Impact drill or hammer drill: which one do you need?
Comparison between a impact drill and hammer drill
| Impact drill | Hammer drill | |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for wood, metal, and soft stone | Yes | No |
| Suitable for hard stone types and concrete | No | Yes |
| Drill head type | Quick release drill chuck | SDS Plus or SDS Max |
What material will you be drilling?
Impact drill: wood, metal, and soft stone
An impact drill is more powerful than a regular screw drill, but less powerful than a hammer drill. You can use a impact drill for drilling in wood, metal, and soft stone types. This type of drill is less suitable for hard stone types and concrete. That's because concrete is so strong nowadays, an impact drill can't get through anymore. Do you want to drill into concrete? You'll need a hammer drill.
Hammer drill: concrete and hard stone
Are you getting started with heavy materials like hard stone types and concrete? A hammer drill is the best choice for you. This type of drill has a hammer function, which means the drill also makes pulsating movements in addition to rotating movements. That way, you'll get through that concrete wall a lot easier. For drilling in wood, metal, and soft stone types, a hammer drill is less suitable. The great power of this appliances may damage these materials.
Which drills do you need?
Impact drill: quick release drill head
An impact drill always has a quick release drill head, so it needs quick release drill bits. You can secure the drill bits by turning the drill head manually. You can use these types of drill bits for wood, metal, and stone. There are also quick release drill bits for concrete, but you'll only use these for small drill holes. Make sure your impact drill doesn't get overheated too in this case.
Hammer drill: SDS Plus or SDS Max
A hammer drill has an SDS Plus or SDS Max drill head. You secure the drill bit by clicking it into the shaft. The drill is secured tightly and won't slip away. This is very important for when you drill holes into heavy materials. SDS Plus and SDS Max aren't interchangeable. Check which drill head your hammer drill has, so you're sure the drill bits fit.
Conclusion
You can use a hammer drill to drill in hard stone types and concrete. Are you getting started with soft stone types, wood, and metal? An impact drill is the best choice for you. When you buy matching drill bits, make sure you choose the right type. You can use quick release drill bits for impact drills, while you'll need an SDS Plus or SDS Max drill bit for a hammer drill.
