DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless
A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Combi Drill vs Impact Driver: What's the Difference?
Combi drills and impact drivers look similar but do different jobs, and many tool owners end up with both. This guide explains what each is for, how they differ, and which to buy first.
Quick verdict
Buy a combi drill first - it drills wood, metal and masonry and drives screws, so it is the versatile all-rounder. Add an impact driver when you drive a lot of screws or long fixings, since it does that faster and with far less wrist strain. They complement each other, which is why twin packs of the two are such popular value.
What a combi drill does
A combi drill is the versatile primary tool: it drills into wood and metal, hammer-drills into masonry, and drives screws via an adjustable clutch. Its keyed or keyless chuck takes round and hex bits and a wide range of drill bits. If you could only own one, this is it, because it covers the broadest range of drilling and driving jobs.
What an impact driver does
An impact driver is a specialist for driving screws and bolts. It uses rapid rotational impacts to deliver high turning force in short bursts, driving long screws into hardwood and decking with ease and almost no wrist strain. It takes hex bits only and is more compact than a combi, but it does not have a clutch or hammer mode for drilling masonry.
Key differences
- Versatility: combi drills and drives; impact driver mainly drives.
- Masonry: combi has hammer mode; impact driver does not.
- Driving power: impact driver sinks long screws far more easily.
- Wrist strain: impact driver reduces kickback markedly.
- Bits: combi takes round and hex; impact driver takes hex only.
Which to buy first
Start with the combi drill for its all-round ability. If you find yourself driving lots of screws, building decking, fixing plasterboard or assembling a lot, add an impact driver and you will wonder how you managed without it. For many people the ideal is a twin pack, getting both at better value than buying separately.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying an impact driver first and finding it cannot drill masonry or use round-shank bits.
- Expecting a combi to drive long screws as effortlessly as an impact driver.
- Using an impact driver for delicate driving where its force is too much.
- Buying both on different battery platforms.
- Overlooking the twin pack value if you want both.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY
A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
Makita 18V Li-Ion LXT 165mm Circular Saw
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#5 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Random Orbit Sander
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#6 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless LED Construction
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a combi drill and an impact driver?
A combi drill is the versatile all-rounder that drills wood, metal and masonry and drives screws. An impact driver is a specialist that drives screws and bolts fast with high force and little wrist strain, but does not drill masonry.
Should I buy a combi drill or impact driver first?
Buy the combi drill first - it is the versatile primary tool for drilling and driving. Add an impact driver when you regularly drive long screws or build decking, where it is far easier on the wrist.
Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?
Not essential, but many find the pair ideal: the combi for drilling and masonry, the impact driver for fast, effortless screw-driving. Twin packs make owning both good value if you do a lot of driving.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..