ToolCrowd is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver:

The Complete Buyer’s Guide

an image showing the DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver in use

an image showing the DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver in use

DEWALT DCF885 Specs

Model Number:

DCF885

 

Drive:

1/4″ Hex

Tool Type:

Cordless Impact Driver

 

No Load Speed:

0-2,800 RPM

Battery Type:

Lithium Ion

 

System:

20V Max

Impacts/Min:

0-3,200 IPM

 

LED Lights:

Yes

Max Torque:

1400 IN-LBS

 

Warranty:

3-Year Limited

Anvil Type:

Quick Release

 

Tool Weight:

2.0 LBS

What’s Included?
Detailed Info

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…

an image showing the dewalt dcf885 impact driver in use

Who It’s Aimed At

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.


What It Can Be Used For

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:

  • Driving or removing longer screws, for example, lag screws.
  • Tightening or loosening heavy-duty nuts and bolts.
  • Driving fasteners into tougher materials, for example, metal or concrete.

Power and Performance

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.

an image showing the dewalt dcf885 impact driver internals

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).

image showing the dewalt 20v flexvolt battery that the DCF885 impact driver is compatible with

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.


Variable Speed

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.


Functional Design

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.

an image showing the dewalt dcf885 impact driver features

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.


In Summary

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.

Click Here for Pricing, Reviews, & More Images of the
DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver

DEWALT DCF885 – The Pros
  • With a maximum torque output of 1400 IN-LBS and maximum impacts per minute of 3,200 IPM, the DCF885 delivers more than enough power to handle larger fixings in the toughest of materials.
  • The impact driver’s variable speed of 0-2,800 RPM allows you to adapt the output to best suit each bit type, fixing type, and material that you’re working with.
  • It works with DEWALT’s range of 20V Max lithium ion batteries, with these being known to hold a higher energy density than standard batteries, helping the impact driver to run for longer between charges.
  • The DCF885 impact driver works with DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT system, allowing you to increase runtime drastically by using batteries with a power up to 12.0 Ah.
  • Quickly and easily change bits one-handed on the fly thanks to the chuck that accepts both 1/4″ hex accessories and 1″ bit tips.
  • It features a three LED-light arrangement for maximum visibility and reduced shadows. The LED’s activate automatically once the trigger is pressed and stays on for 20 seconds following the release of the trigger.
  • You can choose from a whole host of DCF885 kit types ranging from including the tool only, to various battery quantities and sizes (check out our summary of the most popular options).
  • It features a compact design measuring just 5.55-inches from the front to the back without bits, making it easier to maneuver and use in tight and confined spaces.
DEWALT DCF885 – The Cons
  • It comes with a brushed motor as opposed to the more-favored brushless type.
  • It doesn’t feature an on-tool bit holder.
  • The DCF885 can feel off-balanced when using high-capacity batteries (above the standard 20V Max 1.5 Ah option) as these will be both larger and heavier.

Popular Comparison

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)

 

image of the dewalt dcf885 impact driver
image of the dewalt dcf887 brushless impact driver

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

 


DEWALT DCF885 Kit Types

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.
an image showing the DEWALT DCF885B (Tool Only)
  • 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
  • User Manuals
  • (No battery or charger)
  • (No carry case)

See It on Amazon

Check Price

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.
an image showing the DEWALT DCF885C1
  • 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
  • 1x 20V Max Battery (1.5 Ah)
  • 1x Fast Charger
  • 1x Soft Carry Case
  • User Manuals

See It on Amazon

Check Price

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.
an image showing the DEWALT DCF885C2
  • 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
  • 2x 20V Max Batteries (1.5 Ah)
  • 1x Fast Charger
  • 1x Soft Carry Case
  • User Manuals

See It on Amazon

Check Price

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).
an image showing the DEWALT DCF885L1
  • 1x DEWALT 20V Impact Driver (DCF885)
  • 1x 20V Max Batteries (3.0 Ah)
  • 1x Fast Charger
  • 1x Soft Carry Case
  • User Manuals

See It on Amazon

Check Price

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.
an image showing the DEWALT DCF885M2
  • 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

See It on Amazon

Check Price

Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is the difference between the DEWALT DCF885 vs DCF887?
Given that the DCF887 sits above the DCF885 in the DEWALT impact gun range, it isn’t surprising that it comes with a few added benefits.

The most significant difference is that the DCF887 features a brushless motor (as opposed to the DCF885’s brushed motor), the main benefit of which is that brushless motors can deliver more power versus brushed motors of the same size.

As a result, no-load speed on the DCF887 increases to 3,250 RPM (versus 2,800 RPM on the DCF885), maximum torque grows to 1825 IN-LBS (versus 1400 LBS), and the number of impacts per minute increases to 0-3,800 IPM (versus the lower model’s 0-3,200 IPM).

Similarities include the fact that they both run on lithium-ion batteries, and they both come with a quick release anvil, a 1/4″ hex drive, and LED’s to light up whatever you’re working on.

Both impact drivers weigh 2.0 LBS, and they also both come in a variety of kit types depending on your needs/budget.

  1. What is the difference between an impact driver and a drill driver?
Impact drivers and drill drivers probably have more similarities than differences. They both look quite similar, and you can use each to drive screws into different materials, for example.

They also both use a rotating motion to achieve the desired output, however, where impact drivers differ is that they also deliver a sideways hammering action as they turn to provide a much higher torque output versus conventional drill drivers.

It’s this extra hammer motion that helps you drive much larger fixings into much tougher materials than you’d otherwise be able to with a drill driver.

  1. Is the motor on this particular model brushed or brushless?
Is the motor on this particular model brushed or brushless?
  1. What is the difference between a brushed impact driver and a brushless impact driver?
Brushed motors include carbon brushes which the electrical charge travels through, whereas brushless motors generate power using magnets. Because of this, brushless motors tend to create a lot less friction, leading to them producing less heat and providing better overall performance when compared to brushed equivalents.

Brushed motors typically require more maintenance in the long-term because the motor’s brushes are prone to wearing out.

If this puts you off, it’s worth remembering that DEWALT manufactures a similar tool to the DCF885 that comes with a brushless motor, and its associated benefits – the DCF887 impact driver (click here to see it on Amazon).

  1. What does the no load speed of the DCF885 refer to?
No load speed refers to how fast the motor can rotate while the tool is spinning freely without a bit attached, and while it isn’t completing an impact driving task. In the case of the DCF885 impact driver, it can rotate at a maximum of 2,800 RPM.

It’s a helpful way to compare the various motor speeds between different tools on a like-for-like basis.

  1. Does the DEWALT DCF885 feature a variable speed?
Yes, it does.

The tool features a variable speed trigger helping you to choose a speed that best suits each type of task. The harder you press the trigger, the faster the impact driver’s output will be up to a maximum of 2,800 RPM.

  1. Do any of the DCF885 impact driver kits come with any bit tips?
No – there isn’t a DEWALT impact set for this particular model that comes with bit tips. You’ll need to purchase these separately.
  1. Does it come with a carry case?
A carry case comes supplied with each available DEWALT impact set other than the DCF885B (which comes with the tool only).

The DCF885C1, DCF885C2, DCF885L1 kits come with a soft carry case, whereas the DCF885M2 comes with a hard carry case.

  1. Does it come with a charger?
A charger comes supplied with each available DEWALT impact set other than the DCF885B (which comes with the tool only minus the battery).

The DCF885C1, DCF885C2, DCF885L1, and DCF885M2 kits all come with a fast charger.

  1. How long does it take to charge the battery?
Depending on the specific battery used with the DCF885, DEWALT states that it can take between 30-70 minutes using the fast charger supplied in most of the kits.
  1. Does it have both forward and reverse drive?
Yes, it does.

You can change between forward and reverse output using the handy button located behind the impact driver’s trigger.

  1. What is the torque output of this particular model?
The maximum torque of this DEWALT impact gun is 1400 IN-LBS, which equates to 117 FT-LBS.
  1. Does a higher-capacity battery increase the torque output of the DCF885?
No – increasing the battery size will not increase the overall torque of this particular DEWALT impact driver.

The main benefit of increasing from the 1.5 Ah battery that comes with the DCF885C2 combo to DEWALT’s 3.0 Ah battery (as in the DCF885L1 kit) or their 4.0 Ah battery (as in the DCF885M2 package) is that you’ll be able to use the impact driver for longer between charges.

  1. What is the maximum battery capacity available for this model?
The DEWALT FLEXVOLT (part number DCB612) is a 12.0 Ah battery that you can use in their 20V Max tools like the DCF885 impact driver.

DEWALT states that it provides up to 8x runtime versus a conventional 1.5 Ah battery pack (part number DCB201).

  1. Can it be used to remove and secure lug nuts on a vehicle?
No – it won’t have the torque needed to sufficiently tighten or remove lug nuts on a vehicle, especially if they’re rusted or they’ve been overtightened previously.
  1. How long is the warranty period?
It comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

DEWALT DCF885 Review Videos

Click Here for Pricing, Reviews, & More Images of the
DEWALT DCF885 Impact Driver

If you enjoyed this article, you’ll probably enjoy the following, too:


toolcrowd expert writer profile image
Author: Jon Maxwell
Senior Writer, ToolCrowd
Jon Maxwell writes about various topics for ToolCrowd, including tool reviews, material advice, common home problems, and general DIY advice and how-to articles. His work has been published in national publications for audiences including consumers, homeowners, and industry experts. Jon has a bachelor's degree in Building Surveying and a master's degree in a branch of Civil Engineering focusing on concrete and steel durability. When he isn't writing for ToolCrowd, Jon enjoys completing DIY tasks in his own home, as well as woodworking in his home workshop, snowboarding, and website development. Contact Jonarrow_right_alt
×