Yes, a hammer drill can be used as an impact driver for certain tasks, offering a versatile solution for DIYers. While not a direct replacement, understanding their differences and capabilities allows you to leverage your hammer drill’s power effectively for driving screws, especially in tougher materials. We’ll show you how to do it safely and efficiently!
Ever found yourself staring at a stubborn screw, wishing your trusty hammer drill had a little more punch? You’re not alone! Many of us have a hammer drill in our toolkit and wonder if it can handle those demanding driving jobs usually reserved for an impact driver. It’s a common question, especially when you’re in the middle of a project and need that extra torque to sink a long screw or work with dense materials.
The good news is that your hammer drill can indeed step up to the plate for many impact driver tasks. It might not have the same specialized percussive action, but with the right approach, you can achieve impressive results. Let’s dive into how you can make this happen and what you need to know to get the job done right, safely, and effectively.
Can a Hammer Drill Be Used as an Impact Driver? The Simple Answer
To put it simply, yes, a hammer drill can be used as an impact driver, but with some important caveats. The primary difference lies in how they deliver their rotational force. An impact driver uses a rotating hammer and anvil system that delivers short, powerful bursts of torque directly to the output shaft. This specialized mechanism is designed for high-torque applications like driving large fasteners into hard materials.
A hammer drill, on the other hand, has a clutch mechanism that engages a pulsating, hammering action alongside its rotation. This hammering action is primarily designed to help the drill bit bore through hard materials like concrete or masonry. When you’re using it for driving screws, you’ll want to disengage the hammer function. However, the inherent torque and power of a good hammer drill can still be very effective for driving screws, especially when compared to a standard drill/driver.
Understanding the Tools: Hammer Drill vs. Impact Driver
Before we get into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between these two powerhouses. Knowing these distinctions will help you choose the right tool for the job and avoid potential pitfalls.
Hammer Drill
A hammer drill is a versatile tool designed for drilling holes in various materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and masonry. Its key feature is the ability to switch between standard drilling mode and a “hammer” mode. In hammer mode, two ribbed discs engage and disengage rapidly, creating a pulsating, hammering action that drives the drill bit forward. This action is ideal for drilling into hard surfaces like concrete, brick, or stone.
When using a hammer drill for driving screws, you will absolutely want to ensure the hammer function is turned off. You’ll rely on its rotational power and adjustable torque settings.
Impact Driver
An impact driver is specifically engineered for driving fasteners. It features a unique internal mechanism: a spinning mass (hammer) that strikes an anvil, delivering rotational impacts (torque) to the output shaft. This means the force is applied sideways to the screw head, not axially like a hammer drill’s hammering action. This sideways torque is incredibly effective at sinking screws quickly and with less strain on the user’s wrist.
Impact drivers typically have higher torque ratings than hammer drills and are much more efficient at driving long screws or working with dense materials. They also tend to be more compact and lighter, making them ideal for repetitive fastening tasks.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the main distinctions:
| Feature | Hammer Drill | Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Drilling holes (especially in masonry) | Driving screws and fasteners |
| Percussive Action | Axial hammering (along the drill bit) | Rotational hammering (sideways torque) |
| Torque Delivery | Consistent rotational torque, supplemented by hammering | bursts of high rotational torque |
| Ideal For | Drilling into concrete, brick, wood, metal | Driving screws, lag bolts, nuts, bolts |
| User Fatigue | Can cause more wrist fatigue with high torque | Significantly less wrist fatigue due to controlled impacts |
How to Use Your Hammer Drill as an Impact Driver: Proven Results!
Now that we’ve established the differences, let’s get to the practical application. Using your hammer drill effectively for driving screws is straightforward, but requires a few key steps to ensure safety and efficiency.
Step 1: Disengage the Hammer Function
This is the most crucial step. Locate the mode selector ring or switch on your hammer drill. Ensure it is set to the standard drill/driver mode (often indicated by a drill bit icon, not a hammer icon). If you leave the hammer function engaged, you’ll be trying to drive screws while simultaneously hammering the material, which is ineffective, can damage the screw head, and can be jarring.
Step 2: Select the Correct Clutch Setting
Most hammer drills (and all good drill/drivers) have an adjustable clutch. This clutch controls the maximum torque the drill will apply before it “slips” or disengages. For driving screws, you want to set the clutch to a lower number for smaller screws and softer materials, and a higher number for larger screws or harder woods.
Why is this important?
- Prevents Over-tightening: A lower setting will stop the screw before it goes too deep or strips the material.
- Avoids Stripping Screw Heads: Too much torque can easily chew up the slots or recess on a screw head, making it impossible to drive or remove.
- Protects Your Material: Driving a screw too deep can damage the workpiece.
Start with a lower setting and gradually increase it until the screw is driven to your desired depth. You’ll learn to feel when the clutch is about to slip.
Step 3: Use the Right Drill Bit or Driver Bit
The type and quality of your driver bit are critical. Use bits that are specifically designed for impact drivers, even with your hammer drill. These bits are typically made from higher-grade steel and have a more robust construction to withstand the forces involved.
Ensure the bit perfectly matches the screw head type (Phillips, Torx, Square, etc.) and size. A poor fit will lead to cam-out (the bit slipping out of the screw head) and damaged screws. Magnetic bit holders are also incredibly useful for keeping the bit securely in place.
Step 4: Maintain Control and a Steady Hand
When driving screws, especially longer ones or into denser materials, maintain a firm grip on the drill. Keep the drill perpendicular to the surface to prevent the screw from going in crooked. As the screw starts to sink, you might feel the drill want to twist. Use your other hand to stabilize the drill and your workpiece.
Start at a lower speed setting on your drill if it has one, especially when you’re just beginning to sink the screw. Once it’s seated, you can increase the speed. Gradually increase pressure as needed, but let the drill do the work.
Step 5: Listen and Feel for the Clutch
Pay attention to the feedback from your drill. You’ll hear the clutch engage and disengage as it reaches the set torque limit. If you’re not sure about the setting, practice on a scrap piece of material first. Drive a screw, check its depth, and adjust the clutch setting as needed. This trial-and-error is key to mastering the clutch.
When Your Hammer Drill Shines as an Impact Driver
While an impact driver is purpose-built for fastening, your hammer drill can be a surprisingly capable alternative in several scenarios:
- Occasional Driving Tasks: If you’re not driving dozens of screws regularly, a hammer drill can easily handle the occasional need to sink a screw.
- Driving into Medium-Density Materials: For wood, particleboard, and even some softer plastics, a hammer drill with its clutch set appropriately will perform admirably.
- When You Only Have a Hammer Drill: The most obvious reason! If it’s the only powerful drill you own, knowing you can use it for driving saves you from needing a second tool for many jobs.
- Pre-drilled Pilot Holes: For very hard woods or when driving large lag bolts, pre-drilling a pilot hole with your hammer drill (in standard drill mode) makes driving much easier for any drill, including itself.
When to Consider a Dedicated Impact Driver
Despite its versatility, there are times when a dedicated impact driver is the superior choice:
- Heavy-Duty and Repetitive Fastening: If you’re building decks, framing houses, working on car engines, or any task involving a high volume of screws, an impact driver will save you significant time and effort.
- Driving Large Fasteners: Lag bolts, large deck screws, and carriage bolts are where impact drivers truly excel due to their sheer torque output.
- Working with Extremely Dense Materials: Hardwoods like oak, maple, or exotic woods can be challenging for even a hammer drill. An impact driver’s power is better suited.
- Minimizing User Fatigue: The controlled, side-impact mechanism of an impact driver dramatically reduces wrist strain, making long work sessions much more comfortable.
- Precision in Delicate Work: While the clutch helps, the direct, powerful impacts of an impact driver can sometimes be too much for very delicate materials or small fasteners, where a sensitive clutch on a standard drill/driver might be preferred. However, impact drivers often have variable speed triggers that offer good control.
Tips for Maximizing Your Hammer Drill’s Driving Performance
Here are some extra pointers to help you get the most out of your hammer drill when using it for driving:
- Keep Bits Sharp and Clean: Dull or dirty bits will make any driving task harder.
- Maintain Battery Charge: Ensure your drill battery is well-charged for consistent power.
- Use the Side Handle (if available): For larger screws or when applying more pressure, the side handle on many hammer drills can offer better control and leverage.
- Let the Tool Do the Work: Don’t force the drill. Apply steady pressure and let the motor and clutch manage the torque.
Safety First!
Power tools are fantastic, but safety should always be your top priority. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Wear Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes from flying debris, especially when drilling or driving.
- Keep Your Work Area Clean: A tidy workspace reduces tripping hazards.
- Ensure Secure Grip: Always maintain a firm grip on your tool.
- Be Aware of What’s Behind Your Workpiece: Make sure there are no hidden wires or pipes before you drill or drive.
- Read Your Tool’s Manual: Familiarize yourself with your specific hammer drill’s features and safety guidelines. For more information on tool safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides excellent resources on power tool safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hammer drill to drive screws into concrete?
No, not directly. While your hammer drill has a hammer function, that function is for drilling holes into concrete, not for driving screws. Driving screws into concrete requires specialized anchors and often a hammer drill used in its drilling mode to create the hole, followed by inserting the anchor. For driving screws into wood or metal, ensure the hammer function is turned OFF on your hammer drill.
What is the difference between a hammer drill and an impact driver when driving screws?
An impact driver delivers high, rapid rotational impacts directly to the screw head, providing immense torque with less user effort. A hammer drill, when used for driving screws (with the hammer function OFF), relies solely on its motor’s rotational power and its adjustable clutch. While capable, it generally offers less torque and a different feel than a dedicated impact driver.
How do I avoid stripping screw heads with a hammer drill?
The key is to use the clutch setting correctly. Start with a low torque setting on your hammer drill and gradually increase it until the screw is seated properly. Ensure you’re using the correct size and type of driver bit that fits snugly into the screw head. A proper fit prevents the bit from slipping and damaging the head.
Can I use an impact driver bit with my hammer drill?
Yes, you can. In fact, it’s often recommended. Impact driver bits are made of harder, more durable steel designed to withstand the forces of an impact driver. While your hammer drill doesn’t deliver the same side-impact torque, using these robust bits can still be beneficial for longevity and performance when driving screws.
What is the advantage of using a hammer drill over a standard drill/driver for driving screws?
Hammer drills generally offer more power and torque than standard drill/drivers. This higher torque capacity, combined with the adjustable clutch, makes them more capable of sinking larger screws or driving them into tougher materials where a standard drill might struggle or overheat. Of course, this is all achieved with the hammer function disengaged.
Will using my hammer drill as an impact driver damage the drill?
As long as you ensure the hammer function is turned OFF and you use the clutch settings appropriately, you should not damage your hammer drill by using it to drive screws. Over-tightening screws with the clutch set too high, or continuously trying to drive a screw that’s too large for the drill’s capacity, are the main ways you could potentially stress the tool.
Is there a specific setting on my hammer drill for driving screws?
Yes, the primary setting you need is the standard drill/driver mode (hammer function OFF). Additionally, you’ll want to use the adjustable clutch settings. Most hammer drills have a numbered ring around the chuck. Lower numbers indicate lower torque, and higher numbers indicate higher torque. Experiment on scrap material to find the right setting for your screw size and material type.