DeWalt Cordless Impact Drill Guide: Impact Driver, Drill or Combo?

Best for: Quiet driving indoors and in cabinetry

Pros

• Up to 57% quieter operation
• 9 LEDs with work light mode
• Works in cold temperatures

Cons

• Tool only
• Listed 500 in-lb torque looks low

Dewalt

DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver Set, 2 Speed, High Performance Motor, Includes 2 XR 1.3Ah Li-Ion Batteries, Charger and Contractor Bag (DCD771C2)

8.8/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver

Best for: Furniture assembly and light home repairs

Pros

• Two speeds, 0-450 and 1,500 rpm
• 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck
• 2 batteries and charger included

Cons

• No impact driver
• Not for concrete or masonry

Best for: DIYers wanting a brushless starter kit

Pros

• Brushless drill and impact driver
• Two 2.0Ah batteries and charger
• Contractor bag included

Cons

• Specs do not say which tool they cover

Best for: First-time tool owners and easy gifting

Pros

• Drill plus impact driver
• 2 batteries, charger and bag
• Compact 2.8 and 3.6 lb tools

Cons

• Brushed motors, not brushless
• Torque figures not listed

Best for: DeWalt battery owners needing a strong driver

Pros

• 1825 in-lbs of torque
• 3-speed setting
• Brushless motor
• Tool Connect chip ready

Cons

• Tool only, no battery or charger
• Chuck size listed two ways

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, model DCF845B, is the strongest impact driver in this list. Its brushless motor delivers 1825 inch-pounds of torque at up to 3400 rpm. Torque is twisting force; more torque means it can drive large-diameter screws and lag bolts into dense wood. DeWalt says it offers 30% more torque than its older DCF885, rated at 1400 in-lbs.

A brushless motor has no carbon brushes to wear out, which generally means better efficiency and runtime. You get a variable speed trigger plus a 3-speed setting, so you can drop to a gentle speed for small screws and go full power for big ones. A 3-LED light brightens dark corners, and there is a belt hook. It is Chip Ready for DeWalt’s Tool Connect tracking system, with the chip sold separately. It carries a 3-year limited warranty. The title describes a 1/4-inch hex chuck, while one specification line lists 0.5 inches; the 1/4-inch hex is standard for impact drivers.

This is sold as a bare tool, so battery and charger are extra. It is the best upgrade for someone who already owns DeWalt 20V batteries and builds decks or fences. First-time buyers without batteries should start with a combo kit.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, model DCK240C2, is the classic starter set. It pairs the DCD771 compact 1/2-inch drill/driver with a 1/4-inch impact driver, plus two 20V MAX batteries, a charger and a storage bag. The description names the impact driver as DCF88M2, which appears to be a typo in the listing.

Both tools are compact: the impact driver is 5.55 inches long and weighs 2.8 pounds, and the drill is 7.5 inches and 3.6 pounds. Each has an LED light that stays on 20 seconds after you release the trigger. The impact driver’s 1/4-inch hex chuck allows one-handed bit loading, and the drill’s 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck grips bits firmly. A 3-year limited warranty applies. The listing does not give torque or speed figures and does not describe the motors as brushless.

This is the easiest gift for a new homeowner: everything needed to drill holes and drive screws is in one bag. For more on kits like this, see our DeWalt drill and impact driver combo kit guide.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver brushless combo, model DCK277D2, is the step-up kit. It includes the DCD777 1/2-inch drill/driver and the DCF787 1/4-inch impact driver, both brushless, plus two 2.0Ah compact batteries, a charger and a contractor bag.

The listing highlights a compact 7.6-inch front-to-back length, an ergonomic comfort grip, a variable speed trigger, an LED with 20-second delay and a quick-release hex chuck. Specifications list 1500 in-lbs of torque and 2800 rpm without saying which tool those numbers refer to. The warranty description mentions a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract and 90-day money back guarantee.

Pick this over the DCK240C2 if you want brushless motors and higher-capacity 2.0Ah batteries for bigger weekend projects.

The DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver Set, model DCD771C2, is a drill only, with no impact driver. It comes with two XR 1.3Ah batteries, a charger and a contractor bag.

The motor produces 300 unit watts out (UWO), DeWalt’s measure of power, and a two-speed transmission offers 0 to 450 rpm for driving screws and up to 1,500 rpm for drilling. A 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck holds bits tight. The listing says it is suited to home repairs, DIY, light construction and drilling wood, plastic and light metal, but not concrete, masonry or heavy industrial work. Torque is listed as both 530 and 650 in-lbs.

This suits students, renters and anyone who mostly assembles furniture and hangs shelves. Add an impact driver later if you start building decks.

The DEWALT 20V MAX 1 4 Inch Hydraulic Impact Driver, model DCF870B, uses a hydraulic mechanism instead of a standard metal hammer, and DeWalt calls it its quietest impact driver, up to 57% quieter than the DCF787. It also claims up to 40% faster driving of large screws and reliable performance in cold temperatures.

Nine LEDs are up to 6x brighter, with a 20-minute work light mode, and there is a belt hook. Speeds 1 and 2 are tuned for installation work. The listing calls it the industry’s highest rated max torque hydraulic impact driver, yet the specification lists only 500 in-lbs, which seems inconsistent, so check the product page. Battery and charger are sold separately.

This is ideal for cabinet installers, indoor remodelers and anyone who dislikes the loud rattle of a regular impact driver. For the most raw torque, the DCF845B is stronger on paper.

Best for: Tight spaces and lighter kits

Pros

• Only 5.1 inches long
• 1700 in-lbs of torque
• Brushless motor
• 3 LEDs

Cons

• Tool only
• Speed spec listed incorrectly

The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, model DCF809B, is just 5.1 inches front to back, so it slips between studs and inside cabinets. Its brushless motor delivers 1700 in-lbs of torque.

It has a variable speed trigger, three LEDs, an ergonomic handle and a removable belt hook, backed by a 3-year limited warranty. Battery and charger are sold separately. The specification sheet has errors: rotational speed is listed as “9200 revolutions per week”, and torque is given as both 1700 and 1825 in-lbs.

Choose this for a compact, light driver to pair with DeWalt batteries you already own. Our DeWalt 20V impact driver guide covers more options.