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

A compact powerhouse that rewards trigger discipline

A compact, high-output impact driver has become my default companion for everything from assembling cabinets to setting structural screws. The XR impact driver from DeWalt hits that sweet spot of size, speed, and real-world torque, and after months of use it’s earned a permanent spot on my belt.

Design and ergonomics

At 2.4 lb bare, the XR feels light without feeling toy-like. The profile is short (about 4.8 in long), which matters more than you’d think when you’re tucked between joists or reaching around hardware. The handle shape is classic DeWalt: a subtle palm swell with just enough rubber overmold to stay planted in sweaty or gloved hands. Balance changes with the battery, of course. A 2.0Ah keeps it nimble and ideal for overhead work, while a 5.0Ah shifts the center of gravity forward but buys you noticeably more runtime under sustained fastening. Either way, fatigue never felt like the limiting factor on long days.

Fit and finish are tidy. The mode selector is positive, the forward/reverse switch has a crisp detent, and nothing rattles. The 1/4 in. quick-connect hex chuck grips bits securely and swaps them fast. I haven’t experienced bit walk-out or wobble beyond what the bit itself introduces.

Speed, torque, and drive quality

On paper, the driver tops out at 2,500 in-lbs of torque (about 208 ft-lbs), 0–3,800 RPM, and 4,500 impacts per minute. On workpieces, that translates to confident drive speed and consistency. Driving 6 in. structural screws into LVL, the tool rarely stalled when paired with a 5.0Ah pack, and it had no complaints burying 3/8 in. lags into SPF with proper pilot holes. For concrete screws, once I had a clean bore, the impact’s third speed kept heads snug without camming out.

Where some compact impacts surge then sputter at the edge of their torque curve, this XR feels linear. It recovers quickly between impacts and doesn’t bog unexpectedly, which helps you finish cleanly without overdriving.

Three speeds with a genuinely useful trigger

There are three discrete speed ranges—0–1,800, 0–2,500, and 0–3,800 RPM—and the variable trigger is the star of the show. In low, I can feather delicate cabinet hardware and roofing screws with washered heads until the gasket kisses, then bump it to medium for deck screws, and high when it’s time for big structural fasteners. The trigger resolution makes that possible. I don’t miss a dedicated “assist” or “precision” mode because the trigger has enough nuance to do the same job with muscle memory.

If you’re accustomed to full-send impacts that go from zero to chaos, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to meter this one from a crawl to full speed. It helps reduce stripped heads and snapped small-diameter screws, and it saves a surprising amount of rework.

Lighting that actually helps

Lighting on impact drivers is usually an afterthought. Not here. The nine-LED array floods the bit tip and work area with diffuse, shadow-free light. A switch at the foot cycles a 20-minute work-light setting, which I’ve used as a makeshift area light while measuring, marking, or swapping bits in a dim attic. It’s bright enough to matter without being blinding at arm’s length.

One caution: the extended light mode will drain a compact pack if you forget it’s on, so build the habit of toggling it off when you clip the tool back on your belt.

Runtime and batteries

Brushless efficiency shows up both in drive feel and battery life. Using the same packs I run in my other 20V tools, I can get through a typical interior hardware day on a 2.0Ah without a mid-day swap. Framing or deck work puts me into 5.0Ah territory, where the driver stays cooler and maintains top speed longer under heavy loads. The tool does not include a battery or charger, so plan accordingly if you’re not already on the platform.

Thermal management is solid. After running long strings of ledger screws, the nose got warm but never alarming, and the driver didn’t throttle. Let it idle for a minute and it’s back to cool to the touch.

Noise, vibration, and comfort

It’s an impact driver, so hearing protection is still a must, but the pitch is less piercing than some high-speed models I’ve used. Vibration is well controlled, particularly in the lower two speed settings. The rubber overmold and overall balance keep tingling hands at bay, even when you’re chasing screws for an hour straight.

Durability and chuck behavior

The housing and anvil have held up to drops off a ladder and the usual jobsite abuse. The anvil face shows minor cosmetic nicks, but the detent still clicks positively. The quick-connect chuck hasn’t chewed up bit shanks or spit out short 1 in. tips. If you’re in the habit of using long nut-setters and socket adapters, the driver has enough shaft support to keep them running true, minimizing wobble and head wear.

Smart touches and pro features

The tool is chip-ready for asset tracking, which is handy if you manage a fleet or work on large sites where tools migrate. It’s not a must-have for solo users, but it’s nice that the option is built in without adding bulk. The mode selector is simple and glove-friendly, and the LED control is separate—small details that make a difference when you’re moving fast.

There isn’t a laundry list of gimmicks here, and I don’t miss them. The essentials are implemented well, and that’s what matters most in daily use.

What could be better

• Tool-only packaging means newcomers to the platform need to budget for batteries and a charger.
• No specialized assist modes. The excellent trigger largely compensates, but some users may prefer a dedicated self-tapping or bolt-removal mode.
• The 20-minute light can be a battery parasite if you forget to switch it off.
• A bit holder isn’t integrated; if you rely on short driver bits, add a clip-on holder to your belt or bag.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting depending on your workflow.

The bottom line

The XR impact driver hits a rare balance: compact enough to live on your hip all day, powerful enough to drive serious fasteners, and refined enough in the trigger to handle delicate tasks without drama. The nine-LED lighting is more than a gimmick—it genuinely improves visibility. Runtime and heat management are strong with both compact and larger packs, and the build quality inspires confidence.

Would I recommend it? Yes. If you want a single impact driver that can credibly cover trim, cabinetry, metal roofing, general carpentry, and light mechanical work, this is an easy pick. The combination of real torque, high top speed, fine-grained control, and best-in-class lighting adds up to a tool that disappears in your hand and lets you focus on the fastener. You’ll pay for batteries if you’re not already invested, and there are competitors with extra drive modes, but in day-to-day use the fundamentals here are better executed—and that’s what gets jobs done faster and cleaner.