Impact Driver as a Drill: Where It Works and Where It Fails

On this page (9 sections)

1. Can you use an impact driver as a drill?
2. What can an impact driver drill well?
3. Where does an impact driver struggle as a drill?
4. What drill bits fit an impact driver?
5. How do you drill a hole with an impact driver?
6. Is an impact driver good for drilling pilot holes?
7. When should you use a drill driver instead?
8. Which impact driver features help with drilling?
9. Can an impact driver replace a cordless drill?

An impact driver can drill small, straightforward holes in wood or metal with a compatible 1/4 in. hex-shank drill bit. It is harder to control for precision work, large holes, and delicate materials.

The key difference is the chuck. An impact driver has a quick-change hex collet, while a drill driver usually has an adjustable chuck for round-shank bits.

The impact driver can rotate and add short bursts of turning force when resistance rises, which is useful for driving screws but can make drilling feel less smooth.

Can you use an impact driver as a drill?

Yes, if the drill bit has a compatible hex shank. The bit locks into the driver's collet, letting it rotate and drill without a separate chuck adapter.

Use a bit made for impact drivers when possible. Standard hex-shank bits may fit, but impact rated bits are designed for the driver's repeated bursts of force.

A regular round-shank drill bit won't lock directly into most impact drivers. Adapters exist, but they add length and another connection point, so a purpose-built hex-shank bit is the simpler choice.

For a broader comparison of each tool's strengths, read impact driver vs drill. If you're choosing your first tool, our cordless drill buying guide explains what a drill driver handles well.

What can an impact driver drill well?

Small holes in wood and some metal are the most practical jobs. A sharp bit and a steady hand matter more than forcing the tool through the material.

Impact drivers are handy for occasional pilot holes, small fastener clearance holes, and simple shop tasks when you already have hex-shank bits. They can also help when access is tight and changing between driving and drilling bits saves time.

They are less predictable for clean finish work. The pulsing action can cause the bit to bite suddenly, so keep the tool aligned and ease off if the bit starts to wander or chatter.

Can an impact driver drill through metal?

It can drill some metal with the right bit, but start small and keep the tool steady. Use a bit suited to the metal and the hole size, and avoid leaning your weight into the driver.

The Makita B-65399 set includes impact rated hex-shank bits for ferrous and non-ferrous metal, wood, plastic, cast iron, and stainless steel. Its 14 bits have a titanium nitride coating and 135-degree split points.

For a hole that needs careful placement or a smooth finish, a drill driver is usually easier to guide. Our guide to drilling through metal covers bit choice and steady drilling technique.

Where does an impact driver struggle as a drill?

It struggles most when the hole must be precise, smooth, or made with a large bit. The impact pulses can make it harder to keep a light, even feed.

A drill driver is a better fit for countersinking, delicate materials, larger diameter holes, and jobs where you need to stop at a precise depth. It accepts more common bit styles through its adjustable chuck and runs with steady rotation.

An impact driver also offers less finesse for tasks where a bit can grab. If the bit catches, the tool may twist abruptly, so keep both hands ready and use a firm stance.

Choose a bit designed for the material and task. Check the tool and bit instructions, especially for holes where a sharp breakthrough could damage the workpiece.

What drill bits fit an impact driver?

Choose a 1/4 in. hex-shank bit that locks into the collet. For drilling, look for bits marked as impact rated and suited to the material you plan to drill.

The Makita B-65399 is one example: its 14 bits have 1/4 in. hex shanks and are impact rated. The set covers a range of sizes, including bits for wood, plastic, and metal.

Before starting, pull on the installed bit to make sure it is locked. For instructions on fitting and removing bits, see how to change a drill bit.

Avoid adapters when a direct-fit bit is available. Every added connection can introduce more movement, which is unhelpful when you need a clean, accurate hole.

How do you drill a hole with an impact driver?

Mark the hole, seat the bit, and start slowly with the driver held square to the surface. Let the bit cut at its own pace instead of forcing it.

1. Mark the hole location with a pencil or punch suited to the material.
2. Lock a compatible drill bit into the collet and tug it lightly to check the fit.
3. Hold the driver straight and use a low trigger speed to start the hole.
4. Keep steady pressure and clear chips as needed.
5. Stop if the bit binds, wanders, or heats up.

For deep holes, pull the bit out now and then to clear chips. This can help prevent the flutes from clogging and reduce heat buildup.

If the workpiece is small, clamp it before drilling. Keep loose clothing and hands away from the spinning bit, and wear eye protection to guard against flying chips.

Is an impact driver good for drilling pilot holes?

It can drill pilot holes when the bit is small and the material is suitable. A pilot hole helps guide a screw and can reduce splitting, but use a drill driver when you need exact sizing or a clean finish.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver has 4-mode drive control and trigger control for smooth acceleration on small fasteners.

Those features can help with careful starts, though the tool remains an impact driver and needs a compatible bit for drilling.

A pilot hole should match the screw and material, so choose its diameter with care. For information on selecting drill settings, see what the numbers on a drill mean.

When should you use a drill driver instead?

Use a drill driver when accuracy, smooth control, or a wider choice of bits matters. It is usually the more useful tool for furniture assembly, cabinetry, and home repair that involves repeated holes.

A standard drill driver accepts many round-shank bits and gives you a steady rotation. Its clutch can also help limit screw driving force, while an impact driver's pulsing action is built around fastening.

The Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit has a 1/2 in. chuck and two speed ranges. It includes a battery and hard case.

If you're deciding which tool to buy first, compare the jobs you expect to do in our plain cordless drill buying guide. For a side-by-side tool decision, see impact driver vs drill.

Which impact driver features help with drilling?

Trigger control and variable speed help you start holes more carefully. Lighting can also make it easier to see your mark in a dim workspace.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL impact driver has variable speed, tri-LED lighting, and 4-mode drive control. Those features can help during drilling, but they don't replace the fit of the bit or the control of a drill chuck.

The Makita XDT11Z has variable speed, a built-in LED light, and a one-touch 1/4 in. hex chuck. It is sold as a tool only, so the battery and charger are separate.

Choose an impact driver for drilling only if its hex-bit setup suits your work. If most of your projects need standard round-shank bits, the drill driver will be less fussy.

Can an impact driver replace a cordless drill?

It can cover occasional drilling, but it is not a full replacement for a drill driver. The hex collet and impact action narrow the kinds of bits and tasks it handles comfortably.

Pick an impact driver if you mostly drive screws and only need a few small holes with compatible bits. Pick a drill driver if you expect to drill often, use larger bits, or need to control hole placement closely.

For an impact driver used as a drill, the simple rule is to keep it to compatible hex-shank bits and straightforward holes. When the job needs a smooth start or exact control, use a drill driver and see how to change a drill bit.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an impact driver as a drill?

Yes, an impact driver can drill holes if you use a drill bit with a compatible 1/4 in. hex shank. It works best for small, straightforward holes in materials such as wood or metal.

For clean, controlled holes or larger bits, a drill driver is usually easier to manage.

What drill bits fit an impact driver?

Use bits made for an impact driver with a 1/4 in. hex shank that locks into its collet. Some impact rated sets include drill bits for wood, plastic, and metal.

Check the bit's stated materials and size limits, and don't assume a round-shank drill bit will fit.

Can an impact driver drill into metal?

Yes, an impact driver can drill into some metal with a suitable impact rated bit and a controlled approach. Start with a small bit, keep the tool aligned, and avoid pushing hard.

For larger or precise holes, a drill driver with a round-shank bit is often easier to control.

Is an impact driver better than a drill for drilling holes?

A drill driver is generally easier to control for drilling because its chuck accepts common round-shank bits and its rotation is steady. An impact driver is useful when you already have compatible hex-shank bits and need occasional holes, but its impact action can make delicate or precise work harder.