Can You Use an Impact Driver as a Drill?

Yes, an impact driver can drill with a compatible, impact-rated drill bit suited to your material. A direct-fit 1/4 in hex shank is the simplest connection.

A round-shank bit won't lock into the hex collet. An impact-rated chuck adapter may accept it, but the tool, adapter, and bit must all support the setup.

The adapter adds length and another connection, which can make a cramped or careful job harder. Stop if the bit slips or wobbles instead of trying to steady it with more pressure.

For the basics of the alternative tool, read what a drill driver is. Its chuck holds different bit shanks, making it a more flexible starting point for household drilling.

What makes an impact driver different from a drill?

A drill turns the bit continuously, while an impact driver adds repeated rotational blows when resistance rises. Those blows help turn stubborn fasteners but can make a cutting bit harder to guide.

An impact driver may rotate smoothly during a light cut, then begin impacting as the load increases. That change matters when you're trying to hold an exact line or avoid damaging a finished surface.

A drill driver's clutch helps limit force during screwdriving. For drilling, use the mode and gear directed by its manual rather than assuming a low clutch setting controls hole depth.

For a closer look at their jobs, see drill vs impact driver: which do you need at home?.

Which bits fit an impact driver?

Choose a drill bit approved for impact use, with the right shank and cutting design for the material. Shank shape tells you how it connects, not what it can cut.

Wood, metal, and masonry need different cutting edges. Check the supported material, hole diameter, and speed before starting, especially with large bits that place more load on the tool.

Can you use an impact driver as a drill with screwdriver bits?

No, screwdriver bits drive fasteners; they don't replace drill bits. The DeWalt DWAF120SETTG set supports the fastening stage after you make a pilot hole with a separate cutting bit.

This set suits someone who switches between screw types during repairs or assembly. Its bits work with drills and impact drivers, so you can use the same fastening accessories with either tool.

Skip it if your immediate need is making holes. A large screwdriving assortment won't solve a missing drill-bit problem, and matching the tip precisely to the screw head matters more than the number of pieces.

When should you use an impact driver for drilling?

Use an impact driver for occasional, straightforward holes within the tool and bit instructions. A small pilot hole in scrap wood is a more sensible use than a carefully placed hole in a finished cabinet.

It makes sense when screwdriving is the main job and drilling is a small part of it. If you already have a drill beside you, use that for the holes.

The DeWalt DCF845B suits buyers whose main work is demanding fastening and who already have compatible DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and a charger. Both are sold separately.

Its brushless motor delivers up to 1,825 in-lb of torque, and its integrated 3-LED light helps illuminate the work area. Those features support fastening work; they aren't reasons to choose it over a drill for accurate holes.

Skip this tool-only option if you're building your first kit mainly for drilling. Its speed controls let you start gently, but they don't turn it into a drill driver or replace careful bit selection.

When is a drill the better choice?

Choose a drill for frequent holes, precise placement, or delicate surfaces. Smooth rotation makes it easier to manage the cut as you approach the required depth or break through the material.

Use one for repeated shelf holes, hardware installation, and work where a wandering bit could spoil the part. Large holes and specialty cutters also need a tool with the capacity and control their instructions require.

An impact driver isn't a hammer drill. Its blows act around the shaft, rather than along the bit into masonry, so consult the guide to drilling into concrete with a cordless drill before tackling a wall.

The DeWalt DCK240C2 suits a first-time buyer who expects to drill pilot holes and drive screws on the same project. Keep a cutting bit in the drill and a matching screw tip in the driver to avoid constant bit changes.

Skip the combo if you already have a suitable drill and only need a fastening tool. If you're still deciding which tasks justify a second tool, read whether you need an impact driver at home.

How do you set up an impact driver for drilling?

Secure the work, check the bit, and start slowly before increasing speed. A stable setup does more for an accurate hole than pushing harder on the tool.

Check the drilling location. Confirm that hidden wires, pipes, or other services aren't in the path, and check what's behind the work.
Isolate the power. Remove the battery before fitting the bit or making adjustments.
Inspect and fit the bit. Reject bent or damaged bits, seat the shank fully, and check that the collet retains it.
Support the workpiece. Clamp loose material and use a sacrificial backing board when suitable to reduce damage at the exit.
Mark the hole and set depth. A tape mark can guide depth, but it isn't a physical stop or a check for hidden services.
Start square to the surface. Wear eye protection, keep hands clear, and use light trigger pressure until the bit establishes its path.

Maintain steady pressure once the bit starts cutting. Ease off near breakthrough so the tool doesn't surge forward when resistance drops.

For a fuller explanation of grip, alignment, and hole depth, see how to use a cordless drill.

Which drilling mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid forcing the bit, using the wrong accessory, or continuing through a bind. Stop and correct the cause before restarting.

Don't assume every hex-shank accessory is impact-ready. Likewise, an impact-rated adapter doesn't make an unsuitable cutting bit safe to use.

Don't choose full speed for every material. Follow the bit's guidance, since excessive speed can build heat and damage the cutting edge.

Don't lean harder when progress slows. A dull bit, packed chips, or the wrong cutting edge needs attention rather than more force.

Keep the tool aligned as you cut and withdraw the bit. Pulling sideways to enlarge a hole can damage the bit and leave an uneven opening.

If the bit binds, release the trigger and isolate power before freeing it. A firm grip and secure clamps help control sudden movement, but they don't justify pushing through a jam.

How should you care for the bits and driver?

Clear debris and inspect cutting edges to keep the setup working properly. Packed chips make a hole harder to cut, while a damaged bit can wander or break.

Follow the bit's instructions for withdrawing it to clear chips from deeper holes. For metal, use cutting lubricant only when recommended for the material and accessory.

Let hot bits cool before handling or storing them. Remove the battery before cleaning around the collet, and keep the tool's vents clear according to its manual.

Store dry bits in a case where their cutting edges won't knock together. Replace worn screw tips that no longer fit snugly, since a poor fit can damage both the fastener and the bit.

Should you buy an adapter or a separate drill?

Buy an impact-rated adapter only for a specific, approved task. Choose a separate drill when hole-making is a regular part of your work.

An adapter makes sense if you already own the driver and need a supported bit connection for occasional use. Check that the added length leaves room to hold the tool square.

For a first tool, start with a drill if your jobs include hanging hardware, making pilot holes, and assembling furniture. The cordless drill buying guide explains the choices that matter for home use.

Choose a combo kit when you regularly alternate between holes and screws. Choose an impact driver alone when fastening dominates and you already have drilling covered.

Can you use an impact driver as a drill for your next job?

Yes, you can use an impact driver as a drill when the hole is straightforward and your bit is approved for the job. Keep the DCF845B on your shortlist if fastening is your main need and you already have compatible batteries.

Choose the DCK240C2 combo if you need both tool types from the start. Add the Tough Grip set for screwdriving, with separate drill bits for making holes.

If exact placement, repeated holes, or a clean finish defines the job, reach for a drill. Use the drill vs impact driver comparison to match your next tool to the work you do most.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drill holes with an impact driver?

Yes, you can drill occasional holes with a compatible, impact-rated drill bit that suits the material. A direct-fit 1/4 in hex shank is the simplest option.

Choose a drill when hole placement, a clean finish, or steady control matters more than keeping one tool in your hand.

Can you use regular drill bits in an impact driver?

Regular round-shank drill bits won't lock directly into an impact driver's hex collet. Use only a bit approved for impact use, either with a compatible hex shank or an approved impact-rated chuck adapter.

An adapter changes the connection, but it doesn't make an ordinary bit suitable for rotational impacts.

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

A drill is usually better for drilling holes because it provides smooth rotation without repeated rotational blows. An impact driver is useful for occasional compatible tasks, especially during screwdriving work.

For repeated holes, delicate surfaces, or careful depth control, choose the drill and save the impact driver for fastening.

Can an impact driver drill into metal?

Yes, for some metal work, provided the tool and an impact-rated metal-cutting bit support the material and hole size. Clamp the work securely, follow the bit's speed and lubrication guidance, and stop if it binds.

A drill is the better default for accurate holes or repeated metal drilling.