Thoughts on Dewalt Atomic 20V (1/4) Impact Driver?

[77thor]

This seems to be a new item; Brushless, Cordless, 3-Speed.
Much smaller than the older models and more powerful.
Model # DCF850B

https://www.dewalt.com/products/pow...rdless-3speed-impact-driver-tool-only/dcf850b

Anybody got one? Recommendations?

 

[64merc]

What are you looking for? Do you want the most compact? Newest model?
From what I've seen the 850 is a really good impact driver, but because it is so stubby, the balance is a little funky with a large battery. I would advise you to look at the 840 at Lowe's if you can find it. They are almost impossible to find now, but you can get the kit with 2 small batteries and charger for $99. In real-life comparisons, the performance of the 840 is pretty much equal to the 850 IMO (the 840 has no speed selector switch if I'm not mistaken). The main difference is the shape and size. It's whichever you prefer really.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

i have one, about 2-3yrs old and i love it. the xr i believe has more power but i was going for the compactness with power and i haven found any screws it couldn't handle. thinking its about 130 ft lb rated when converted from in lb. i went with the attomic line when i sold my craftsman c3 stuff and its much nicer and more powerful

 

[77thor]

I have an older Dewalt (9 years old) 20V Compact Impact Driver and I frequently find that it is a bit too big to fit
in a lot of tight spaces and I have to use extensions. (I don't need the battery or charger.)
Plus, I've always thought that it would be great to have multiple speed selections.

 

[FMB4]

Anything Dewalt cordless is OK with me.

 

[77thor]

Wow... that model has been around 2-3 years!
I must be out-of-touch.

 

[Tucker99]

I've been tossing this around for awhile. And..I got the green light from gestopo headquarters to get what ever I want. I use the DCD771 brushless, 2-speed drill for a driver. Yea, I may cam out a few phillips heads some time, and it is a heavy dog. The clutch is what makes it worth it. When driving deck screws, I can adjust it for the proper depth, don't have to worry about shearing bolts off my motorcycles etc, anything that requires a light tough. Those impacts spin so fast, and have so much torque, how do you guys not break stuff with all that torque. What's the secret?

 

[Rabid Badger]

Wow... that model has been around 2-3 years!
I must be out-of-touch.

Are you talking about the DCF850? It's brand new and pretty impressive.

You can pick up the bare tool for $99 at HD, which is quite reasonable for a top-tier impact driver:

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver (Tool Only) DCF850B - The Home Depot

Give a strong addition to your workstation with DEWALT MAX XR LithiumIon Cordless Brushless Impact Driver.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Tucker99]

Does the DCF850 REQUIRE a 5.0AH battery to operate correctly? I don't need another battery and was considering the bare tool; but mine are 2.0AH. Not sure if the DCF850 is a power hog.