The practical guide
Drill, hammer drill or impact driver: which tool do you need?
Similar-looking cordless tools do different work. Start with the material, the hole or fastener, and the amount of control you need.
A drill/driver is the starting point for ordinary drilling and controlled screwdriving. A hammer drill adds a percussion mode for suitable masonry work. An impact driver delivers rotational impacts for fastening. The two kinds of “hammering” are not the same action.
Match the tool to the task
Scroll sideways to see the full comparison.
| Tool | Typical starting point | Check before use |
|---|---|---|
| Drill/driver | Holes in wood or metal; screwdriving with an adjustable clutch where fitted. | Bit, speed, capacity and clutch setting for the job. |
| Hammer drill/driver | Drilling plus hammer mode for masonry within the tool's capacity. | Correct mode and a suitable masonry bit. |
| Impact driver | Driving compatible screws and fasteners. | Impact-rated accessories and the correct shank or holder. |
A hammer drill/driver can normally switch out of hammer mode for wood, metal or screwdriving. Check the controls on the exact model. Do not leave hammer mode selected for a job that calls for ordinary drilling.
Control matters as much as force
For a delicate assembly, a drill/driver's adjustable clutch can help manage screwdriving. Start conservatively and follow the fastener and tool instructions; a clutch setting is not a calibrated torque guarantee.
Impact drivers can work efficiently on fastening tasks, but can also damage a screw, bit or material when used poorly. Use the correct accessory and speed or mode. Some accept suitable hex-shank drilling accessories; that does not make them a universal replacement for a drill.
Before drilling a wall, check for concealed wiring and pipes. Use the protective equipment and dust controls specified for the material and tool.
For masonry, check the hole you need
Identify the material and the required hole diameter and depth. Check that these are within the manufacturer's stated capacity, and follow the fixing supplier's instructions. “Hammer” in the name is not enough to establish suitability for every concrete job.
If the task calls for a rotary hammer and an SDS-type accessory, choose the specified equipment. A hammer drill/driver and a rotary hammer are different tool types.
Why a combo kit includes two tools
A drill/driver and an impact driver can save accessory changes when a job involves both drilling and fastening. Interline's Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 kit pairs the 3404-20 hammer drill/driver with the 3453-20 impact driver. The M18 FUEL 3697-22 kit pairs the 2904-20 and 2953-20.
Compare the actual tools and included batteries before deciding. The M12 vs M18 guide explains how the battery-system choice fits into that decision.
