Ever stared at a wall, a stubborn bolt, or a project that just won’t budge? Sometimes, you need more than just a regular drill. You need power! That’s where impact and drill sets come in, ready to tackle tough jobs with impressive force.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect impact and drill set can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features, and what does “torque” even mean for your DIY adventures? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and worry about buying the wrong tool for the task. You want a set that makes your life easier, not harder.
This post is your guide to unlocking the secrets of impact and drill sets. We’ll break down what makes them special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to choose the one that will become your new favorite tool. Get ready to power through your projects with confidence!
Our Top 5 Impact And Drill Set Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Impact And Drill Set Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
Rating: 8.6/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit (DCK240C2) is a fantastic set for anyone tackling home projects or DIY tasks. This kit includes a powerful cordless drill and a speedy impact driver, along with two batteries and a charger. It’s designed to make your work easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- The drill has two speed settings (0-450 and 0-1500 RPM) so you can choose the right speed for different jobs.
- It has a strong motor that delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power, which is enough for many tasks.
- Both the drill and the impact driver are compact and lightweight, making them easy to handle and fit into tight spaces.
- The drill’s chuck grips drill bits tightly, so they won’t slip.
- The ergonomic handles on both tools provide a comfortable grip and good control.
- The impact driver is small and light, weighing only 2.8 lbs.
- Its one-handed loading chuck makes changing bits quick and simple.
- The impact driver has three LED lights that help you see your work clearly, even in dim areas.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the UWO (300) might not be enough for very heavy-duty construction work.
- The chuck on the drill is a single sleeve, which some users might find less convenient than a keyless chuck.
This DEWALT combo kit offers great value and performance for most home improvement needs. It’s a reliable choice for getting jobs done efficiently.
2. CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle any DIY project with the CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit. This kit gives you the power and versatility to drill holes and drive screws with ease. It comes with two batteries and a charger, so you’re always ready to go. Whether you’re building a fence or hanging shelves, this combo kit is a great helper.
What We Like:
- The drill has a strong motor that delivers 280 UWO of power. This means it can handle tough jobs.
- It has a two-speed gearbox, so you can choose the right speed for your task.
- The impact driver offers 1,460 in-lbs. of torque. This is great for driving large screws.
- Changing bits on the impact driver is super easy with its one-handed design.
- Both the drill and driver have bright LED lights. These lights help you see better in dim areas.
- Their compact size and comfy handles make them easy to use, even in tight spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, the battery life could be longer for extended work sessions.
- The kit might be a bit pricey for beginners or those on a tight budget.
This CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX combo kit is a solid choice for homeowners and DIYers. It offers good power and user-friendly features to make your projects simpler.
3. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill
Rating: 9.0/10
Tackle your DIY projects with the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit. This two-tool set is designed for power and convenience, making it a fantastic addition to any home workshop. It comes with everything you need: a powerful drill, a speedy impact driver, two long-lasting batteries, and a charger. Whether you’re building furniture or fixing things around the house, this kit helps you get the job done efficiently.
What We Like:
- It’s compact and lightweight, measuring only 7.6 inches from front to back. This makes it easy to use in tight spaces.
- The ergonomic comfort grip gives you a good balance and control over the tools.
- A bright LED light with a 20-second delay helps you see clearly in dark or hard-to-reach spots.
- The variable speed trigger lets you work with precision, especially on delicate surfaces.
- Changing bits is a breeze thanks to the quick-release hex chuck.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might prefer a slightly longer battery life for very extended projects.
- The kit’s price point might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
This DEWALT combo kit offers a great balance of power, comfort, and useful features for a wide range of tasks. It’s a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced DIYers.
4. Milwaukee Electric – M18TRADE Compact BRUSHLESS 2-Tool Combo KIT
Rating: 8.8/10
The Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit is a fantastic set for anyone tackling home projects or DIY tasks. This kit gives you two essential power tools: a powerful drill/driver and a quick impact driver. They are both built with Milwaukee’s reliable brushless motor technology, meaning they’ll last longer and give you more power when you need it. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right away.
What We Like:
- The brushless motors deliver excellent power and efficiency for tough jobs.
- Both the drill/driver and impact driver are compact and lightweight, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.
- The included M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries are a good balance of size and runtime for most tasks.
- The multi-voltage charger quickly powers up both M18 and M12 batteries, adding convenience.
- This combo kit provides a great value by bundling two crucial tools together.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very heavy-duty or continuous professional use, the CP2.0 batteries might need more frequent charging than larger capacity batteries.
- While compact, the drill/driver’s chuck could be a bit more robust for very large drill bits.
This Milwaukee combo kit is a solid investment for homeowners and DIYers. It offers a great blend of power, portability, and value to help you get your projects done efficiently.
5. Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KIT
Rating: 9.0/10
The Milwaukee Electric M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo KIT is a powerful set of tools for any serious DIYer or professional. This kit includes a hammer drill driver and an impact driver, both featuring Milwaukee’s advanced FUEL technology. This means they are built to handle tough jobs and keep going.
What We Like:
- The brushless motor on the hammer drill driver gives you the power to tackle many different jobs.
- The impact driver has the fastest driving speed, so you can get more done quickly without losing control.
- Both tools drill and drive fasteners faster, even when they are working hard.
- A mechanical clutch on the impact driver makes sure you drive screws perfectly every time.
- These tools are designed for maximum performance on any job site.
What Could Be Improved:
- The kit is an investment, so the price might be a bit high for some users.
- While powerful, the tools can be a little heavy for very long projects.
This Milwaukee M18 FUEL combo kit is a top-tier choice for anyone needing reliable and powerful tools. You can trust these tools to perform exceptionally well on a wide variety of tasks.
Choosing Your Perfect Impact and Drill Set: A Buyer’s Guide
What is an Impact and Drill Set?
An impact and drill set is a tool kit that gives you both a drill and an impact driver. A drill is great for making holes. An impact driver is a powerful tool that spins and hits at the same time. This makes it much easier to put in screws, especially long ones or into tough materials. Having both in one set means you’re ready for many DIY projects.
Key Features to Look For
Power and Speed
Look at the voltage (V) for drills and the torque (Nm or in-lbs) for impact drivers. Higher numbers usually mean more power. Speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). More RPM helps you drill faster. Some sets have variable speed, which is very helpful. You can start slow and then go faster.
Battery Life and Type
Most sets use rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the best. They last longer and don’t lose power quickly. Check how long the battery lasts on a single charge (Ah or amp-hours). Some sets come with two batteries, which is great. You can use one while the other charges.
Chuck Size
The chuck is where you put the drill bit or screw bit. Most drills have a 1/2-inch chuck. This is a common size and fits most bits. Some smaller drills might have a 3/8-inch chuck.
Comfort and Ergonomics
You will hold these tools a lot. Make sure they feel good in your hand. Look for a comfortable grip. Some tools have a rubber coating to help you hold them better. A lighter tool is also easier to use for longer periods.
Included Accessories
Many sets come with a carrying case, extra batteries, a charger, and a set of drill bits and driver bits. More bits mean you can tackle more jobs right away.
Important Materials
The body of the tools is usually made of strong plastic. Metal parts in the gearbox help the tool last longer. The chuck is often made of metal for durability. Good quality batteries are made with reliable lithium-ion cells.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improvements
- Brushless Motors: These motors are more efficient. They make the tool last longer and give you more power. They also run cooler.
- LED Lights: A light on the drill helps you see what you’re working on, especially in dark places.
- Variable Speed Triggers: These let you control the speed very precisely.
- Metal Gear Housing: This makes the tool tougher and better at handling heat.
Reductions
- Cheap Plastic: Tools made with low-quality plastic can break easily.
- Short Battery Life: If the battery dies quickly, your work will be interrupted often.
- Lack of Variable Speed: This makes it harder to control the tool.
- Overheating: Tools that get too hot might not last as long.
User Experience and Use Cases
An impact and drill set is perfect for homeowners, hobbyists, and even some professionals. You can use it to:
- Build furniture.
- Hang shelves and pictures.
- Assemble flat-pack furniture.
- Work on decks or fences.
- Drill holes in wood, metal, and some plastics.
- Drive screws into different materials.
Having both tools means you can switch between drilling holes and driving screws quickly. This saves time and makes your projects easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A: A drill spins to make holes or drive screws. An impact driver spins and also delivers powerful rotational blows (impacts) to drive screws more easily, especially in tough materials.
Q: Are brushless motors really better?
A: Yes, brushless motors are more efficient, powerful, and last longer than brushed motors. They also don’t need as much maintenance.
Q: How many batteries should a good set have?
A: A good set will usually come with at least one extra battery. Two batteries are ideal so you can keep working while one charges.
Q: What does torque measure?
A: Torque measures rotational force. For an impact driver, higher torque means it can drive screws with more power.
Q: Can I use any drill bit with any drill?
A: Most drills have a 1/2-inch chuck, which fits most standard drill bits. Always check the chuck size of your drill and the shank size of your bit.
Q: How long should a battery charge take?
A: Charging times vary, but many modern chargers can fully charge a battery in about an hour or less.
Q: Is an impact driver necessary if I already have a drill?
A: An impact driver is not strictly necessary, but it makes driving screws much faster and easier, especially for long screws or hard materials. It reduces strain on your wrist.
Q: What is a good voltage for a drill/impact driver set?
A: For most DIY tasks, 18V or 20V (often the same thing, just marketed differently) is a good balance of power and weight.
Q: Can I use an impact driver to drill holes?
A: You can, but it’s not ideal. Impact drivers are designed for driving screws. Their hammering action can make drilling holes less precise and can damage the drill bit or the material if not used carefully.
Q: What should I do if my tool stops working?
A: First, check if the battery is charged. If it still doesn’t work, consult the owner’s manual for troubleshooting steps or contact the manufacturer for warranty service.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!