DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit

First impressions and setup

I put the DCF845 impact driver straight to work on a mix of framing and finish tasks, using the included 5.0 Ah battery from the kit. Out of the bag, it has that familiar DeWalt feel: solid housing, comfortable rubber overmold, and a compact footprint that slips easily into a crowded tool belt. At 5.1 inches long, it’s short enough to sneak between studs or under sink cabinets, but it doesn’t try to be “ultra-compact” at the expense of power or stability.

The kit’s basics are what most people need to get rolling—driver, 5.0 Ah pack, charger, belt hook, and a soft bag. The belt hook is sturdy and reversible, and the bag actually has enough room to add a bit set and a couple of small cases. One note on connectivity: this driver is Chip Ready for DeWalt’s Tool Connect system, which means there’s a spot for a tracking chip; it doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth out of the box.

Power, speed, and real-world driving

DeWalt rates the DCF845 at up to 1,825 in-lbs of torque, 3,400 RPM, and 4,200 impacts per minute. In practice, it pulls hard and fast. On framing duty with 3-1/8 in. structural screws, it drove cleanly in Speed 3 with minimal stall events, even when I wasn’t pre-drilling into dense SPF. For decking, Speed 2 became my default, offering a noticeable bump in control without a big drop in productivity. Driving longer timber screws and smaller lag bolts with a pilot hole, the driver stayed cool enough to keep going without tripping thermal protections.

What I appreciated most is how predictable the trigger feels. Some impact drivers have a mushy ramp that makes it tough to finesse delicate fasteners. Here, the variable-speed trigger is linear, and paired with the three-speed selector it made it easy to tailor behavior. Speed 1 is slow and steady for hardware, outlet covers, and hinge screws; Speed 2 handles cabinet installation and pocket screws nicely; Speed 3 is there when you want to bury big fasteners or spin self-tappers through light-gauge steel. It’s not the sheer torque monster that some flagship models advertise on paper, but it rarely left me wanting more.

Control and precision

Without fancy assist modes (like self-tapping or bolt auto-stop), DeWalt keeps it conventional—three speeds and a good trigger. That’s not a complaint. I found the lack of specialized modes actually simplified switching tasks. On electrical rough-in, delicate sheet-metal screws in Speed 1 were easy to set flush without chewing up heads. On practical precision, the chuck runs true with very little wobble, and it holds 1-inch bits securely. Bit changes are one-handed and positive—push to insert, pull to release—the way an impact driver should be.

The 3-LED ring around the chuck is a smart design. Illumination is even and doesn’t cast a big shadow directly in front of the bit, which helps when you’re lining up fasteners inside a cabinet or under a deck. It’s an understated feature that ends up being a frequent quality-of-life win.

Ergonomics and balance

Bare tool weight is listed at 2 pounds, which feels about right in hand. With the included 5.0 Ah pack, it becomes a bit bottom-heavy—typical for this class—but the balance point falls comfortably between the trigger and battery release. The handle shape is slightly slimmer than older DeWalt impacts and fits medium and large hands well. I used it overhead for long stretches installing strut and never felt hot spots or grip fatigue.

Noise and vibration are what you’d expect from a compact impact: loud in Speed 3, tolerable in Speed 1 and 2, and a bit “snappier” than some oil-pulse alternatives. If you’re running it hard in enclosed spaces, hearing protection is a must. Vibration control is good; you feel the hit, but not the harshness that leads to finger numbness after a couple of hours.

Runtime and charging

With the 5.0 Ah battery, runtime is excellent for mixed carpentry and hardware work. I used a single pack for a half day of decking—hundreds of 2-1/2 in. coated screws—without swapping. On heavier fasteners, the runtime drops as expected, but it’s still solid. The included charger brings a depleted 5.0 Ah pack back in a reasonable window for jobsite cycling, and DeWalt’s 20V MAX ecosystem compatibility means most people already invested in the platform can mix and match packs as needed.

If you prefer lighter weight, the tool pairs nicely with compact packs for finish work and overhead tasks; for heavy-duty, a higher-capacity pack keeps it running longer but adds heft. Either way, you’re not starved for juice.

Build quality and durability

DeWalt’s casework feels robust, and the driver arrives tightly assembled with no panel creaks or loose seams. After extended use, the anvil shows normal cosmetic wear with no play, and the forward/reverse switch is crisp without any in-between “dead zone.” Venting keeps the motor from cooking under sustained loads, and the brushless design contributes to both longevity and runtime. It’s a tool I’d toss into a work truck without babying.

Warranty coverage—3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction—is reassuring and competitive for this category.

Features worth noting

• Three-speed selector: Simple and effective control for different materials and fastener sizes.
• 3-LED work light: Bright, even light that reduces shadows at the bit.
• 1/4 in. hex drive: One-handed bit changes and solid bit retention.
• Compact length: At 5.1 inches, it gets into tight spots better than many full-size drivers.
• Tool Connect compatibility: Chip Ready slot for asset tracking, if you use DeWalt’s system.

What could be better

• No assist modes: Some competitors offer specific self-tapping or bolt modes that reduce overdriving and broken fasteners, especially useful for MEP trades. The three-speed approach works, but pros who rely on assist features might miss them.
• Not the torque leader: At 1,825 in-lbs, it’s strong, but a few premium impacts push higher. In real use, that rarely matters, but if you regularly drive large lags without pilots, there are burlier options.
• Size vs. ultra-compact: While compact, it’s not as short as the smallest “stubby” impacts on the market. If your work lives inside cabinets and tight chase spaces all day, you might value an even shorter driver.
• Battery kit variations: DeWalt sells multiple kit configurations in different channels. If you’re shopping the kit route, verify which batteries are included and their capacities so you’re getting what you expect.

Who it’s for

• General carpenters and remodelers who need a compact, powerful driver that can do everything from cabinetry to light structural work.
• Electricians, HVAC techs, and plumbers who want reliable speed control and good visibility without a complicated mode interface.
• DIYers ready to invest in a pro-grade platform with a battery that will run long and support future tools in the 20V MAX lineup.

If your daily work revolves around big structural fasteners and long lags, you may want to pair this driver with a high-torque impact wrench for the heaviest tasks. For everything else, the DCF845 covers a lot of ground.

The bottom line

The DCF845 hits a sweet spot: compact, genuinely powerful, and easy to control without extra gimmicks. The brushless motor, three-speed interface, excellent LED lighting, and solid ergonomics make it a dependable everyday driver. It’s not the absolute smallest or the highest-torque option you can buy, but it’s balanced in the ways that matter on a jobsite—speed, control, and durability—with a kit that gets you working right away.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool. It’s a reliable, well-rounded impact driver that performs consistently across a wide range of tasks, offers strong value with the included 5.0 Ah battery and charger, and integrates cleanly into the 20V MAX ecosystem. Unless you specifically need advanced assist modes or the most compact form factor available, this is an easy choice for both pros and serious DIYers.