One Year Review

Hi Everyone and welcome to my review of the Dewalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Driver model DCF887B.

If you've never visited my site before, then you should know that I am a small housing provider who takes pride in offering quality homes for people and enjoy learning about the latest toys (tools!) and housing tips to help others with their maintenance or renovation needs.  If I am not reviewing a product I use myself, I gather all the resources and provide you all the details so you don't have to!

I have been using the Dewalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Impact Driver model DCF887 for almost a year now and have put it through its paces with house flips, home improvements, and repairs.  I wanted to list out the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.

Overall, I have been very impressed with the DCF887B model.  If you're unfamiliar with their model numbers, Dewalt currently has 3 different impact drivers that they sell as of this writing, with this one being the model I ended up choosing.  

Here's the breakdown:

Pros:

• Brushless motor for superior performance
• 3 speed settings making this tool extremely versatile
• Ergonomic and comfortable to use
• Dewalt battery ecosystem

Cons:

• Trigger can get a little sticky if you haven't fully engaged the forward/reverse selector

SPECS and Tech Details

The DCF887B sits right in the middle of Dewalts lineup, with the only lacking feature from the top end being bluetooth with their Tool Connect feature:  

 

Model Number	DCF888B	DCF887B	DCF885B
Battery Type	20 Volt Lithium Ion	20 Volt Lithium Ion	20 Volt Lithium Ion
Speed Settings	3	3	1
Motor type	Brushless	Brushless	Brushed
MAX Torque	1825 in-lbs (152.1 ft-lb)	1825 in-lbs (152.1 ft-lb)	1400 in-lbs (116.7 ft-lb)
Torque (IN-LBS)	0-240/ 1,500/1,825 in-lbs	0-240/ 1,500/1,825 in-lbs	117 ft-lbs
Load Speed	0-1,000/ 2,800/ 3,250 rpm	0-1,000/ 2,800/ 3,250 rpm	0 - 2,800 rpm
Impacts/minute	0 - 3,800 ipm	0 - 3,800 ipm	0 - 3,200 ipm
Chuck Type	1/4" Quick Release HEX Shank	1/4" Quick Release HEX Shank	1/4" Quick Release HEX Shank
Tool Dimensions	5.3 in	5.3 in	5.55 in
Tool Weight	2.0 lbs	2.0 lbs	2.0 lbs
Variable Speed Trigger	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	Up to 100 ft	No	No

  

 Brushless Motor

There are two types of motors in the cordless tool arena which are brushless and brushed motors.  Essentially the brushed motors use carbon brushes which generate friction and have less power and torque which you'll see on lower/base model motors.  The DCF887B has a brushless motor which uses magnets which produces less friction and heat allowing better performance.  A brushless motor will have longer battery life and more power.  Here's a cool 45 second video on the differences:

 

 

Speed Settings, RPM, and Torque

The DCF887B comes with 3 speed settings with a variable trigger so you can adjust to your screwing needs.  This is what sold me:

• Setting 1: 0-1000 RPM and 0-240 in-lbs torque. This is best for delicate screws that require finesse or finish type work.  It's slower with the lowest torque limit to prevent stripping the screw heads.  I have literally stopped using the drill/driver and use this for everything I need. 
• Setting 2: 0-2800 RPM and 0-1500 in-lbs torque. This is the setting I use most of the time.  It's great for screwing in deck or construction screws.  This is the medium torque setting.
• Setting 3: 0-3250 RPM and 0-1825 in-lbs torque. This is the high torque setting.  I've mainly used this for concrete screws or lag bolts.  Pretty much anything larger than construction screws this setting can handle no sweat

 

The Batteries: What Size for Me?

Dewalt uses their 20V Lithium Ion battery system for all their cordless tools.  If you already own another Dewalt tool with with these style batteries, the DCF887B would be a fantastic choice. 

How you plan on using the tools will determine what size batteries you need.  First, I would recommend having no less than 2 batteries so one can be charging if you run out of juice (the charger is typically provided when you buy one of the combo kits shown below).  Second, determine how you expect to use the tools.  If you're completing infrequent small projects from time to time, the 1.5 Ah batteries may be sufficient for these tasks.  On the other hand, you frequent larger renovations like installing decks, using a larger capacity battery like a 5Ah might be more suitable.  Just make sure the batteries have the power button on them so you can see how much juice you have left!

Storage in cold weather: I keep my batteries with the tools in an uninsulated garage (built in 1880).  The batteries don't have any noticeable drain when stored for a given time period.  

 

Other Features

 LED's: are super bright for lighting up the work area

 

 Chuck Type: Uses a 1/4" hex shank for all the drill bits and accessories that are compatible with them (which are many).  You can even get drill bits with this 1/4" hex shank which eliminates having to hunt for your drill driver.  I choose this tool over the drill driver every time.

Here's a video showing how easy it is to change out bits or accessories:

 

 

 Tool Clip: If you want to hang it off your belt, you have the option.   

 

Forward/Reverse Selector: This is the one con albeit a small one.  If you have not properly engaged forward or reverse switch, the trigger can get stuck.  Maybe this was a user error from time to time.  You can also set the switch in the middle which prevents the trigger from engaging.  This is nice so when you throw your tool in a tool bag it doesn't turn on accidentally.

Warrantee: Three-Year Limited Warranty. DEWALT will repair, without charge, any defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover part failure due to normal wear or tool abuse. For further detail of warranty coverage and warranty repair information, visit www.dewalt.com or call 1-800-4-DEWALT (1-800-433- 9258). This warranty does not apply to accessories or damage caused where repairs have been made or attempted by others.

 

Durability

 After 1 year of use, the impact driver has held up quite well.  I purchased the tool as the combination kit listed below which comes with a carrying case which helps prevent it from getting knocked around.  The switches still feel tight, the rubber grips are in good shape, and the battery removes and locks in without any wobble.  I foresee this tool lasting quite a long time.

 

Is this impact driver right for me?

The DCF887B sits in the middle of Dewalts lineup (more like upper-middle), with the only feature missing being the Tool Connect App with bluetooth on the DCF888B.  This feature allows you to locate the tool, prevent theft, and receive diagnostics.  Unless you're a contractor who leaves tools at different job sites or if you like to see how many trigger pulls you've made today, the DCF887B is definitely the choice I would pick out of the Dewalt lineup for a serious DIY'er. 

If you feel the Dewalt DCF887B is right for you, here are a couple of links to Amazon for the impact driver as well as combination kits which include batteries, chargers, cases, etc.:

DCF887B Tool Only:

 DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, Brushless, 3-Speed, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCF887B)

 

DCF887D2 Starter Kit:

• DCF887B Impact Driver with belt hook
• (2) DCB203 2Ah Lithium Ion batteries 
• (1) Charger

 

 DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver Kit, Brushless, 3-Speed, 1/4-Inch, 2.0-Ah (DCF887D2)