Drill Driver Vs. Combi Drill - What's The Difference?

Both trade professionals and home users are gaining interest in impact drivers, with the products gaining more and more popularity in recent years.

Compared with the more conventional combi drill, the drill driver has a host of differences that result in both benefits and disadvantages when matched. Here are the differences between the two, so you can choose which tool to work with. 

Differences Between Drill Driver & Combi Drill

1. Impacting Mechanism

One of the main differences between the two is that the impacting mechanism of the impact driver will not initiate until the torque that is necessary to continue driving is superior to the torque created by the rotational power that the motor itself provides. Once this happens, the impacting mechanism will begin to work, with the internal hammer that is attached to the motor starting to swiftly strike the anvil connected to the bit. It is through these fast and strong strikes that the additional, required torque is created – which is how the impact drill driver was aptly named. 

Though a similar system, the driver is not the same as a hammer drill – though this is a common misconception that is made. On a hammer drill, the bit moves in and out, but on a drill driver, the bit stays where it is for the duration of activity – all action takes place inside the tool. 

2. Power

Another difference between the two is the power each display. Though results will vary depending on the model and make of the tool, impact drivers in general have an electronically variable delivery of up to 3,000 blows per minute. While smaller impact drivers can supply approximately 100Nm, there are others that can supply an impressive 150Nm of torque, resulting in a lot of power within an incredibly functional appliance. In comparison, a combi drill can approximately deliver 50-60Nm of torque, making it simply not as powerful. 

The Advantages of Drill Drivers 

1. Easier To Control

Compared with the combi drill, drill drivers are generally considered far easier to control. Impact drivers don’t have a reactionary torque, resulting in them being operated safely with one hand, as there isn’t an external force to manage (the force of the torque is transferred within the tool). 

2. Lightweight

As well as this, the drill driver is lightweight in comparison to the combi drill, which makes it even more comfortable and easy to control when in use. The pressure in the hands and arms is kept to a minimum, which is a beneficial quality for trade professionals who use such tools all day every day.

3. Longer Battery Life

Another benefit of the drill driver is that they generally have a prolonged battery life, making those long working hours easier and less stressful. Impact drivers won’t drain further power when the torque cuts in, making them reliable tools to use. 

The Disadvantages of Drill Drivers 

1. Excessive Force

The excessive power and force of the drill driver means it is ideally best kept on site and in the home where large screws need to be driven into sturdy and strong materials and applications. This means that an alternative tool is best used for jobs that require a lighter touch of delicacy, as it’s likely that more precision and accuracy will be required on these types of tasks. 

2. Not Compatible With All Bits

A further disadvantage of the drill driver is that it’s only supplied with a quarter Hex or alternative wrench drive. This will lead to it being difficult and awkward trying to find drill bits that fit unless they happen to have a compatible shank. This can be particularly frustrating on large-scale projects when there isn’t time to wait for orders and deliveries to be fulfilled. 

Which To Choose?

It’s obvious that the drill driver is a powerful and full-on tool, with additional torque and speed to make light work of many projects in the home and on the construction site. That said, there are a lot of jobs that need the finer, more accurate touch of the combi drill, when finesse is required. 

While there’s an endless list of uses for both tools, at a glance, the drill driver is ideal for drilling holes into hard or soft wood and laminates and plastics, whereas the combi drill will be the ideal tool for drilling into concrete, steel and masonry. It’s important to not only weigh up the uses of both products, but to also work out the cost for each, and whether they’re worth their price based on your own specific requirements.  

Ultimately, the decision of which tool you’ll get the most use out of is yours, but we know that if we had our way, we’d certainly be purchasing both! Make sure you do your research beforehand and consider what you’ll be using the tools for in most cases so you can choose a power tool that will be useful for your needs.