Best Overall
DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Driver Cordless Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Brushless Impact Driver
Best Compact
DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Brushless Impact Driver
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DeWalt is one of the most well - observe brands in the power cock job , so it ’s no wonder that DeWalt impact drivers rank among the besttoolsin the category . With exceptional torque production and advanced lineament like brushless motors and Precision Drive applied science , the five DeWalt drivers we try do so well that choosing just one for our top awarding was more unmanageable than await .
However , after driving nearly 100 fixing in 2x4s , metallic element , railroad tie-up , and composite decking , we selected theDeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Driver Cordless Kitfor our award of Best Overall . With 1,700 inch - Irish punt of torque in a 2.1 - pound package , this number one wood excise a balance between great power and portability that makes it ideal for most applications programme . Ahead , learn more about how each of the good DeWalt impact driver performed in our mental testing , and see which boast matter most when take the theoretical account that ’s right for you .
Impact Drivers Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The list below feature the good DeWalt impact tool we test , including models for weekend warrior as well as those desirable for pros .
Our Ratings : informality of Use5/5 ; Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4.7/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.7/5
DeWalt ’s DCF809B Atomic 20 - volt cordless impact driver is a compact , hefty , and versatile tool that birth such a honest yet user - well-disposed performance in our tests that it earned our top award . assess just 5.1 column inch from its back to the tip of the eats , we had no job match it under our kitchen sink to loosen a arrogate screw or working between wall studs in our garage . Its ergonomic bag and lightweight 2.1 - pound body were comfortable and balanced in hand , enabling hold out manipulation over several hours of testing .
While we were n’t sealed how to feel about it at first , we ended up getting the bent of the tool ’s varying speed gun trigger . As we drove and removed screw in pile 2x4s and canvass alloy , we learned how to use the unit ’s 1,700 inch - pounds of torsion precisely . However , the brushless motor was a tad noisy ( though certainly not the loudest of the exemplar we test ) , and the tool warm up during extended use . Also , the 1.5Ah shelling let in in the DCF809C1 kit flow out after only about 40 minutes , though swap in our 5.0Ah battery bring home the bacon mass of power to keep examination , and the bag to keep the putz , bombardment , and charger together on the route is inflexible and commodious .
What our tester says:“This is the impact driver we always reach for when the motivation lift . Its grip and weight are comfortable , and it ’s knock-down enough for most heavy - duty labor . It also works with our DeWalt ’s 20 - volt 5.0Ah battery , which makes a big difference in runtime . ” — Michelle Larson , Product Reviews tester and author
Get the DeWalt Atomic cordless encroachment number one wood atThe Home DepotorAmazon(tool only ) .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Ergonomics4.5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
With rich torque and lightweight construction , this DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX DCF801B brushless encroachment driver pack a heap of power into a small software . The bare tool weighs just 1.75 pounds and have a brushless motor with 1,450 column inch - pound sign of torque ; a 2,800 RPM stop number ; a 0.25 - column inch quick - dismission free fall ; and a load hex that takes 1 - inch morsel tips . At just 5.05 inches long , it ’s perfect for tight space , name it an ideal automotive encroachment equipment driver or one well suitable to storage locker installation .
During our tests , one thing we really liked about this social unit was its three mode setting , including Precision Drive , which prevented us from overtightening screws and bolt . The tool also has three light-emitting diode on its nozzle to help crystalize tasks in morose spaces . These features made it easy to push back everything from 3 - in screw to large fastening while finely - tuning torque yield , even in dark spaces . While it may not be quite powerful enough to put back a full - sizing 20 - volt impact driver , this 12 - V unit ’s combining of power , precision , and portability make it an excellent choice for serious DIYers look for a various yet low-priced peter .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt Xtreme wallop driver atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Ergonomics4.5/5 ; Performance4.7/5 ; Build Quality4.25/5 ; Value4.7/5
With its 3.97 - column inch length from the peak of the chuck to the back of its head , the DCF850B is one of the most succinct wallop driver on the market . Its short head makes it ideal for tasks that take position in tight spaces , such as driving in draw up prison guard or set up cabinetwork . Despite its little size , it delivers an impressive 1,825 column inch - pounds of torque for driving large screws and handling heavy - duty tasks with ease . Since it ’s sell as a bare tool , pair it with any DeWalt 20 - V bombardment between 1.5Ah and 5.0Ah , depending on how much uninterrupted runtime is required .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
With its brushless motor , the DCF850B cordless impact driver does n’t compromise on power , and the varying three - hurrying induction helps keep torque in check for smaller fasteners . The ergonomic grip and lightweight blueprint ( 2.1 pounds stripped tool ) cut fatigue during long task . Additionally , the incorporate triple - ring LED work light enhances visibility in dimly lit areas . Since it is a compact unit , we did notice it motor a flake slower than gravid unit , but the difference is minimum and compensated for by first-class portability and precision .
Get the DeWalt compact brushless impact driver atThe Home Depot .
Best for Pros
DeWalt 3-Speed High Torque ¼–Inch Impact Driver Kit
Our Ratings : repose of Use5/5 ; Ergonomics4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value4.7/5
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF860 gamy - torque impact driver is a power plant in the world of cordless tools . It feature telling performance with a maximal torque of up to 2,500 inch - British pound sterling , making it ideal for tackling demanding professional - grade tasks . The tool have three velocity mode , allow user to adjust end product allot to the projection at hand . With a no - load speeding of up to 3,800 revolutions per minute , it effortlessly outperformed the competition in our test .
The power of this unit ’s brushless motor was obvious not only in operation but in level-headed output — it produce less noise on gamy than more compendious units did on low-spirited . In fact , the lowest setting on this unit was sufficient for all our tryout , so we really only used the highest stop number for fun . However , all that power does equate to a grievous creature , and this professional pick weighs a rather hefty 6.9 punt with its 8.0Ah PowerPack battery , which may lead to fatigue during prolong use . Still , this driver will provide rich runtime for most projects , its ergonomic hold is comfortable , and it has nine LED lights for enhanced profile . Those who require a top - tier cock that will deliver exceptional operation for hour and even twelvemonth will regain this high - torque option hard to pound . The DeWalt DCF860WW1 kit includes a battery , charger , and belt hook .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
What our tester says:“The dispute in human body quality of this driver was obvious the moment we picked it up and only increased with manipulation . It ’s heavy yet well-fixed , unruffled yet powerful , and I do n’t think we could run out of battery power if we tried . ” — Michelle Larson , ware Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt high - torsion impact gadget driver atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best for DIYers
DeWalt 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5 ; Ergonomics4.75/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Build Quality4/5 ; Value4.3/5
The DeWalt DCF885C1 20V Max ¼-Inch impact machine driver kit comes with a model DCF885B ¼-inch impact driver , a 20 - volt battery , a fast charger , and commodious carry suitcase , providing a character tool outfit at a budget - friendly terms . Its powerful motor delivers 1,400 column inch - pounds of torsion and an impressive 2,800 rev , enough for most home advance labor and even some professional practical app . Measuring just 5.55 inches in length and 2.8 pounds in weightiness , its stocky design is comfortable and easy to maneuver in tight space .
During testing , there was a lot to like about this DeWalt impact recitation set , but one of our preferent feature was its one - handed hex chuck for straightaway fleck changes . We also apprize that the ergonomic handle had a gentle synthetic rubber grip , which prevented us from feeling fagged even after a full daylight of testing . Like many DeWalt wallop driver , this option also has a three-fold LED luminance system to amply straighten out the work region without casting shadows . Combined with the varying - hurrying initiation , this driver propose excellent control for precise holdfast . The only likely downsides are its brushed motor ( which wo n’t be as durable as a brushless one ) and the limited runtime of its 1.5Ah barrage fire , which only lasted about 40 minutes in our tests .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt ¼-inch shock driver atThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best DeWalt Impact Drivers
When form our selections for examination , we included DeWalt impact drivers suited to DIYers as well as professional contractor . While higher - torque number one wood put up more versatility in a liberal range of app , these top - end tools come with a steep price tatter . Still , some tasks call for serious muscle , so examine a more expensive dick also made sense .
Once we were ready to begin , we charged the batteries that came in the kits and try those unit before recharging the batteries and swapping them into the woof sold as unornamented tools . We used each impact gadget driver to insert and remove at least 16 short and long fasteners into stacked 2x4s , metal , railroad standoff , and composite decking . We also gestate them around the house to remove any stripped shtup we could find , measured their noise level with a dB meter , and noted any increase in temperature using an infrared thermometer . We sample all their fastness preferences , value the utility of their LED light in dark orbit , and weighed whether their operation and build quality were deserving the asking terms .
What to Consider When Choosing a DeWalt Impact Driver
While torque may be the most crucial dimension when choosing the good DeWalt impact number one wood , factors such as motor type , size of it , weight , and battery living are also crucial . Read on to chance out more about these and otherfeatures of impact driverswhen making purchasing decisions .
Motor
DeWalt encroachment driver come in brush and brushless model . A brushed motor has a rotate aperture that make contact with brushes , create a significant amount of rubbing . A brushless motor egest the need for brushes , importantly reducing friction . As such , a brushless motor can go at quicker driving speeds than a brushed motor without overheating , resulting in greater torque and f number . Brushless motors are also more efficient , allowing them to run on a barrage fire for up to 50 percent longer . On the other hand , a brushless motor is more expensive to manufacture than a brush motor , which makes tools using them much pricier .
Speed and Torque
An impact driver ’s job is to drive in or get rid of fastener command more torque than even thebest cordless drillcan handle . As such , torque is much more important than speed when it comes to bear upon driver . Most wallop drivers get at least 1,400 inch - Egyptian pound of torque , which is enough to remove lug nuts torqued up to 100 pounds or drive long screwdrivers through thicker dimensional baseball bat . DeWalt ’s most sinewy impingement driver offers 2,500 inch - Syrian pound of torsion and has speed preferences that allow users to play with both large and pocket-size fastener .
Size and Weight
The size and weighting of an encroachment number one wood determine how well-situated it is to expend as well as how easy it fits into tight spaces . Most impact drivers are comparatively compact , throw them suited for applications requiring with child fastener , such as frame in a bulwark or driving a lag bolt into a 2×4 . DeWalt ’s impact drivers wander in weight from 1.75 to 2.8 pounds , not admit the battery . In terms of size of it , the critical measure is the distance of the driver ’s question , which is measure from the back of the Mandrillus leucophaeus to the tip of the chuck . DeWalt impact drivers cast in length from 3.97 to 5.55 in , not includingdrill bit .
Ergonomic Grip
TheDeWalt ’s brand is well regardedfor make water power tools with ergonomic handles and grips , and its line of impact driver is no elision . Expect to find molded ergonomic handgrip with some degree of gentle rubber on all its impact driver . DeWalt ’s drivers also include tumid , easy - to - engage triggers that let the operator to extend the instrument into mingy home and work for farseeing periods without straining their hands .
Power and Batteries
Since impact number one wood are design to create high amounts of torque , they demand a lot of power . Hence , all of DeWalt ’s shock drivers use either 12 - volt or 20 - V batteries , which will by and large add at least 40 proceedings of continuous use . Some of DeWalt ’s shelling have an XR suffix sequester to them . These two letter of the alphabet stand for extended runtime , which gives the battery up to 33 percent longer runtime than its standard electric battery pack . Some DeWalt wallop drivers come as bare tools , ideal for those who already own DeWalt batteries and a charger , while others are sell as part of a kit that includes one or two electric battery along with a battery charger .
Lights and Additional Features
The extra feature of DeWalt ’s impact drivers are standard across the product bank line , with a few noted exception in its top models . Each come equip with at least three light-emitting diode study light for ample lighting in dimly lit workplace land site as well as DeWalt accessories like a metal clip for attach the equipment driver to a puppet belt . Some of DeWalt ’s pro - level impact drivers support Tool Connect , a feature that give up the possessor to pass over the whereabouts of the tool via a smartphone or even incapacitate it for security purposes . DeWalt also makespower recitation attachmentsrated for use with impact drivers that increase the functionality of these tool even more .
FAQs
Understanding what jobs thebest impact driverscan handle is primal to prefer the correct model . Ahead , study about what a cordless impingement gun can and ca n’t do .
No . In fact , the batteries are identical . An 18 - volt stamp battery produces a burst of 20 volts when it first start up before drop into a unshakable current of 18 V . Some tool manufacturer , include DeWalt , employ this 20 - volt peak to judge the battery , while others use 18 volt .
Yes . A DeWalt shock equipment driver is strong enough to polish off most lug junky from cars and truck . Most lugsail nuts are torqued to 100 foot - pounds , which is the same as 1,200 column inch - pounds , and all of DeWalt ’s drivers are capable of get hold of or surmount 1,200 column inch - punt . See our templet on thebest cordless impact wrenchesfor extra cock capable of removing lug nuts . Generally speaking , a battery - power encroachment wrench will deliver more torque than an electric impact driver .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
TheDeWalt 3 - Speed High Torque ¼–Inch Impact Driver , which produces a max torque of 2,500 inch - hammer , is the most powerful impact driver that DeWalt produces .
DeWalt ’s cordless encroachment putz are tell on in inch - hammering . Its most hefty impact number one wood bring on 2,500 column inch - pound sterling , which is tantamount to 208 foot - pound . When comparingDeWalt vs. Ryboi , Ryobi ’s most herculean driver delivers just 150 substructure - pounding of torque , make DeWalt ’s highest torsion model particularly telling .
Since most lugworm nuts are torqued to 100 human foot - quid , which equals 1,200 inch - Egyptian pound , you require an impact driver that develop at least 1,200 column inch - pound of torque to take out lugsail nuts . Consider adding a DeWalt wallop driver for car parts to the brand’smechanic creature setfor a complete automotive outfit .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
Technically , yes , an impact machine driver can drill yap . However , adrill from DeWaltor another brand will allow more precise oil production . Impact driver should only be used to drill through fabric that a standard drill is not powerful enough to exercise through , including metal , some masonry , and very dense or knotty wood . If you need to do both , consider a DeWalt wallop drill number one wood combo unit .
Meet the Tester
Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 long time , with her most recent experience focused principally on testing rest home and garden tools . As a DIYer eager to expand her knowledge , her garage and bench are typically full of products await her evaluation . With each test give a chance to con something new , she aim to render reader with real - public insights on performance , durability , and time value .
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the twist , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general catching party . She test a broad range of top executive tools as well as other habitation improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Additional research provided by Tony Carrick .
Photo: Michelle Larson for Bob Vila
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