I used to own my own construction business. There came a time when I had to make a choice of what tools would be best to have on my truck. My original drills and drivers began to fail, quickly and I found myself spending money on batteries that didn’t last, or less expensive tools that would break quickly. I purchased the DeWalt DCF886 because, at the time, I built a lot of decks and this would be one of the main tools that would be used and abused.
I chose to switch to the DeWalt DCF886 for several reasons.
One, I knew that customers felt better about their choice of contractors when they saw quality tools being used on the job site. (I know, a very superficial reason) This brought to mind several brands that I knew most people recognized as quality, professional tools.
Second, I wanted tools that were known to last for a long time. I couldn’t continue to replace tools multiple times a year, so, it had to hold up under extended use and abuse.
Third, I already owned a DeWalt reciprocating saw, a DeWalt Circular saw and a 12 V DeWalt impact gun. I felt that it would be best to stick to what was working. Also, the battery charger for the 12 volt impact gun would work on the 20 volt batteries, as well.
I began to read reviews online, but I also asked my peers in the construction industry. I began to realize quickly that a majority of my peers used the DeWalt tools simply because they lasted longer than most. Several told me about their luck with the 20 volt system and suggested that I switch to it.
I purchased this DeWalt DCF886 impact driver along with a drill (I will share my review in another post) and extra batteries. The purchase was in the last quarter of 2014.
Note: I have been out of field work for over 4 years, but, this DeWalt DCF886 driver helped me build around 12 decks and other projects before I hung up my tool belt. It has been my go to for everything I have done since. (Fixes in my house, another deck I built for a friend, multiple woodworking projects, automotive maintenance, etc.)
Technical Info:
Dewalt DCF887B 20-Volt MAX XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 1/4 Inch Impact Driver
- Max RPM – 2800
- Max Torque 125 ft. lbs.
- Produced in 2013
- 3 LED Work Light
- 3 Year warranty
- Great belt hook
- Bit holder
- Good Battery life
What is included
These generally come with a battery and charger, however, can be purchased as a tool only.
Extra batteries and tips can be purchased
The good
The Dewalt DCF887B worked seamlessly right out of the box. The battery that came with it charged quickly, allowing it to be used within an hour of purchase.
The 3 LED lights have proven invaluable. The shadow factor from a single light can make it hard to see in tighter places, but, this configuration reduces shadows considerably.
The quick disconnect bit holder is great. It makes changing out a bit super quick and it only requires one had to put a bit in.
The belt clip is great. Made of metal, so it won’t break. I use it often, especially if I am switching between a drill and the impact gun on a project. Makes it easier to move around.
Light weight, even with larger batteries. Balanced well. This is great when you have to use it all day long.
The not so good
Well, no product is perfect, right? So, though I felt that this is a high quality, good tool, let me tell you what could be better. (In my opinion)
These are loud. It may not seem it, but, if you are operating this all day long, you should really be wearing some hearing protection.
Expensive. Yep, these are not cheap tools. (I’m glad they aren’t, I think they actually are worth it) If you are on a budget, this may be something you will have to save for, definitely not an impulse buy.
Also, the original batteries are the smallest, which means that they are the lightest and last the shortest per charge. Although the battery can reduce the weight, you have to change them out about three times as often as the heavier, longer lasting batteries that you can purchase separately.
Summary
Ok, so, you have seen the good and the not so good. So, what do we really think of it?
As stated at the beginning, this tool has been worth the money to purchase it. It has outlasted all of my previous impact guns, combined. (If you add up all of the time I owned each one.)
I have not had any issues with it other than the noise it makes, which I offset by using hearing protection, (Which I should have been doing anyway.)
I highly recommend this Dewalt DCF887B impact gun, even if it is just for around the house. I learned that it actually lessons the amount of screws that get stripped when doing a project. (If you have ever had to hire helpers, give them a cordless drill, then an impact gun, you’ll see what I mean.)
For your convenience, below is a link to Amazon where you can purchase your very own Dewalt Impact gun. Although the Dewalt DCF887B is an older model, I have found the newer replacement that has 3 speed control. (I think it would be a nice feature)
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Categories: Article, Product Review
This is by far my “go to” tool for just about everything.