Dewalt Impact Driver Review: A Budget-Friendly Workhorse
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The verdict: My Dewalt impact driver is a perfect blend of power, durability, and ease of use. It’s an especially good option if you want a dependable tool without spending a ton of money. With features like LED lighting, a compact frame, and easy bit changes, it’s a fantastic choice for DIYers of all skill levels. If you’re after a tool that balances performance and value, the Dewalt DCF885 is a solid pick.
If you’re in the market for a reliable Dewalt impact driver that won’t break the bank, the DCF885 20V Max Lithium Impact Driver deserves your attention…
As a seasoned DIYer, I’ve owned this tool for over four years and put it through dozens of projects. From deck building to cabinetry to minor car repairs, this impact driver has become an essential part of my toolkit–and should be on your radar as a future part of your kit, too.
In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this Dewalt impact driver, from its performance to ease of use and durability. This budget-friendly tool has served me well over the years, and for anyone looking to invest in quality without splurging, it’s a standout option!
Table of Contents
Dewalt Impact Driver First Impressions and Build Quality
Performance and Power of the Dewalt DCF885
Battery Life and Charging
Dewalt Impact Driver Ease of Use and Ergonomics
Key Features
Durability and Maintenance of the Dewalt DCF885
Long-Term Value of the Dewalt Impact Driver
Pros and Cons of the Dewalt DCF885
Final Verdict
Dewalt Impact Driver First Impressions and Build Quality
When I first opened the box to reveal the power tool combo kit (which also included a Dewalt DCD771 cordless drill), I was impressed by the DCF885’s compact design and solid construction. Dewalt has a reputation for making sturdy tools, and this impact driver lives up to that reputation. It’s crafted with durable materials, and after four years, it’s still in excellent shape despite the wear and tear from various projects.
The tool is lightweight and easy to handle, even for extended periods. Weighing in at about 2.8 lbs with a 1.3Ah battery, it’s compact and nimble enough for tight spaces and overhead work. The grip is comfortable, too—a must for long days of work. This initial impression of quality has held up well; despite countless hours of usage, it still performs with little sign of wear. This was no surprise, though. My other Dewalt tools, like my orbital sander and leaf blower have held up well, too.
Performance and Power of the Dewalt DCF885
This Dewalt impact driver delivers up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque and a top speed of 2,800 RPM, which, for its price range, is impressive. It might not match the torque of some higher-end models, but it’s plenty powerful for most DIY projects. I’ve used it on wood, metal, and even concrete in some cases, and it has rarely let me down.
For woodwork and light construction, it powers through screws and bolts effortlessly. I’ve built decks, installed shelves, and assembled furniture, and this driver has tackled each task with ease. It might not replace a heavy-duty tool if you’re working with thick steel or heavy concrete daily, but for general home projects, it’s got you covered.
Battery Life and Charging
The DCF885 came as part of a combo kit with two 1.3Ah batteries, which is convenient because you can keep one charging while using the other. These batteries provide enough juice for basic DIY tasks, though they’re on the smaller side. For longer projects, I found that upgrading to a higher-capacity 5Ah Dewalt battery makes a big difference, extending runtime significantly.
Charging is quick and efficient with the Dewalt 20V Max charger that came in my kit. Each 1.3Ah battery charges in about 30 minutes, so if you’re doing light to medium work, having two in rotation works well. Dewalt tools typically come with batteries, so I have quite a collection of lighter-duty batteries for my projects.
But, as I noted above, for heavy-duty tasks with this Dewalt impact driver, I’d strongly urge investing in 2Ah, 4Ah, or even Dewalt DCB205 5Ah batteries like the one shown above to avoid interruptions to your work. They are far more expensive but worth the investment. I’ve added other accessories to the mix, too, including a Dewalt Screwdriver bit set, which is conveniently packaged in an impact-resistant, stackable case.
Dewalt Impact Driver Ease of Use and Ergonomics
The DCF885 is designed with user comfort in mind, and it shows. The lightweight design is a big plus, especially when working overhead or in tight spaces. The compact frame makes it easy to maneuver, and the balance feels just right, which is something I appreciate after handling bulkier, heavier models.
One of the standout ergonomic features is the textured grip, which is both comfortable and secure. Even after hours of work, it doesn’t cause strain. Plus, the variable-speed trigger allows for precise control, which is particularly useful for projects that require a more delicate touch, like cabinetry or trim work.
Key Features
This Dewalt impact driver has a few simple but valuable features that make it a joy to use:
Three LED Lights: The DCF885 has three LEDs positioned around the chuck that stay on for 20 seconds after releasing the trigger. This lighting is incredibly helpful when working in low-light areas like attics, basements, or under sinks.
1/4-Inch Hex Chuck: The hex chuck makes for quick, one-handed bit changes—a time-saver on any job. It accepts 1-inch bit tips, and while I sometimes wish it handled larger bits, it’s more than adequate for most home projects.
Variable Speed Trigger: This trigger provides control over the speed, helping you adjust the power output depending on the task. As I mentioned earlier, this is especially helpful for precision work, where full-speed torque could risk damaging materials.
These features combine to make this Dewalt impact driver user-friendly, flexible, and reliable, even if you’re new to using power tools. And if you’re a seasoned pro, this budget-friendly impact driver can fit right into your toolkit and offer high-powered performance for projects of all sorts.
Durability and Maintenance of the Dewalt DCF885
I purchased this impact driver in 2020, and it has held up remarkably well. It’s built to withstand bumps, drops, and dust (of which it’s encountered plenty). The motor and chuck still perform as they did when it was new, and I haven’t had to replace any parts, which is a testament to its quality.
Maintenance has been straightforward. I regularly clean out dust from the motor housing and occasionally apply a drop of lubricant to the chuck. This simple routine has kept it in great condition, and it’s safe to say it’s durable enough to handle most job site demands.
Long-Term Value of the Dewalt Impact Driver
The DCF885 has proven to be a solid investment. As part of the combo kit described earlier, it provides excellent value, especially given the long-term reliability I’ve experienced using it.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking for an affordable, dependable impact driver, this one checks all the boxes. I’ve worked with more expensive models, and while they may offer better specs and performance, this tool more than holds its own for its price point. Why spend double or triple the money when you can get quality performance out of this budget-friendly option?!
Pros and Cons of the Dewalt DCF885
As with anything, this Dewalt impact driver has distinct positive features and a few negatives worth mentioning…
Pros:
Compact and Lightweight: Perfect for tight spaces and overhead work.
Durable and Long-Lasting: After years of use, it still runs smoothly.
Excellent LED Lighting: The three-LED ring is a major plus for low-light work.
Easy Bit Changes: The hex chuck’s one-handed operation is convenient.
Affordable: Offers great performance without a hefty price tag.
Cons:
Limited Battery Life with 1.3Ah Batteries: The smaller batteries may require frequent swapping on heavy projects.
Not for Heavy-Duty Use: Lacks the power for very thick steel or high-torque applications.
Final Verdict
This Dewalt impact driver is a budget-friendly workhorse that’s reliable, versatile, and durable. While it may lack the high torque of more expensive impact drivers, it excels in the value it provides for the price. After four years of use, I can say confidently that it’s a tool I’d buy again. In fact, this is the second Dewalt impact driver I’ve owned; the first one had to be replaced after I dropped it while I was at the top of a ladder (the grip split in two, but the driver still works!).
Whether you’re new to DIY or a seasoned builder, this impact driver is an ideal choice for most home projects. From its comfortable grip to its long-lasting performance, the DCF885 impact driver remains an essential part of my toolkit. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to invest in a reliable, affordable impact driver!
