The DeWalt DCF870 20V Max Hydraulic Quiet Impact Driver is a long-awaited addition to DeWalt’s most popular battery platform. Has it been worth the wait? I took a closer look to see how it compares to what’s available from Makita and Milwaukee.
Key Figures
- Max Speed: 1100/3000 RPM
- Max Torque: 500 in-lbs
- Impact Rate: 4200 IPM
- Length: 4.0 inches
- Bare Weight: 2.2 pounds
DeWalt DCF870 20V Max Hydraulic Quiet Impact Driver Performance
If you’re new to hydraulic impact drivers, the first thing you need to understand is that they aren’t as powerful as standard impact drivers. The system relies on a hydraulic pulse that delivers a softer blow than the fast, hard strike of a hammer striking an anvil.
That said, DeWalt has this hydraulic impact driver rated at 500 in-lbs, which is very strong for its class. Combined with 3000 RPM and 4200 IPM on the high end, it’s highly productive at driving small to medium-size screws.
Here’s how it compares to other Pro brands:
| Model | Top Speed | Impact Rate | Max Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V Max DCF870 | 3000 RPM | 4200 IPM | 500 in-lbs |
| Makita 18V LXT XST01 | 3200 RPM | 2700 IPM | 355 in-lbs |
| Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge 2551 | 3000 RPM | 3400 IPM | 450 in-lbs |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 2760 | 3000 RPM | 4000 IPM | 450 in-lbs |
The entire reason you give up the higher torque of a traditional impact driver is to get lower noise. Hydraulic impacts aren’t just a little quieter, they’re impressively quieter. These specialty tools are what you turn to when you want fast, controlled screwdriving but need to keep the noise down. For most Pros, it’s the fastening tool to use in occupied workspaces such as schools, office buildings, or even remodels in homes where people are working remotely.
DeWalt DCF870 20V Max Hydraulic Quiet Impact Driver Design Notes
In addition to making sure this driver can compete with the best in its class, the DCF870 is remarkably compact. Fans of the DeWalt Atomic DCF850 impact driver will no doubt recognize the foundation. At just 4.0 inches across the head, this model fits into much tighter spaces than other impact drivers.
The weight stays in check, though its 2.2-pound bare weight is slightly higher than its Atomic counterpart. Here’s what the working weight looks like with a variety of battery options:
| Battery | Total Working Weight |
|---|---|
| 1.7Ah PowerStack | 2.9 pounds |
| 2.0Ah | 3.0 pounds |
| 5.0Ah | 3.6 pounds |
| 5.0Ah PowerStack | 3.7 pounds |
Like the DCF860 High Torque impact driver, DeWalt’s updated LED lights and settings are on board. Nine LEDs illuminate your workspace, and you have four settings to work with. Repeatedly press the light button to cycle through:
- Low intensity for 20 seconds
- High intensity for 20 seconds
- High intensity for 20 minutes
- Off
DeWalt DCF870 20V Max Hydraulic Quiet Impact Driver Price
You can get DeWalt’s hydraulic impact driver for $199.99 as a bare tool. There’s also a kit option that includes an 1.7Ah PowerStack compact battery and charger for $299.99.
As more of a specialty tool, you won’t find the DCF870 at as many retailers as you find other DeWalt impact drivers. While we didn’t see at Home Depot or Lowe’s, Acme Tools has it in stock and ready to ship.
