DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver:

Along with the humble drill driver, it’s no surprise that the impact driver sits on Gizmodo’s list of the top-ten power tools that everyone should own.

Both tools would undoubtedly appear if we were ever to compile a similar list.

The reason?

While we don’t deny the effectiveness of a drill driver when it comes to drilling smaller holes and driving smaller fixings, the tool’s forte definitely isn’t handling large-scale fixings and more robust materials given that it lacks the necessary torque.

And trust us…we’re speaking from experience here, having resorted to using a drill driver on several projects to drive longer fixings into tough materials like hardwood, steel, and concrete.

The result?

Not great, as you may have expected. More often than not, the drill driver lacked anywhere near enough punch to get the job done.

It makes sense when you look at the stats of the respective types of tool. The torque output of the DEWALT DCD777C2 drill driver that we looked at previously, for example, sits at 500 in-lbs. Sounds good, but compare this to the impact driver at the center of this article (1,400 in-lbs) and there’s no contest!

That’s why impact drivers are such a useful power tool. It isn’t a case of having either a drill driver or an impact driver – both have their strengths, and that’s why we keep one of each in our power tool arsenal.

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of impact drivers available to help you handle the toughest of jobs when your drill driver just won’t cut it.

Today, we’re going to be looking at the DEWALT DCF885 impact driver, a lithium-ion powered model featuring a brushed motor that sits towards the lower end of the DEWALT impact driver range.

So how does it stack up?

And more importantly, is it the right choice for you?

Let’s find out by looking at everything you need to know about this DEWALT cordless impact driver…

We’d recommend the DEWALT DCF885 impact driver to anyone who regularly tackles projects that require longer fixings, for example, large lag screws, or heavy-duty nuts and bolts, into tougher materials such as hardwood, steel, and concrete.

Owing to its torquey output, high variable speed, lithium-ion battery, and the fact that it comes in a variety of kit types to better suit each users’ needs, the DCF885 is an excellent option for professionals such as woodworkers, mechanical and electrical contractors, plumbers, maintenance workers, and more, and also non-professional users such as keen DIYers and homeowners.

While impact drivers rotate in the same way as drill drivers, impact drivers also deliver a sideways hammering action as they turn to provide the much higher torque output that we mentioned earlier (you can check out the following guide for more info: Impact Driver vs Drill).

As a result, they’re best-suited to heavier duty tasks that a conventional drill driver would struggle with, for example:

While it doesn’t come with a brushless motor (it features a brushed motor instead), and despite not being the most powerful impact driver in DEWALT’s range, the DCF885 still boasts more than enough power to make a good choice for professionals and DIYers alike.

We’ve already discussed the fact that impact drivers combine a sideways hammering action with the standard turning motion of a drill, and that this sideways impact helps to provide the much higher torque that makes an impact driver ideal for tackling tougher jobs and driving fixings much faster.

In this regard, the DCF885 is capable of a remarkable 3,200 IPM (that’s over 53 impacts per second), which when combined with its equally impressive torque output of 1,400 IN-LBS (117 FT-LBS), helps it pack more than enough punch to handle the bulk of whatever you can throw at it.

Another factor that adds to this model’s outstanding performance is the fact that it comes with a lithium-ion battery as standard (in all kits except the DCF885B which comes with the tool only).

The biggest advantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they have a much higher energy density versus standard batteries, helping provide more power to power-hungry tools like the DCF885 and letting them run for longer between charges.

Lithium-ion batteries are usually much smaller and lighter than similarly powered standard batteries too, keeping the overall weight of the tools they power down, and they also have the benefit of charging faster for added convenience and reduced downtime between usage, especially when combined with DEWALT’s fast charger.

The DCF885 is available in many different kit types, each of which provides different quantities of batteries and also batteries with different power ratings. The default battery that comes in the DCF885C1 kit is a 20V Max Battery rated at 1.5 Ah, and this increases to a 4.0 Ah option in the DCF885M2 kit.

Click here to see an overview of the various kit types.

Want even longer-lasting performance from your impact driver?

You’re in luck, as DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT battery system is compatible with this model, giving you the option of using up to a massive 12.0 Ah battery with your DEWALT DCF885 impact driver (see image below).

The main benefit of FLEXVOLT is that it drastically improves runtime, with DEWALT claiming that the 12.0 Ah battery pack provides up to 800% longer runtime versus their standard 1.5 Ah battery, for example.

Regardless of whichever battery you choose to use, it’s important to remember that the torque output will remain the same, with only the usage time between charges changing.

Not only does the DCF885 pack more than enough punch to suit the vast majority of users, but it also delivers this power in a way that’s completely controllable and manageable.

You see, users can adjust the impact driver’s speed up to a maximum of 2,800 RPM (and in turn, its torque output and number of impacts per minute to 1400 IN-LBS and 3,200 IPM respectively) to best suit whatever task they’re completing, all thanks to the variable speed trigger that this model comes with.

So, for example, when a lower speed and a lower level of torque are required for smaller fixings, the trigger can be pressed lightly, while for tasks that need more power the trigger can be held fully to deliver the fastest speed, largest torque, and the highest number of impacts per minute possible.

Once you let go of the trigger, the impact driver’s brake kicks in to stop it rotating immediately.

OK…OK…you get. We’ve mentioned more than enough times that the DEWALT DCF885 packs a lot of power, but that’s just one aspect of what makes an impact driver truly useful.

Just as important? Being as usable as possible, and thankfully the DCF885 is the perfect example of a tool that features just as much brain as it does brawn.

Firstly, DEWALT understands that you’re unlikely to stick to using one bit type throughout the entirety of a job, and so they’ve made it as easy as possible to change bits on the fly thanks to the quick release anvil featured on this model.

The chuck accepts both 1/4″ (6.35 mm) hex accessories and 1″ (25.4 mm) bit tips, both of which click into place quickly. And once you’ve finished, it’s a simple case of pulling the chuck collar away from the front of the impact driver and removing the accessory, something you can even do one-handed. Simple!

Next up is the three LED-light arrangement on the front of the DCF885, and this activates automatically once the trigger is pressed and stays on for 20 seconds following the release of the trigger. The LED’s are arranged in a ring to not only provide as much light as possible on whatever you’re working on but also to minimize irritating shadows.

Finally, the design of the impact driver has been focused around making it as comfortable and easy-to-use as possible.

For example, not only does it come with a rubber grip to make it easier to hold, but it also features a compact design measuring just 5.55-inches from front to back (without bits), making it easier to maneuver especially when working in tight and confined spaces.

Durability was clearly a key requirement for DEWALT when designing the DCF885 too. The impact driver’s body is made from toughened plastic for maximum rigidity and weight saving (the tool weighs just 2.0 LBS without the battery), for example, while the anvil and chuck components which handle the bulk of abuse during use are manufactured from metal.

The combination of toughened plastic and metal give the impact driver the durability it needs to withstand not only the toughest of jobs, but also the bulk of knocks and bangs it’ll experience on the job site, giving you the peace of mind that it’ll be a tool that you’ll be using for years to come.

DEWALT has a stellar reputation for creating quality power tools, and the DCF885 impact driver more than lives up to this.

Yes, it lacks the more desirable brushless motor that comes as standard in more expensive DEWALT impact driver models, but the fact remains, it still provides considerable bang for your buck thanks to its high-torque output, variable speed, and the lithium-ion battery that comes in the majority of kits.

So, regardless if you’re a professional, a keen DIYers or anyone in between who’s in the market for an affordable impact driver that can handle the bulk of your heavy-duty fixing and fastening tasks in hardwood, concrete, steel, or whatever else you can throw at it, the DCF885 is a great option.

Still not convinced? We’ve included a summary of the various advantages and disadvantages of this DEWALT impact gun below to help you make up your mind.

DEWALT DCF885 vs DCF887

The DCF887 sits a couple of models above the DCF885 in DEWALT’s range of impact drivers, so it isn’t surprising that it comes with a few additional benefits out of the box.

Firstly, the stand-out difference between the DEWALT DCF885 vs DCF887 is that the latter comes with a brushless motor as standard, as opposed to the brushed motor that the DCF885 comes with.

Brushless motors can deliver more power than similar-sized brushed motors, and as such, the DCF887 has a higher no-loaded speed of 3,250 RPM (versus 2,800 RPM), a higher maximum torque of 1825 IN-LBS (versus 1400 LBS), and it is capable of delivering a higher number of impacts per minute (0-3,800 IPM) than the DCF885 (0-3,200 IPM).

Aside from this, both tools are quite similar. They both run on lithium-ion batteries, and they both feature a quick release anvil, a 1/4″ hex drive, and LED’s to help illuminate whatever area you’re working on.

Both models also come in a variety of different kit types, including those which include the tool only, and others loaded with either standard-powered lithium-ion batteries, multiple batteries, or higher-powered batteries which you can choose between depending on your needs/budget.

Here’s a summary of the key details of the DEWALT DCF885 vs DCF887:

(Scroll table if needed)

Model Number:	DCF885	DCF887
Manufacturer:	DEWALT	DEWALT
Tool Type:	Impact Driver	Impact Driver
Motor Type:	Brushed	Brushless
System:	20V Max	20V Max
Cordless/Corded:	Cordless	Cordless
Battery Type:	Lithium Ion	Lithium Ion
Variable Speed:	Yes	Yes
Impacts/Min:	0-3,200 IPM	0-3,800 IPM
Max Torque:	1400 IN-LBS	1825 IN-LBS
No Load Speed:	0-2,800 RPM	0-3,250 RPM
Anvil Type:	Quick Release	Quick Release
Drive:	1/4″ Hex	1/4″ Hex
LED Lights:	Yes	Yes
Belt Clip:	Yes	Yes
Carry Case Included:	Depends on Kit Type	Depends on Kit Type
Battery Included:	Depends on Kit Type	Depends on Kit Type
Charger Included:	Depends on Kit Type	Depends on Kit Type
Warranty:	3-Year Limited	3-Year Limited
Tool Weight:	2.0 LBS	2.0 LBS
	Read Reviews	Read Reviews

There are quite a few DEWALT DCF885 combo sets available, each with a few subtle differences.

The kits start with the DCF885B which provides the bare tool only with no battery, no charger, and no carry case, and finish with the top-of-the-range DCF885M2 kit.

It’s important to remember that each kit provides the same DEWALT impact driver, with the only differences being the battery size, battery quantity, and the carrying case supplied with each.

The higher up the kit types you go (above the DCF885B kit), either the more batteries you get or, the larger the battery capacity that is provided, both of which will allow you to run your DEWALT impact driver for longer versus the single 20V (1.5 Ah) lithium-ion battery that comes in the DCF885C1 kit.

Here is an overview of the various kits that are available for this particular model:

DEWALT DCF885B (Tool Only)

A good option if you’ve already got a DEWALT 20V Max Battery and charger from an existing DEWALT tool, this kit comes with the body of the DCF885 only.

• 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
• User Manuals
• (No battery or charger)
• (No carry case)

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DEWALT DCF885C1

The DCF885C1 is a good choice if you’re new to DEWALT tools because it provides everything you need to get started, all presented in a handy carry case.

• 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
• 1x 20V Max Battery (1.5 Ah)
• 1x Fast Charger
• 1x Soft Carry Case
• User Manuals

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DEWALT DCF885C2

The main advantage of the DCF885C2 kit is that it provides a second 20V Max Battery over the DCF885C1 kit, letting you use your impact driver for a longer duration.

• 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
• 2x 20V Max Batteries (1.5 Ah)
• 1x Fast Charger
• 1x Soft Carry Case
• User Manuals

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DEWALT DCF885L1

The DCF885L1 kit exchanges the second battery from the DCF885C2 kit and provides a single larger 3.0 Ah battery instead (as opposed to 1.5 Ah in the previous kits).

• 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
• 1x 20V Max Batteries (3.0 Ah)
• 1x Fast Charger
• 1x Soft Carry Case
• User Manuals

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DEWALT DCF885M2

The ‘daddy’ of the DCF885 kits, this package comes with two of DEWALT’s 20V Max XR Premium Lithium-Ion Batteries (4.0 Ah) to let you to use your DEWALT impact driver for even longer.

• 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
• 2x 20V Max XR Premium Lithium-Ion Batteries (4.0 Ah)
• 1x Fast Charger
• 1x Hard Carry Case
• User Manuals

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1. What is the difference between the DEWALT DCF885 vs DCF887?

2. What is the difference between an impact driver and a drill driver?

3. Is the motor on this particular model brushed or brushless?

4. What is the difference between a brushed impact driver and a brushless impact driver?

5. What does the no load speed of the DCF885 refer to?

6. Does the DEWALT DCF885 feature a variable speed?

7. Do any of the DCF885 impact driver kits come with any bit tips?

8. Does it come with a carry case?

9. Does it come with a charger?

10. How long does it take to charge the battery?

11. Does it have both forward and reverse drive?

12. What is the torque output of this particular model?

13. Does a higher-capacity battery increase the torque output of the DCF885?

14. What is the maximum battery capacity available for this model?

15. Can it be used to remove and secure lug nuts on a vehicle?

16. How long is the warranty period?