Can/Should I use Impact Driver to drill screws on brick walls?

Question

I have been trying to find this answers, before I can buy the tool.

I have had some bad experience with corded tools, and would like to go for a cordless/brushless drill/driver. Not interested in any fan-based branding, but the tool which can last me longer.

I have seen examples online where people have used Impact driver to drill 2.5" holes into brick walls, and then drive 5mm screws. I understand that Impact driver is more about "Driving" and Drills are about "Drilling" - but it also appears that now these days you can get Masonry Bits that fits into 1-1/4" chucks for typical impact divers.

I do need to drill holes at home (both inside the house and outside the house) on brick walls. Besides, I will probably be mending my neighbouring fence due to some typical wearNtear. I don't want to feel like I lost again to a power tool. I really like Impact Drivers, but I still cannot understand whether impact driver will be sufficient for my case.

Could someone please clarify whether this can do the job for me?

Answer 1

As noted in one of the comments, an impact driver will be great for driving screws, and might also be sufficient for drilling holes in your brick. To be honest, thought I've got a few twist drill bits on 1/4" hex shanks, I don't think I've ever used one. I've got drills and that's what they're for - drilling holes. There is something to be said for having the right tool for the job.^*

If you find that your impact driver is not doing the job for drilling, go online, find your local tool rental store and rent a hammer drill for a day (or even half a day) to get all your holes drilled. In my neck of the woods, I doubt it would cost more than $30 for a full day rental, and would probably be even less than that. (Prices vary, YMMV, etc.)

If you're efficient with your work and have all your holes pre-marked, you could probably get away with a half day rental, and it would almost cost more in gas to drive to the rental place and back than it would to rent the tool (oh yeah, and the appropriately sized bit).

^* I realize that not everyone has a garage to store tons of tools, nor the budget or desire to own one of everything, so this isn't a criticism, just some shared wisdom.

Answer 2

It sounds like you want a drill/driver instead of an impact driver.

Most Many cordless drill/drivers have a "hammer drill setting" that can be engaged and works quite well for poking a few holes in concrete, stone, or brick, then disengaged for driving screws or drilling in other materials like wood, etc. Mine has three settings: A "slower/higher torque" selection for driving screws, a "faster/lower torque" selection for drilling holes, and a "hammer drill" setting for drilling holes in masonry and stone. It's not really like a "real" hammer drill, and you'd want a real one if you were doing this all day long or making really big, deep holes, but it works well for situations like this where you just need a couple of holes once in a while.

An impact driver is a different kind of tool that works really well for threaded fasteners but not so good for drilling holes. They're really handy to have around for such things, but are not a full replacement for a good drill/driver. The "impact" here is applied along the rotational axis and greatly helps with tightening/loosening threaded fasteners. It doesn't do a whole lot with helping to drill holes in masonry. A hammer drill has the "hammering" going on longitudinally to the bit and helps it penetrate rather than helping it "twist."

Article: When to Use What: Cordless Drill/Driver vs. Impact Driver

You'll get adequate driving capability from the drill/driver and superior drilling capability. The hammer drill functionality will be useful here and there doing typical household jobs. An impact driver is really handy to have because it's better at loosening very tight screws and bolts.

Having both is very useful when used in tandem: Use drill for pilot holes and the driver to drive screws without having to re-chuck bits. Very often cordless drill/drivers and impact drivers are sold together at a discount along with batteries and chargers.

Answer 3

Impact or hammer drill modes should not be used when drilling into bricks, since the hole will be irregular and wider than anticipated, especially if the brick has holes for better thermal insulation.

Less important is the drill tool, more important is to use a drilling bit made for bricks, which is always kept sharp enough. Sometimes a bit must be resharpened every 3 holes.

A good practice is to get a helper who sprays water into the hole/onto the bit in order to cool it - f.e. using a flower sprayer.

Otherwise the hardened drill bit edge can overheat very quickly thus loosing its strength.

Edit 20220121:

Downvoting led to the understanding that different types of bricks are used in different loations. The 2 different types are

1. Full solid compact bricks without cavities.
2. Hollow bricks with air cavities for better insulation.

Since the question does not specify the brick type and to get a useful general answer for both types, here is a clarification:

For type 1, impact drills may be used. This is reflected by all other answers/ comments so far.

But for drilling into type 2, impact drilling must not be used, since the thin walls inside those bricks could be destroyed. For type 2, a hardened sharp steel bit is recommended by brick manufacturers. Sucking out the dust during drilling like in case of type 1 is not important, because the dust can easily fall into the hollow chambers. But cleaning the hole after drilling is important, f.e. with a pipe brush, to remove the remaining dust from the dowel contact zones.