DeWalt fans have watched competing brands push higher impact driver performance while wondering when it would their turn to cheer. Thanks to the DeWalt DCF860 20V Max High Torque Impact Driver, that day is here.
Does it have high enough performance to challenge for a top position in our best impact driver roundup? I took a closer look to see what we can expect.
Key Figures
- Top Speeds: 1800/2500/3800 RPM
- Impact Rate: 4500 IPM
- Max Torque: 1250/2150/2500 in-lbs
- Head Length: 4.8 inches
- Bare Weight: 2.4 lbs
DeWalt DCF860 High Torque Impact Driver Performance
There’s no question the biggest talking point for this impact driver is the increase in performance. With a maximum torque rating of 2500 in-lbs, it has a whopping 675 in-lbs more torque than the DCF845!
Additionally, the speed and impact rate are also higher. The top speed now hits 3800 RPM (400 RPM increase) and the impact rate is up to 4500 IPM (300 IPM increase).
Here’s how those numbers match up against some top competitors:
| Model | Top Speed | Impact Rate | Max Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V Max DCF860 | 3800 RPM | 4500 IPM | 2500 in-lbs |
| Flex 24V FX1371A | 4000 RPM | 4450 IPM | 2500 in-lbs |
| Makita 40V Max XGT GDT01 | 3700 RPM | 4400 IPM | 1950 in-lbs |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953 | 3900 RPM | 4400 IPM | 2000 in-lbs |
DeWalt DCF860 High Torque Impact Driver Design Notes
As the new flagship impact driver for DeWalt’s 20V Max system, you could forgive the DCF860 if it bulked up a little. That’s not the case as it gets a little more compact, dropping the head length from the DCF845’s 5.1 inches to down to 4.8 inches.
The Atomic DCF850 is still the most compact with its 4.0-inch head length, but that model is well behind the 860 in performance.
On the other hand, the weight is a bit higher. With a 2.4-pound bare weight, the 860 is noticeably heavier than the 845’s 2.0 pounds. That’s not a huge surprise considering that having such a significant increase in performance likely involves a bigger motor, bigger hammer and anvil, or combination.
| Battery | Total Working Weight |
|---|---|
| 2.0Ah | 3.2 pounds |
| 5.0Ah | 3.8 pounds |
| 5.0Ah PowerStack | 3.9 pounds |
| 8.0Ah PowerPack | 4.6 pounds |
One feature worth drawing out is DeWalt’s LED lights and settings. While previous models had 3 LEDs surrounding the collet, this model has nine. By repeatedly pressing the light button, you can cycle through four settings:
- Low intensity for 20 seconds
- High intensity for 20 seconds
- High intensity for 20 minutes
- Off
DeWalt DCF860 High Torque Impact Driver Price
It’s been a while since DeWalt had much of a price jump in their flagship impact driver, but this is a much different tool than the previous two versions. As such, the bare tool is $199.99.
The kit configuration is different than what we’ve seen before, packing one of the new 8.0Ah PowerPack batteries and a charger for $319.99.
Hands-On Testing Coming Soon
We’ll be putting the DCF860 through our standard impact driver tests soon. Once we do, we’ll update this article into a full review and let you know how it did!
