Is it possible to use an impact driver to drill holes in wood? The short answer is yes.

However, there are some things to take into consideration.

First of all, you will need to use hex drill bits. Compact impact drivers use 1/4″ hex bits, here is an example of what hex shank drill bits look like. This particular set from Makita is affordable and has bits ranging from 1/16″ to 3/16″.

Makita 5 Piece Shank Bits

An impact driver will work fine for screwing holes in wood and metals if you have the right bits. You may find that the impact driver digs into the wood with less effort, but as a result you need to be a little more careful with control.

If you need to drill holes in metal, and are having a hard time getting through with a standard drill, an impact driver could provide the torque you need to drill through a little more easily.

Many people prefer impact drivers to standard drills for drilling, but it depends on who you talk to.

What’s our opinion? The impact drivers we have used for drilling worked just fine, so we don’t see any problems with it. As with anything, it probably comes down to personal preference.