DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit

A compact driver that punches above its weight

I first put this DeWalt 20V impact driver to work in a truly lousy spot: perched on a ladder, threading structural screws between joists with barely a hand’s width to spare. The short head length and light weight immediately stood out. At 5.4 inches front to back and 2.8 pounds bare, it’s easy to wedge into framing and reach fasteners that a bulkier driver can’t touch. That compact footprint sets the tone for everything this tool does—simple, efficient, and surprisingly capable for its size and price.

Build, ergonomics, and controls

The driver feels familiar in the hand if you’ve used DeWalt’s 20V lineup. The handle shape and rubber overmold strike a good balance between grip and comfort, and the center of gravity sits close to the trigger with the included compact battery installed. I could run it overhead for long stretches without forearm fatigue.

Fit and finish are what I expect in this line: the 1/4-inch hex collet snaps bits in positively and releases without fuss, and the forward/reverse switch is pronounced enough to find with a gloved thumb. The variable-speed trigger is the star here—there aren’t multiple electronic speed modes, so your finger is the control. Fortunately, the trigger is smooth and predictable from a slow crawl up to the 2,800 RPM top end, which makes this a friendly driver for both delicate hardware and full-length structural screws.

Lighting is handled by a trio of LEDs arranged around the nose. That ring light approach reduces the shadow cast by the bit and, in cramped spaces, is far more useful than a single point light on the base. It’s one of those small quality-of-life details that you miss when it’s not there.

Power and driving performance

On paper, you get up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque and 3,400 impacts per minute. In practical terms, that’s plenty for most fastening work I encounter in carpentry, remodeling, and shop projects. I drove hundreds of 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without predrilling; the driver kept up, staying controllable at the start of each screw and brisk once the threads engaged. With 5/16-inch structural screws into doubled 2x, it was a touch slower than the latest “hero” impact drivers, but it still seated heads consistently and didn’t bog down unless I got aggressive at the very end.

I also used a 1/4-inch hex nut setter to remove and reinstall light-duty automotive fasteners and assembly hardware. The tool’s impact action breaks free stubborn fasteners that a drill/driver would cam out on, yet it’s compact enough to snake around brackets and sheet metal. For lag bolts 3/8-inch by 4 inches into framing, I had best results with a pilot hole; torque is fine, but this is not a brute-force, heavy-structural driver. If you routinely drive large lags or long timber screws, a higher-torque model with multiple speed modes will get you there faster.

One note on control: the lack of selectable speed modes or a “precision” setting is by design in this class. That means technique matters. With a good bit and a gentle finger, I could sink cabinet screws flush without chewing up heads. If you’re newer to impact drivers, plan on a short learning curve to master the trigger.

Battery, runtime, and charging

The kit’s two 20V MAX lithium-ion packs are compact 1.3Ah units. They keep the tool nimble, and with two batteries in rotation, downtime is manageable on light-to-moderate jobs. In my testing, a single 1.3Ah pack consistently drove on the order of 90–120 3-inch exterior screws into framing lumber before needing a charge. That number swings with wood density and screw type, but it’s a useful baseline.

Charging is handled by DeWalt’s DCB107 charger, which brings a depleted 1.3Ah pack back to full in roughly an hour. If you’re used to rapid chargers, that’s not blazing fast. The second battery mostly offsets the pace, but on longer days I preferred bumping up to a 2.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack from my kit. With a larger battery installed, I noticed slightly better sustained performance on harder driving tasks, and the tool still felt balanced.

A small quirk: the compact packs on my unit had a hint of play at the latch—nothing that affected performance, but enough to notice if you wiggle the battery. Be sure the pack clicks fully home before starting; if you ever experience intermittent cutouts, reseating the pack has solved it for me.

Size, weight, and maneuverability

Compactness is a genuine advantage here. The short body clears obstruction-laden spaces—between studs with conduit, inside cabinetry, under sink basins—where bigger impact drivers become a knuckle-busting exercise. Paired with the triple-LED ring, I could often work without a separate work light.

At 2.8 pounds tool-only, it’s light enough for extended overhead work. With the included compact battery, the total weight sneaks just over the three-pound mark. If you need a driver that can live on your belt or in a pouch all day without feeling like a boat anchor, this one checks that box.

Durability and maintenance

The brushless motor is a meaningful upgrade in this tier. It runs cooler, sips power more efficiently, and eliminates brushes as a wear item. After several weeks of frequent use, I don’t see excessive tip wobble, housing flex, or signs of heat stress around the anvil. Impact drivers are inherently loud and a bit violent—use appropriate bits and, if possible, a bit holder with a torsion zone to protect both the bit and the screw head.

DeWalt covers the tool with a 3-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. That’s a solid safety net, especially for a kit aimed at value-conscious buyers. Prop 65 warnings apply, and the tool is UL listed.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

What it does exceptionally well:
- Access in tight quarters thanks to the short head length and light weight
- Controlled starts and consistent driving with the smooth trigger
- Everyday carpentry, decking, cabinetry installs, hardware assembly, and light-duty mechanical work
- Value as an entry point into the 20V MAX ecosystem, with two batteries and a charger included

What to keep in mind:
- No selectable speed modes; precise work relies on trigger control
- The included 1.3Ah batteries favor compactness over runtime
- The DCB107 charger is on the slow side
- Torque is ample for most tasks but not top-of-class; heavy structural fasteners will drive, but not as quickly as on premium high-torque models

Value and who it’s for

As a kit, this driver lines up well for homeowners, DIYers, and pros who want a compact, reliable impact without paying a premium for bells and whistles they may not need. It’s also a smart secondary driver for contractors—keep a nut setter or a second bit loaded and cut down on bit changes. If you’re building decks every day or routinely driving long ledger lags, you’ll work faster with a more powerful, multi-speed driver. For the rest of the tasks that make up 80 percent of fastening in the field, this one is easy to live with and easy to like.

If you’re considering upgrades, I’d prioritize:
- A 2.0–5.0Ah battery for longer runtime and better sustained power
- A quality set of impact-rated bits, including square and Torx
- A magnetic bit holder for quick swaps in the field

Recommendation

I recommend this impact driver for anyone who wants a compact, efficient, and dependable tool for everyday fastening, especially if you value maneuverability and control. It’s not the most powerful option in DeWalt’s lineup, and the included batteries are more about keeping weight down than maximizing runtime. But the brushless motor, smooth trigger, triple-LED lighting, and thoughtful form factor make it a pleasure to use in real jobsite conditions. With two batteries, a charger, and a bag bundled in, it’s an easy, cost-effective way to outfit a shop or expand into the 20V MAX system—and it does the work with far fewer compromises than its spec sheet might suggest.