DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 3-Speed High Torque 1/4 in. Impact Driver With LANYARD READY Attachment Point (Tool Only)

First impressions

I’ve been running the DeWalt DCF860 on framing punch lists, metal stud work, and a few fussy service calls, and it’s quickly become my high-torque safety net. It’s compact, unapologetically fast, and designed for people who routinely push an impact driver beyond everyday cabinet screws. The combination of a 4.8-inch head length and a brushless motor rated at 2,500 in-lbs means it fits where I need it to and has the grunt to finish the job once it’s in there.

This is a bare tool in the 20V MAX family, so plan accordingly for batteries and a charger. I ran it primarily with 5.0Ah and compact PowerStack packs; both worked well, but as expected, the bigger pack delivers longer runtime and better balance under sustained load.

Design, balance, and ergonomics

At 2.4 lbs bare, the DCF860 lands in that sweet spot where it feels substantial without being fatiguing. The handle has the familiar DeWalt contouring with rubber overmold that grips well even in gloves. Balance is good with a 5.0Ah pack and surprisingly nimble with a compact pack, especially when working overhead or in stud bays.

What stands out visually is the nine-LED light array around the nose. It floods the workspace evenly and eliminates the hard shadows you get from single- or triple-LED designs. There’s also a 20-minute work-light setting that turns the driver into a makeshift task light. It’s legitimately useful in attics, crawl spaces, or when you just need to keep a junction box lit while grabbing hardware. Just remember to switch it off—leave it on and it will eat into your battery.

The tool body includes a LANYARD READY attachment point at the base. If you work at height, that’s a big safety win—tether the tool, and if you’re using LANYARD READY batteries, tether the battery too. The attachment point is stout and well-placed so it doesn’t interfere with your grip.

Power and speed

On paper, you’re getting up to 3,800 RPM, 4,500 IPM, and a max torque of 2,500 in-lbs. In the real world, that translates to:

• Structural screws: It drives 6-inch structural screws into PT lumber without bogging, and it’ll yank them back out cleanly.
• Decking and framing: 3–4 inch exterior screws disappear fast. In mode 3, it’s almost too quick for finish work—you can countersink before you realize it.
• Light automotive and fencing hardware: With an adapter and quality impact-rated sockets, it’ll handle smaller nuts and bolts, but remember this is an impact driver, not a 1/2-inch wrench. For rusted fasteners or higher torque requirements, step up to a proper wrench.

Heat management is solid. After a continuous run of big fasteners in LVL, the housing was warm but not alarming, and there was no noticeable drop in performance.

Control: three modes that actually matter

The three-speed selector is more than a speed limit; modes 1 and 2 are clearly tuned for control with self-drilling and tapping screws. In 18–20 gauge sheet and metal studs, mode 1 kept me from snapping heads or stripping out thin stock, while mode 2 had enough punch for thicker track without overshooting. Mode 3 is the do-everything hammer: blistering fast for framing, ledger screws, and long lags.

The variable-speed trigger is well graduated. I could feather in self-tappers smoothly, and there’s minimal initial stutter. If you’re used to mid-torque drivers, just know that mode 3 here is more aggressive; start in 2, bump to 3 as needed.

Chuck and bit changes

The 1/4-inch quick-connect hex chuck locks bits positively. One-handed bit insertion worked reliably for me, and ejection is firm with a positive pull on the sleeve. Under heavy use with hot bits, I had a couple of moments where removal wanted a slightly more deliberate pull—typical of most high-torque impacts. Using clean, impact-rated bits with intact detent grooves keeps things smooth.

Runout at the bit was minimal; long bits tracked straight enough for multi-layer plywood and metal seams without wandering.

Lighting that helps you work, not just see

Nine LEDs sound like a gimmick until you’re driving fasteners into a corner behind a bracket. The flood is wide, bright, and even, and the 20-minute work-light setting genuinely reduces the need to juggle a separate flashlight for small tasks. It’s the best lighting implementation I’ve used on a driver so far. One small request: a dedicated light-only button would be even better; as is, the setting works, but it’s easy to forget it’s on.

Runtime and batteries

Brushless efficiency is strong. With a 5.0Ah battery, I got through an afternoon of decking and metal fasteners without swapping. Compact packs make the tool feel very nimble, but if you’re running a lot of long structural screws or anchoring hardware, a larger pack keeps performance more consistent and the nose from dipping.

As always, pairing tool and battery to the job matters. The tether system also means if you’re working at height, you’ll want the compatible LANYARD READY batteries to secure both tool and pack.

Working at height and asset tracking

The integrated tether point is more than a checkbox feature. It’s positioned so a tether doesn’t foul your wrist or the trigger, and it doesn’t upset balance. I clipped it to a short coil lanyard on a lift and didn’t notice any drag. For crews, the Tool Connect chip-ready cavity allows asset tracking via a separate chip. If you manage a fleet, that’s handy for keeping tabs on inventory and maintenance cycles.

Noise and vibration

It’s an impact driver—ear protection is still a must. The pitch is a bit sharper in mode 3 compared to mid-torque models, likely thanks to the higher RPM and impact rate, but vibration is well controlled. Over a long day, I found it less fatiguing than some compact, high-RPM competitors.

Quirks and downsides

• Power can be a liability: In mode 3, it’s easy to overdrive or bury screws, especially in soft lumber. Start in 1 or 2 for finish-sensitive work.
• Bit ejection can feel tight when bits are hot or have rough detent grooves. Not a deal-breaker, but keep quality bits on hand.
• Bare tool only: Factor in the cost of batteries and a charger if you’re not already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform.
• The 20-minute light is great—but easy to forget. If you use it often, keep an eye on battery level.

Who it’s for

• Framers, deck builders, HVAC, mechanical, and metal stud installers who need a compact driver with genuine high torque.
• Service techs who appreciate great lighting and a compact head for tight work.
• Crews working at height who want built-in tether points and optional asset tracking.
• Anyone already invested in 20V MAX who wants a step up from mid-tier impacts without going to a bulky wrench.

If your work is mostly cabinet hardware, light electrical, or finish carpentry, you’ll be happier (and safer) with a lower-power driver that’s harder to overdrive. This one is designed to be reined in, not tamed.

The bottom line

The DCF860 hits a rare balance: compact size, legitimately high torque, and meaningful control in the lower modes. The nine-LED lighting and lanyard-ready design show real thought for how pros actually use their tools. It’s not the cheapest way into the category, and its power demands respect, but as a primary impact for structural fastening or a “grab-it-when-nothing-else-will” driver, it’s excellent.

Recommendation: I recommend the DCF860 for pros and serious DIYers who need high torque in a compact footprint and value features that make daily work easier—superb lighting, practical speed control, and safe tethering. If you’re already in DeWalt’s 20V MAX system, it’s an easy yes; if not, the performance and ergonomics still justify a look, provided you’re ready to buy into the battery ecosystem.