Dewalt launched a new premium 20V Max cordless impact driver, model DCF845.
The new Dewalt DCF845 impact driver features a brushless motor, 3 speed and torque settings, 3-LED worklight, and is Tool Connect Chip-Ready (sold separately) for tracking and management.
It delivers up to 1825 in-lbs max torque, 3400 RPM max speed, and 4200 max IPM.
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Dewalt advertises that the DCF845 impact driver delivers 30% more torque than their DCF885 brushed motor impact driver, and that it offers “pro-level control” with the variable speed trigger and 3 speed settings.
Key Features & Specs
- 1/4″ hex chuck
- Brushless motor
- 1825 in-lbs max torque
- 3400 RPM max
- 4200 IPM max
- 3 speed settings
- Weighs 2 lbs
- 5.1″ length
- Removable belt clip
At the time of this posting, there are listings for the bare tool (DCF845B), and a 2-battery kit with 2Ah and PowerStack 1.7Ah batteries (DCF845D1E1). Dewalt has also revealed a 5Ah battery kit, DCF845P1, for which pricing is not yet available.
Price: $149 for the bare tool, $230 for the 2Ah and PowerStack kit
Discussion
The DCF845 looks like a compact and powerful impact, and it will be interesting to see how or where it falls into Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless power tool lineup.
The DCF845 is given XR branding, designating it as a more premium option.
At this time it is unclear as to whether the new impact driver is a successor to the Dewalt DCF887, an XR brushless model that delivers 1825 in-lbs max torque, 3250 RPM, 3800 IPM, and 3 speed settings. The DCF887 measures 5.3″ long.
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The DCF887 first appeared in late 2015 and was officially announced in February 2016.
Dewalt has launched 3 new 20V Max impact drivers since then – DCF809 single speed Atomic-series, DCF850 3-speed Atomic-series, and DCF840 single speed impact drivers – but none of these were positioned as a direct replacement to the DCF887.
Single Speed Alternative – DCF840
The new DCF845 has been widely anticipated for some time, and it was presumed to be a 3-speed version of the DCF840 – shown above – that debuted in late 2021.
The DCF840 delivers 1700 in-lbs max torque and operates at 3200 RPM and 4200 IPM. It also features 3 LED lights.
Shown above is the DCF840C2 kit, which has been seasonally priced at $99. There’s also a PowerStack kit with 1x 1.7Ah battery, charger, and tool bag, for $169.
Dewalt DCF845 vs DCF850 Impact Drivers
The Dewalt DCF850 Atomic series impact driver is a 3-speed model with 1825 in-lbs max torque, 3250 RPM, 3800 IPM, and 3.97″ length. The DCF850 is available in different kits and combos, including with the PowerStack 1.7Ah battery.
Compared to the DCF850, the new DCF845 has a different form factor.
Shown above, in approximate scale, the DCF845 is a little longer in nose length, but shorter in height. The DCF850 has a slightly angled battery mount. The DCF850 has a wider motor housing due to its stubby-style design.
The DCF845 is an XR-series impact, whereas the DCF850 is an Atomic-series impact.
Both impact drivers deliver comparable torque specs, but with different rotational and impact speeds.
It will be interesting to see how the two tools compare against each other. Given that both impact drivers offer identical toque specs and very close rotational speed specs, I would expect comparable performance from the two.
DCF845 or DCF850 – which would you pick? Would anyone choose the older DCF887 over either?
Big Richard
Little extra info, P1 kit with 5Ah battery is $219ish, and P2 kit with two 5Ah batteries is $299ish.
https://www.toolup.com/search?keywords=dcf845
Matt+S
I find it interesting that Dewalt is comparing this to the brushed 885 – a model that hasn’t been the workhorse of their range since the 887 came out. I’m guessing they do that because there is so little differentiation between these new models. I’ve got at least one of each 885, 887, 840 and 850 around here, and for all practical purposes the latter three are equivalent in daily use. The 850 is nice for getting into small spaces, but the trade-off of it being much wider to shorten it up is noticeable in other situations.
MM
Every time I hear about these new impact wrenches I get excited by the specs, but then disappointed when I see they’re back to the same ‘ol spring collar retainer for holding the bits. I hate those. I am still using my old DCF895, it is not as powerful as today’s models but more importantly it has a trigger bit release. That is a must-have feature for me, if mine crapped out today I’d probably be jumping straight into Flex as they are now one of the few brands on the market with that feature.
ca
I also wish they kept the release button of the DCF895.
Josh N.
I also love my 895.
Jr Neill
Have you checked how much you can get on eBay for it? I sold mine based on tripling my original price I paid for it.
MM
No, I haven’t! However, I really like it and it works great for me so I think I’ll keep using it until it finally calls it quits.
This reminds me of the time a co-worker informed me that my old Logitech trackball was apparently selling for several hundred $$ on Ebay.
Nathan
actually if memory serves me other than the rotational speed increase the 895 is the same capaiblity as the 887. I have both and I have to say I’ve never noticed a struggle. and I find I like the 895 more too but I would like a bit more compact.
and again other than rotational rpm and ipm values it would appear that the 845 and 850 are in the same basic boat – thus unless the 850 fit my hand odd I’d pick it over the 845. So I don’t see much of a compelling reason. Sort of hoped to see more torque really. The top dewalt device has been 1825 for quite some time. and while I would agree I’ve not had a need for more that I can think of – it would be nice to get something new. Maybe a hydraulic quite model – that might be interesting.
Jeff
This may seem silly…but the first image in the article shows an impact driver using a wing drill bit….i thought that kind of use was a no no…
Stuart
Many spade drill bits are impact-rated, and should come with a max speed.
If a hex-shank drill bit has a max speed spec of 1500 RPM, and a multi-speed impact driver has a low speed setting under that, it should be an allowable pairing.
As always, consult the user manual or brand experts for safety guidance.
Bonnie
It’s a bit odd, since that looks like a DeWalt-branded spade bit and those aren’t “impact rated”, and customer support (at least on the Home Depot site) says not to use them in impact drivers.
Stuart
Ah. In that case, it could be a slip-up by the photo team that nobody caught.
Andrew
Apparently DeWalt makes them for the oversees market…
https://www.dewalt.com.au/product/dt70751-qz/9pc-extreme-impact-ready-flatwood-set
Bonnie
Interesting! I wonder if there’s a manufacturing difference or just a difference in advertising.
MKY
Stuart –
At the time of this posting, ***their*** are listings…
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
JoeM
I have an 885, “OG” as the kids say… I think… they might not…
As far as I’m concered, I’ve been drooling over the 887 since that came out. The older… 889? The first one to be an upgrade to the Impact with 3 speeds? Seemed interesting until the new wave of drivers came along. And, if this new 845 is the latest upgrade to the main progression, then that’s the one I’ll likely get. So if the main workhorse driver lineage goes 885, 887, now 845? Then whatever is the latest in the line when I go to buy, is the one I’m getting. The side tracks for the Budget and Special Lineups (Lookin’ at you, Atomic.) are now, and have always been off my radar.
Muhammad Abdou
The Milwaukee gen 4 impact driver looks like it has better all around specs, why is dewalts new impact driver so underpowered in comparison? Especially since they haven’t even released the new driver yet and Milwaukee’s has been out for a while
Chris
Milwaukee is usually overrated like all their impact wrenches… I expect this thing to be quite strong
Muhammad Abdou
If we’re talking about torque I agree with you they over exaggerate but even speed it’s superior, 3900 rpm if memory serves me right. In fact speed is the only thing that improved from Milwaukee gen 3 to 4, besides form factor.
It’s true for this new DeWalt.impact driver as well the only real improvement over the dcf887 is slight speed increase but it’s still nowhere as fast as 3900rpm
Big Richard
Impact rate in this new DeWalt also increased from 3800 in the DCF887 to 4200.
Muhammad Abdou
Yes that to but I honestly can never tell the difference impact rate makes between different models so I forget to mention it. Sometimes I feel like higher impact rate actually makes it more likely to strip metal screws so it seems to be maybe a disadvantage to improve it. If you only used the impact driver to change tyres maybe would be different and only advantage, but no one uses them for just that purpose when there are more suitable impact wrenches available
Shawn+Y
Any idea how Dewalt goes about numbering their their tools? A layman would assume numbers go up through generations and if a lower numbered model is released, it must be one of lower specs.
I’m not sure what the F in DCF means either. I’m assuming the DCs are Light, Saw, Grinder, etc.
Muhammad Abdou
F stands for impact driver. I don’t know how or why, it just does. DC stands for DeWalt cordless I assume. As for their numbering, they don’t want to go past 3 digits so they’re stuck trying to use every digit combination in the 900 range until there aren’t any more 3 digit combinations left.
RI+Guy
Perhaps “F” stands for fastener or fastening?
Stuart
Dewalt Cordless Fastening, Drill, Saw, Grinder, Lighting, Battery – DCF, DCD, DCS, DCL, DCB…
With the numbers, it seems they ran out. DCF888 is the Tool Control model, 889 is an impact wrench.
DCF840, 845, 850 could reflect a numerical reset.
JoeM
I will add that, though they’re phasing out slowly, the numbering system also includes DW: DeWALT Wired. So the System goes as follows:
DeWALT Corded/Cordless, Tool Type, Model Level, Model Series, Model Number.
DCD785 (The original) is DC(DeWALT Cordless), D Drill, Level 7: Entry Level, Series 8: Main Release, Model 5: In this case, Compact Hammerdrill.
DCF845: DeWALT Cordless, Fastener, Level 8: Standard/Impact Series, Series: 4 (New Line), Model 5: Brushless Impact Driver.
Leaving the template A(D[C/W])/B(X)/C(#)/D(#)/E(#)
There is a class for B that is for the Instruments and Specialty Equipment: E. If you see DCE, it’s an instrument of some sort. Like the inspection camera, or the IR thermometer. But it can also mean something else specialized. I’ve seen the odd model of what is currently called the DCF680 Gyroscopic Screwdriver, called the DCE680/681/2. These are potentially the ones with a built in reamer, or early releases of the Gyro, before they made the 680 a different tool type than the specialty 681 and 682. Last I checked (could have changed since.) the later two had Pipe Reamers built in, and were locked straight, no pivot to them.
Truth be told, I’d be happier if Milwaukee had a system like DeWALT for just looking at the model, and knowing what it was. The numbers they use appear too random for my head. And I’ll bet there’s at least ten different Milwaukee users around here that look at the Milwaukee number system, and can understand it perfectly. I would be overjoyed if someone broke that down for me to understand.
Muhammad Abdou
Milwaukee is even more confusing because they use a completely different numbering system for different countries, for the exact same tools. It’s annoying when trying to source cheap spare parts or accessories because you have to search 2 different model numbers instead of 1
Scott
DCF = Dewalt Corless Fastener
DCS = Dewalt Cordless Saw (+ related cutting tools like the oscillating multi*)
DCL = Dewalt Cordless Light
DCG = Dewalt Cordless Grinder
I believe that is the pattern
Clay
Wonder if they cleaned up the slop in the collar?
Nathan
I wonder if in testing dewalt (sbd) recognized there isn’t much need for an impact driver to exceed 1825 in lbs (152 ft lbs). I mean I did once to test it use my 895 to remove a wheel lug nut and it did it as expected. (2016 ford explorer, 100 ft lbs)
improvement mostly appears to be the speed with the RPM being a touch more. The atomic one sort of has my attention as I find both of mine run hard enough infact I rarely run them on the 3rd setting but I rarely set timberscrews too. the atomic one being smaller is interesting but I doubt I’d buy one. If both of mine died tomorrow it is the device I’d try out first.
MM
That’s likely. A higher torque number is always nice for bragging rights but at some point the extra torque just becomes pointless for that class of tool. Sure, figures higher than 150 ft-lb are commonly used, but with square drive tooling, not 1/4 hex. At some point there’s just no purpose in sending more torque down a 1/4 tool, all it’s going to do is break bits or screws. I wonder if that magic number just so happens to be close to 1825 in-lb?
Like you I very rarely run on setting no. 3.
Matt
Where is the quiet/hydraulic impact driver, Dewalt?
Ive stayed away from getting the atomic drill, as nice and small as it is, which is fantastic, its too loud for the work i do. Instead, ive been using a Milwaukee Hydraulic driver for the past year or so – there are things i dont like about it. Without getting into the tool colour debate, i prefer having one battery platform, one charger that will charge them… having multiple just adds to extra stuff i dont want to have to carry around.
Robert
Seems this category of tool has plateaued out. Looks like it needs some breakthrough in technology to revitalize the concept. I don’t see a strong reason to go out and buy the 845 unless your current impact driver died.
Munklepunk
Haven’t impact drivers plateaued? Is there really any reason to build a whole “new” tool for a 2% difference? They need to build a ⅜” impact driver for any real further improvements.
Nathan
most of the companies do make a 3/8 impact wrench. in a few forms. Dewalt as 3 that I can think of.
Munklepunk
Impact driver, not wrench. We are to the point where ¼” adapters can’t keep up with people not using the tools for their intended purpose. But using the correct tool for the job is not a common occurrence.
MM
7/16″ appears to be the standard for heavier-duty hex shank tools. Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, and Klein all have 7/16″ hex impact tools with spring collars just like most 1/4″ hex impact drivers, and it is common for many larger size drill bits, especially augers and self-feed style bits to have 7/16″ hex shanks. Many hole saw arbors also have that 7/16 hex.
Munklepunk
Yeah, but then how would people try to use the tool improperly and then complain about breaking things. Baby steps, can’t give people what they want to quicky.
Muhammad Abdou
I agree with above comments, impact drivers are hitting a plateau. I think the future of new impact drivers will be using the new optimized speed torque and form factor on hydraulic oil pulse drivers, which haven’t had any revisions in years. The pulse drivers are much better at not stripping screws because of the way they apply torque so it would allow the spec increases to actually matter
GM
The HUGE plus of the 887 for me was that it was assembled in the USA.
So… where is the 845 assembled?
Stuart
Not all of the 887 impacts were assembled here.
GM
Interesting. Any idea if any of the 845’s will be assembled here?
Jacob James Sebastien
Made in Mexico
Jacob James Sebastien
Better than China tho”
Elliott
I think india was my favorite. Work in retail. Its hilarious how they move factories around.