If you want the most feature-rich DeWalt impact driver, you go for the Dewalt DCF888 with Tool Connect. In our opinion, however, we’d call the DCF887 the best value DeWalt brushless impact driver. Why? It’s “last year’s model”—and that means discounts! Dewalt 12V tools and batteries are 100% compatible with your existing 10.8V products. Weighing in at only 0.80kg with a 2 speed motor, this machine delivers all the performance needed to get the job done in tight, confined spaces, with 3 bright LED lights on tool head for high visibility in low light situations. We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. In our testing, the DeWalt DCF887 impact driver stayed in the top half for performance, design, and value. When we look over this tool, nothing stands out and says “fix this”. It just works…reliably. DeWalt’s product team doesn’t necessarily chase the numbers that other brands push for. Instead, they seem content knowing they have an excellent impact driver. As a DeWalt user, the only decision is whether you want the Tool Connect features available in the DCF888. The 12V DCF801N XR Brushless Sub-Compact Impact Driver ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike with its brushless motor it offers a better runtime, improved torque and the built-in LED light assists in low-quality lighting. It has a drop and load bit holder for extra ease with one-handed use. The ergonomically designed handle means it is comfortable to use and lightweight to reduce tiring when using the tool and it has 3-speed control for multiple applications. Compatible with Dewalt 10.8V batteries. Supplied as a bare unit, batteries and charger available separately.

The Precision Drive mode is ideal for fine screw work, preventing the screw head or material from being damaged For a better idea of its performance, I brought out Milwaukee’s latest M12 Fuel impact driver—the very same one that dominated our best 12V impact driver review article. This time, I used 1/4″ ledger screws into layered OSB subfloor to see how their driving speed compared. Test after test, these two impact drivers simply refused to give in. They’d be at a dead tie. Milwaukee would be slightly ahead. DeWalt would be slightly ahead. By the time it was done, I couldn’t make a call as to which one was faster. Shootout Results

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year. Kenny’s life around power tools started early. His grandfather was an airplane mechanic in WW2 and took up woodworking as a hobby after retiring from the power industry. Building everything from bookshelves to lazy Susans, he became extremely accomplished while his young grandson observed, fascinated at the way raw wood could turn into something both beautiful and functional. In fact, Kenny still uses several pieces that his grandfather made more than 30 years ago.

At the heart of this tool is the brushless motor that allows you to use the wrench efficiently. As part of the design, the tool utilizes every bit of battery power when you need, all while reducing the need for ongoing maintenance. Efficient brushless motor delivers high performance, extends tool life and allows for a much shorter design, delivering a max 2850rpm no-load speed, 3600ipm impact rate and max 163Nm torque Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years. Overall, this is a drill that’s about the best combination of weight and size we’re seeing in the 12V landscape. Add in handle curves that fit your hand well and you can’t ask for much better when you’re looking for a compact drill. What About Performance?Speeds: The brushed single speed motor gives way to 3-speed electronic modes on the brushless—high, low, and Precision Drive assist With 60V FlexVolt tools supplementing higher power for their 20V Max cordless tools, smaller DeWalt 12V tools often get overlooked. In our testing, however, the DeWalt DCF801 does an admirable job accomplishing 80% or more of what you expect from a full-size impact driver. The DCF801 is there for precision applications such as small fasteners. Its small size hides a lot of power and performance. Able to deliver a no-load speed of 0-2850 and a maximum torque of 163Nm you will be able to drive large bolts and screws with ease. These two tools come as prt of a kit that also includes two 3Ah batteries, a charger and a TSTAK II Kit Box.