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

First impressions and what stands out

I put the DCF887 straight into a week of mixed work—cabinet installation, light framing, and a small fence repair—to see if it could replace the drill/driver I usually reach for. The first thing I noticed was balance. With the included 2.0 Ah pack, the driver feels planted without being tail-heavy, and the grip lands naturally in the hand. It’s compact enough to get into spots where a traditional drill struggles, yet it never feels underpowered. That balance between size and authority is the story of this tool.

Ergonomics and build

DeWalt gets the hand feel right here. The overmold is secure without being gummy, and the trigger and forward/reverse switch have a crisp, predictable action. The one-handed 1/4 in. quick-release hex chuck is excellent—bit swaps are fast, and it accepts 1-inch tips directly, which keeps the overall length down in tight quarters. The belt clip is sturdy and reversible.

At roughly 2 lbs with the compact battery, fatigue just isn’t an issue in overhead or awkward positions. The head is short enough to work inside cabinets and between studs, and the tool’s contours don’t snag on pockets or tool pouches when you’re moving quickly.

Lighting and visibility

The tri-LED ring around the chuck is one of the most useful lighting setups on any impact driver I’ve used. Because the light surrounds the bit, it largely eliminates the shadow you get from base-mounted LEDs. The 20-second afterglow is genuinely practical for lining up your next fastener or inspecting your result without juggling a flashlight.

Power and control

On paper you get a brushless motor rated at 400 W, up to 1825 in-lbs of torque, and three speed ranges: 0–1000, 0–2800, and 0–3250 RPM. In hand, that translates to confident driving in framing lumber, decking, and structural screws, with enough headroom to back out stubborn fasteners.

The three-speed selector is the difference between a one-trick impact driver and a daily driver. Here’s how I’ve been using it:

• Speed 1 with Precision Drive: This is the “don’t wreck the workpiece” setting. It ramps in gently and delays hard impacts, which helps prevent cam-out and overdriving on cabinet hardware, hinge screws, and delicate trim. It also reduces the temptation to feather the trigger for control.
• Speed 2: My default for general carpentry and construction screws. It has the punch to drive 3-inch deck screws quickly without being twitchy.
• Speed 3: For long structural screws, larger lags, and when you need to snap a stubborn fastener loose. It’s fast and authoritative—use it when speed matters more than finesse.

The Precision Drive mode (built into speed 1) is worth calling out. It’s not a mechanical clutch, but it does a remarkable job easing fasteners in before impacts start. I could set hinge screws flush without chewing up heads, something many impact drivers struggle with.

Real-world tasks

• Cabinetry and finish: In speed 1, I could drive small wood screws into hardwood without tearing out the recess. The compact head and shadow-free light make aligning hardware less fussy.
• Framing and decking: In speed 2 and 3, it drives construction screws with pace. I didn’t feel like I was waiting on the tool, even in denser stock.
• Metal and hardware: With quality impact-rated nut setters and self-tapping screws, it’s confident in light-gauge steel. For automotive work, it will handle small to medium fasteners and brackets; for lug nuts and high-torque hardware, a 1/2 in. impact wrench is the right tool.

Runtime and the included batteries

The kit’s two 2.0 Ah XR packs (DCB203) make a lot of sense with this driver. They keep the weight low and deliver solid runtime for most tasks around the shop or jobsite. With two packs rotating on the included charger, I never had to stop work. If you do a lot of long structural screws or continuous heavy driving, a 5.0 Ah pack adds endurance, but the compact 2.0s are the sweet spot for ergonomics.

Bit holding and accessories

The collet holds 1-inch and longer hex bits securely, and the ejection spring is strong enough to pop a bit clear when you pull the collar. As with any impact driver, stick with impact-rated accessories—regular screwdriver bits and sockets don’t last long at this hammer rate. The ability to run 1-inch tips directly helps shorten the tool in cramped assemblies.

Noise, vibration, and comfort

Impact drivers are loud by nature, and this one is no exception. The listed sound pressure is 96 dB(A) with 107 dB(A) sound power, so ear protection is smart on anything more than quick tasks. Vibration is controlled well for an impact tool, and the anti-slip grip takes the sting out of longer sessions. I didn’t notice hot spots or harshness through the handle, even when pushing the tool in speed 3.

Controls and usability details

• Speed selector: Easy to hit with the thumb without changing grip; positive detents prevent accidental changes.
• Trigger feel: Linear and predictable, which matters when you’re trying to set screws gently.
• LED behavior: Always-on with the trigger and a helpful 20-second delay—great for setup and inspection.
• Case and charger: The hard case protects the tool and batteries and has enough room for a small bit case. The charger is straightforward and works across DeWalt 20V MAX packs.

Where it excels—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Versatility across delicate and heavy tasks thanks to the three speeds and Precision Drive
- Compact, well-balanced design that reaches tight spaces without fatigue
- Tri-LED lighting that genuinely improves visibility at the work surface
- Fast bit changes and compatibility with 1-inch tips

Trade-offs:
- Noise is inherent to the format; not ideal in noise-sensitive environments
- No mechanical clutch; you still need to use the lower speeds and good technique for precise stops
- The compact 2.0 Ah packs favor weight over all-day endurance; high-volume heavy driving benefits from larger packs
- 1/4 in. hex limits you to hex-shank bits—traditional round-shank drill bits require adapters

Value and ecosystem

As a kit, this is a practical entry into or expansion of the 20V MAX XR lineup. Two XR compact batteries, a charger, and a solid case make it genuinely job-ready out of the box. If you already run DeWalt, it slots right in and shares batteries. If you’re starting fresh, this driver is a strong cornerstone for a broader cordless setup.

Bottom line

The DCF887 strikes an ideal balance of size, control, and power. Precision Drive and the three-speed gearbox make it usable for tasks that would normally push you back to a drill/driver, while the top-end speed and torque deliver on the “impact” promise for structural work. The ergonomics are excellent, the lighting is best-in-class, and the kit components are thoughtfully chosen.

Recommendation: I recommend this impact driver for anyone who needs one tool to cover both delicate fastening and heavier construction tasks. It’s compact and comfortable for daily use, has the control to protect your work, and the power to keep pace when the screws get long. Pair it with the included compact packs for light and mid-duty work, and keep a higher-capacity battery on hand if you regularly drive large fasteners. The few trade-offs are predictable for the category and are outweighed by its capability and thoughtful design.