. One piece of advice for those who use impact drivers is to get bits designed for them, as the regular ones are not impact resistant and will break quite often! Happy holidays!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Good tips! Happy holidays too! 😀👍

[@hansdegroot8549]

Can you recommend the Parkside SDS drill? Or is not worth its money?

[@RueFondary]

The Parkside PBH 1500 D4 which I have was very good value for the money (5J, with a case and a few accessories including SDS bits and a regular chuck)… It's not a precision tool by any means but has been trouble free and is quite powerful. I seem to recall there is a newer version of it with the same specs. In some countries, but not in the UK, Parkside is also selling a cordless 'performance' SDS drill which seems pretty nice (I'd avoid the regular X20 model in the expectation that the 'performance' version will make it to the UK sooner or later).

[@hansdegroot8549]

@@RueFondary Thanks for your quick reply. I'll have a look at LIDL. Even in Slovakia they have an internet-shop now so no need to wait anymore till it comes to the classic shop.

[@almostanengineer]

I picked Makita because at the time I purchased, they had a deal on the Impact and a Combi with two 3Ah batteries for a decent price, in comparison to the DeWalt equivalent that cost more money, and only had 2Ah

[@stevebosun7410]

Hi Andy, a very comprehensive comparison, thank you. I might have been worth mentioning the difference between SDS & SDS Plus. I'm sure it's not magic, but why doesn't the SDS hammer knock seven bells out of the end of the SDS bit, and why two different slots in the end? For me, the big advantage with SDS is drilling concrete, because it makes such light work of the flints in the mix, which a hammer (vibrator) drill doesn't. Seasons greetings to you and your family. Looking forward to your 2020 content.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Steve! I might keep that for a future video. 👍😀

[@matthewcollins5806]

I got all 3 but also i got the 10.8v drill and impact as well and i find that the 10.8v impact is better in real tight spaces but yes i always say have a 18v and a 10.8v as well and what people do not know or not everyone is that you can use a sds drill bit in a non sds drill i just find them so much better when drilling in walls but you did miss out the impact wrench that also have a 1/4 hex as well on newer models that said i use my makita all the time Have a great Christmas Great videos as always look forward to seeing the next one

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Matthew - and to you and yours! 👍😀

[@arbyars.chicksawdust]

The Information is good. Just for your info, the XT218, Makita Combi Drill Impact Driver Set in all versions has been discontinued in the US. Thanks.

[@hansdegroot8549]

Only now I had time to watch this very informative video. Thanks for sharing. So much good information. Till now I only own a combi-drill. Finally I understand why drilling holes in concrete with it takes ages. And now I finally understand why I need an SDS drill. One thing I don't understand, nearly at the end: Does a 4Ah battery (for the Impact driver, but I think in general) give more power than a 1,5Ah or will the (same, because both 18V) power last longer? Merry Christmas and a fantastic year 2020.

[@gebear1]

Merry Christmas Andy.....

[@GosforthHandyman]

Merry Christmas too! 🌲😀

[@watkins1robert]

Have a very Merry Christmas!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Robert - and to you and yours! 🌲👍

[@idlersdream826]

Great video Andy, my preferred tools are the Bosch Professional range and I have pretty much the equivalent of your Makitas, plus a smaller Bosch 10.8v screwdriver. Happy Xmas and New Year!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud! Bosch make good kit - my palm router and multi-cutter are Bosch. 👍🌲

[@leesmart1971]

Nice to see a practical demonstration of why it's good to have one common battery system...... "Oops, forgot to charge my impact driver. Nae bother, I'll use the battery off my combi-drill." Happened to me many a time. I use the Bosch pair of devices. Love 'em. The impact driver totally revolutionised my DIY and woodworking. Unfortunately, a mate is borrowing it to do a loft-conversion. Not sure I'll ever get it back.. :-(

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha, yes. I should really have been a bit more organised on the battery charging front. 😂👍

[@davebarnes6131]

Hi Andy have used SDS drill to driver coach screw until i invested in impact wrench .My first impact driver 16 oz hammer ha ha have a great Christmas

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud - and to you and yours! 👍🌲

[@George-iy8dd]

Great video. Thanks. Can I use hex drill bits in my combi drill or would I be better off sticking with the normal round bits?

[@placacentrocasamania]

Feliz Navidad a todos Gerardo

[@GosforthHandyman]

Merry Christmas to you too! 😀👍🌲

[@Shankar6791]

Many thanks mate. Very good presentation for anyone to understand. Just a quick question...what's the difference between SDS drill versus hammer drill...noted these confusing name in Toolstation.... I guess both are the same...many thanks

[@UberAlphaSirus]

I bought the Makita likkle baby impact, 10.8v, had it 5 years, second set of batteries, I rebuilt them with better cells, now they are 2.5ah rather than 1.3ah, cost £6 per battery. Bath tap back nuts, I haven't sworn in 5 years taking them off, lol. Great little driver. I use the back to hammer plugs in too!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha - no, don't use your drill as a hammer like I do!! 😂🌲

[@UberAlphaSirus]

She's fine, she loves it! I have smashed the back of her on plugs, studs, pvc beads. The shine has gone of her looks, like 90 year old meth addict. 6 years now, she is still cracking nuts.

[@kevpick9956]

I've bought lots of these tools and I'd have to insist get the better tool pay the extra bit. Better tool = less time. Time is everything. The impact driver is a luxury but if you've got a lot of fasteners to drive get it. The only problem I've ever had with them is I've spin the head off screws a few times because the impact driver doesn't show any struggle.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yeah, you need to use decent screws or the impact will just eat them up. 😀👍

[@BigDan1190]

I've been using the Parkside (Lidl) 20v impact driver for the last year or two and its been brilliant, for £37 including battery and charger you really can't go wrong. I've asked Santa for the Makita DTD152z for Christmas though, so i can share batteries with my Combi drill and only need one charger. But for those on a budget, i can't recommend the Parkside one enough :)

[@GosforthHandyman]

Fantastic stuff - I need to check out the Parkside when I get a chance. A few people have mentioned they're decent! 👍😀

[@hansdegroot8549]

That's good news. I'm a big Parkside fan. I don't have an impact driver yet.

[@lurch003]

Hey Andy, have you tried one of the chuck attachments for the impact driver? Apologies if you've been asked before... Tempted to get one and wondered if you've tried it?

[@tomlittle1125]

Hi Andy, I've never had a an impact driver, always used my combi drill, but i may treat myself after watching your vid. Can you tell me if removing screws is easier with an impact driver, I usually start with a normal hand screw driver and tap it with a hammer to start the screw, then remove it completely with the combi drill/driver. A tip I received from my father is when trying to remove an old screw say from a door hinge is to slightly tighten it a very small way and then unscrew it.

[@michaellionart3675]

Health & Happiness to you fellah from NE12

[@GosforthHandyman]

Fellow North Easterner! And to you and yours! 👍😀

[@SlackersIndustry]

yeah then you git the impact wrench that looks similar then drills without impact , rotary drills, and doesn't help that some are named similar like that sds that i believe is rotary hammer drill and the sds is the type of locking the bit down very confusing. this video helps but maybe a part 2 with the rest of them that look alike, plus a bigger battery does make a difference in power. great video thanks

[@sawdustandsurvival]

What about big corded combi drills that aren't SDS? Such as the Bosch GSB 19-2? Similar size to an SDS, has hammer mode, but it's not SDS. What would you use one of these for?

[@robharrison1252]

Brill video i just wondering would you do a video of the accessories for 3 drills ie whats the best and value for money sds drill bits impact bits and combi bits i think that would be a good video

[@Ambienfinity]

Impact driver: that looks like the sort of tool I'd do more damage than good with!

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha - you've gotta be careful with it! 👍😀

[@Ambienfinity]

I know my limitations!

[@gav2759]

Used my Panasonic impact everyday for 11 years. It is immortal... well I've probably put the kibosh on it now!...Hope Santa's good to you.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers bud! Don't jinx it! 😂👍🌲

[@chipperkeithmgb]

I have had a Panasonic impact driver for years love it

[@Subfightr]

What do you use the torque setting for on the combi drill? I think it's torque... The large 1 speed, 2 speed setting.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I normally use 1 when drilling metal and 2 for wood... generally. 👍

[@garethshallcross6135]

I have alway hated my impact screwdriver. Andy, you have made it clear to me why I persist with my Dewalt Driver.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Gotta love the impact driver! 😂👍

[@adamdiaz8442]

On the combi drill what does the percussion mean

[@thatsuaveraptor4297]

I've got a Dewalt DCD796 18v combi drill and it goes through Concrete and brick with no issues. I installed the anchor bolts for my garden fence to a solid brick wall, and each hole took all of 8 or 10 seconds. So im not sure where the "half hour per hole" statement came from?

[@thatsuaveraptor4297]

@1066Rider lol probably, i use Dewalt Extreme masonry brad point bits. Those are the only ones I've ever bought so i don't have anything to reference them against i guess

[@GosforthHandyman]

SDS is still significantly faster - especially bigger holes in old Victorian brick. These can be very hard.

[@craftsmanmk8499]

I have observed something interesting. Maybe you have an answer. In UK, almost all your drills are combi drills with hammer. For example Bosch names those with GSB. In Germany you can barely find combi drills GSB, but you can find GSR, which is without the hammer option. Why is that? If you are woodworker, furniture maker, you don't need hammer (which is barely useful on small drill anyhow), but what you need is compactness. And hammer option makes the drill longer which is not preferable.

[@ironpirate8]

That is interesting. If you're a builder with a battery SDS and a battery combi, you also almost never use the hammer function on your combi drill.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Interesting! I don't have much experience of German houses but a lot of the ones I've been in have had concrete walls? Wonder if SDS is just the natural choice over a combi with hammer action? Wasn't SDS invented in Germany - originally Stecken Drehen Sichern? Not sure! 👍😀🌲

[@craftsmanmk8499]

@@GosforthHandyman Yes, most of the houses are concrete, and that's the reason SDS would be natural choice. Hammer on the combi drill would be basically useless. I don't know history, but I will not be surprised if SDS was German invention. Just read, The SDS bit was developed in 1975 by Hilti and Bosch. The name comes from the German "Stecken - Drehen - Sichern" (Insert - Twist - Secure).

[@Andrew-gu7kf]

Are you using Phillips bits for this demo? Yikes! I thought it was Christmas not Halloween. Wishing you the best in the coming year.

[@GosforthHandyman]

No - Pozi. 👍

[@justintemp]

2 questions, cordless or corded sds? And how does it compare to the hammer action power tools for masonry work?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cordless corded - depends on lots of factors, are you already invested in a battery platform, already have spare batteries, budget etc. I'd probably say cordless but corded still has a place. Not sure what you mean about the 2nd Q - do you have a link?

[@justintemp]

@@GosforthHandyman new set, so not tied to any brand. With black Friday might be worth getting a new set. Also, is batrery Ahr a key factor? Likes if ryobi sell kits but with 2Ah max and I'm not sure that will hold up with DIY of putting uo partition wall for study... I mean these www.argos.co.uk/product/7235548

[@littlewingpilot]

Will the SDS drill work very well drilling bedrock?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Should do - depends how hard the bedrock is but next step up would probably be diamond drilling? 👍

[@yusuihang]

I'm pretty sure impact driver doesn't have axial hammer--only rotational hammer. I used to think it has axial hammer also. But it's basically same as an impact wrench (used for bolt fastening) with a different anvil. If you look at parts diagram of dewalt impact driver and 3/8" impact wrench, it's the same internal parts except for the anvil. Bosch has a combo impact wrench/driver tool now, which has an anvil that will except either 1/2" socket or hex driver bits. It uses the same rotational hammer for both.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Nope, defo has axial hammer! See link in description to vid of one working from the inside 👍

[@yusuihang]

@@GosforthHandyman I watched the video in your description. I think you need to take a closer look at it. It describes axial energy that is stored in the spring. However that axial energy is converted into a rotational (only) force. The axial movement does not actually strike the anvil. It is converted into a rotational movement that actually makes contact. It is exactly like described in other videos provided by manufacturers. Don't want to argue the point with you. If you've taken a close look at your referenced video and disagree with me, then we disagree. Peace.

[@timh5529]

So, is there ever a reason to buy a mains percussion drill over an sds drill?

[@ironpirate8]

Do you mean a percussion hammer drill with a normal keyed/keyless chuck? No, I would say not, though I'm not sure you get such a thing. They tend to be rotary hammers. Sorry if I misunderstood the question.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I must admit I haven't looked in to this recently. I have a mains normal hammer drill (essentially a mains combi drill). I just keep it as a backup really. It's very high torque so good if you've got a log of big holes to drill with wood bits. E.g. lots of holes in treated fence posts with a 20mm spade bit - my combi would struggle with that and the SDS doesn't have the RPM. Just my 2 cents though. 👍

[@timh5529]

@@GosforthHandyman These are the types of drills I'm referring to. Just straight percussion with no hammer action like you said. I've found they are next to useless for any kind of hard masonry. www.screwfix.com/p/makita-hp1631k-2-710w-electric-percussion-drill-240v/46545 So really if an sds drill can do everything and more. Is there ever a reason to buy these? Other than like you said, for just drilling wood. (but again, an sds drill can do that.)

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

I have done that exactly. I have a Bosch cordless combi drill and a Bosch mains powered hammer drill, not an SDS one. I live in an 1880s-1890s house in London, so all the walls - even the internal partitions - are brick, and it is a much tougher variety of brick than those used in modern houses. In the basement there is a concrete floor. The mains powered drill has no problem with it when I need to drill into the brick or that floor. It is certainly a lot slower than an SDS and if I were frequently drilling brick and/or needed to drill concrete a lot I would get an SDS. However my main uses for my drills is making holes in wood and driving screws in a wide variety of sizes, from 8mm length upwards. I'd say for occasional brick and concrete drilling a standard mains hammer drill is fine, if you're going to do it a lot get an SDS drill. If you're going to do professional work with installations etc then the SDS will pay for itself within a single large job. I am hobby woodworker and although I make things fairly frequently I am never in a hurry. If I went professional the SDS would be bought before I placed any ads.

[@GosforthHandyman]

What Fire Angel said 👍. The RPM of mains hammer drills is much higher than SDS - roughly double from the ones I've looked at. One other thing (I can feel a video coming on about this) is that the non-SDS is probably a bit more accurate for the less experienced. The SDS bit can tend to jump about a bit and takes a bit getting used to. The normal hammer drill doesn't do this... but takes longer (and harder on the arms). Plus the quality of the drill bits is a massive factor too. 👍👊

[@craigwalker5032]

I've never struggled in the slightest drilling into brick with a combi and a decent drill bit?

[@keithfrost1190]

Nor me. Only when drilling into reinforced concrete (i.e. lintels etc.) have I had problems with a drill/driver.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Seriously? 14mm holes in to Victorian brick - not a chance with my combi. 😂😂

[@hansdegroot8549]

@@GosforthHandyman Brick has never been a problem with my combi-drill. For brick I even don't use the "hammer" (which is no hammer) function. And it has only 600 Watt Those dino's (corded) are (much) more powerful than battery-operated ones, imho.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Victorian brick? Honestly, that stuff is a different animal - it's like drilling granite. 😂👊

[@fijtips112]

Surprised you didn't demonstrate how the impact driver works by using a manual impact screwdriver and a hammer! (I know you've got one somewhere - we all have!)

[@mikeclewlow6510]

Don't use an impact driver. A lot of big sites they are not allowed. Unless you have the new fangled oil cooled impact drivers. I only use regular drills for all my work. But I only do interior fit outs. Kitchens and alcove units. Sds yes I agree that's always in my fitting kit.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Interesting! Why aren't they allowed on some sites? 👍

[@timh5529]

@@GosforthHandyman noise I would imagine.

[@mikeclewlow6510]

@@GosforthHandyman noise and HAVS that's why some of the new models are oil dsmpered

[@awantamta]

That was very useful but now I have to go and spend more money

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha - sorry Tahir! Cheers bud! 👍😀

[@p_mouse8676]

Since torx screws are becoming the standard here, I'm actually barely using my impact driver anymore.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Where abouts are you? Didn't know Torx were standard anywhere! 😂👍

[@p_mouse8676]

@@GosforthHandyman In the Netherlands. Actually most woodscrews are now Torx. I used to curse the hell out of them. But I am getting used to it and the amount of extra clamping force you get out of them is actually pretty significant. And no dull bits anymore!

[@GosforthHandyman]

@1066Rider if people need what explanation?

[@GosforthHandyman]

@@p_mouse8676 Interesting! They're readily available over here but I'd say Pozi is standard in the UK. Although depends on the trade though - a lot of window fitters etc. use Torx these days. Both are good. 👍👊

[@timh5529]

@@GosforthHandyman I've found that electricians tend to use Robertson screws a lot for things like back boxes.

[@superiorbeing95]

Some boring bits in this video! Merry Christmas Andy, my favourite are Milwaukee, twice the torque than most of the Dewalts and Makitas, I also have their 12v impact, drill and screwdriver, really small and powerful enough for 95% of the stuff anybody does about the house.

[@GosforthHandyman]

I'll take it up a gear in future so it's doesn't lose its impact. 😂😂🌲

[@graemescott4825]

Hi Andy. Good video. I've been using an SDS drill for about 9 years ( 1930's house - super hard brickwork ). About 3 years ago I saw this video: vimeo.com/7917029 & took note of it. The next time I used the SDS it caught in a wall tie & kicked violently. If I hadn't been holding it as the video instructed I reckon I'd have been nursing a broken wrist & jaw & whatever other injuries being thrown off the stepladder would have caused. Thanks for the info you provide & it's nice to hear the accent ( I'm from South Shields but haven't lived in the NE for about 30 years ).