If you’re wondering what an impact driver is used for, the simple answer is this:

An impact driver is used for driving screws, bolts and fixings quickly and with high torque, especially into tougher materials like hardwood, decking and masonry.

As a handyman, I use my impact driver on a daily basis. Most notably, I’ve used my DeWalt impact driver on multiple decking projects, as it makes a huge difference when you’re driving hundreds of screws into timber. What would take much longer with a standard drill becomes quick, consistent and far less tiring.

While an impact driver might look similar to a drill, it serves a very different purpose. It’s designed to handle high resistance and repetitive fixing tasks, where a combi drill would often struggle or slow down.

In most jobs, I actually use both tools together. I’ll drill pilot holes with a combi drill, then switch to the impact driver to drive the screws in cleanly and efficiently.

👉 If you’re unsure about the difference, I’ve explained it fully in my guide on how to use a combi drill and when to use each tool.

What Does an Impact Driver Do

An impact driver is designed to drive screws and bolts more efficiently than a standard drill, using a combination of rotation and powerful internal impacts.

In simple terms, it helps you:

• Drive long screws without stopping
• Work into dense materials like hardwood
• Avoid stripping screws
• Complete jobs faster with less effort

From my experience, the biggest difference is how little effort you need to apply. With a standard drill, you often have to push hard to keep the screw moving. With an impact driver, the tool does the work for you.

I also love how the shorter body design allows for better control and ease of use.

I regularly use mine for:

• Decking installations
• Fitting timber frames
• Securing heavy-duty fixings
• General day-to-day handyman jobs

For example, when I’m building decking, I can drive screws one after another without the tool struggling or overheating. That’s where an impact driver really proves its worth.

If you’re choosing between brands, I’ve compared a few popular options here: Erbauer vs DeWalt vs Milwaukee

What Is an Impact Driver Used For in Real Jobs

So, what do you actually use an impact driver for day to day?

From my experience, these are the jobs where an impact driver really comes into its own:

Decking and Outdoor Garden Building Construction

This is probably where I use my impact driver the most. Here’s a recent project where I’ve installed a timber deck with thick posts for a hammock.

I’ve used my DeWalt impact driver for multiple decking projects, and when you’re driving hundreds of screws into timber, it’s a game changer. It’s quicker, more consistent, and far less tiring than using a standard drill.

Once you’ve used one for decking, you won’t want to go back.

Woodworking and Construction

Impact drivers are ideal for driving long screws into hardwood or structural timber. This lean-to storage extension is a great example where the impact driver excels.

With a drill, you’ll often feel it slow down or struggle. An impact driver just keeps going, driving screws in cleanly without slipping or camming out.

This is especially useful when working with thicker materials or longer fixings.

General Handyman Work

On most of my day-to-day jobs, my impact driver is always within reach.

Whether I’m fitting shelves, assembling furniture, or fixing brackets to walls, it gives me the speed and control I need to get the job done properly.

It’s one of those tools that, once you start using it regularly, becomes essential. It’s also extremely convenient to have a driver alongside a drill; it saves having to swap bits constantly. It comes everywhere with me.

Removing Stubborn Screws and Bolts

An impact driver isn’t just for driving screws; it’s also great for removing them.

The impact action helps break the grip of stuck or over-tightened screws, which can save a lot of frustration (and stripped screw heads). The variable trigger speed is also essential and helps deliver the power required for each individual job.

What Is an Impact Driver vs a Combi Drill

This is one of the most common questions I get asked, and it’s where a lot of people go wrong when choosing tools.

A combi drill and an impact driver might look similar, but they’re designed for very different jobs.

What is a combi drill used for?

A combi drill is a more versatile, all-round tool. It’s designed for:

• Drilling holes into wood, metal and masonry
• Light screw driving
• More precise or delicate work

If you only have one tool, this is usually the one to start with.

What is an impact driver used for?

An impact driver is built specifically for:

• High torque applications
• Driving screws quickly and efficiently
• Working with tougher materials

It’s not designed for drilling. It’s designed for power and speed when driving fixings.

How I use both on the job

In reality, I use both tools together on most jobs.

For example, I’ll use a combi drill to drill pilot holes. Then switch to my impact driver to drive the screws in

This gives a cleaner finish and puts less strain on both the tool and the material. It also saves having to change the bit in the chuck each time.

👉 If you want a full breakdown, including things like the DeWalt drill settings 1-15, take a look at my guide on what is a combi drill and how to use it properly.

How Does an Impact Driver Work

If you are wondering what an impact driver does and how it works, the key difference is that it does not just spin. It also delivers rapid bursts of force.

An impact driver combines:

• Rotational force (torque)
• Internal hammering impacts

When you start driving a screw, it works like a normal drill. But as soon as it meets resistance such as dense timber or long fixings, the impact mechanism kicks in.

Here is what is happening inside the tool:

1. The motor begins rotating the bit
2. As resistance increases, the internal hammer mechanism engages
3. The tool delivers quick bursts of force
4. These impacts drive the screw forward with much more power

This happens multiple times per second, which is why an impact driver feels and sounds very different to a drill.

This video explains it better than I ever could.

What this means for real use

For me, the impact driver delivers exceptional driving force with far less effort. I know when I have hundreds of screws to drive into a deck, I can achieve fast results with less effort and fatigue on my body.

I purchased my first impact driver when construction my first shed, back in 2016. I knew that it would save me hours upon hours due to the sheer volume of screws I had to drive.

What an Impact Driver Is Not Good For

Although impact drivers are powerful, they are not the right tool for every job.

Knowing when not to use one is just as important as knowing when to use it.

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❌ Precision or delicate work

Impact drivers can be too aggressive for small screws or delicate materials.

If you are working with thin wood, plastic, or small fixings, it is very easy to:

• Overdrive screws
• Strip screw heads
• Damage the material

For this kind of work, I always switch to a combi drill where I can control the torque more precisely.

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❌ Drilling holes

This is a common mistake.

An impact driver is not designed for drilling holes. While you can get hex drill bits, the tool is not built for accurate or clean drilling.

If I need to drill:

• Pilot holes
• Masonry holes
• Clean finish holes

I always use a combi drill instead.

👉 If you are unsure about the difference, see my guide on what is a combi drill and when to use it.

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❌ Very soft materials

With softer woods or materials, an impact driver can actually be too powerful.

I have seen it split timber or sink screws far too deeply if you are not careful. I tend to take extra care when working on softwood decking or plastic materials, as they can often get damaged.

That is why control is key, and sometimes a drill is simply the better option, especially when using the torque settings.

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❌ Short or small screws

Impact drivers work best when there is resistance.

With very short screws, the impact mechanism does not really engage properly, and you can end up slipping bits, having poor control or messy finishes.

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Power Ratings Explained

Impact drivers are versatile tools powered by rechargeable batteries, with their power typically measured in volts. The voltage rating is crucial when selecting an impact driver because a higher voltage generally indicates more power, enabling the tool to handle more demanding tasks with greater efficiency. Most impact drivers will come with 18v as standard but you can find higher-rated drivers for professional levels.

In addition to voltage, another critical factor to consider is torque, which is the twisting force an impact driver can apply. Torque is measured in newton meters (Nm), and a higher torque rating means the impact driver can deliver more force, making it more effective for driving large screws and bolts into tough materials.

My Dewalt DCF885 is only an entry-level impact driver but it does everything I need it to. Here is a quick look at it’s specifications. We can then take a look at a few other examples.

Dewalt DCF885

• Voltage: 18v
• Max Torque: 155Nm
• Top Speed: 2800 RPM (revolutions per minute)
• Impact Rate: 3200 IPM (impacts per minute)
• Weight: 971g

Examples of Some More Powerful Impact Drivers:

• DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Impact Driver DCF850
  • Voltage: 20V
  • Max Torque: 207 Nm
  • Top Speed: 3250 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3800 IPM
  • Weight: 2.1kg
• Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver 2953
  • Voltage: 18V
  • Max Torque: 226 Nm
  • Top Speed: 3900 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 4400 IPM
  • Weight: 2kg
• Makita Impact Driver LXT DTD156
  • Voltage: 18V
  • Max Torque: 155Nm
  • Top Speed: 2500 RPM
  • Impact Rate: 3000 IPM
  • Weight: 1.6kg

These examples show some of the differences in power ratings and specifications among various models. The DeWalt DCF850, with its 20V battery and 207 Nm of torque, offers substantial power for heavy-duty applications. Similarly, the Milwaukee 2953, though slightly lower in voltage at 18V, provides even higher torque at 226 Nm, making it a robust option for demanding tasks. Understanding these specifications helps in choosing the right impact driver for your specific needs, ensuring you have the power and capability required for your projects.

Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench

This is another common point of confusion, especially if you are new to tools. While both tools use a similar impact mechanism, they are designed for completely different jobs.

What is an impact driver used for

An impact driver is designed for:

• Driving screws into wood and other materials
• General DIY and handyman work
• Medium duty fastening tasks

It uses a hex chuck, which means it takes standard screwdriver bits. This is the tool I use daily for things like decking, timber work and general fixing jobs.

What is an impact wrench used for

An impact wrench is much more powerful and is designed for:

• Loosening and tightening large bolts
• Automotive work such as wheel nuts
• Heavy duty mechanical jobs

Instead of bits, it uses socket attachments.

You would not typically use an impact wrench for everyday DIY jobs.

My experience using both

In my work, I rarely need an impact wrench. Although I do own one for personal car maintenance, I don’t use it for my customers’ projects.

For most handyman jobs, an impact driver gives me more than enough power while still being lightweight and easy to control.

If you are working on cars or heavy machinery, then an impact wrench makes sense. But for home projects, decking and general repairs, an impact driver is the better choice.

Need a Hand With Your Project

If you would rather have a professional take care of the job, I offer a wide range of handyman services.

From decking and furniture assembly to general home repairs, I use the right tools for the job to make sure everything is done properly and built to last.

👉 Take a look at my services here: handyman services