I get asked a lot about the tools I use on the job and I’m finding more and more women are becoming curious about how to start their own journey into the intimidating world of power tools. A world that will hopefully feel less intimidating after reading through this blog!

First of all, I recognize that there’s a difference between a job site and the smaller DIY projects you would typically tackle around your home. The good news is that a lot of the tools I use are perfect for both! 

This has inspired me to share some of my go-to tools – starting with the essentials – so if you’re a beginner, this is the perfect starting place for you! However, if you’re a tool expert and simply researching your next investment, this is also for you. The common thread that connects us all is the fact that we all understand the importance of having the right tools in your arsenal to get the job done efficiently and safely.

A great starting point for beginners is getting comfortable with drills  My impact driver is a tool I use on the jobsite daily, and when it comes to drills, there’s one combo kit that stands out above the rest: the DeWalt 20 Volt Max Atomic Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit.

Let’s dive into what makes this kit an absolute essential for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Power and Efficiency

First things first, let’s talk about power. The DeWalt combo kit is powered by a long-lasting 20-volt battery, providing ample energy to tackle any task with ease. But what sets these tools apart is their compact design. Despite their small size, they pack a punch thanks to their brushless motors, ensuring maximum efficiency and longer tool life. Whether you’re drilling holes or driving screws, you can trust that these tools will get the job done.

Comfort and Control

One of the biggest challenges with using power tools for extended periods of time is hand fatigue. However, the ergonomic design and rubberized grip of the DeWalt drills ensure that you can work comfortably without straining your hands. This means you can tackle even the most demanding projects with ease, knowing that your tools are designed with your comfort in mind.

The Drill vs. The Impact Driver

Now, let’s break down the difference between these two essential tools: the drill driver and the impact driver.

Drill:
A regular drill has a keyless chuck (a “chuck” refers to the mechanism used to hold the drill bit or other rotary tool attachments in place. It’s essentially the part of the drill where you insert and secure the bit. A keyless chuck allows you to tighten or loosen the jaws by hand, without the need for a separate key.) and is a versatile tool that can be used for drilling holes and driving screws into various materials like wood, plastic, and metal. It features an adjustable chuck that securely holds bits in place, allowing for precise control over drilling and driving speed. Drills are suitable for a wide range of tasks, making them indispensable for any toolbox.

A few additional benefits include:

Quieter Operation: Impact drivers produce loud, repetitive noise due to their impacting mechanism. In contrast, regular drills operate more quietly, which can be beneficial if noise is a concern, especially in indoor or residential settings.

Less Likely to Strip Screws: Impact drivers, while excellent for driving screws quickly, can sometimes apply too much force and risk stripping the screw head or damaging the material being worked on. Regular drills offer more control over the torque applied, reducing the likelihood of such issues.

Multi-Functional Use: While impact drivers are primarily for driving screws, regular drills often come with additional features such as variable speed settings, clutch settings for controlling torque, and hammer drill modes for masonry work. This versatility makes them suitable for a wider range of tasks beyond just driving screws.

Impact Driver:
An impact driver, as mentioned above, is designed specifically for driving screws and other fasteners. Unlike drills, impact drivers utilize a hexagonal chuck that accepts hex-shanked driver bits.  These chucks are specifically designed for quick and easy bit changes and are commonly used in impact drivers because they provide a secure grip suitable for the high torque generated by those tools. This makes them particularly efficient at driving screws into tough materials like hardwoods and metal, making them ideal for heavy-duty fastening tasks.

Efficiency in Driving Screws: The impact mechanism in an impact driver delivers rotational blows as well as linear impacts, making it more effective at driving screws quickly and with less effort. This is particularly advantageous when working with large screws or in situations where excessive force is needed.

Less Strain on the User: The design of an impact driver reduces the amount of reactionary torque experienced by the user. This means less strain on the user’s wrist and arm when driving screws, especially in tough materials or when driving long screws.

Faster Operation: Due to their higher torque and efficiency in driving screws, impact drivers can complete tasks more quickly than regular drills.

The DeWalt 20 Volt Max Atomic Compact Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit is a must-have for anyone who is looking for power, efficiency, and comfort in their tools. Whether you’re just starting your tool journey, or looking for another tool investment, these tools will help you tackle any project with confidence.

So why settle for anything less? Upgrade your tool kit and experience the difference for yourself!