NO!

An impact driver doesn't push down on the screw at all - it 'taps' the screw in using a rotary hammer (ie one that taps round in circles applying a torque rather than one that taps towards the screw like a hammer drill would).

It's difficult to explain really, but you can think of an impact driver working like a spanner attached to a bolt, and you use a hammer to tap on the end of the spanner to apply a torque to the spanner. A hammer drill (like a combi, impact drill, whatever you want to call it) is the equivalent of just hitting the end of your screwdriver with a hammer (which won't do anything useful!)

I've seen some animations of how the different types work - I'll try and dig them out as this explanation is a bit crappy...

Combi's and Drill/drivers make great screwdrivers though, but they can struggle with high torque screws and they do impart more torque to your hand/arm so they are more tiring to use than an impact driver.

edit: for those that are interested, this youtube clip shows a cut-away impact driver in slow motion so you can see how the mechanism works: youtube clip

You are aware those dimensions are for the diameter of the hole drilled, not the depth? When will the average DIYer (or most tradesmen) need to drill a hole more than 3cm wide into wood? If they do then they'd be using a more powerful combi or a more specific tool for the job. Even high end £400 combi drills still only have a capacity of 13mm in steel.

Good find OP.

Bought one of these at the full price last week. Great bit of kit. Very pleased with it.

Heat added!

Wait for a double battery deal as you'll regret it. Great product but you want two batteries nearly every time

ok, somebody remind me of the basics please... difference between a combi-drill and impact driver?
I was thinking of getting the Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 for £80 on amazon with 2 batteries.

I'll be using it for very basic drilling/screw driving but prefer something half decent.

why can't there be a similar deal on impact drills...

How much is a second battery and how long does the first one last? Never needed a spare for any other drill I've had - and this seems cheap for this?

Update - saying that, just seen it's usually only £86! I thought these were like £150 usually!

A combi-drill is a drill, usually with hammer action, that drills holes. It can be used, badly, as a screwdriver.

An impact driver is an electric screwdriver. It allows better control and considerably more torque - allowing screws to be driven into hardwood without much effort. With a drill you just end up damaging the screwhead.

thanks, I guess i best stay well away from this dewalt and possibly the Bosch too.

Great idea but I'm desperate to get on and need a new drill, would love a 2 battery deal any you know about?