Are you looking for the best tool for your fastening or drilling needs, but you don’t know what to choose? Hammer drills and impact drivers are the two tools that come to mind when thinking about drilling concrete, drilling masonry, using mounting bolts, and doing general household repairs. In the following article, we will review the main differences between Hammer Drills and Impact Drivers and learn about some of their features. We will also examine the different applications of both tools and decide which one is required.
1. What Is a Hammer Drill?
Definition and Mechanism of Hammer Drill
A hammer drill is a tool commonly used to drill hard materials. It is also used for miscellaneous building and DIY projects and for masonry work. A hammer drill works by combining rotary and hammering motions. The motor's mechanical energy moves the shaft, which in turn rotates the chuck.
Key Features of Hammer Drill
Adjustable Speed Settings
Most hammer drills have two-speed levels, but some have three. On average, the maximum speeds can reach up to 3000 rotations per minute and 34000 blows per minute, but they can vary depending on the model.
Hammering Action
The chuck rotates with the shaft, and this setup runs with the two cams or gears generating the hammering action. The longitudinal force generates enough power to pass the drill bit through a tough material like concrete or masonry. This force impacts the material being drilled while also providing rotational motion.
Common Applications of Hammer Drills
- To make holes in concrete, stone, and brick.
- Installing anchors and fasteners on masonry.
- Drilling holes in thin metal sheets and tiles.
- Installing electrical boxes on brick walls.
- Light demolition and chiseling.
- Mixing different materials.
Drilling into Hard Materials
Hammer drills create holes in concrete. When installing fixtures on walls, they can reduce the efforts needed to install anchors and fasteners. Hammer drills are also used to install fence posts into concrete footings.
When drilling into bricks, first create pilot holes. Hammer drills may be used to install sunshades on walls or for electrical work. They are also used to install fixtures for mounting shelves, televisions, etc., on walls.
Home Renovation Projects
Some common home renovation tasks where hammer drills are used include:
- Shredding tiles off walls
- Installing house number plate on wall
- Installing fixtures on walls
- Plumbing
- Installing fencing posts
2. What Is an Impact Driver?
Definition and Mechanism of Impact Driver
It is a tool used to screw bolts and nuts into different types of materials. It does this by rotary motion with concussive blows, but the motion is not strong enough to drill holes into tough materials like stone and masonry. The impact mechanism generates a strong torque that helps drill holes into brick, masonry, etc.
Key Features of Impact Driver
High Torque Output
Impact drills have high torque outputs of up to 800 Newton meters. The high torque output helps screw nuts and bolts on tough materials. The high torque output makes sure the tightened screws and nuts don't loosen after a certain time.
Compact Design
Impact drills are smaller in size, so they can reach spaces where other tools might not go. They are lightweight and consist of a chuck without a key, so you can easily replace the drill bits.
Common Applications of Impact Driver
- In fastening or removing screws from wood. These tasks include assembling furniture and undertaking home DIY tasks.
- Impact drivers are also used to drive screws into metal.
- Securing fasteners, including lag bolts, etc.
- Creating holes in dry walls and tightening screws while doing home DIY work.
- Driving fasteners into hard materials.
Fastening Screws and Bolts
A list of applications for fastening screws and bolts includes the following:
- In assembling toys.
- DIY woodwork.
- Assembling furniture.
- Tightening screws on shelves etc.
- Tightening screws in pre-drilled holes.
Automotive and Mechanical Work
Impact drivers are used to tighten nuts or bolts in cars and automobiles. They reduce the manual force required for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts, and it takes less time to assemble and disassemble engines or automobile parts using impact drivers.
3. Key Comparisons Between Hammer Drills and Impact Drivers
Mechanics
Hammer drills work by rotating and hammering, while impact drivers work with a rotary motion and mild concussive force.
Primary Use and Functionality
A hammer drill is used for drilling holes into masonry, bricks, and stone and can also assist in breaking tough materials. It is used for large-scale construction and renovation tasks. Impact drivers can drill into wood or plastic but are used mostly for tightening or loosening screws, bolts, nuts, or fasteners. Impact drivers help in small-scale tasks like DIY home projects.
Torque and Speed
Hammer drills have a lower torque output of up to 120 Newton meters and have lesser speeds than impact drills, but they have more power and can drill holes in sturdy materials like concrete and masonry.
The higher torque of impact drills helps in the screwing function, but this doesn't allow drilling into concrete or stone. The high speeds and torque assist in driving screws into tough materials.
Bit Compatibility
Hammer drill bits are of different varieties. The most important and most commonly used drill bits for hammer drills include masonry bits, concrete bits, SDS bits, and carbide-tipped drill bits.
Hex-shank drill bits are mostly used in impact drivers, and most of them are impact-rated according to the concussive force they can bear. This indicates that impact drivers are compatible with bits that have hex shafts. Specialty-based bits and those with narrow necks may also be used in impact drivers, depending upon the light work intended.
Size and Weight
Hammer drills are larger in size and weigh more than impact drivers, but nowadays, smaller and more compact hammer drills with more power are also used. Hammer drills' portability and functionality are of great importance in many outdoor tasks and projects.
Noise Levels
Hammer drills produce over 70-120 dBs of noise, so some ear protection might be needed when working with them. The hammering action and the rotary action combined produce a loud sound when used on concrete, etc.
Ear protection is also needed when using impact drivers, as their sound levels also reach around 100 dB.
User Experience and Ergonomics
Hammer drills are used in numerous tasks and are best suited for masonry and heavy-duty tasks such as chiseling, breaking, and drilling. They also help in many DIY or small-scale tasks. Their rotary function can be turned off, and they can be used as regular drills. Hammer drills come in ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue and put a minimum strain on users.
Impact drivers are good for small tasks such as DIY woodwork and driving screws and bolts. They are already compact as they are not intended for heavy-duty tasks. The design of the impact driver makes it appropriate for operating in small spaces.
Price Range
Hammer drills' prices range from \$100 to \$2000. Heavy-duty and power hammer types are the most expensive.
Impact drills vary from \$30 to \$1000, depending on the model and brand.
Ideal User Groups
User Groups that use Hammer Drills:
- DIYers
- Renovators
- Constructors
- Home users
User Groups for Impact Drivers:
- Woodworkers
- People in automotive repairs
- People in mechanical repairs
- DIYer or tradesperson
If you, too, are doing small construction projects in your home, we recommend the ONEVAN 1000W Cordless Multifunction Hammer Impact Drill, which will cover all of your drilling needs. It is dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof and suitable for granite, bearing walls, light concrete walls, and brick walls. Its multi-functionality has got your needs covered.
4. Hammer Drill vs. Impact Driver: Choosing the Right Tool Based on Usage Scenarios
Home Renovation Projects
Everyone likes to keep upgrading their house. And when you’re doing it yourself, the right tool makes all the difference. The ONEVAN 650N·m Brushless Cordless Drill is your best friend when you need to mount shelves, install curtain rods, and, not to forget, anchor heavy fixtures on brick walls. With its powerful performance and 20+3 torque settings, it can handle a variety of tasks.
DIY Furniture Assembly
When doing a DIY furniture assembly with hardwood or sturdy wood material, the ONEVAN 450N·m Brushless Cordless Impact Drill is particularly useful. It helps in creating pilot holes and is great for tightening screws and bolts without damaging them. Its high torque and variable speed settings make it an ideal choice for furniture assembly.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
For plumbing and electrical tasks, the ONEVAN 1680W Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill is an excellent option. It is specifically designed for drilling into concrete and brick walls, allowing you to pass wires or install fixtures with ease. The hammer function ensures effective drilling through tough materials.
Deck and Fence Construction
When constructing decks and fences, the ONEVAN 2000W Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill is perfect for drilling into concrete footings for installing fence post anchors. It has the power needed for heavy-duty tasks and can handle a variety of materials efficiently.
Heavy-Duty Masonry Work
The hammer drill has the required power and force for chiseling, demolition, and drilling tasks. The hammering action helps generate this required force for heavy-duty masonry work. A hammer drill can create holes in the masonry for installing anchors for different kinds of fixtures.
General Household Repairs
Impact drivers are the best tool for household repairs, such as tightening screws on cabinets, doors, or furniture. Impact drivers are also useful for repairing electrical boxes and performing other light to medium household tasks.
Renovating Bathrooms or Kitchens
During bathroom or kitchen renovations, the ONEVAN 1000W Cordless Multifunction Hammer Impact Drill comes in handy for drilling holes in walls to pass water pipes or installing sinks and other sanitary equipment. Additionally, impact drivers are useful for tightening nuts and bolts, ensuring everything is securely installed.
Installing Drywall
Impact drivers are a good choice for drilling holes and driving screws in drywall. They are an easy tool to drive screws in drywall sheets.
Building Shelves and Cabinets
Impact drivers are an effective tool for building cabinets and shelves. They tighten screws without bending them while requiring minimal manual effort. They help in most of the fastening tasks.
5. Conclusion
In summary, this article provides an inclusive comparison between two drills: hammer drills and impact drivers. It highlights the functionalities, features, and demand. In the beginning, the article points out the importance of understanding the difference between these tools. A hammer drill is a tool designed for drilling into hard materials. It works by combining rotary and hammering motions. Key features of hammering drills are adjustable speed settings and the ability to handle solid and tough materials like concrete and stone bricks.
Impact drivers are primarily used for driving screws and bolts using a mechanism that combines rotational motion with shock impacts. Impact drills work with high torque and are commonly used for assembling furniture. The article guides the choice between these two tools based on their functions. It repeats the main differences between the machines while highlighting their main uses. Now you know what to choose for your next task!
6. FAQs
Can I use a hammer drill as an impact drill?
No, they are different tools and perform different functions. A hammer drill drills in tough materials like concrete. Impact drills drive screws and nuts into pre-drilled materials.
Can impact driver drill into concrete?
No. The impact driver has high torque but weak drill bits. It can only tighten or loosen screws on hard materials.
Are hammer drills and impact drivers interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable. Both have their own thing to do.
Is a hammer drill suitable for ordinary drilling tasks?
Yes, a hammer drill can be used for regular drilling tasks. You need to turn off the hammering function.
Can I use a hammer drill for wood?
Yes, you can do so. But make sure you turn off the hammering action.
What are the features of a cordless hammer drill?
Cordless hammer drills feature a lot of desirable features like long-lasting battery and adjustable speed settings.
