When it comes to Impact Drivers, DeWalt truly stands out as a brand that dedicates itself to honing and perfecting its craft. DeWalt keeps a slim range of impact drivers simply because the impact drivers they offer are just that good. This makes looking for the best DeWalt impact driver easier.
DeWalt stock over 300+ power tools in their ever expanding catalogue, ranging from 12V XR to 18V XR tools, and more recently their 54V Flexvolt range! With all this choice it can be hard to really drill down what the best tools are.
In this article we look to dispel the mystery and give you a clear cut tier list of the best DeWalt impact drivers. As experts in the trades and having served the industry for over 40 years you can trust ITS.co.uk to give you the best advice. So lets get into it!
HOW TO RATE THE BEST Dewalt IMPACT DRIVERS
The important points to consider when it comes to ranking an impact driver are:
Max Torque (Nm): Torque is the force that causes an object to rotate. In the case of impact drivers, the higher it is, the more powerful, and therefore the tougher material and larger screws you can fasten.
RPM/Load Speed: As you add a “load” (screw etc), you will start to see your RPM (Revolutions per minute / speed) lower. No Load speed measures the absolute maximum speed of the tool.
Brushless Motor: Is the impact brushed or brushless? Brushless motored tools are more efficient and have fewer moving parts.
Impact Rate: This determines the number of times the hammer action strikes the bit in a minute. The higher the impact rate, the faster you’ll be able to drive screws.
Machine Screw Size: This will determine what size of Machine screws you can use with the impact driver.
Bolt Size: Bolts vary from M1.4 to as high as M36. The range of bolt size will determine what impact driver you need depending on your usage. The higher the range, the greater flexibility.
Product Weight: How heavy is the tool? Holding a tool all day can cause muscle strain so the lower the better.
BEST DeWalt Impact Drivers
DeWalt’s 12V Impact Driver
DEWALT DCF801N
OUR EXPERT RATING:
The DeWalt DCF801 is DeWalt’s premier 12V impact driver.
Featuring a brushless motor it packs with a powerful punch whilst still being small and compact in size. Great for DIY and specialists alike.
TOP FEATURES
- Max Torque – 163 Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 2850
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3600
- Machine Screw – M4 – M10
- Bolt Size – M4 – M10
- Product Weight – 0.8kg
DeWalt’s 18v Impact Driver
DEWALT DCF887N
OUR EXPERT RATING:
Arguably DeWalt’s most popular impact this brushless impact driver features precision drive mode.
This makes it amazing at precise work and avoiding damage to material.
TOP FEATURES
- Max Torque – 205Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 3250
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3800
- Machine Screw – M5 – M12
- Bolt Size – M4 – M12
- Product Weight – 0.94kg
DeWalt’s “Powerstack” Impact Driver
DEWALT DCF850N
OUR EXPERT RATING:
This Impact Driver measures at only 100mm in length making in incredibly versatile.
Released alongside DeWalt’s powerstack batteries, this impact driver looks to be the best in class.
TOP FEATURES
- Max Torque – 208 Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 3250
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3800
- Machine Screw – M5 – M14
- Bolt Size – M5 – M16
- Product Weight – 0.9kg
DEWALT DCF801N 12V Impact Driver
DeWalt’s 12V Powerhouse
- Max Torque – 163 Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 2850
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3600
- Machine Screw – M4 – M10
- Bolt Size – M4 – M10
- Product Weight – 0.8kg
ITS Expert Notes
12V tools are less powerful than their 18V equals. They’re designed for use in hard to reach/work areas or for applications when you don’t need the size, weight and power of 18V. DeWalt’s 12V Impact Driver does not skimp out on the power at all with only a small reduction when compared to DeWalt’s 18V models.
This impact driver is compact and yet powerful and will also help you along with almost any job that requires an impact driver.
DEWALT DCF887n 18v Brushless impact Driver
The 18V Lightweight Powerhouse
- Max Torque – 205Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 3250
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3800
- Machine Screw – M5 – M12
- Bolt Size – M4 – M16
- Product Weight – 0.94kg
ITS Expert Notes
Part of DeWalt’s 18V XR range this is the most popular impact driver from DeWalt. It has a small compact form but still produces up to 205Nm which is more than enough for all day use on site.
The impact driver has a 3 speed control allowing you to customise your experience and tailor it to the job at hand.
DEWALT DCF850N 18v xr brushless impact driver
Great with Powerstack Batteries
- Max Torque – 208 Nm
- No Load Speed (RPM) – 3250
- Brushless Motor – Yes
- Impact Rate (IPM) – 0-3800
- Machine Screw – M5 – M14
- Bolt Size – M5 – M16
- Product Weight – 0.9kg
ITS Expert Notes
An impressively compact power tool, measuring only 100mm in length, making it particularly good for working in small spaces.
When paired with a Powerstack battery, this tool really shines as DeWalt’s best impact driver. Ideal for a range of trades such as interior installation, electricians, plumbers, HVAC engineers, carpenters and more as well as for general purpose use.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
Use this table to compare the differences between the different types of DeWalt impact drivers.
| Model | Torque | No Load Speed (RPM) | Brushless? | Impact Rate (IPM) | Machine Screw | Bolt Size | Weight | Speed Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCF801 | 165Nm | 2850 | Yes | 0-3600 | M4 – M10 | M4 – M10 | 0.8kg | No |
| DCF887 | 205Nm | 3250 | Yes | 0-3800 | M5 – M12 | M4 – M12 | 0.94kg | Yes |
| DCF850 | 208Nm | 3250 | Yes | 0-3800 | M5 – M14 | M5 – M16 | 0.9Kg | 3 speed |
As you can see on paper the DCF850 is the best DeWalt impact driver, however, do consider your budget and existing battery setup.
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