Impact drivers are one of the most useful and handy tools you can own as a DIY enthusiast. However, if you already own a drill, you may be wondering, “is an impact driver really worth the money?”

Since an impact driver is so similar to a drill, many DIYers have a hard time justifying the purchase.

Honestly, I was one of them.

I went years without an impact driver, simply because I felt my money would be better spent on other tools.

It wasn’t until I finally made the purchase that I regretted how long it took me to make the leap!

Here, we’ll take a look at whether or not it’s worth investing in one of these useful tools.

Is An Impact Driver Worth It?

Yes, impact drivers are worth the money. If you have a home workshop that you use regularly, an impact driver will undoubtedly provide you with a ton of value. Having one of these tools will save you a significant amount of time and effort when completing tedious tasks.

Because impact drivers are versatile and portable, there will seldom be projects that you can’t use yours for.

Impact drivers also aren’t as bulky as drills, meaning they can be very useful when working in tight spaces.

Although an impact driver may not be mandatory for every DIY worker, you’ll undoubtedly find great value in possessing one of quality.

I’ver personally used an impact driver for everything from building a playset for my kids in the backyard to constructing jigs for woodworking projects.

What Is An Impact Driver Used For?

An impact driver can be used to tighten large bolts, drive lag screws into wood, and efficiently drive screws into wood without pilot holes. Whether you’re working with masonry, furniture, decks, or other significant projects, an impact driver is a great tool to own.

When considering any job that you might typically use a drill for, there’s a possibility that an impact driver would make it quicker and easier.

Impact drivers provide more power and, in many cases, allow you to complete tasks more efficiently than a standard drill.

And because an impact driver can achieve more torque than a cordless drill, it’s an excellent tool to use when working with more stubborn materials and surfaces.

If you’re working on a project that requires numerous fasteners, such as a large cabinet or a deck, finishing the job can be exhausting and time-consuming.

Because it reduces the amount of time and effort necessary, an impact driver is the perfect tool for this kind of work.

Pros Of An Impact Driver

There are quite a few significant benefits to having an impact driver in your household toolbox.

Versatility

Perhaps the largest advantage of an impact driver is its versatility. Any active DIYer will tell you that there are many types of projects that require lots of fastening.

Whenever you’re working on one of these jobs, the odds are high that an impact driver will come in handy. The more uses a tool offers, the more value it provides to any artisan.

And trust me, an impact driver is one of the most versatile tools you can own.

Speed

Because impact drivers can provide so much torque and power, they’re able to fasten bolts, screws, and nails very quickly.

If you’re working on a large project, using an impact driver can save you quite a bit of time. Plus, it will make the job more enjoyable as you won’t have to expend as much effort on the task at hand.

Ease of Use

If you spend a lot of time working on DIY projects, you probably deal with a lot of physical soreness and discomfort.

Unfortunately, it’s a very common consequence of the trade.

However, regularly using an impact driver can minimize the pain that comes from tightening numerous fasteners.

Because impact drivers automatically add extra torque when dealing with resistance, they tend to be easy on the hands and wrists.

Cons Of An Impact Driver

Although impact drivers are very useful, no tool is perfect, and there are also a few disadvantages to using them.

Limited Precision

One disadvantage of impact drivers is that they don’t offer the ability to adjust the power or speed.

As a result, they aren’t very effective for tasks that require precision.

Noise

There’s no getting around it; impact drivers are loud. So, for your safety, it’s important that you always equip yourself with ear protection when using one.

Inability To Drill

Although an impact driver is an excellent tool for driving fasteners into wood or metal, it isn’t designed for drilling holes.

Plain and simple, if you need to drill a hole, you’re better off buying a drill.

Is An Impact Driver Better Than A Drill?

An impact driver is better than a drill for certain tasks, but not every scenario. Ideally, if you are serious about your DIY work, you should possess both an impact driver and a drill. Each type of tool has certain applications where it shines, and you’ll likely find many uses for both of them.

When your goal is to drive fasteners into a surface, an impact driver will almost always be the more effective choice.

However, there’s a reason traditional drills are so popular.

When you require more precise control or simply need to drill holes into a solid surface, a drill is your best choice.

While an impact driver is an important tool for most artisans to have in their arsenal, that doesn’t mean they should throw away their drills.

In fact, if you only have the money to buy one, a drill is still the better choice. Since a drill allows you to drill holes and drive screws, it’s the more versatile of the two choices.

Final Verdict: Impact Drivers Are Worth The Money!

If you work on masonry, framing, or any other types of craft projects regularly, purchasing a quality impact driver is absolutely worth the money.

With so much torque, power, and versatility, an impact driver will make your DIY work easier, quicker, and more efficient.

After all is said and done, you should be able to pick up a reliable impact driver for under $200. And speaking from personal experience, the longer you wait, the more you’ll regret not making this purchase sooner.