DEWALT DCF885B vs DCF887B vs DCF899B vs DCF894B
Are you looking for a powerful impact driver with impressive torque and high quality of construction? Do you want it to be affordable too? Then you clicked the right article!
Let us present DEWALT DCF885B vs DCF887B vs DCF899B vs DCF894B comparison. Today, we’ll discuss four best-selling impact drivers and tell you which models and characteristics to pay attention to.
Main Differences Between the Models
First of all, all tools greatly differ in power (RPM, IPM, torque), which we’ll discuss later. But apart from this obvious distinguishing feature, there several more differences worth our attention:
- The first two power tools, the DCF885B and the DCF887B are pure impact drivers. Two other appliances belong to the category of impact wrenches with driver functions.
- The first driver originates from the 20V MAX series, while others are the 20V MAX XR generation «kids». This moment causes the two following differences.
- DEWALT DCF885B driver has a brushed motor. Its opponents use upgraded brushless motors.
- Consequently, more powerful tools offer 3 speed modes. The first DEWALT tool also features variable speed but without special settings.
- The DCF885B and the DCF887B are equipped with 1/4 in. chucks. The DCF899B and the DCF894B have 1/2 in. anvils.
- The second model of our review features unique Precision Drive Technology.
- The fourth model also has its own peculiarity – the Precision Wrench control system.
- Though all tools use built-in LED, the first two appliances have 3 LEDs, and the other two drivers come with a single LED.
Comparison Table
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver (DCF885B)
Let us start with a representative of the 20V MAX series. It is the previous generation of DEWALT tools that feature brushed motors and upgraded but not the highest power.
The manufacturer offers quite a standard 1/4 in. hex chuck. The unit provides easy one-handed bit loading so that you don’t waste time on tedious trifles.
Users can adjust torque and speed with a trigger. But though the tool comes with variable speed, there are no special settings.
Compact design and three independent LED light points mean the driver can work in tight and poorly lid areas.
DEWALT DFC885B impact driver can be called a decent budget option. We recommend it for professional and domestic use.
If you frequently perform drilling and fastening applications overhead or in tight spaces, this tool will be a wise investment. Also, the manufacturer allows for purchasing a fuller kit with bit sets.
- powerful and durable
- 1/4 in. hex chuck with one-handed loading
- variable speed
- three LED lights
- compact and lightweight body
- budget option
- battery and charger are not included
- brushed motor yields in power to the latest brushless units
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF887B)
DEWALT DCF887B provides higher performance and, consequently, can be used for more challenging professional tasks. Though it shares lots of features with the previous model, this product belongs to the latest XR series. Let’s quickly highlight its advantages.
XR stands for extreme runtime. Thus, users get a longer operation and greater power. Unfortunately, DEWALT didn’t include the XR battery in this kit either.
Moreover, users get the ultimate performance thanks to an improved brushless motor. Now, we can limit power by choosing one of three speed settings.
The driver supports the so-called Precision Drive technology that helps users match the speed to the job fulfilled.
Coinciding features between DEWALT DCF885B and DCF887B are a 1/4 in. hex chuck with one-handed bit loading, 3 LED lights, and the same compact and lightweight design.
- extreme performance and durability of the XR generation
- brushless motor
- 3 speed settings
- Precision Drive technology
- 1/4 in. hex chuck with one-handed loading
- three LED lights
- compact and lightweight body
- battery and charger are not included
- may be unreasonably expensive for domestic use if purchased with a battery kit
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench DCF899B
DEWALT DCF899B belongs to the category of combination tools that provide functions of impact wrenches and impact drivers.
Two appliances in one body is an exceptionally worthy purchase. You can perform mounting, demounting and drilling works of fastening elements like bolts, nuts, screws.
Sure, dual functionality means increased price, but it’s still more beneficial than purchasing two separate devices.
Firstly, the tool features a brushless motor with improved XR high torque and durability. Once again, batteries and chargers are purchased separately. Three speed regimes allow for optimal torque adjustment.
The driver is equipped with a 1/2 in. anvil with a detent pin for fastening various applications.
As usual, we cannot do without LED lighting, but here we see one light point.
- XR power and durability
- a 2-in-1 wrench and driver tool
- 1/2 in. detent anvil
- 3 speeds
- one LED light
- comes as a bare tool
- pricey
- it’s heavy and a little bulky for tighter areas
- some users find a detent pin not as convenient as a ring one, but it depends on your preference
4. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench (DCF894B)
Let us close the model description with another DEWALT impact wrench, the DCF894B multi-functional tool. In a word, here is an identical but more affordable and slightly less powerful device. In terms of price, this product wins the DEWALT DCF899B vs DCF894B battle.
Among positive features, we pay attention to the Precision Wrench control. The system pauses the tool before impacting to help prevent overtightening in forward and lowers speed when fastener is loose to prevent running off in reverse.
Engineers also improved the weight, so this tool will feel much more comfortable in continuous use.
Less powerful fastening torque is the main sacrifice. You’ll get up to 330 ft-lbs, which is twice less than in the DCF899B modification.
- XR power and durability
- 2-in-1 wrench and driver tool
- 1/2 in. Detent Anvil
- 3 speeds
- Precision Wrench control
- one LED light
- more affordable price
- lightweight
- no batteries and chargers
- less power
- a little bulky
- the same issue with detent vs ring pin
Face to Face Comparison
To choose the most appropriate tool, it’s better to learn characteristics. Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of all impact drivers.
Design and Dimensions
Cordless power tools beneficially stand out against corded tools due to their portability and independence from outlets. However, freedom of such application must also be accompanied by a compact and lightweight body.
DEWALT impact drivers measure as follows:
DEWALT DCF885B:
- 5.5″ x 3.9″ x 9.37″
- 2 pounds
DEWALT DCF887B:
- 8″ x 3″ x 5.88″
- 2 pounds
DEWALT DCF899B:
- 9.94″ x 4.25″ x 10.63″
- 6.4 pounds
DEWALT DCF894B:
- 8.06″ x 3.19″ x 9.56″
- 3.5 pounds
Thus, we see that the bare drivers can boast of smaller and lighter cases, while wrenches+drivers are bulkier.
Design comparison shows almost no difference. All tools feature classic brand black and yellow colors. Cases are covered with durable plastic, and all grips have an anti-slippery design.
Every tool is equipped with a trigger, reverse button, and speed switch (except for the DCF885B model).
Motor
DEWALT DCF885B is the only tool of our review that comes with a brushed motor by the 20V MAX generation. Other drivers feature improved 20V MAX XR brushless motors. Brushless design provides more power with less energy consumption and extreme durability.
Besides, all products are equipped with DEWALT patented electronics that protect them from overheating, overloading, and deep discharge during use.
The voltage required is 110-120 volts.
Impacts and Rotations Per Minute
All four tools vary in IPM (impacts per minute) and RPM (rotations per minute) rates, and the difference is quite significant in our opinion.
- DEWALT DCF885B produces up to 3200 IPM. As we’ve already discussed, this model comes with a variable speed without special speed settings. Thus, it drives up from 0 to 2800 RPM depending on the trigger position.
- Being equipped with a more potent motor, DEWALT DCF887B reaches 3800 IPM. This time, we’re dealing with 3 speed limitation modes and can set 1000, 2800, or 3250 RPM adjustment.
- DEWALT DCF899B provides a maximum of 2400 IPM and 400/1200/1900 RPM steed settings.
- Finally, you can get up to 3100 IPM in DEWALT DCF894B and set low of high speed up to 900 or 2000 RPM. There is also the third Precision Wrench mode for more accurate speed control.
Torque
The first device features the most modest max torque up to 117 ft-lbs. If we compare DEWALT DCF885B vs DCF887B, we’ll see that the latter is 20% more powerful with its 150 ft-lbs.
However, impact wrenches show the highest torque power. They work at 700 and 330 ft-lbs, respectively.
Chuck
Impact drivers and impact wrenches somehow differ in this characteristic. The four models can be divided into two groups.
- The first two impact drivers have 1/4 in. hex chucks with a quick release anvil for one-handed loading. The anvil accepts and holds 1-inch bit tips. 1/4 in. size is quite standard. Besides, the manufacturer sells full kits with drivers and bit sets included.
- Impact wrenches with driving function feature 1/2 in. anvil with detent pin. Detent pin operation is based on a spring-loaded ball that retains the socket. The system allows for much easier and quicker bit changing, but its alternative, a hog ring anvil, provides more reliable retaining.
Additional Technologies
Two out of four drivers boast of additional technologies for improved control.
- In addition to normal impacting modes, the DEWALT DCF887B tool features the Precision Drive mode, enabling greater control in lighter applications to avoid damage to materials or fasteners. Precision Drive mode is activated in the first speed and works as a screwdriver in light applications, before hesitating as the screw head reaches the work piece. Then it starts a slow controlled impact to ensure the head ends perfectly flush.
- The second device is DEWALT DCF894B. It has Precision Wrench control. This mode grants the user greater control in both fastening and loosing applications.When set in forward, the tool fastens at 2000 RPM until impact begins. The tool will then pause for 0.5 seconds before continuing to impact at a rate of 3100 IPM, providing the user with greater control and reducing the chance of overtightening or damaging material.When set in reverse, the tool will impact at a normal speed and rate of 3100 IPM. Upon sensing that the fastener has broken free, the tool will cease to impact and will reduce speed to help prevent «run-off» of loose hardware.
LED
- Both impact drivers come with three independent LED points located around the chuck. Lights turn on as soon as you press the trigger and turn off within 20 seconds after the trigger is released.
- Impact wrenches offer single LED lighting. The LED is installed at the bottom of the grip.
Batteries
Unfortunately, none of the four units comes with batteries or chargers. So, even if you chose the most expensive kit, you’ll have to spend more on the battery.
The first driver DCF885B works with 20-volt lithium-ion batteries of the 20V MAX generation. The batteries provide up to 35% more runtime than the previous 18V batteries.
However, the other three tools are compatible with the latest 20V MAX XR units that now feature 60% more capacity compared with the 20V MAX.
Customers can purchase any battery model from more affordable 5 Ah elements to the most powerful 8 Ah accessories. Interestingly, DEWALT cordless tools use the same batteries. Thus, if you own one of the DEWALT hammer drills from our previous review, you can easily apply its battery for your DEWALT impact driver.
Guide – How to Choose the Best Impact Driver?
If you’d like to look for more impact driver models, you should always mind several crucial characteristics. Our team has prepared a list of criteria to pay attention to.
Apart from these most important characteristics, we also recommend you to remember:
- What kind of works your impact driver is supposed to perform?
- How durable are the materials it’s made from?
- Does it have built-in LED lighting?
- How lightweight and compact it is?
- How noisy is it?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between DEWALT 20V MAX and 20V MAX XR series?
2. Which DEWALT cordless impact has the highest breakaway torque?
3. What Ah batteries are compatible with DEWALT impact drivers?
4. Does DEWALT provide a warranty for its impact drivers?
5. Do DEWALT impact drivers need regular lubrication for proper maintenance?
Conclusion
We can conclude that DEWALT DCF885B is the most affordable impact driver. Besides, it offers excellent performance and durability for the money. The tool will greatly cope with domestic and DIY tasks.
The second and the fourth drivers, the DCF887B and the DCF894B, are decent middle-range products both for home and professional application. We would also recommend them to beginners due to the integrated Precision Drive and Precision Wrench control support.
At the moment, DEWALT DCF899B is the most powerful impact tool by the brand. The unit will cost you a lot, and it’s also quite heavy and bulky. If you’re an experienced craftsman, you’ll definitely deal with it.
