DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless 1/4 in. 3-Speed Impact Driver (Tool-Only)

First impressions and setup

I put the DCF845 to work the same day it arrived, pairing it with the 20V MAX compact 2Ah pack I keep in my drill bag and a 5Ah pack for longer sessions. As a bare tool, it’s compact, light, and straightforward: 1/4 in. hex quick-change chuck up front, 3-speed selector, forward/reverse, and a triple-LED work light that fires as soon as you touch the trigger. Nothing flashy, but the layout makes sense and it’s immediately familiar if you’ve used recent DeWalt impact drivers.

This driver is built around a brushless motor rated at up to 1,825 in-lbs (about 152 ft-lbs) of torque, 0–3,400 RPM, and 0–4,200 IPM. On paper that’s plenty for framing screws, ledger and structural screws, and general fastening. In practice, it lives up to those numbers.

Ergonomics and build

The size and balance are the first things you notice. The head length is short, so it nests into cabinet corners and between studs without a fight. At a little over 2 lb bare, it strikes a sweet spot with a compact battery: light enough for overhead work and all-day assembly, but not so feathery that it feels twitchy. With a 5Ah pack it gains stability and runtime at the cost of some wrist fatigue during repetitive tasks.

The handle contour is classic DeWalt—slim through the neck, with a rubber overmold that stays grippy even with dusty hands. The belt hook is included, sturdy, and easily reversible. The body plastics fit up well on my sample, no obvious gaps, and the trigger modulation is smooth. After a few weeks of use, the tool shows minor cosmetic scuffing and the branding on the housing has started to polish from contact with a tool bag—purely cosmetic, but worth noting if you like your tools looking box-fresh.

As for durability, the chassis feels solid, and the anvil shows no abnormal play. That said, the interface between the battery and handle is a stress point on any compact driver. I make a habit of avoiding hard drops and not using the pack as a pry point, and I’d recommend the same here.

Power and speed

In speed 3, the DCF845 has the muscle to drive 5/16 in. x 4 in. structural screws into PT lumber without a pilot. It’s fast and decisive on framing and deck screws, and it’ll break loose small automotive fasteners that aren’t torqued to oblivion. Speed 2 is the “daily driver” mode for me—sheet goods, cabinet install screws, Tapcons into predrilled holes—fast enough to keep pace, controllable enough to stop cleanly. Speed 1 is gentle and genuinely useful for small-diameter screws, hardware, and when you’re near fragile materials.

The motor has a slightly higher-pitched whine than some competitors, but impact onset is smooth and predictable. With 4,200 IPM, it transitions into impact quickly under load, which helps avoid cam-out once the screw head meets the work. Bit life depends heavily on bit quality, but impact-rated bits hold up well; keep a fresh T25 and T30 on hand and this driver will run through boxes of screws without complaint.

Control and usability

This platform is about as no-nonsense as it gets. The variable-speed trigger offers fine control, especially in low and mid speeds. The 3-speed switch is easy to toggle with your thumb when you need to move from delicate work to heavier fastening. There’s no special precision-assist mode, but between speed 1 and careful trigger work, I didn’t miss it.

The 1/4 in. hex chuck is one-hand friendly: push a bit in and it locks with a positive click; pull the collar to release. Bit retention has been solid—no unintended drops yet. Forward/reverse engages crisply and the detents are firm enough that I never bumped it by accident.

Vibration is well managed for a compact impact. You still get the characteristic hammer feel under heavy load, but it’s not numbing, and the handle’s overmold does a good job of dampening the texture. Noise is typical for the class—use ear protection in close quarters.

Work light and visibility

The three-LED array around the nose is a highlight. It casts even light with minimal shadowing and sits exactly where you need it. It activates with the trigger and lingers for a moment after you release, which is handy for lining up the next fastener. It’s bright enough for interior cabinet installs and dim corners, though it won’t replace a task light for larger work areas.

Runtime and battery pairing

Brushless efficiency shows up in runtime. With a compact 2Ah pack, I got through light assembly and a handful of cabinet installs without swapping packs. On a deck fascia job using 3 in. exterior screws, a 5Ah pack carried me through the afternoon. If you’re balancing weight and runtime, pairing a compact pack for overhead or punch-list work and keeping a 5Ah on hand for long runs makes sense.

Because this is a tool-only purchase, your experience will be shaped by the battery you bring. The driver feels at its best with a compact 2.0–3.0Ah pack for control, and a 5.0Ah for production runs.

Durability notes and maintenance

After several weeks—driving structural screws, cabinet screws, pocket-hole screws, and a smattering of Tapcons—the DCF845 is still tight. The speed selector and direction switch remain crisp, and the chuck shows no wobble. The housing has the usual scuffs, and the printed accents can rub with repeated contact in a crowded tool bag.

To keep it happy:
- Use impact-rated bits to reduce cam-out and shock on the anvil.
- Avoid dropping the tool with a battery installed; the handle-to-foot area takes the brunt of impacts on compact drivers.
- Blow out dust periodically, especially after masonry work.
- If you’re in a multi-user environment, take advantage of the chip-ready tracking slot to keep tabs on it.

On that last point: the tool is “Chip Ready,” meaning there’s a slot for DeWalt’s tool-tracking chip (sold separately). If you manage a fleet or work on large sites, that’s a practical perk. If you’re a homeowner, you can ignore it.

Warranty support is solid: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

Value and ecosystem fit

If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform, this driver slots in neatly and instantly upgrades an older brushed impact or early-gen brushless model. The price makes more sense as a tool-only buy for existing DeWalt users than as a gateway into the ecosystem, since you’ll need a battery and charger. As a package of performance, control, and size, it’s competitive in its class and checks the right boxes for both jobsite and serious DIY use.

Pros

• Strong torque and fast impacts for its size (up to 1,825 in-lbs, 4,200 IPM)
• Compact head and light weight reduce fatigue and improve access
• Useful 3-speed control with smooth trigger modulation
• Excellent 3-LED work light with minimal shadowing
• Solid bit retention and easy one-handed chuck operation
• Chip-ready for those who need tracking
• Belt clip included; good warranty coverage

Cons

• Cosmetics scuff and logo accents wear with regular bag carry
• Noise is typical of compact impacts—ear protection recommended
• Tool-only purchase means added cost if you’re not already on 20V MAX
• Like most compact drivers, the handle/foot area deserves care to avoid drop damage

Recommendation

I recommend the DCF845 for anyone on the 20V MAX platform who wants a compact, high-output impact driver with straightforward controls. It’s powerful enough for structural screws, controllable enough for hardware installs, and compact enough to live on your belt. The work light is genuinely useful, the ergonomics are dialed in, and the brushless motor makes good on both power and runtime claims. While the cosmetics will show wear and, as with any compact impact, you should treat the handle/foot area with some care, the overall build, performance, and warranty support make it a smart, dependable choice for pros and committed DIYers alike.