DeWalt DCF885C1 Review: A Good Impact Driver?

Ideal for home repair projects as well as simple job site tasks, theDeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kitis a great choice for a balanced mix of portability, power, and convenience. However, is this DeWalt impact driver worth buying?

To help you decide, I’ve reviewed this impact driver below to let you know about its features, specs, pros, and cons.

This cordless impact driver is lightweight but doesn’t sacrifice power, making it a great tool for jobs around the house, as well as simple auto repairs.

Specifications

With a front-to-back measurement of 5.55 inches, it bears a slim design that allows easy fit into small spaces. On the other hand, the 2.8-pound lightweight design makes it comfortable for handling overhead projects or long hours of operation, such as when working on automobile repairs.

This impact driverhas a 1/4-inch hex drive that’s capable of one-handed loading and accepts 1-inch bit tips. It has a max torque of 1,400 inch-pounds, a no-load speed of up to 2,800 RPM and an impact of 3,200 BPM. This speed and impact combination is typical for a lightweight impact driver.

Quality

You get a 3-year limited warranty from DeWalt, as well as a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year free service option. The kit is also complete with a 20V MAX battery at 1.5 Ah and a fast charger so it’s ready to go right out of the box.

Among the features I like with this impact driver is the use of lithium-ion, which is a solid upgrade for those who have worked with Ni-Cad batteries in their previous units. Lithium-ion lasts longer than traditional batteries because it doesn’t lead to a “memory effect,” helping a single charge last long even if you don’t use the tool.

Usability

I like that this impact driver has an anvil type quick-release which makes the job easier, especially when your hands are full. It has three LED lights that have a 20-second delay after the trigger is released so you’ll see your work area clearly without shadows.

Moreover, the just-right weight of 2.8 pounds makes this impact driver easy to carry around, not just to and from the job site or around the house, but also for overhead situations and awkward positions. Likewise, the 5.55-inch compact design allows you to fit the impact driver in narrow work areas, such as underneath a vehicle.

Should You Buy the DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit?

If you are mostly a person who works around the house or from their garage, then this is a great impact driver to have at home. Even in small to medium-sized job site tasks,this impact driverwill be a convenient and lightweight tool to use in tight spots. It has a lot of torque even for a small tool so it will work for lug nuts and other automobile applications.

Regardless, if you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.

Pros of the DeWalt DCF885C1

Let’s start with the pros.

It’s lightweight.

At only 2.8 pounds, this tool is ideal for overhead projects where a heavier unit would not be so advisable. The lightweight feel makes it easy to carry between work areas or job sites as well.

Having a lightweight impact driver is important so that you can use it for many different tasks around the house or job site. The typical range of impact driver weight is around 2 to 4 pounds. Take note that depending on the type of battery that you install, the weight might change, especially if you do prefer a higher-amperage battery.

The LED lights have a delay feature.

By including a delay feature, your tool will not cast shadows on your work area. Other light systems do not have this feature, and it is slightly inconvenient for the worker if their light source casts shadows onto your work space.

The head is compact in size.

Measuring only 5.55 inches, the head size is just right for fitting into small and cramped areas where a large impact driver would not fit well, making the job easier for you. This is especially useful for automobile repair.

What I like about having a compact size for the impact driver head is that you’ll easily get around corners and areas that are otherwise unreachable with a regular driver (or drill/driver, for that matter). This means the tool can be used for a wider range of applications and it will reduce hand fatigue even when in awkward positions.

It has a high maximum torque.

Sporting a max torque of 1,400 inch-pounds is solid for a small unit, making this a great impact driver to have for auto repair and similar tasks.

A great amount of torque is needed for lug nuts and similar tasks. Despite being a lightweight and portable unit, this impact driver has a good amount of torque. The typical range of impact drivers when it comes to torque is from 1,300 to 2,000 inch-pounds, so it’s just fine for its weight.

Cons of the DeWalt DCF885C1

Even though the DeWalt DCF885C1 is a great tool, there are a few cons worth noting as well.

The motor isn’t brushless.

Although the motor works fine, it is not brushless. This means it’s not as heavy-duty as the ones that do not use carbon brushes. Because the impact driver is not brushless, it requires slightly more maintenance than its brushless counterparts.

The frame construction is not fully metal.

Because it was meant for lightweight jobs, most of its frame is made of plastic instead of metal, unlike with older models. If you prefer an impact driver with greater durability, this might not be the first choice, but keep in mind that plastic components are what allow it to be so lightweight.

What Are the Alternatives to the DeWalt DCF885C1?

If the DeWalt DCF885C1 impact driver is simply not your cup of tea, here are other alternatives that I’d like to suggest:

If you often lose fasteners and bits around your work area, theRyobi P237 18V One+ Impact Driveris a worthy companion. This tool has a magnetic bit holder that allows you to attach and easily access your small pieces, so you’ll find it comfortable to work with any project.

This holder is especially useful when in precarious positions, such as when you’re up on a ladder. Moreover, it also has a 3-speed gearbox that allows up to 3,200 BPM, plus the rubber handle will keep your hands fatigue-free.

For those who prefer a slightly stronger tool, the密爾沃基2656-20 M18delivers up to 1,500 inch-pounds of torque, 2,750 RPM of speed, and 3,450 BPM of impact. It is also lithium-ion powered for cordless freedom using any 1.5 or 5.0 Ah battery.

此外,這個工具是無繩,柔軟grip for comfort. Both of these alternatives have great usability thanks to the quick-connect chucks and LED lighting to keep your work area visible.

TheRidgid R82230Nis yet another impact driver that has a 3-LED light system for better work visibility. It also has a rubber grip for fatigue-free handling. As well, this unit has a low battery indicator that lets you know when it’s time to charge the unit. Although this unit only has a max torque of 1,100 inch-pounds, making it less powerful than my DeWalt pick above, it is lighter in weight at only 1.94 pounds.

Finally, you might also want tocheck my list of the best impact drivers on the market.

Summary

Overall, theDeWalt DCF885C1is a decent choice for home repair jobs and is a convenient tool for the garage, especially for working under the car. It might not be as heavy-duty as other similar impact drivers, but it will be more comfortable to handle for overhead projects and awkward corners thanks to its lightweight and compact design.