DRILL VS. DRIVER (What's The Difference?!! Cordless Drill Vs. Impact Driver--COMPARISON)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Are you sure you’re using your power tools safely? Avoid the most common (and dangerous) mistakes! Get your FREE guide here 👉 bit.ly/10PowerToolMistakes

[@talaverajr391]

*Pre drilling is not only used to prevent camming out, but also as to not split the wood.

[@uk_siren]

100% alot of people forget this

[@dhyskRand]

That's the only reason I predrill usually.

[@BoneCowboy]

Facts!

[@jasonguthrie3515]

Depends on the bit and the wood but yes. Also drywall screws suck so much.

[@vouvray59]

@@uk_siren A lot. Two words.

[@Alady-nu6qp]

Thank you so much! I am a woman who is introducing myself to electric tools late in life. I bought a "Pink Power" drill a few years ago, I don't use a drill much but Oh! my goodness, they are so much better than using screwdrivers! However, it is not a powerful drill and I am tired of having to borrow my neighbors tools so I am going to purchase myself a full power drill for myself this fall. When I look at the ads, they all say drill/drivers. What in the world does that mean. I want to thank you so MUCH for your direct, simple comparison with visual comparisons. You didn't make a video about yourself, you made it to help people understand the difference between the two tools. You didn't talk unnecessarily and wasting time. You got to the point and I got all the knowledge that I was looking for. Much appreciate you.

[@Dreyno]

Hi, probably late with the information. A drill/driver is just a drill with a clutch. This means you can adjust the force that the motor will slip at. This is to stop you stripping the head of the screw. Older drills did not have this feature and were just called a “drill”. Whilst you could drive screws with them, if the material was hard or you didn’t apply enough force, they destroyed fasteners frequently. Drill/drivers are better for smaller screws and delicate work like furniture etc. Whereas the impact driver are better for big screws (pfnarr) such as decking screws etc.

[@kebers]

As a single, female homeowner I find your videos to be clear and concise and very helpful. I like to fix and build what I can myself to save money and save the big or difficult projects around the house for the professionals. I enjoy doing things myself to fix or improve my home. KZbin and channels like yours has been a huge help answering nagging questions I’ve had as well as questions I didn’t even know to ask! Thank you for your excellent content.

[@reginathomas5172]

Me too

[@TacticalDimples]

@Airbus A380-800 true but in her case, she’s saying she doesn’t have a partner to rely on for home fixes.

[@MsMVH]

Absolutely agree! Doing things I never thought I would, and am enjoying it. I now come to The Honest Carpenter prior, during and after to see what I'm going to do, how I'm doing and after as a final check. Can't tell you how valuable you are in my life! And now I'm understanding the Why's. Thank you so much! Almost finished with one room~ now on the next! 🎨🔨📏🚪🏡

[@incorp2192]

@Airbus A350 her point was obviously that there's no one to help her, no need to be twat

[@incorp2192]

@Manila Vanilla thanks for agreeing hun x

[@Jose-cf4bz]

I’ve watched a dozen of these videos trying to explain this difference. This one was by far the best I’ve seen. Thank you!

[@QuantumCraftingTools]

As a single woman who owns a home, I appreciate your videos for their clarity and usefulness. I enjoy tackling smaller projects on my own to save money, while reserving larger tasks for professionals. Your KZbin channel has been invaluable in addressing my persistent questions and even those I wasn’t aware I had. Thank you for your outstanding content!

[@monkeygraborange]

Should be required watching for all DIYers and most pros! Your explanation was crystal clear!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks buddy! 😄 Been wanting to make this one for a while!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

@monkeygraborange - I thought you only made comments on news channels shooting down liberals . Keep up the good work and ATB .

[@jeffellis6544]

This was really helpful. Just gat a Drill/Driver set & was pretty fuzzy on when to use the Impact Driver. Thx!

[@HJules-cw6fb]

Nice and easy

[@rodrickthompson2799]

I always knew that the 18v was for your basic small jobs! I knew that they lacked that the finishing power. You however explained it perfectly and technically sound why the IMPACT is the next step up!!! It's a finisher and closer!!! Great presentation my guy!!! 💯 ❤️!!!

[@philhiggins4922]

I’ve seen drill and impact drivers advertised a lot. But just thought it was a money making thing for the manufacturers. Thank you so much for being clear and concise on their deliberate, and separate functions.

[@AfnanStudio_]

Drill: Go in there please Driver: I wasn't asking

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

😆

[@tmlovesJesus]

That's what I'm talkin about!!

[@chrisridgway4689]

Best explanation ever!

[@EducatedPaper]

😂😂😂

[@tonyssmarttechandtravel]

😂😂😂

[@evelynwald9132]

Thanks for explaining the difference & how to use the drills. I used one for the first time when I was trying to mount some L brackets to the floor joists to add some ceiling storage. I predrilled with my drill and then tried to put the 2.5 inch screws in. I thought I was going to cry because, the screws wouldn’t go in and I was afraid to use the drill further because of damaging the screw head. I didn’t have the strength to do it by hand, (I’m a 100 lb, 70 year old female) so I asked my neighbor for help. After assessing the situation, he brought in his impact drill. I couldn’t believe the difference, I was able to finish my project by myself which had 10 more screws to do. An amazing tool & thanks for explaining how they operate so clearly. I’m going to get one of my own as I want to put some shelves in my garage.

[@aussiebladerunner]

The best thing I found for using the impact driver was for taking out rusted fasteners. The drill couldn’t budge them but they came out with no effort with the impact driver. That alone changed it from an unused tool to an often used tool.

[@fredalackenspeil9371]

Until it busts the head off the screw! 😢 Happens to me sometimes!

[@kenvng]

@@fredalackenspeil9371 I think that happening to the drill too :( happened to me.

[@Luis-yj8tu]

@@fredalackenspeil9371wd40 and lefty righty

[@sharonhendricks9706]

I love tools! Several years ago I started buying my own....the ones I wanted, not what my husband thought I should have. I got the combo drill driver set but I never knew how or why to use the driver. I had watched lots of guys using one in their videos but never heard why or their purpose. I finally decided to figure it out, first learning curve was to learn how to use the collet! When I successfully used that driver, I fell in love with it! I'm 76 and don't have as much strength as I used to have, especially with my arms raised above my head. I have to get my shoulder behind it when needing to push. Once I figured out that driver.....Katy bar the door! Now, unless I just can't get up high enough to reach where I need to drill, I don't have to ask for, let alone WAIT for someone taller to help me out. This driver is so much easier to use and gets the job done without a lot of frustration from improper use of the drill on my part. Thank you for explaining this tool. I totally understand it all now!

[@jamiepatterson558]

I'm 50, got in the construction field in my 20s, after buying a 100+ year old house that needed tons of work. I was a single mom to 4 sons at the time & wanted to learn to do repairs myself & teach my sons as well. I retired after adopting my last 3 foster babies, but still take on local jobs that interest me. I hope to be doing this at your age. Your true inspiration!

[@sharonhendricks9706]

@@jamiepatterson558 thank you, but you sound like a true inspiration to me. I’ve never HAD to do it, but I’m fortunate to have had a Grandfather who instilled within me that there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do if I wanted to do it. So even today, while I may have slowed down a little, I still do pretty much what I want to do when I want to do it. Thanks for your comment, it made my day.

[@S0rryJaCk]

I just came to see wtf an impact driver is and now i'm subscribing. Thank you for the lesson, sir!

[@bullfrogpondshop3179]

Excellent description of the difference between both tools for beginners! My understanding of the operation of the Impact Driver (ID) is slightly different: When Impact Mode kicks in, the driving mechanism inside slams repeatedly against the shaft. Think of a series of short but powerful high frequency hammer strikes (impacts), only the striking is done in a rotary motion instead of the somewhat linear motion of a hammer strike. Similar to smacking a wrench with a hammer to free a stubborn bolt...only much higher frequency. As a soon-to-be-retired Woodshop teacher and avid DIY'er, I'd like to add my slightly different experience to the discussion. I often use my ID to drill holes. A cheap hex end drill set (suitable for DIY'ers) can be had at Harbor Freight. The ID is smaller and lighter hanging on my tool belt. Changing bits is quicker and easier. Lastly, I've NEVER had my ID kick over to Impact Mode when drilling holes even in hard wood, so it DOES supply the same constant torque that a Drill does. Also, when the ID kicks into Impact Mode, the RPM's at the drive end drop dramatically. This can be good or bad, depending on the situation. I like the ID for more precise depth control when driving fasteners where the depth is critical. As the fastener head approaches the surface of the wood, Impact Mode kicks in, slowing down the progress and allowing for accurate control of fastener depth for those cases where you want the screw head perfectly flush with your surface. I've found the adjustable clutch on Drills to be unreliable as a means of fastener depth control, likely due to the variances in wood density...even in the same board. I NEVER use it. With a little practice and a fair amount of hand-eye coordination, one can learn to release the Drill trigger at precisely the right moment, especially if the speed is reduced towards the end of the drive. However, on long 3" screws, the decreased RPM's provided by Impact Mode result in significantly slower progress and longer drive time...not to mention the increased noise levels! So I prefer the Drill for driving most long screws quickly. Combined with Star-drive screws, "camming out" is virtually eliminated. And for almost all fastener driving in softwoods, pre-drilling is not necessary with modern powerful cordless drills (12 volts and above). 3" Deck or Drywall screws can be driven with ease with a Drill. We all did it for years before ID's hit the market. Hardwoods are a different story! While we're on the topic, I know the Canadians love their Robertson (square drive) screws. I've tried them a few times and they were a little better at preventing cam out than Phillips head, but they still required significant downward pressure to do so. Even then, they cammed out occasionally. Torx Drive (Star) virtually eliminates the need for downward pressure to prevent cam out. They are more expensive than other screws, but so worth it! Happy building!

[@psyience3213]

As a carpenter i second all that youve said. My impqct is my main stay. The drill is used to supplement my id. Almost everything can be done better with the id. I basically o ly use the drill to drill pilot holes so im not switching bits like crazy. I could easily get away with not having my drill.

[@Incredibletoo]

I like drill as my main driver for longer screws. Quicker and less noise

[@InsuranceIsLegalizedRobbery]

If one will complain about the high noise from impact drivers. try “pulse” drivers, or “hydraulic” drivers. These kind of drivers can operate with up to %50 less noise than a regular impact driver. some poplar brands makes them, such as.. Milwaukee, Ridgid & Ryobi .

[@chowderwhillis9448]

I think you’re using home owner tools (crap power tools like Ryobi, Black and Decker anything from Harbor Freight) because sinking a 3” star head deck screw with an impact should take less than 2 seconds, even a big timber lock should be able to be fully sunk within 7,8 seconds no more. Try using a DEWALT, Milwaukee or Mikita and then you’ll be able to use the pressure clutch trigger to see instant results

[@putiputain1230]

@@chowderwhillis9448 you'll be surprised that ryobi is not that far from the big three.

[@arnieadam]

That was really helpful. When I bought my house back in 2015, I treated myself to a set of cordless tools and both of these were included. I never understood why there was a smaller drill in the set...now I know what it is and how to use it.

[@lisaseverdoodles466]

Thank God someone finally cleared that up... a revelation for the DIYer with arthritis! I did not know what to do with my new tool...an impact driver… Never would have thought that it would save the muscles and joints in my wrists. Manufacturing companies need to include THIS video with the purchases of their driver/drill combo sets for folks like me 😂… (Now I know those bands on my new drivers mean they are specially made for an impact driver). Thank you for making this easy for someone who enjoys DIY as a hobby.

[@eibaby5678]

OMG!!! Thank you! I've been getting this awful pain in my wrist, my thumb, my forearm after connecting 2x4's to posts with 3" screws. I've had that impact driver in my DeWalt kit and just never used it. As someone who is learning on the go or "by the seat of my pants", you have been a godsend. Perfect explanations, thank you thank you thank you.

[@audioteachb]

Thanks! I’m old and have only used drills for driving screws. I never understood the difference between a drill and impact driver. You did a phenomenal job with your clear explanation. I’ve just purchased my first impact driver and can’t wait to use it correctly.

[@chezchezchezchez]

How'd it go?

[@davidn.edmondsii7245]

@@chezchezchezchez yes, i like to know too!!!

[@juliancontreras5516]

@@davidn.edmondsii7245it probably broke LOL

[@damiensilva2299]

For a new home owner with no tools this was extremely helpful

[@paulsmallriver6066]

Have you remedied the no tool situation?

[@Counting3s]

Lmao

[@damiensilva2299]

@@paulsmallriver6066 yeah man got really handy too. Lol

[@RationalSaneThinker]

I'm a New York City apartment dweller, so virtually none of your videos are very useful for me. But I watch them because your presentations are incredibly clear and informative. I frequently hear about impact drivers in commercials and have never known what they are so I find your video on a whim. I now feel like an expert! I also loved your video on hammer drills. I never even knew such things existed, and had always assumed that a normal drill would suffice. Now I really want one to fulfill my childhood jackhammer fantasies. I have an oscillating multi-tool and assumed that if you have a thick enough blade and motor, that's how DIYers would chip concrete. But a hammer drill is clearly better. You've inspired my to explore and learn how impact drivers and hammer drills achieve their magic. I'm really curious as to the gear setup to accomplish the motion. Keep up the good work!

[@BA-fb8tz]

I've built tons of Ikea furniture as a contractor. Never once have I used my impact drill. I've seen so many other guys blowing through soft cheap Ikea material by using an impact with way too much torque for the job. I always end up just sticking with my drill/driver "combo," putting it on "screw" mode (not drill/hammer) and turning the power dial down anywhere from 1-5 (out of 25) depending on the screw length/size.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

That's how you know you are assembling garbage.

[@STate-gd3ks]

Different tools for different jobs amirite!

[@deangeorge4982]

I really didn't know the difference between a driver and drill. This was very informative. Thanks.

[@chillmonger007]

"It's like using a sledge hammer to swat a fly" immediately subbed after this. Great explanation!

[@Hecatay]

as a 30-year-old who grew up with everything done for me, and a recent first time homebuyer, i’ve found some of your videos very helpful. thank you!

[@dblake5193]

Haha 33 years old but same story

[@evetsaderes2721]

Wow, must be nice to not work or do nothing, have it all silver spoon feed. Most likely got your house handed to you as well.

[@dblake5193]

@@evetsaderes2721 cry a river sally

[@alan_davis]

@@evetsaderes2721 jealousy will get you absolutely nowhere in life. Try a different strategy.

[@evetsaderes2721]

@@alan_davis I ain't jealous of being lazy. Must have me confused with someone else

[@medone74]

Great video. For yrs, I have watched handymen use a "drill" that seemed to drive screws (without initially drilling a hole) with ease, yet I was doing double work drilling a hole, then driving a screw. After this video, an impact driver will be on my Christmas list. Thanks.

[@andrewscott4712]

I was like you. The video was a revelation. 😁

[@MotherAlgorithm]

Normal drill will do the same thing

[@KSTrekker]

Totally agree on their uses! I like using a cordless drill/screwdriver for assembling/disassembling furniture and such, like taking the legs off of a kitchen table. The reason is the drill/screwdriver has an adjustable clutch so you only use the amount of torque necessary without stripping threads or fasteners. Your typical cordless drill/screwdriver is also 2 speed, which is handy for drilling in metal. I never knew the difference on the bits, so thanks for that tip.

[@chrismccartney6365]

One other thing: if you want to remove a lot of material with your impact driver while using it to drill, you will often quickly ruin auger and spade bits. The ratcheting torque dulls the bits _very_ quickly.

[@psadhi]

as a homeowner I bought one impact driver that I use for drilling holes, driving nuts also work on my cars, cleaning kitchen, restrooms. all in one tool.

[@stockyirish]

The impact driver is also great for removing screws/bolts. I was just helping someone move and my impact took the crib, couch feet, and entertainment center apart so quickly, it easily saved me an hour.

[@4seeableTV]

So quick they didn't have time to take the baby out of the crib. = P

[@transplantman2287]

This was really helpful, and addressed SO MANY questions I've had in the past while trying to do the exact things you're describing. I live in a rural area in Japan and don't have the language skills to take a DIY class on construction, so these videos are super helpful. Thank you!

[@SintheticNature]

Just found this video and glad I did. Was mounting an 80 inch TV with mount bolts for 150lbs and had this convo with my buddy. “Just use your Dewalt impact driver for the holes.” Nah I’ve got a drill. Impacts aren’t the best holes nor do I have driver drill bits. “I do. I just use mine for it all.” I said “you can but my drill is more perfect fit just drilling holes and not much if anything else.” He thought it was a waste of usage to not use it. So glad I found this to show him in detail. Great video!

[@NateB1976]

Tip: if you had to choose and could only have one, go with the driver. In a pinch it can drill fairly well for most general maintenance jobs but a drill can't impact drive for fasteners at all.

[@tonyharrison2542]

Thanks for explaining the differences so well. I finally get it!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Tony! I’m really glad it was helpful 🙂

[@George-mf5hq]

Love my driver. Got 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" socket adaptors and use it on my vehicles a lot

[@durabilitycoach]

I’ve come to a partial conclusion that it depends on how much you’re using them. The reason being I only started on the tools 7 months ago and knew NOTHING about tools at all. I was meant to be working in sales for CCTV but due to staff shortages I got pushed into installs, and had to learn in a few months what people take years to learn (no joke, your videos were a MASSIVE bible for me). So yesterday I’m using my impact driver to bore a hole in a top plate (not sure if Australian terms and American terms are the same) as I usually do, with a 25mm spade bit then BAMBBAMBAMAM scares the bejesus out of me and the Milwaukee M18 shit itself. So there I am in someone’s attic and it’s like summer heat, and I’m in mourning (luckily it’s under warranty), grab the M18 drill and make mince meat out of the top plate. That hard wood was like butter! Why the f**k have I been using the driver so much? What we figure is that I used my Impact Driver for almost everything and it was too much for it. So it went in the shop and today I used the drill for the entire 8hr install and it was almost effortless. So for me it’s this: want a hole, use a drill. Want to put in a screw, use a screw driver (impact) Want to screw more easily, use both and make a pilot hole first.

[@anital5020]

Great info for an old woman needing to hang curtains by predrilling holes. Should have paid more attention when my husband was around and using these tools. This was very helpful.

[@Lady-Seawulf]

Thank you, My husband loses patience trying to explain tools to me and we end up arguing. Your explanation and visuals have taught me so much. Thank you.

[@birdlady2725]

Hope he is not a doctor 😄

[@Lady-Seawulf]

@@birdlady2725 LOL.

[@Johnslist]

So thorough, the best use of 8 minutes I've seen in a while. I've got a simple NiCd drill and was debating getting a Li-Ion drill since I 'cam out' often and battery is old, but I debated driver since I'm more of a mechanic than a woodsman. You covered everything and I think the driver is for me and to keep the drill around for the holes. Thanks!

[@CrashboatAl]

That was Great ! You hit a Home Run with explaining the difference between the two, but more important the "when & why" of using both of them. Thank you Ethan, you're a master.

[@joshf8231]

Agreed

[@cbrb3301]

I’m a beginner in DIY and you are my new favourite channel. Your explanations are crystal clear… very intelligible. Thank you !

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks for watching, Brb!

[@tomzhao103]

You are THE BEST person on line to explain tools. Simple, clear, complete. Thank you.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Tom! 😄

[@Fox_Montana]

@@TheHonestCarpentertruly honest BS-Free craftsman

[@Iowaflyboy1]

My goodness, excellent video! I’ve been using both tools for years and never really understood the difference until now. Thank you.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thanks Tom! It was a long time before I really got how these things worked 😅

[@djx-el4612]

As a woodwork DIY enthusiast of many years, who finally decided to walk the walk and make MY FIRST professional purchase, I could not have stumbled on a BETTER video! Thank you

[@budte]

I remember prior to cordless drills you had to screw everything in by hand and a 18" Yankee pump action screwdriver was the game changer. We all had one arm significantly bigger than the other.

[@MarcoPolo-zc6zo]

I still use my yankee on large maintenance jobs so I don’t have to haul batteries around.

[@DaellusKnights]

I just took over the maintenance department at the hotel where I work, and that's something I could never get my former supervisor to understand... There's no such thing as an "impact drill" - it's called a DRIVER for a reason! He would use the impact for EVERYTHING. I literally told our big boss that it was like driving a push pin with a sledge hammer. Most of the applications we use a drill for are already pre-drilled. I'm going to show him this video... Thank you! 😁👍 PS: immediately subbed! 😍

[@insidethecourt]

The best breakdown I've seen thus. 2 things: It would be helpful to explain how impact drivers work. I saw another video before this where he cut out the front shaft to show how the anvil is "hammering" into the screw to create the impacts. Also,, your last point about overdrive with impact drivers is my biggest gripe. Having a clutch on drill drivers is crucial for modulating torque. Yet on impact drivers there's almost no torque setting. I guess having a clutch on impact drivers would sort of defeat the purpose of have all that torque but there's gotta be a solution to prevent overdrive.

[@vcrbetamax]

Thanks for this video. When I asked guys at the shop, they basically just said it was stronger but didn't know the mechanics behind it.

[@pabloarvelo5969]

...and that's why I started following you.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Pablo!

[@timothycreasy2161]

I love my impact driver. But there is times where the clutch on my drill was necessary. Just to keep from striping out the holes on prefab metal sheds.

[@EliInfante]

I'm a new homeowner, and this video was extremely helpful.

[@ms-hl4vg]

I got into this hobby in just over a year, and only now I realize the true difference between the two. Thank you!

[@richardwordsworth3067]

Hi, I have just discovered your videos and love your clear and concise style. With over 40 year's of building under my belt I am still learning, and so I still find these useful. Re impact drivers. The biggest problem with them is that it is very easy to strip out the threads, especially on smaller screws and bolts. Too many times I have come across pre assembled items where you can pull the bits off due to stripped screws. For that reason I will now install smaller screws with a smaller battery drill, or even by hand (#7 or smaller)

[@denisebousquet761]

It's very cool that you're still open to learning!

[@gerrywilliams2816]

All these years I marveled at videos driving long screws without any effort and thinking I was a no good at it because I could never drive a screw using a drill without camming. Thank you for explaining the distinction between the two. I feel much better already, and I'm off to get myself an impact driver.

[@TimboSlice-ox6wd]

It can't cam out if your using a hammer

[@mikecopeland933]

Good explanation of the differences between these two tools. Really good to know what a game changer impact drivers were. Their sound is ubiquitous on every build site today. Keep up the vids you're really helping this DIYer 👏

[@rosamendoza7526]

Omg! Finally I found the helpful video. I just brought I drill-and-know-nothing of the pieces that came with the package. But, listening to this video is super cool and helpful…THANK YOU!

[@tiatrotchie6311]

Used my brother in laws. FIRST TIME I NEVER STRIPPED A SCEW!!!! in love! Now I know why, thank you!!!!

[@danalaniz7314]

This is awesome! I've been researching this for about 6 months and your explanation is absolutely the best and I have a lot better idea of what I need! Thank you so much!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

You’re welcome Dan! Thanks so much for watching!

[@michaelharper7433]

I see a lot of impact driver users breaking fasteners and splitting wood and driving too far through the material. What the impact driver is missing is the feel. Sometimes, such as in cabinetry, I go back to the old screw driver (even with beefy screws) to get the perfect bite. And yes, you can provide more torque manually than with a dewalt battery powered "drill". Predrilling is always best for me if I have the time, small drop of wood glue, use the drill to drive in most of the way and fine tune with the screwdriver. Sounds labor intensive but what it creates is permanent. Also, my wrists and elbows do hurt quite a bit...

[@chipsterb4946]

Good to know that driver bits are special. Also liked the pointer about using a drill to drive small fasteners. Thanks!

[@sluggo5260]

Never gave this subject much thought but wondered why so many "kits" include a drill and a "driver". Your explanation was very thorough and helpful. Thanks.

[@MML996]

FINALLY!!!! I understand the difference!!!! I just got both for a gift, a new set of milwaukee M12, good enough for my cottage. I'm so glad I visited your site. Thank you.

[@lancehymers4674]

Of course, one great way to prevent camming out is to use Robertson (square) head screws instead of Phillips (X) screws. I always use Robert’s for everything, and I was building a big project last night, and ran out of Robertson. I had to substitute Philips, and what a difference! The Robertson all went straight in first time, the Philips all jumped out at least once, and I started to strip the head on one. I don’t understand the obsession with using these ancient design screws, when much better ones exist.

[@BeaulieuTodd]

Ugh. Square drive was the absolute worst. One mistake and it’s stripped. Torx is the indisputable king of fasteners.

[@caramidacaramida3959]

Well I use Phillips not be ouse they are good but in me country the same scrow with torx cost duble the Philips so that is a problem and square are onli available in special wood shops and are very expensive I don't live in facy usa

[@TheLoobis]

I love my impact driver but if I could only have one it would be a power drill. More versatile.

[@qai5er]

Thanks for the really good explanation. I was just on the verge of buying a cordless drill thinking it is the same as a driver but of course I couldn't have been more wrong.

[@teaberrywmn]

OMG you won't believe how frustrated I have been using my drill to drive a screw. Stripped screws, many words used by sailors and such frustration. And all along I had an impact driver in my tool bag not knowing what it was for. Thank you so much!

[@YaxisX]

I still have some Corded Drills bought a couple years ago. I recently purchased cordless circular saw, impact drivers, and accessories. Your video has certainly helped me Honest Carpenter..

[@isabelstaples198]

Thank you so much from a novice DYI'er! How many times I've stripped a screw will now be minimized! {smile}

[@be5952]

No kidding! I've done everything I can think of to prevent screw heads stripping: pre-drilling; using brand new screwdriver bits; putting all my weight on top of the drill when turning in screws on a horizontal surface....nothing works! I'm wondering if everyone who looked at me blankly over the years when I asked them why my screwdriver bits always stripped the screws was already using impact drivers :I

[@militaryav8r]

Thank you for this video. I’ve had an impact driver for several years now and never knew what it was for. The drill and impact driver came as a set and were given to me as a gift. I’ve also had dozens projects over the years in which I should’ve used an impact driver. Now that I know maybe I’ll stop screwing it up so much. 😂🤣

[@tddstl3166]

Excellent video. Highly recommend Torx drive fasteners over anything else (especially Phillips) to reduce cam outs.

[@blahdiblah2169]

Sounds like you have some experience. I came to same conclusion. Phillips is a hit and miss experience, and the longer the screw gets and the harder the wood gets the more miss you'll experience. Once you've switched to Torx, every time you see a Phillips it's that sinking feeling of compromise. The Phillips lottery of cam outs.

[@be5952]

If you're from the U.S.A. you may not have heard of another good screw head---the 'Robertson', sometimes just called a 'square head' screw. It's exactly what it sounds like, and keeps the drill/screw driver bit much more securely gripped than a Phillips. On the other hand, I'm betting that Torx head screws are even superior to Robertson for holding your bits firmly.

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

@@be5952 aren't square head and Robertson actually slightly different? Thought I heard at one point that Robertson have a slight taper that the square do not have. Don't think I have ever seen an official Robertson to actually know though.

[@stupidas9466]

@@BlackSmokeDMax "Square head" is a layman's term for Robertson. And yes, it does have a slight taper which is necessary for the tool head's ease of entering and exiting the screw head, otherwise you would have to be exactly perpendicular at all times (which is next to impossible). You will notice that cheaper, off brand tools and bits will be more "square" with less obvious taper (such as found in most "kitchen drawer" multi bit screwdrivers with the unused bits stored in the handle) and are more likely to be called "square bit" than "Robertson" simply because the homeowner isn't knowledgeable about the nomenclature. As a side note, if you look closely most hex bolts also have a slight taper to their heads as well for the same purpose, to allow the wrench to be put into the proper position before applying the turning torque. Whenever we encounter a bunch of bolts from say the 1950's it is very noticeable how much harder it is to get the wrench onto the bolt, and how much longer it takes to get the job done if you only have the space to make a quarter turn at a time compared to bolts nowadays.

[@chrisfromtx9089]

Best explanation of the difference between drills and drivers I've seen. I also appreciated the difference between bits used by each tool which other videos have failed to include. Thank You

[@bassfan71]

Dude i had no idea that impact drivers were a thing. I've been using a drill for driving fasteners for ever on my DIY projects. Game changer! I am going to pick up a combo cordless drill and impact driver set.

[@peterstanghellini393]

Very informative. I have used my drill as a driver pretty much my entire life. I do the pre-drilling often bc of the difficulty of driving a screws into various materials. Your video showed me things I didn't know and the pros and cons of each power tool

[@dannylaw7367]

Just one of the best clips I've seen. I Learned so much here I'm going out and getting a combo, impact/ hammer drill this week. Great information for casual users. I always wondered why I strip so many screws. I thought it was only because they were all made in china and were cheap junk like most everything we buy today. thanks so much.

[@alextaylor2551]

Thanks! I was wondering why I was stripping so many screws with my hand drill!

[@b-radg916]

Torx (or similar styles) screws are more expensive, but designed NOT to cam out. They're pretty great!!

[@Spthomas47]

^^^

[@twisterwiper]

I appreciate your clear explanation. I’m just a hobbyist. I keep telling myself that I don’t need an impact driver. Recently, I been telling myself daily… But I have a boat and I need to remove the prop. I’m sure it would be great for that. They are notoriously tight. They really are.

[@TalencioJamaican]

My only tools textbook on KZbin "The Honest Carpenter"... Love this guy. Respect brother. Blessings from Jamaica

[@sundrapoonan6724]

Thanks Ethan, that was really helpful. I've been putting off getting an impact driver and you've convinced my that it has a place in my tool chest. All your videos are so informative because you are clear and concise in all your presentations. Awesome channel, keep up the great work. Take care and stay safe 👍👍

[@thejubieexperience]

I just got one, and I can't believe I went this long without one. I should have gotten one years ago. Get in your car, go to the hardware store and buy one right now! You won't be disappointed.

[@Surpintine]

This was a excellent at explaning the particulars of each! I'm subscribing to watch your other videos 🤗

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Latasha! More videos coming soon 😄

[@regina6827]

So, 10 years ago,, I purcahsed Rockwell Combo Drill & Impact Driver, from Menards. It was on-sale and I thought it was a good deal and I needed new drill. I will admit, I had "No Idea" what I purchased---until today. Yep, never noticed the wording on the box; and it looked like a Regular Drill.😬 Thank you, for this video! I will add an Impact Driver (Milwaukee or Hitachi) to my tool collection; and because of this video, I know how to use them.👌🙌 Stay well!🤩

[@bugpack6]

I bought one when I built a deck. I love using it. And still look forward to doing projects that I can use it.

[@treyrees9153]

My non-carpenter friends make fun of me for having "two different drills that do the same thing." Now I can show them this video and tell them to shut up.

[@se5594]

I always thought that it was weird and overkill that tool kits always include both

[@treyrees9153]

@@se5594 yeah it seems weird but when you need an impact gun, you'll be happy it's there.

[@hugehairyfetus]

Don’t show them the video, just tell them to shut up.

[@jasonmarple2704]

You explained this better then anyone else, you earned a subscriber!

[@stfuplsok]

*than

[@deniseherbst4374]

I’m a wife and I’d want both. Driving fasteners better is awesome.

[@confucius2616]

So you’re saying u want it both ways? I get it, yup. You want the smaller hard drive but yet the gentleness of that constant torque.

[@davidodonovan4982]

Most diyer's don't need an impact driver at all. A good 18 volt cordless combi drill with a spare battery and charger will more than suffice for any diy projects around the home. . There's a big difference between wanting something for the sake of having it, because you've seen it being used on a few KZbin videos, and actually needing a particular tool. Professional Carpenters carry a whole array of power tools the average diyer would never need, and hardly ever use. So before you rush out to buy that all important impact driver just ask yourself one simple question. Am I buying this tool because I specifically need it to do a particular job, or am I buying it because I want it ? If you've managed up to now without it chances are you'll manage just fine without it. Also a lot of these video's (this one included) helpful and all as they are. Are little more than glorified sales pitches, designed to flog lots of tools to the general public, some of which are completely unnecessary for most diy tasks, in return for a small commission on sales, on an affiliate site in other words with links, usually to amazon. The idea is to convince members of the public that their lives will be so much easier if they rush out and buy, in this case an impact driver, when the cordless drill they bought in the local hardware store 10 years ago will do the job just as well, and owes them nothing.

[@justing1474]

I’m a set carpenter and still didn’t know how an impact motor worked until this Vid, awesome stuff 👍

[@SteveWhiteEEAMPS]

As a DIYer, I really appreciate your videos, a lot! Thank you!

[@kawi7676]

The other benefit is that it can save your wrist. If the drill is on the slower high torque gear, you can sprain your wrist in certain scenarios such as when fastening a bolt to metal, if the bolt you’re fastening suddenly stops tight and the drill snaps in the opposite direction taking your hand with it.

[@coolinmac]

He said that. You just repeated it

[@struong57]

Wow, this was a VERY informative video! I recently picked up a Dewalt drill & impact driver set and didn’t really know the difference until now. Thank you! 🙏🏽

[@toddspires603]

So what's the best strategy to help wives understand the importance of having both?😁

[@jamietidwell8213]

Just watching this video aught to help! I agree my husband need both!

[@shot2x]

That u need the help of supernatural being hahahah

[@guacaquio]

Grow a pair and show leadership at home, b your woman won't respect you if you keep being such a beta male

[@sammikhail3837]

The strategy is don't ask. Just buy what you need. She is your wife, not your mother.

[@BartCee]

I have the same problem. A friend told me that sometimes it is much easier and more efficient to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[@davidparnell1893]

I see the logic and the honesty in your video narratives...you are great at this. Your channel lives up to its name!

[@johnrako]

Thanks so much. I started to see drivers in the store a while ago and thought maybe I had fallen asleep and awakened 20 years later. “Where did these things come from” I thought. One complaint I have about cordless tools is that if you don’t use them regularly you have to remember to keep the batteries charged or ruin them. Not a big deal for one tool but when you have several plus cameras and more it’s a hassle.

[@kage-fm]

“i use a drill for drilling, and a driver for driving.” …well when you say it like that

[@mydemon]

I tried to argue, I couldn't

[@Ohh_Is_That_Sooo...]

😂😂😂🤭

[@1samc]

My thoughts exactly

[@MrSteve280]

This was helpful as I just got my first impact driver in a drill/driver package. I didn't know that last part about impact drivers requiring special bits. I am so use to pre-drilling holes to prevent wood splitting that I can't recall the last time I just screwed a fastener in without one. You've convinced me to use both now.

[@ylihao]

Thanks for the informative video. I'm not sure about older ones but I've seen newer impact drills that come with a switch where you can change between 'Impact Mode', 'Flat Drilling Mode' and 'Driving Mode', which sounds like a good alternative if you only have budget for one tool, I guess?

[@ylihao]

h ok you mentioned about that in your another video, you called them 'combination drills' and they aren't great at hammer drilling. I'm a beginner DIYer currently looking for a budget drill/driver suitable for some small DIY projects. Happy that I stumble upon your channel.

[@jamesspader85]

Omg. I spent about 5 hours watching videos. Most go into specifics but don't just explain what to use for and showing what bits go to what. Wow. I even built a whole fence before using both for same function. This is best vid ever. Just subscribed because of this vid. I have a the Milwaukee set. Before I had a Mikita set.

[@carlb1409]

GREAT tutorial. I have the 2-drill set. I only ever used the cordless screw gun. Until I flipped a whole deck. Then I understood what the impact driver adds. Now I use it for all large screws. But after decades of habit, I still usually pre-drill.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Pre-drilling is always a great idea, Carl!

[@surajitbiswas6292]

This is an important thing to know. Thanks for elaborating the difference.

[@ltmesq]

for some reason this vid was recommended to me. good thing - b/c I have an impact driver but have NEVER used it! I will now

[@bobthomas1939]

You forgot a most important point. Impact drivers can (and often do) weaken the screw head and shank as the screw is driven. The fastener is often degraded to the point that it no longer has the strength to hold properly and the head will pop off or the shank will break. Simpson Strong-Tie does not recommend the use of impact drivers to drive their fasteners.

[@boofuls]

Good to know 👍

[@exi8550]

I've only had this happen when I'm using phillips head. Never on hex screws.

[@chowderwhillis9448]

Then buy a not piece of crap screw, saber drive deck screws with star bit head are the best wood screws hands down, “it drills as it drives…”

[@exi8550]

@@chowderwhillis9448 I don't do that kind of fastening... more so screw clips for wires lol

[@rocroc]

Fabulous!!!! This should be number one viewing by anyone using a drill. I got a twin pack but never used the impact driver. I was working on a deck repair yesterday and picked up the impact driver. I then laid it down and went to my regular drill. That caused me to watch this video. I knew basically what an impact drill was but just never used it. I had a specific application where the impact driver should have been used. When I close this video I am going right back to finish that project on what will be a very hot Memorial day. One of my drills does have an impact setting but that green drill is not one I would buy again.