Craftsman Impact Drivers: Which V20 Model Should You Get?
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Craftsman is one of the oldest names in American tools, and its V20 cordless line is built for homeowners who want reliable, straightforward gear without a pro-shop learning curve. An impact driver is one of the most useful tools in that line. It looks like a small drill, but instead of only spinning, it adds rapid hammer-like bursts of rotational force, called impacts, that help drive long screws and bolts without wearing out your wrist.
These four models differ mainly by motor and package: the CMCF801D1 is a new kit with the most listed torque, the CMCF811D1 is a new compact brushless kit, and the CMCF800C1R and CMCF800 are renewed brushed-era tools, one with a battery and one as a bare tool.
Craftsman Cordless Impact Drivers Compared
| Model | Max torque | Max speed | Motor | Condition and battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMCF801D1 | 1800 in-lb | 2900 RPM | Not listed | New, 2 Ah battery and charger |
| CMCF811D1 BRUSHLESS RP | 1000 in-lb | Not listed | Brushless | New kit, battery size not listed |
| CMCF800C1R | 1460 in-lb | 2800 RPM | Brushed | Renewed, 1.5 Ah battery |
| CMCF800 | 1460 in-lb | 2800 RPM | Not listed | Renewed, tool only |
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver (CMCF801D1) for Everyday Home Projects
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and PH2 Screwdriving Bit, LED Light, High Torque, Variable Speed, 2900 RPM (CMCF801D1)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1 4 Impact Driver
Best for: New DIYers wanting a complete kit
Pros
- Up to 1800 in-lb max torque
- Battery, charger and bit included
- Up to 120 fasteners per charge
- Onboard LED
Cons
- Listing does not state motor type
- Chuck size conflicts in listing
The CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1 4 Impact Driver kit, model CMCF801D1, is the most complete new package here. The listing includes a 2 Ah lithium-ion battery, a charger and a PH2 screwdriving bit, so it works straight out of the box. Craftsman claims up to 1800 in-lbs of max torque, enough for jobs from deck screws to lag bolts, and up to 2900 RPM with no load.
A few terms explained simply. Torque is the twisting force; more torque means the driver keeps turning when a screw gets tough. RPM is how fast the bit spins. A variable speed trigger means the harder you press, the faster it goes, which helps start screws gently. The listing says this tool can drive up to 120 fasteners per charge, has a quick-release chuck for one-handed bit changes, an onboard LED and VERSATRACK compatibility for Craftsman’s wall and belt storage system (clips sold separately). It measures 8.39 x 4.72 x 6.7 inches.
Two things the listing leaves unclear. It does not say whether the motor is brushed or brushless. And while the title calls it a 1/4-inch impact driver, which is the standard hex size for driver bits, the spec table lists a 0.5-inch maximum chuck size. Trust the 1/4-inch hex in the title and check the photos. This model suits a first-time homeowner or a gift for someone starting a toolbox. For tight spaces and longer runtime, the brushless model below is the upgrade.
CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Impact Driver Kit for Tight Spaces and Big Projects
Craftsman
CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Impact Driver Kit (CMCF811D1)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Impact
Best for: Deck and fence builders in tight spots
Pros
- Brushless motor
- 02-inch tool head
- Up to 294 deck screws per charge
- VERSATRACK compatible
Cons
- 1000 in-lb listed, lowest here
- Kit contents not itemized
The CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Impact Driver Kit, model CMCF811D1, is built for building. Its tool head measures just 5.02 inches long, which Craftsman says is up to 27% shorter, helping you reach between joists or inside cabinets. The listing claims up to 47% more runtime per charge and says it can drive up to 294 three-inch deck screws on one charge. It also claims faster driving than a named rival brand.
The key upgrade is the brushless motor. A brushed motor uses small carbon brushes that rub against spinning parts to pass electricity; they create friction and heat and eventually wear out. A brushless motor uses electronics instead, so less energy is wasted, runtime usually improves and there are fewer wearing parts. The listing also mentions an onboard LED, VERSATRACK compatibility, aluminum and plastic construction with rubberized grips and a weight of 3.8 pounds.
Some listing details do not add up. The spec table says 1000 in-lb max torque, lower than the other three, and lists a “3 inches” chuck size and a “Basic Drill” type, which look like data entry mistakes for an impact driver. The kit contents are also not itemized. This model suits someone planning a deck, a treehouse or a fence, where runtime and a short head matter more than peak torque. Our overview of cordless impact drills explains how these tools handle long fasteners.
Craftsman CMCF800C1R V20 Brushed Impact Driver Kit for Renewed Value
Craftsman
Craftsman CMCF800C1R V20 Brushed Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver Kit (1.5 Ah) (Renewed)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Craftsman CMCF800C1R V20 Brushed Lithium-Ion 1
Best for: Value seekers fine with renewed tools
Pros
- 1460 in-lb torque
- 5 Ah battery kit
- Quick-release chuck
- LED light
Cons
- Renewed, not new
- Brushed motor
The Craftsman CMCF800C1R V20 Brushed Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver Kit is a renewed product, sold through Amazon Renewed. Renewed means it was used or returned, then inspected and restored to sell again. It is not brand new, which matters if you are wrapping it as a gift.
The listing says it delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque, up to 2,800 RPM and 3,100 IPM. IPM stands for impacts per minute, the number of those hammer-like bursts the tool delivers each minute. It has a 1/4-inch chuck with quick release for one-handed bit changes and an LED light for dark work areas. The kit includes a 1.5 Ah battery, smaller than the 2 Ah pack in the CMCF801D1, so expect shorter runs between charges. The title clearly says brushed motor.
It suits a practical buyer who wants a working kit and is comfortable with a renewed tool, such as someone fixing up a rental or a garage. If you want a new tool or the most torque, the CMCF801D1 is the better choice.
Craftsman CMCF800 V20 Impact Driver (Tool Only) for Existing V20 Owners
Ryobi
Craftsman CMCF800 V20 20-Volt Max Variable Speed Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only, Battery/Charger NOT included) (Renewed)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Craftsman CMCF800 V20 20-Volt Max Variable
Best for: Owners already holding V20 batteries
Pros
- 1460 in-lb torque
- 2800 RPM and 3100 IPM
- Quick-release chuck
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Renewed, brand field mislabeled
The Craftsman CMCF800 V20 20-Volt Max Variable Speed Cordless Impact Driver is sold as a bare tool: the battery and charger are not included. It is also renewed. The listing shares the same core numbers as the CMCF800C1R kit, with 1460 in-lb of torque, up to 2800 RPM and 3100 IPM, plus a quick-release chuck and LED light.
The spec table lists maximum power as 800 watts, variable speed and plastic material. One error to flag: the spec table’s brand name field names a different tool company, even though the title and all features describe a Craftsman CMCF800. Treat that as a listing mistake, but check the photos before buying.
This only makes sense for someone who already owns Craftsman V20 batteries and a charger, for example as a second driver so they can keep one bit loaded in each tool. For a new DIYer with nothing yet, it will not run on its own, so pick one of the kits above instead.
How to Choose the Right Craftsman Cordless Impact Driver
Impact driver or drill. A drill spins steadily and uses a chuck that grips round bits, making it best for holes. An impact driver adds rotational hammering and takes 1/4-inch hex bits, making it best for long screws and bolts. Many homeowners own both, and a drill and impact driver combo kit is one way to get the pair.
Brushed or brushless. Only the CMCF811D1 is listed as brushless. Choose it for longer runtime and heavy use. The CMCF800C1R is clearly brushed; the CMCF801D1 and CMCF800 listings do not say.
Torque needs. For furniture, shelves and small repairs, any of these is plenty. For lag bolts, the CMCF801D1’s listed 1800 in-lb is the highest figure here.
New or renewed. The CMCF801D1 and CMCF811D1 are new. The CMCF800C1R and CMCF800 are renewed, which can suit personal use but is less ideal as a gift.
Battery situation. If the person has no V20 batteries, choose a kit. The bare CMCF800 only suits existing owners. Battery size also matters: a 2 Ah pack generally runs longer than a 1.5 Ah pack of the same voltage.
Size and reach. If the work happens inside cabinets, under sinks or between framing, the CMCF811D1’s 5.02-inch head is the shortest length named in these listings. The other listings give overall dimensions or none at all.
FAQ
Which Craftsman impact driver should a beginner buy?
The CMCF801D1 kit is the simplest start: it is new and the listing includes a battery, charger and bit.
Is the V20 BRUSHLESS RP worth it over the CMCF801D1?
If you drive many long screws, the brushless motor, 47% runtime claim and short head make it attractive. If you want the highest listed torque, the CMCF801D1 lists more.
What does renewed mean on Amazon?
Renewed tools are pre-owned or returned items that have been inspected and restored for resale. They are not new in box.
Does the CMCF800 come with a battery?
No. The listing states the battery and charger are not included.
Can I use regular drill bits in an impact driver?
Impact drivers use a 1/4-inch hex chuck, so they need bits with a hex shank. Round-shank drill bits belong in a drill.
Do all these Craftsman impact drivers use the same batteries?
All four are sold as V20 tools. The listings do not spell out cross-compatibility, so confirm with Craftsman if you plan to share batteries.
