“Can you use impact driver bits in a drill?” It has been one of the most common questions among many people recently.
Well, the answer is a straight no! And the reason for this is also not rocket science. Regular drill bits aren’t entirely designed to handle the stress or force that impact driver exerts on them.
So, if you install regular drill bits in impact drivers, they would easily shatter since they don’t have enough tensile strength to withstand. In the worst-case scenario, your impact driver may also break.
Therefore, this blog will provide you with even the teensy-weensy details, ensuring no chicken and egg situation from your side.
Types of Impact Driver Bits
There are different kinds of impact driver bits available. However, here in this section, I’ll only mention and explain the ones that’ll come in handy to conduct home improvement projects. So let’s wait for no further and binge on the types available for you.
Square Driver Bits
Well, square driver bits are pretty commonly used for deck screws. And I also personally love using this kind of driver bolt. However, the Torx head has recently become the top priority for many users. Due to this, it’s currently skyrocketing in the market.
Torx Driver Bits
As mentioned before, Torx driver bits are currently at the top of the favorite lists. This is the one I prefer using, and I recommend others to give this driver bits a try. Not only are they convenient to operate, but the design also ensures smooth performance throughout your DIY projects.
Experts’ Tip: Ensure that you grab the right size since most of the bits’ sizes appear similar. So, while choosing, keep a close eye on the size you pick.
Slot Bits
There are mainly two primary sizes of slot bits. However, I don’t use these slot bits for my projects since a basic screwdriver does all the flathead screw removal. So, if you know how to use a screwdriver (which I bet you know), you won’t need to use slot bits.
Hex Driver Bits
I don’t use this much if you consider my personal opinion on this driver bit type. I usually use this kind of driver bits when putting on furniture or fixing up chairs. So, if you are planning to get your furniture done or your chairs fixed, this can be the champ. Otherwise, I don’t find much of a big shot while operating this driver for other DIYs.
Impact Driver Bits vs Regular Drill Bits
This section will give you brief differences between these two kinds of bits. So, make sure that you don’t skip any of the following:
Versatility
If you consider the versatility between these two, then undoubtedly, regular drill bits are comparatively more versatile. These are also fast enough and can quickly get your work done in no time.
Lightweight and Compatibility
Impact driver bits are super lightweight and compatible if you compare them with regular drill bits. That’s not all; these have potentially more torque than regular drill bits. Moreover, these are easy to carry and don’t require much space.
Usage Difficulty
Well, there’s no doubt that both are simple to operate with. However, an impact driver is pretty easy to operate, and you won’t need to use both hands while working. But that might not be the case for regular drill bits, as you must use both hands during your DIYs.
Why Impact Bits Still Break?
It’s one of the most common issues many impact bits users still face. To be honest with you, even I have faced this challenge quite a few times. And I know this can be super annoying at times!
Well, two significant reasons can result in your impact bits breaking. The radial force can cause deflected breakage at some point. In this case, your impact bit might break at the end of the impact flute.
Large torque can be another reason that can cause your impact bits to twist and break. When the torque force exceeds the threshold of your impact bits, then you’ll notice that your impact bits break in the middle.
Can You Use Regular Drill Bits With Impact Driver?
Nope! You wouldn’t want to do this. This will not only break the bits but will even damage your tool. And the reason is pretty apparent. Regular drill bits aren’t designed to be compatible with impact drivers.
You can’t use the wrong key with the wrong lock and expect the door to open, right? The same goes here. While using regular drill bits, you need to use a drill to operate well. Otherwise, your bits can break and ruin your work and your tool.
My Recommended Product- DEWALT DW0521 Quick Connect Drill Chuck for Impact Driver
Dewalt Drill Chuck is a fantastic impact driver that allows you to carry out your DIYs conveniently. It’s a remarkable driver that’s easy to operate and allows you to take on any drilling tasks. And a remarkable fact is that the entire driver is made of metal, so it can easily withstand wear and tear.
The Basic Difference Between Impact Driver and Drill
There are several differences between impact driver and drill. However, the primary and most significant difference between this two is their power and operating procedures.
Impact drivers have quick-release shanks that drills don’t, which can be used with hex driver bits. That’s not all; Impact drivers have comparatively more turning force that enables them to torque screws in just seconds. This is one of the qualities that drills lack.
Drill Vs Impact Driver: The Pros And Cons Of Each
No matter what product or brand you use, it will always have bright and dark sides. So, here I’ve shortlisted some of the good sides and drawbacks of these power tools I encountered during my DIYs.
Drill’s Good Sides
- Drills are far more versatile than any average impact drills
- These are pretty affordable, and even the best ones won’t empty your pockets
- You can easily drive screws, fasten small screws and bolts, and even drill holes with these drills
- An ideal tool for drilling into brittle and soft materials
- It’s pretty robust and can easily withstand wear and tear
Drill’s Drawbacks
- It surely will make your wrists and arms ache
- It doesn’t have much of torque compared to impact drivers
- Not the best tool for fastening long screws
- Super heavy compared to impact drivers
Impact Driver’s Good sides
- It doesn’t cause any ache on your wrist or arms (as long as you don’t overuse it)
- Quickly tightens small screws and bolts
- Usually comes in wireless or cordless forms
- Super durable and can easily cut through the strongest of materials
- It’s compatible and pretty lightweight compared to drills
Impact Driver’s Drawbacks
- Doesn’t have much of precision (at least, I haven’t found any precision while using it)
- No speed control settings are available
- Not the chosen tool for drilling holes
- Expensive than a drill
Which Tool To Use For Your Next Project?
If you take my opinion, both tools are equally important since they serve different purposes. So, if you must go through some hole drills or fasten long screws, you would need a regular drill.
On the other hand, if you need to tighten small screws and bolts quickly, having an impact driver will ease your work. Therefore, which one to use entirely depends on the task you’re carrying out.
Can You Drill With an Impact Driver?
Well, it’s a no and a yes! Impact drivers aren’t designed for drilling. So, forcing it to drill holes won’t have the suitable precision and would ruin your work. But in some cases, you can use it for specific drilling purposes.
I have also tried using this to drill holes; trust me; it was a complete blunder. Not only did it mess up my project, but have also wiped my pockets. However, there are certain drilling situations that I personally found to be helpful.
So, in the below section, I shortlisted some of those essential factors you must consider while using an impact driver as a drill.
Important Things to Remember While Drilling With an Impact Driver
Here, I’ve shortlisted the essential factors you need to look after while drilling with an impact driver. This will not only help you to drill during your DIY projects but will let you know whether it’s the right choice or not.
Impact Drill Socket Check
Checking the socket of your impact drill is a must! Most impact drivers use hexagonal sockets. Therefore, you need to grab the right hexagonal bits to ensure the perfect drill. However, getting the wrong bits may result in inaccurate drills and ruin your DIY project.
Limited Speed Selections
Impact drivers lack clutches; trust me; this can hinder your drilling. Moreover, drivers without a clutch are shorter in size and also have pretty limited features. Some new versions of the impact drivers may have clutches, but they are pretty heavy and less compatible.
All Driver Bits aren’t the Same
I have faced this issue quite a few times, and I really don’t want you to repeat those same errors. You must choose the right bit for your desired impact driver.
Different impact drivers have different bits for various drilling purposes. And choosing the wrong bit can totally blunder your project and may even damage your driver.
FAQs
Do I need special drill bits for impact driver?
No, you won’t require special bits for impact drivers. Just make sure you get those bits that fit right with your impact driver.
Do impact bits fit all drills?
No, they don’t! Different impact bits fit different drills.
Do you need a pilot hole with an impact driver?
Well, not necessarily! Pilot holes are only needed when drilling into hardwood or laminate. And using regular drills is recommended for impact drivers.
Bottom Line
So, can you use impact driver bits in a drill? Well, no, you can’t! And after going through this blog, you should now know why. It only damages your DIYs but even messes up your tool. Therefore, always remember to put drill bits in a drill to ensure the best drilling experience.