The DeWalt DCF801N 10.8v /12v XR Sub Compact Impact Driver is 33mm shorter than the previous generation, allowing you to get into even smaller spaces. This tiny machine is highly versatile with 3 electronic speeds allowing for greater control when working on precise applications. Precision Drive mode is ideal for fine screw work, preventing the screw head or material from being damaged. On paper, it specs out to 1825 in-lbs of torque. In our tests, the brushless DeWalt DCF887 impact driver required 2,237 in-lbs from our Gearwrench flex-head torque wrench to loosen its fastening efforts and broke 3,000 in-lbs on our pre-torqued bolts. DeWalt (and other) impact drivers are loud tools! We take an SPL meter and record the A-weighted dB sound pressure level readings from 24” away (approximating the distance from the tool to your ear). We do this in a consistent environment to ensure accurate results. Weight

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. 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! The Precision Drive mode is ideal for fine screw work, preventing the screw head or material from being damaged

While we don’t come across many tools that have a terrible grip, some are better than others. We look at how the tool fits in your hand along with how comfortable and secure the rubber overmold is. Since someone with small hands tends to prefer a different style than someone with large hands, the handle size doesn’t play a part in our scoring. Feature Set 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

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.There’s zero doubt in my mind that this is a Pro-level 12V kit and its price is certainly attractive for serious DIYers, too. What’s interesting is that there’s high enough performance here to make homeowners think about passing on a DIY/Prosumer 18V line and going for more compact 12V tools instead. The Bottom Line 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. I put the DeWalt 12V brushless drill through a variety of drilling tests and it passes with flying colors. With as well as it performed, I decided to run a little head-to-head test against Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel 2503.

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. Sales 101 will teach you that every feature must have a benefit. When we look at the feature set to help determine the best impact driver, we’re looking for features that have tangible benefits. That includes having a brushless motor, the number of speed settings, app-based controls, LED light design, bit insertion/ejection, and more. Value Impact drivers have lots of power, but the best tools also stay nice and compact. Overall weight remains an important factor. We measure the bare weight of each tool and also with the most advanced compact battery available at the time of testing. Footprint DeWalt has done a fantastic job bringing down the size and ramping up the power in these tools. The DeWalt 12V brushless drill and impact driver combo kit takes a couple of tools that felt like afterthoughts and turns them into legitimate contenders. If you’re a DeWalt fan, it’s time to be proud of their 12V line again! DeWalt 12V Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Specifications 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 torqueWe’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products. Starting with the smallest Bosch Daredevil spade bit in my 12-piece set, I drilled through untreated 2x pine until the drill couldn’t go any further. On high, both drills were able to run a 5/8″ bit through. While they were both successful, DeWalt was clearly faster. 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. 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.

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.shorter and 20% more runtime than the previous generation, allowing you to get into even smaller spaces. The Precision Drive mode is ideal for fine screw work, preventing the screw head or material from being damaged. 3 electronic speeds allow for greater control when working on precise applications. 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. 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.