DeWalt DCF845 Impact Driver
The DCF845 is the fastest-hitting impact driver in DeWalt's mainstream 20V MAX line. It is built for people who drive long screws by the box, not by the handful.
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The DeWalt DCF845 is a 20V MAX XR brushless impact driver rated at 1,825 in-lbs, with three speeds (1,500/2,800/3,400 RPM), up to 4,200 IPM, a 5.1 in body and a 2.0 lb bare weight. It is the best DeWalt for decking, framing and volume screw driving. Its weak spot is a brisker 1,500 RPM low speed, so the DCF887 or DCF850 with Precision Drive is better for delicate work. Existing DeWalt owners should buy the bare DCF845B.
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DeWalt DCF845 specs at a glance
| Spec | DeWalt DCF845 (20V MAX XR) |
|---|---|
| Rated max torque | 1,825 in-lbs (about 152 ft-lbs) |
| Speed 1 | 0-1,500 RPM |
| Speed 2 | 0-2,800 RPM |
| Speed 3 | 0-3,400 RPM |
| Impacts per minute | 0-4,200 IPM |
| Length (front to back) | 5.1 in |
| Bare weight | 2.0 lb |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Chuck | 1/4 in. hex quick-release |
| Work light | 3 LEDs |
| Tool Connect | Chip-ready (chip sold separately) |
| Warranty | 3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction guarantee |
DeWalt-published specifications. Confirm current warranty terms on DeWalt's website.
The DCF845 is a full-size, three-speed brushless impact driver tuned for speed. It has the highest top speed and blow rate of DeWalt's three main 20V MAX impact drivers, and it is the lightest of them as a bare tool. This guide is based on DeWalt's published specifications and patterns in owner feedback, not hands-on testing.
Where the DCF845 fits in the DeWalt lineup
| Model | Torque | Speeds (RPM) | IPM | Length | Bare weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCF845 XR | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,500/2,800/3,400 | 4,200 | 5.1 in | 2.0 lb |
| DCF887 XR | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,000/2,800/3,250 | 3,600 | 5.3 in | 2.1 lb |
| DCF850 Atomic | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,000/2,800/3,250 | 3,600 | 4.0 in | 2.1 lb |
All three are rated at 1,825 in-lbs. The DCF845 hits about 17 percent more often per minute than the other two, which is what you feel on long screws. The DCF850 is the shortest and the DCF887 is usually the cheapest. Head-to-head: DCF845 vs DCF887.
Why the blow rate matters
Rated torque describes the peak twisting force. Blow rate (IPM) describes how often the hammer strikes once the fastener resists. On a long deck screw or structural screw, the driver spends most of its time impacting, so more blows per minute generally means the screw advances faster. That is why the DCF845 is the DeWalt for high-volume driving even though its torque rating matches the others. For a deeper explanation, read IPM vs RPM explained.
The higher 3,400 RPM top speed also helps during the fast, low-resistance start of a long screw, before impacting begins.
The three speeds, and the one weakness
- Speed 1 (up to 1,500 RPM): for smaller screws and starting fasteners. It is faster than the 1,000 RPM Precision Drive setting on the DCF887 and DCF850, so feather the trigger on hinges, brass screws and particleboard.
- Speed 2 (up to 2,800 RPM): general driving, drywall screws and most household fasteners.
- Speed 3 (up to 3,400 RPM): 3-inch deck and framing screws, structural screws and lag screws with pilot holes.
DeWalt describes the DCF845's speed selector as giving control and precision, but it does not name a Precision Drive mode on this model. If you often drive delicate fasteners, that is the one reason to pick the DCF887 or DCF850 instead.
Strengths and weaknesses
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 1/4 in. 3-Speed Impact Driver (DCF845)
Best for: deck builders, framers, fence builders and anyone driving long screws in volume.
- Torque
- 1,825 in-lbs
- Speed
- 1,500/2,800/3,400 RPM
- Impacts
- 4,200 IPM
- Length
- 5.1 in
The highest blow rate and top speed in DeWalt's mainstream 20V MAX impact line, in the lightest bare body of the three. It is the DeWalt to buy if driving speed is your priority.
Strengths
- 4,200 IPM and 3,400 RPM for fast driving
- Lightest of DeWalt's three main 20V impacts at 2.0 lb bare
- Full 1,825 in-lb rating
- Tool Connect chip-ready for fleet tracking
Weaknesses
- 1,500 RPM low speed is less gentle on small screws
- No named Precision Drive mode
- Longer than the DCF850 Atomic (5.1 vs 4.0 in)
- Usually costs more than the DCF887
DCF845B vs kits, and the best battery
| Version | What you get | Buy it if |
|---|---|---|
| DCF845B | Bare tool and belt hook | You already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries |
| DCF845P1 | Tool, one 5.0 Ah battery, charger | You are new to DeWalt and want long runtime |
| DCF845P2 | Tool, two 5.0 Ah batteries, charger | You drive all day and want a spare pack |
| Other bundles | Compact and POWERSTACK battery kits, combos | Check the listing for exact contents |
Kit contents change. Always read what the listing includes.
For everyday use, a compact 2.0 Ah or POWERSTACK compact pack keeps the DCF845 light and well balanced. A 5.0 Ah pack is worth the extra weight on decking days, when you would otherwise swap batteries often. FLEXVOLT packs fit but add weight with no real benefit. See the DeWalt 20V battery guide.
Who should buy the DCF845, and who should not
Patterns in owner feedback on the DCF845 are consistent: owners like its speed on long screws, its light weight for a full-size driver and the familiar DeWalt layout. The complaints are mostly about price against the often-discounted DCF887 and, for some finish carpenters, a low speed that is quicker than they would like for small screws.
Buy the DCF845 if:
- You build decks, fences, framing or sheds and drive long screws by the box.
- You want one DeWalt impact driver for general construction and value speed over compactness.
- You run a crew and want tools that can take a Tool Connect tracking chip.
Choose something else if:
- You install cabinets or work in tight spaces daily. The 4.0-inch DCF850 fits where the DCF845 will not.
- Most of your work is small screws, hardware and flat-pack furniture. The DCF887's Precision Drive mode is gentler.
- You need to loosen lug nuts or drive large bolts often. That calls for an impact wrench.
For long screws on the DCF845, start in speed 2 to seat the screw, then switch to speed 3 for long runs. Use impact-rated bits that match the screw head, and keep the driver in line with the screw so the bit does not cam out.
How it compares with other brands
The DCF845 sits in the same class as Milwaukee's M18 FUEL 2953, Makita's XDT16 and Ryobi's PBLID02. Milwaukee rates the 2953 at 2,000 in-lbs, 3,900 RPM and 4,400 IPM in a shorter 4.47-inch body. Makita rates the XDT16 at 1,600 in-lbs with more control features. Ryobi rates the PBLID02 at 2,200 in-lbs in a longer 5.5-inch body. Torque ratings are measured differently by each brand, so treat these as rough guides. Full comparisons: Milwaukee vs DeWalt, DeWalt vs Makita and Ryobi vs DeWalt.
Planning a deck? Our guide on how to drive deck screws covers settings, bits and technique. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when driving, and finish lug nuts and structural bolts with a specified torque using a torque wrench, never an impact driver. The full lineup is in our DeWalt impact driver guide.
Verdict
The DCF845 is the best all-round DeWalt impact driver for construction work: same 1,825 in-lb rating as its siblings, but the fastest driving and lightest bare body. Buy the DCF845B if you already own DeWalt batteries. Pick the DCF850 instead for tight spaces, or the DCF887 if you do more delicate work or find it much cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DCF845 better than the DCF887?
It is faster: higher top speed (3,400 vs 3,250 RPM), more impacts per minute (4,200 vs 3,600) and slightly shorter and lighter. The rated torque is the same. The DCF887 has a gentler Precision Drive low speed and is often cheaper, so it suits finish work and tight budgets.
What is the DCF845B?
The DCF845B is the bare tool: impact driver and belt hook, with no battery or charger. Buy it if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. Kits such as the DCF845P1 and DCF845P2 add 5.0 Ah batteries and a charger.
How much torque does the DCF845 have in ft-lbs?
DeWalt rates it at 1,825 in-lbs, about 152 ft-lbs. Brands measure impact driver torque differently, so this figure is best used to compare DeWalt models with each other rather than with other brands.
Does the DCF845 work with FLEXVOLT batteries?
Yes. FLEXVOLT packs fit 20V MAX tools and run them as 20V MAX. They are heavy, though, and an impact driver gains nothing from their extra capacity in most work. A compact or 5.0 Ah pack is a better match.