Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench: Which Do You Need?
Impact drivers use a 1/4-inch hex chuck for fasteners and screws. Impact wrenches use a square drive for sockets and lug nuts, at several times the torque.
Impact drivers use a 1/4-inch hex quick-release chuck that accepts hex-shank bits and hex-shank socket adapters — a friction-fit, tool-free system. Impact wrenches use a square drive (most commonly 1/2-inch, also 3/8-inch or 3/4-inch for bigger wrenches) that accepts standard sockets and is secured by a detent ball or friction ring, matching the same square-drive standard as a manual socket wrench. The two are not interchangeable without an adapter, and adapters add length and a failure point under high torque.