Best DeWalt Impact Driver

Determining which is the best DeWalt impact driver isn’t as easy as it is with some brands. At my last count, DeWalt had 10 current models. New for 2024, there’s now a high-torque model along with DeWalt’s first hydraulic impact driver. Add a couple more models on clearance that have newer replacements and the number of choices can make your head spin.

Not to worry—we have your back! In this roundup, I’ll break down my top choices across a range of priorities. Plus, I’ll show you what to look for if you’re new to impact drivers.

• Best Overall: DeWalt 20V Max XR High Torque DCF860
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• Best Value: DeWalt 20V Max XR DCF845
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• Best 12V Max: DeWalt 12V Max DCF801
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• Best Atomic: DeWalt 20V Max Atomic DCF850
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• Quietest: DeWalt 20V Max Hydraulic DCF870
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Best DeWalt Impact Driver Overall

Lagging behind the competition for several years, the DCF860 is the best overall DeWalt impact driver and vaults the brand back into conversation surrounding the best impact drivers.

Jumping ahead of the DCF845 that was the previous top pick for DeWalt, nearly everything about this model has improved. Torque, speed, and impact rate all make serious gains, and it’s a little more compact. There’s even a new 9-LED light ring surrounding the chuck with four light modes to work with, including a 20-minute mode to use as a temporary work light.

There are two elements that didn’t improve. The higher performance comes with a 0.4-pound heavier weight. It’s also more expensive.

If you’re looking for the highest performing impact driver in DeWalt’s lineup, the DCF860 is it.

Best DeWalt Impact Driver Value

With the DCF860 taking over as the flagship high-performance model, the DCF845 has some new pricing that makes it DeWalt’s best value impact driver. For the bare tool, most retailers have marked it down to just $99.99—$50 off its original price.

While you can get the older DCF885 for less (currently around $80 for the bare tool), spending a little extra is worth it to get a brushless motor and higher performance. The 845 does a much better job across the board, and it’s more compact and lightweight.

There are still some DCF887 and DCF888 (Tool Connect version of the 887) models available at some retailers. However, the 845’s price is consistently the same or lower, and it’s the newer model with better performance and a slightly more compact design, so that’s the one I’d choose.

Model	Price
DCF860 (best overall)	$199.00 Bare Tool
DCF845 (best value)	$99.99 Bare Tool
DCF887 (older brushless model)	$119.00 Bare Tool
DCF888 (887 w/Tool Connect)	$249.99 Kit w/ Two 2.0Ah Batteries*
DCF885 (brushed model)	$79.00 Bare Tool

Best DeWalt 12V Max Impact Driver

DeWalt’s 12V Max lineup has slowly expanded since its initial launch and the DCF801 is a compelling choice if you’re looking for the lightest possible DeWalt impact driver. It also serves as a much-requested brushless upgrade for the older DCF815 12V model.

In our testing, the DeWalt DCF801 does an admirable job accomplishing 80% or more of what you expect from a full-size impact driver like the DCF845. That said, newer high-torque models such as the DCF860 are widening the gap a bit.

Compared to the somewhat clunky DCF815, the brushless DCF801 drops a full 1.2 inches off the head length, shrinking it to just a hair over 5 inches. Both the speed and torque get significant boosts and you get three electronic speed modes including High, Low, and Precision Drive assist.

If you’re looking at the 12V model because of price, take a closer look at the DCF845. You’ll get higher performance and be on the more popular 20V Max battery system. However, it your main concern is weight or you’re building out your DeWalt 12V Max collection, this is the impact driver for you.

Best DeWalt Atomic Impact Driver

When the second-generation DeWalt Atomic impact driver came out, its incredibly compact head opens up new possibilities for working in tight spaces. Even better, it matched the then-flagship DCF887 in performance specs. While our tests had it lagging behind the 887 slightly, it’s still an impressive balance of size, weight, and performance.

With newer full-size models taking care of users with higher performance needs, the DCF850 remains the best DeWalt impact driver for those who want the most compact option on the 20V Max system.

Quietest DeWalt Impact Driver

It’s been years since we saw the first cordless hydraulic impact drivers enter the scene from the major brands. DeWalt finally enters the race with the DCF870, and for those of you who have been asking for one, it’s worth the wait.

Claiming the highest torque in the hydraulic class, it’s also near the top in speed and impact rate. Better yet, it’s built around the same form factor as the Atomic DCF850 with its super-compact 4.0-inch head length. Not only will you be able to drive faster than the competition, but you’ll also be able to work in tight spaces.

Though you give up a lot of torque to get the hydraulic drive system, you gain significantly quieter operation. If you’re looking for driving speed and control that can easily operate in occupied workspaces without disrupting operations, the DCF870 is for you.

Editor’s Note: Check out our DeWalt vs Milwaukee impact driver head-to-head article.

How We Determine Which DeWalt Impact Driver is Best

Speed Testing Under Load

Maintaining speed under load is more important than the no-load speed given on the back of the box. We drive ledger screws into glued-up layers of OSB and measure the maximum RPM with all the threads engaged in the final inch of driving. Better drills have higher RPMs while under this moderate load.

Torque Testing the Best DeWalt Impact Drivers

To measure torque, we run two tests on a steel I-beam using Grade 8 hardened bolts, washers, and nuts. After hand-threading each nut down onto the welded bolt, we use the DeWalt impact driver to give it three 3-second and 5-second bursts. We then measure the torque required to remove the nut and apply a formula to the results.

For the second test, we tighten down the nuts to a predetermined setting using a Gearwrench 64-832G torque multiplier. We then see what torque the impact driver can successfully back off. We do this using 10 ft-lb (120 in-lb) increments until we land on the maximum “nut-busting” torque value.

As a general rule, this type of torque represents around 50% more than fastening torque. However, it’s not exactly the same in every tool, so there’s no formula we can use to tell you how much fastening torque each model actually has.

Noise Output

DeWalt (and other) impact drivers are loud tools! We take an SPL meter and record the A-weighted dB sound pressure level readings from 24” away (approximating the distance from the tool to your ear). We do this in a consistent environment to ensure accurate results.

Weight

Impact drivers have lots of power, but the best tools also stay nice and compact. Overall weight remains an important factor. We measure the bare weight of each tool and with the most advanced compact battery available at the time of testing.

Footprint

The best impact drivers have a compact footprint. We measure both height and length for each impact driver using a digital caliper. The length is arguably more important than the height. Tools with a more compact head can squeeze into a smaller space.

Grip

While we don’t come across many tools that have a terrible grip, some are better than others. We look at how the tool fits in your hand along with how comfortable and secure the rubber overmold is. Since someone with small hands tends to prefer a different style than someone with large hands, the handle size doesn’t play a part in our scoring.

Feature Set

Sales 101 will teach you that every feature must have a benefit. When we look at the feature set to help determine the best impact driver, we’re looking for features that have tangible benefits. That includes having a brushless motor, the number of speed settings, app-based controls, LED light design, bit insertion/ejection, and more.

Value

The value a tool offers will be different for everyone depending on what features, performance, and price you prioritize the most. Regardless, it’s the sum of what you get compared to the price you pay that determines the value for you. That’s how we give each impact driver a value rating.

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