Yes, you can use certain types of drivers as drills, though the effectiveness and suitability largely depend on the specific "driver" tool you are referring to.
Understanding Different Driver Types
The term "driver" often refers to two primary cordless power tools: a drill/driver or an impact driver. Each is designed for different primary tasks, which impacts their capability as a drill.
Drill/Driver
A drill/driver is a versatile tool specifically engineered to perform both drilling holes and driving screws. It features a chuck that can hold various drill bits and screwdriver bits, a clutch mechanism to prevent over-tightening screws, and multiple speed settings.
- Primary Purpose: Drilling and driving.
- Drilling Capability: Excellent, as it's designed for this task.
- Key Features for Drilling:
- Adjustable Chuck: Accepts a wide range of round or hex shank drill bits.
- Clutch Settings: Allows for precise torque control, important for driving screws but also indirectly beneficial for certain drilling applications where you want to avoid over-penetration.
- Variable Speed Trigger: Offers fine control over drilling speed, crucial for different materials and bit types.
- Drill Mode: Often has a specific setting for drilling without clutch engagement, providing full power.
Impact Driver
An impact driver is optimized for driving fasteners, especially long screws or lag bolts, with powerful rotational and concussive (impacting) force. While it can be pressed into service for drilling when necessary, it's important to understand that drilling is not its intended primary purpose.
- Primary Purpose: Driving fasteners with high torque.
- Drilling Capability: Possible in a pinch, but with limitations.
- Key Features (and why they differ for drilling):
- Hex Chuck: Typically has a quick-release 1/4-inch hex chuck, limiting it to hex-shank drill bits only. Standard round-shank drill bits cannot be used without an adapter.
- No Clutch: Lacks a clutch, meaning it delivers full torque, which can lead to over-drilling or breaking smaller bits.
- Impact Mechanism: While great for driving, the impacting action can be jarring and less precise for delicate drilling tasks.
- Variable Speed: Most have variable speed triggers, but fine control can be challenging due to the powerful impacting action.
Impact Driver vs. Drill/Driver for Drilling
Here's a quick comparison to highlight their differences in a drilling context:
| Feature | Drill/Driver | Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Drilling holes, driving screws | Driving fasteners (high torque) |
| Chuck Type | Keyed or Keyless Chuck (accepts round & hex bits) | Hex Chuck (accepts only 1/4" hex bits) |
| Clutch | Yes, for torque control | No |
| Drilling Power | Consistent rotational force | Rotational + Concussive (impacting) force |
| Precision | High, with good control | Lower for delicate drilling |
| Ideal For | Wood, metal, plastic, masonry (with hammer drill) | Driving screws into tough materials, occasional drilling |
When to Use an Impact Driver for Drilling (and Limitations)
While not ideal, an impact driver can be used for drilling in specific situations:
- Small, Quick Holes: It can manage small pilot holes or holes in softer materials like wood or drywall, especially if you only have hex-shank drill bits.
- Drilling into Tough Materials (with appropriate bits): For instance, using a hex-shank spade bit for larger holes in wood or a step bit for metal, where the impact action can assist.
- When a Drill/Driver Isn't Available: In a bind, it can get the job done for basic drilling tasks.
Important Considerations and Limitations:
- Limited Bit Compatibility: You can only use drill bits with a 1/4-inch hex shank. Standard round-shank drill bits will not fit unless you use a separate hex-to-round chuck adapter, which adds length and can introduce wobble.
- No Clutch Control: The lack of a clutch means there's no way to limit torque, increasing the risk of over-drilling, stripping out holes, or snapping smaller drill bits, especially in thinner materials.
- Less Precise: The impacting action can make it harder to start holes precisely and maintain control, particularly with smaller bits or delicate materials.
- Potential for Damage: Repeatedly using an impact driver for drilling tasks it wasn't designed for can potentially wear down its internal components faster.
Best Practices for Drilling
For optimal results and tool longevity, always aim to use the right tool for the job:
- Choose a Drill/Driver for General Drilling: If you frequently drill holes, a dedicated drill/driver (or a hammer drill for masonry) is the superior choice due to its versatility, precision, and appropriate features.
- Use Proper Drill Bits: Ensure your drill bits are sharp, appropriate for the material you're drilling, and have the correct shank type for your tool.
- Start with a Pilot Hole: For larger holes or harder materials, drilling a smaller pilot hole first can improve accuracy and reduce strain on the drill bit and tool.
- Control Speed: Use lower speeds for harder materials or larger bits, and higher speeds for softer materials or smaller bits.
- Apply Consistent Pressure: Let the drill bit do the work, applying steady, consistent pressure.
In conclusion, while a drill/driver is inherently a drill, an impact driver can be pressed into service for drilling if necessary, especially for certain tasks and with specific hex-shank bits, but it is not its primary or most effective function.
