1/4 Cordless Impact Driver - How much torque do I need?

[908Jim]

I'm looking to add a 1/4 hex impact driver for general "around the house" type work. I'm bought into the DeWalt 20v line and I've got pneumatic impact guns for automotive work, so this is pretty much limited to driving screws in basic home renovation applications. There might be a single deck in it's future, but nothing wild. I'm trying to determine how much torque I actually need for general home use and if there's anything else I need to consider between the three Dewalt models below. For the record 1400 in lbs is ~115 ft-lb which seems plenty adequate for installing a bathroom vanity or some drywall.

All three are within budget, but if I can save $50 I can buy something else sooner! Does anybody have an input or other considerations?

DCF887B - 1825 in-lb - Bare tool: $125
DCF809B - 1700 in-lb - Bare tool: $89
DCF885B - 1400 in-lb - Bare tool: $75 on sale right now

Thanks!

 

[mrvm]

For basic diy stuff around the house the 1400-1700 in-lb units should perform well for the bath vanity or small drywall repair. I'm invested in "RED" but the Dewalts are competitive. For more difficult tasks with larger bolts, lags or screws I would switch to the 18V impact driver which have more power and endurance. Some good sales might be coming up with black friday, etc

 

[Half-fast eddie]

They drive screws better than their size would indicate. ie … you don’t need the biggest for general household work. If you were building decks for a living that would be a different story.

 

[BillK]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

 

[908Jim]

Appreciate the input so far. Seems like the 1400 in-lb model is fine from a power perspective.

Is there any difference in build quality I should be aware of?

 

[six-point socket II]

For the uses you describe, I'd recommend saving yourself the noise and "endless" rattling and get a regular drill/driver if you're not already owning one.

Generally speaking, for drywall, speed (self tapping screws in metal studs) and highly accurate shut-off (depth stop) is king. Wooden studs require less speed and a tiny bit more torque instead.

Decking, given that you will probably pre-drill the boards, studs and counter sink the boards (there are drill bits to do this in one step) is also nothing that would require any torque close to the range that these impact driver offer.

YMMV. IMHO.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[dnschmidt]

If you were Red instead of Yellow the hot setup for exactly the purpose you intend to use it for is "the surge" which is a hydraulic unit that's a lot quieter than your conventional impact driver.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

Nobody thinks impact drivers are worth the money until they use one.

 

[908Jim]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

A bathroom vanity was an off the cuff example, so don't read into it. I grew up using a drill for plenty of things and looking back, I wish cordless impact drivers were around in those days. I'm sure I can accomplish any of these tasks with a drill, but it'd be nice to have the impact. It's also nice to not need to constantly switch between a driver bit and a drill bit. And finally, I'm fortunate enough where I can scrape together a few dollars here and there to buy myself one.

Nobody thinks impact drivers are worth the money until they use one.

^This right here.

 

[DemoFly]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

I can already see what all the screw heads look like at your house. Drivers are for driving, drills are for drilling. Drivers are reactionless, don't require extreme downward force to prevent camout and you can drive with one hand leaving the other hand free.

I find it hard to believe you used a drill to drive long wood screws and thought it was the correct tool lol.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

887B is a good impact driver should take care of any serious DIYer projects.

 

[jd_1138]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

Wow, you built 2 decks without an impact driver? You are saving thousands of dollars by being a DIY guy; might as well drop $100 or so on an impact driver. It will drive even large fasteners through even hardwood with ease.

I think I only paid $70 for my Makita 18V lithium impact driver (1,600 inch-lbs). I was already in the Makita lineup and had batteries/charger and other Makita tools.

Like when I repaired my friend's deck last summer. I put a countersink bit on my Makita regular drill and a Torx driving bit on my Makita impact driver. I drilled countersink holes (just like 1/4 inch deep) and ran Torx screws through 'em. Made quick work of the job (fastening about 20 loose boards down). I made enough on the job to pay for the impact driver, but that tool has already paid for itself 20 times over. Now it's all gravy and saving me time/hassle.

Using a regular drill would've slowed me down and possibly required me to pre-drill every hole. And I use the impact driver on general woodworking projects (and the regular drill too).

Also I use it to zip off lug nuts. It won't break lugs (I use a 25 inch breaker bar for that), but then I use the impact driver to zip 'em off. Makes it fast and easy. I don't have air tools. An impact wrench cordless tool can break lugs if it has enough torque.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

For the uses you describe, I'd recommend saving yourself the noise and "endless" rattling and get a regular drill/driver if you're not already owning one.

Well don’t stop there! Get one of these … cordless, variable speed, reversible, and completely noiseless. No need to rush into the 20th century ...

 

[ChevyEFI]

The Surge is a nice tool for running fasteners. Don't expect it to act like an impact gun, except in a very low in-lbs range. It moves fasteners efficiently and smoothly. I'm sure if I was running deck screws all day, I'd be thrilled with it more than I am.

I got annoyed mine wouldn't do double-duty as an impact for moderate fasteners, and got the top Bosch Beast (1800lb-in) with hammer drill. It will pull lug nuts, which is as far as I cared for it to be capable. It takes a little time to get used to finessing the trigger to get it to tap fasteners just a little further in, without overdoing it. I really like the 1/2" drive on the Bosch.

 

[merkyworks]

Have a 887 (w/ 2Ah battery) and it’s been great for all my DIY projects. Plenty of power for fixing fencing/decking, putting up HD shelves in garage and car top end motor.

However if I was looking at getting one today I would look at the new 850 model !

Edit: 3 speed/power setting feature is nice to have and gives more usability for various tasks. It really allows torque to be applied with a bit more precision, instead of always full tilt.

 

[jonshonda]

When I bought my latest impact driver I took the GJ approach and bought their biggest, baddest mofo. On paper, great idea, in practice....not so much. It's not so much the tools fault, as it is the massive 5.0 battery. Sure, great for longer run times, but it makes the tool kinda cumbersome in most applications.

I have been thinking about getting a smaller battery for general use, and saving the big battery for when I am using bigger hardware. Similar to the 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 ratchet methods. I have also been thinking about getting a smaller M12 surge, but no idea if Dewalt makes a hydro impact.

 

[PossumDog]

I'm looking to add a 1/4 hex impact driver for general "around the house" type work. I'm bought into the DeWalt 20v line and I've got pneumatic impact guns for automotive work, so this is pretty much limited to driving screws in basic home renovation applications. There might be a single deck in it's future, but nothing wild. I'm trying to determine how much torque I actually need for general home use and if there's anything else I need to consider between the three Dewalt models below. For the record 1400 in lbs is ~115 ft-lb which seems plenty adequate for installing a bathroom vanity or some drywall.

All three are within budget, but if I can save $50 I can buy something else sooner! Does anybody have an input or other considerations?

DCF887B - 1825 in-lb - Bare tool: $125
DCF809B - 1700 in-lb - Bare tool: $89
DCF885B - 1400 in-lb - Bare tool: $75 on sale right now

Thanks!

I don't think torque is that big a factor in picking a tool. 99% household fasteners will go in and out without a problem and some you'll have to break loose or drive the last fraction of a turn. I think an extra battery charged and ready would take care of most of those problems anyway.

Brand name, warranty, battery type, extra battery, how long between charges, etc. seem more day-to-day important.

 

[jonshonda]

Double post

 

[JradM]

There's more to it than max torque. The higher tier models have 3 speeds and also operate at a higher peak speed. That's not to dissuade you from buying the cheaper model if that's all you need - just to point out that max torque is only part of the equation.

Beyond the specs, the higher torque and speed translates into a different user experience. E.g. screws are driven in faster and are slightly less likely to cam out. If you're driving a couple of screws, no big deal. If you need to drive 100 (say you are repairing a deck) or drive a lag bolt, the higher tier models make the job faster and easier.

I haven't compared those Dewalt models, but some impacts are also noticeably lighter.

I have three impacts: an 18v brushed base-model Bosch, an 18v brushed base model Porter Cable and a brushless Dewalt 887. The Bosch and Dewalt are roughly the same size and weight. The Porter Cable is heavier. I find the Bosch and Dewalt equally comfortable, the PC has a good grip but I notice the weight. The PC has more power than the Bosch, but a weird heavier-feeling impact action (I actually sense the impact twist more with the PC as I drive screws). The Dewalt - it is more powerful and the improvement is noticeable.

I don't particularly like the PC. I prefer the Bosch even though it's wimpier. In fact, for light projects the Bosch doesn't bother me - but once I'm driving more than the occasional screw - the 887 just blows it out of the water. I really need to sell off the Bosch and PC impacts... because it doesn't make sense for me to own them when the 887 is just better in every respect.

If it were me, I'd choose between them based on how much I expected to use the tool - and whether I needed the budget to get other stuff (say a new drill or saw etc).

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Nobody thinks impact drivers are worth the money until they use one.

True they can put a screw in faster than I can pull the trigger, but they are noisy. I doubt the neighbors are gonna buy me a Christmas gift this year.

 

[Flared Base]

For the most part, I think any driver you picked out will do fine for 99% of whatever you end up doing with it. I guess the one thing that I like to look for is being able to modulate the power that the tool puts out. I seem to have a knack for breaking things quite easily so I always try to use the minimum force required for any job. Tools with switches to adjust power levels or a trigger that has a nice progressive ramp to it are features that I think make the tool more useable for myself. I have an ancient DCF895 that has 3 power levels on an adjustable switch. I keep it in power level 1 90% of the time. Larger hardware like lag bolts are really the only times I bump the power levels up. I also have a newer DCF801 that has 3 different modes including the 'precision driver mode.' It's a bit gimmicky, but it basically pauses the tool once the fastener is snugged up so that you don't overtighten things. It works OK as long as the fastener isn't too small.

Also, I generally prefer brushless because they are smaller and offer longer battery life. I have never found myself wishing a tool was more difficult to fit somewhere or lamenting that I don't get to change batteries frequently enough. I consider these secondary considerations as ultimately I want to to complete a given job without mucking everything up, and the power modulation of the tool helps me accomplish that the most directly.

I'm sure there are people out there with more coordination than myself that don't have the same struggles that I do so they will likely have different priorities when purchasing an impact driver. If you unfortunately suffer the same afflictions as myself, these perspectives might give you something else to go on with your down selection besides just peak torque numbers.

Just my .02.

 

[bubinga]

887B is on eBay for about $94.70

DEWALT DCF887B XR 20V 1/4" 3-Speed Cordless Impact Driver (Body Only) for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for DEWALT DCF887B XR 20V 1/4" 3-Speed Cordless Impact Driver (Body Only) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[qqzj]

I dont see the need for an impact driver for anything I do around the house. I have always used my Dewalt cordless drill. I built 2 decks with my original 12v and now have upgraded to a 20 volt.

Maybe I am missing something but I just dont understand why you would need an impact driver to install a vanity ????

It can be handy. When I took the faucet off, I need a 5/8 deep socket. To remove it, someone else, or me, has to hold the body of the faucet. So kinda two men's job. With impact driver/wrench, super easy one man's job.

 

[dacan23]

For around the house DIY stuff 20v is overkill, like someone said the correct answer is non of the choices instead get a 12v. My 12v drivers I use around the house, think there are 4 different ones, are never used on full power and most of the time power 1 of 3. Only time I ever need something stronger is driving a 3/4 lag into a stud for TV mount or something, sometimes I ratchet by hand or grab the 12v 3/8 impact when lazy. Most my 18v tools never have entered the house.

 

[Rabid Badger]

True they can put a screw in faster than I can pull the trigger, but they are noisy. I doubt the neighbors are gonna buy me a Christmas gift this year.

The high frequency sounds from an impact driver don't penetrate barriers very well. Unless you and your neighbor are both outside, odds are they won't hear much.

It's the user that needs to worry about the noise from an impact, particularly in confined spaces. Ear protection is your friend.

 

[fuggle]

I have a red 12V and an 18V. The 12v is my go to tool. Awesome. Lightweight, holds a charge, plenty of torque. I say this because it is slightly less torque (spec) than the DW885 above. The variable speed helps with driving screws. So imo you probably won't need more the 885 for stuff you are referring. I was just retroing a wall driving 6" #14 screws no problem. And the compact design helps get into tight spaces. I love it so much I have one for the shop and the garage. Its nice to have one for drilling and one for driving. lol

 

[908Jim]

Have a 887 (w/ 2Ah battery) and it’s been great for all my DIY projects. Plenty of power for fixing fencing/decking, putting up HD shelves in garage and car top end motor.

However if I was looking at getting one today I would look at the new 850 model !

Edit: 3 speed/power setting feature is nice to have and gives more usability for various tasks. It really allows torque to be applied with a bit more precision, instead of always full tilt.

Thanks, I'll check out the 850. I've already got 1.5 and 2.0 AH Batteries but I will keep an eye out for Black Friday Deals on a kit.

When I bought my latest impact driver I took the GJ approach and bought their biggest, baddest mofo. On paper, great idea, in practice....not so much. It's not so much the tools fault, as it is the massive 5.0 battery. Sure, great for longer run times, but it makes the tool kinda cumbersome in most applications.

I have been thinking about getting a smaller battery for general use, and saving the big battery for when I am using bigger hardware. Similar to the 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 ratchet methods. I have also been thinking about getting a smaller M12 surge, but no idea if Dewalt makes a hydro impact.

Good insight, thank you. I was leaning towards a bare tool as I already have some 1.5 and 2.0 ah batteries.

I don't think torque is that big a factor in picking a tool. 99% household fasteners will go in and out without a problem and some you'll have to break loose or drive the last fraction of a turn. I think an extra battery charged and ready would take care of most of those problems anyway.

Brand name, warranty, battery type, extra battery, how long between charges, etc. seem more day-to-day important.

Appreciate the insight. I'm bought into yellow already and was leaning towards just a bare tool, but I'm going to see if any decent deals on tool/batter/chargers pop up on black friday.

There's more to it than max torque. The higher tier models have 3 speeds and also operate at a higher peak speed. That's not to dissuade you from buying the cheaper model if that's all you need - just to point out that max torque is only part of the equation.

Beyond the specs, the higher torque and speed translates into a different user experience. E.g. screws are driven in faster and are slightly less likely to cam out. If you're driving a couple of screws, no big deal. If you need to drive 100 (say you are repairing a deck) or drive a lag bolt, the higher tier models make the job faster and easier.

I haven't compared those Dewalt models, but some impacts are also noticeably lighter.

I have three impacts: an 18v brushed base-model Bosch, an 18v brushed base model Porter Cable and a brushless Dewalt 887. The Bosch and Dewalt are roughly the same size and weight. The Porter Cable is heavier. I find the Bosch and Dewalt equally comfortable, the PC has a good grip but I notice the weight. The PC has more power than the Bosch, but a weird heavier-feeling impact action (I actually sense the impact twist more with the PC as I drive screws). The Dewalt - it is more powerful and the improvement is noticeable.

I don't particularly like the PC. I prefer the Bosch even though it's wimpier. In fact, for light projects the Bosch doesn't bother me - but once I'm driving more than the occasional screw - the 887 just blows it out of the water. I really need to sell off the Bosch and PC impacts... because it doesn't make sense for me to own them when the 887 is just better in every respect.

If it were me, I'd choose between them based on how much I expected to use the tool - and whether I needed the budget to get other stuff (say a new drill or saw etc).

Thank you for explaining the implications of the speed settings. My use will still be DIY so I'm not sure I need max driving speed here. My primary concern is not getting something too underpowered and having it struggle all the time. In my experience this usually shortens a tool's lifespan so I'll probably look for something mid range.

For around the house DIY stuff 20v is overkill, like someone said the correct answer is non of the choices instead get a 12v. My 12v drivers I use around the house, think there are 4 different ones, are never used on full power and most of the time power 1 of 3. Only time I ever need something stronger is driving a 3/4 lag into a stud for TV mount or something, sometimes I ratchet by hand or grab the 12v 3/8 impact when lazy. Most my 18v tools never have entered the house.

I appreciate the input, but I'm already on the dewalt 20v system, so I'd prefer not to have to buy batteries and a charger etc. It doesn't sound like I need the highest power model, so I'll be considering size and weight as well.

I have a red 12V and an 18V. The 12v is my go to tool. Awesome. Lightweight, holds a charge, plenty of torque. I say this because it is slightly less torque (spec) than the DW885 above. The variable speed helps with driving screws. So imo you probably won't need more the 885 for stuff you are referring. I was just retroing a wall driving 6" #14 screws no problem. And the compact design helps get into tight spaces. I love it so much I have one for the shop and the garage. Its nice to have one for drilling and one for driving. lol

This is a great reference point for me. Thank you. I'm definitely focusing more on size and weight based on all of these suggestions, but I'd prefer to stick with the dewalt 20v lineup, as I've already got several batteries.

 

[KnurledNut]

Havent read the whole thread, but here is my take:
Impact drivers are like daily drivers.
It would be nice to have a impact driver with 1500 ft. lb.
After all, we know how to control the gas pedal.
But realistically 1500 in. lb. will do most anything a 1/4 hex can dish out.
I find RPM, and IPM more important than HP.

 

[finn]

I ended up with three 1/4” impacts. My original 18v brushed Bosch compact was a game changer, a major upgrade from the drill/drivers I used previously.

The 12 v Bosch I bought next is fantastic for most around the house jobs. You’re not going to build a deck with it, but it’s so small and light the convenience outweighs any real perceived drawbacks, up to a point. I liked it so much that I bought one for my wife. She uses it all the time.

My newest impact driver is a brushless 20v Dewalt, I think the 887 you linked to. It’s a step above the old brushed 18v Bosch, for sure, and will drive lag bolts deeper and faster. However, for most of my work, the old Bosch does fine, and I just grab whichever one is closest.

Take away here is that the little 12v impacts have their place, and their compact size can be an advantage. The lower end drivers are perfectly adequate for most household projects, though .

 

[CJM8515]

Late to the party, but wanted to add my 2 cents. I have 3 of them.

1. An older porter cable when lithium was just coming about. its decent but it def lacks power
2. Milwaukee non fuel when they really started to get their line up going (say circa 2017??). Its better than the porter cable but still lacked power
3. Milwaukee fuel newest model. Even though my intended use is homeowner, its well worth it. this thing drives screws better than the other 2 by far and is all I will ever need. I almost bought the surge but didnt care about the noise and the higher price tag.

 

[bubinga]

I ended up with three 1/4” impacts. My original 18v brushed Bosch compact was a game changer, a major upgrade from the drill/drivers I used previously.

The 12 v Bosch I bought next is fantastic for most around the house jobs. You’re not going to build a deck with it, but it’s so small and light the convenience outweighs any real perceived drawbacks, up to a point. I liked it so much that I bought one for my wife. She uses it all the time.

My newest impact driver is a brushless 20v Dewalt, I think the 887 you linked to. It’s a step above the old brushed 18v Bosch, for sure, and will drive lag bolts deeper and faster. However, for most of my work, the old Bosch does fine, and I just grab whichever one is closest.

Take away here is that the little 12v impacts have their place, and their compact size can be an advantage. The lower end drivers are perfectly adequate for most household projects, though .

I have a little 12 volt Bosch also well it's in storage right now but that's another story but yeah it's a nice little impact for around the house the little 12-volt Milwaukee his real nice too. I don't have that no more but that's another story again lol

 

[Ton ton]

Nobody thinks impact drivers are worth the money until they use one.

I agree 100%.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Years ago I bought a 12v cordless ryobi on black Friday. One of those until supplies last things. The battery was dead out of the box and never did hold a charge. Always went corded for many years after

 

[engineer2]

1/4" impact drivers are very handy around the house. Used mine last week to assemble a ceiling fan. 6 blades x 3 screws per blade made it go quick.
How much power you need depends on if you plan to use it for lug nuts, what torque specs those lug nuts use, plus how much they rust.
If you have a truck, you will likely be using a proper impact wrench.

 

[908Jim]

Just wanted to follow up on this thread for anybody that comes along in the future.

I ended up getting the DCF887B because it was on sale on amazon for under $100. I have not really taxed it much but I'll try to remember to update this thread later after it sees some good service. My thought process was that in 20v, the driving torque is probably my biggest concern and the price difference was not significant enough to warrant not buying the 887. If I was primarily concerned with size or weight, I'd be looking at something in the 12v class anyway.

 

[BikeRider]

Late to the party and I'm no tool expert but when I built a 2x8' raised bed planter a few years back I used a power drill to countersink the deck screw holes and an impact driver to install the screws. Went really smoothly and it was nice not having to change bits (although granted I could have done the holes first with a hex driver drill bit and then the screws).

Now I'm looking to get the M12 Fuel impact driver. Not the Surge, I'm not a pro so noise isn't an issue. My current driver is 18V and 1800ft-lb, so I'll save it for bigger projects, and I have several impact wrenches for the car, but the M12 would be perfect for around the house types of projects, shelves, wood projects, cabinets, etc.

Mostly though it's so darn cute.