DeWalt Impact Drivers
DeWalt's 20V MAX impact drivers share a 1,825 in-lb rating, which makes the lineup confusing. The real differences are size, speed and blow rate. Here is how to choose.
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The DeWalt DCF845, DCF887 and DCF850 are all rated at 1,825 in-lbs. Choose the DCF850 Atomic for the shortest body (4.0 in). Choose the DCF845 for the fastest driving (up to 3,400 RPM and 4,200 IPM). Buy the DCF887 when it is discounted, since it is the proven older workhorse. All three use DeWalt 20V MAX batteries.
On this page
The DeWalt 20V MAX lineup at a glance
| 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 |
Manufacturer-published specifications as reported in published reviews. DeWalt also sells 12V Xtreme, hydraulic and specialty models. Check the current listing for exact numbers.
Which DeWalt should you buy?
DCF850 Atomic: when size matters most
At 4.0 inches, the DCF850 is about 1.3 inches shorter than the DCF887 while keeping the same rated torque and speed range. That length is the difference between fitting a tool between joists or inside a sink base cabinet and not fitting at all. Pair it with a compact battery to keep the whole package small. Full DCF850 guide.
DCF845: when speed matters most
The DCF845 has the highest top speed (3,400 RPM) and blow rate (4,200 IPM) of the three, and it is the lightest bare tool. If you drive lots of long deck, framing or structural screws, that blow rate is what you will feel. Its low speed setting is also faster than the others (1,500 RPM), which matters for small screws. Full DCF845 guide.
DCF887: when price matters most
The DCF887 has been one of the best-selling impact drivers for years. It is longer than the newer models and has a lower blow rate than the DCF845, but it is proven and frequently discounted, especially in kits. If you find it well below the DCF845, it remains a very good buy. Full DCF887 guide.
Head-to-heads: DCF845 vs DCF887 ยท DCF887 vs DCF850.
DeWalt DCF845 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
The fastest-driving model in DeWalt's mainstream 20V line.
- Torque
- 1,825 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-3,400 RPM
- Impacts
- 0-4,200 IPM
- Length
- 5.1 in
DeWalt DCF850 20V MAX Atomic Impact Driver
A 4.0-inch head with full 20V torque.
- Torque
- 1,825 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-3,250 RPM
- Impacts
- 0-3,600 IPM
- Length
- 4.0 in
DeWalt DCF887 20V MAX XR Impact Driver
The proven 3-speed workhorse, and often the cheapest way into DeWalt XR.
Reading DeWalt model codes
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | Bare tool, no battery or charger |
| C1 / C2 | Kit with one or two compact batteries (often 1.3 to 1.5 Ah or 2.0 Ah, depending on kit) |
| D1 / D2 | Kit with one or two 2.0 Ah batteries |
| M1 / M2 | Kit with one or two 4.0 Ah batteries |
| P1 / P2 | Kit with one or two 5.0 Ah batteries |
Suffixes are a common convention, not a guarantee. Always read the kit contents on the listing.
Batteries: what to pair with a DeWalt impact
- Compact 2.0 Ah or POWERSTACK compact: the best match. POWERSTACK uses stacked pouch cells for a shorter, lighter pack with strong output.
- 4.0 to 5.0 Ah: more runtime for decking days, with extra weight and height.
- FLEXVOLT: fits and works, but it is overkill and heavy on an impact driver.
See the DeWalt 20V battery guide. Wondering why DeWalt says 20V and others say 18V? It is labeling, not power. See 18V vs 20V MAX.
Buying DeWalt at the right price
DeWalt impact drivers are among the most heavily promoted tools at big-box retailers, Walmart and Amazon, especially in combo kits and around Father's Day, Black Friday and the end-of-year holidays. Compare the kit price against the bare tool plus batteries you would actually use. See impact driver deals and bare tool vs kit.
Current DeWalt impact kits on Amazon
How DeWalt compares
- Milwaukee vs DeWalt: Milwaukee's 2953 has a higher rating and 4 modes; DeWalt's DCF850 is shorter.
- DeWalt vs Makita: Makita offers more modes; DeWalt has wider US retail availability.
- Ryobi vs DeWalt: Ryobi costs less; DeWalt is built for job-site abuse.
Verdict
Ignore the identical torque ratings and choose by what you need: the DCF850 for compactness, the DCF845 for speed, or the DCF887 for the best deal. All three are excellent on the huge DeWalt 20V MAX platform.
Frequently asked questions
Which DeWalt impact driver is the best?
For most people, the DCF845 or DCF850. The DCF845 drives faster thanks to its higher RPM and IPM. The DCF850 is a full inch shorter than the DCF887 with the same rated torque. The DCF887 is excellent value when on sale.
Is the DCF887 discontinued?
Availability varies by market and retailer. The DCF887 remained widely sold alongside the DCF845 and DCF850 at the time of writing. Check current listings.
What does the B mean in DCF887B?
B means bare tool: no battery, charger or case. Kits have suffixes such as D2, M2 or P2, which indicate the included battery sizes.
Do DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT batteries both fit the impact driver?
Yes. FLEXVOLT batteries work in 20V MAX tools, but they are large and heavy for an impact driver. Compact 20V MAX or POWERSTACK packs are a better match.
What is the DeWalt impact driver warranty?
DeWalt typically offers a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee on its power tools. Check the current terms for your region.