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

First impressions and setup

I put this DeWalt impact driver to work on a small deck repair and a run of cabinet installs to see how it handles both heavy framing fasteners and more delicate hardware. Right out of the bag, it feels like a modern brushless driver should: compact, relatively light, and well balanced with the included POWERSTACK compact battery. The grip is classic DeWalt—slim front to back with a little palm swell—and the rubber overmold has enough texture without feeling grabby.

The kit arrives with two batteries, a compact POWERSTACK pack and a 2 Ah cylindrical-cell pack, plus a charger, belt hook, and a soft bag. The mixed battery pair is worth calling out. They’re not identical, and they don’t run the tool for the same length of time. That said, the flexibility is useful: I used the compact pack in cramped cabinetry where keeping the footprint small matters, and the 2 Ah pack when I was outside driving longer screws.

Power and control

On paper, you get up to 1,825 in‑lbs of torque and up to 3,400 RPM from a brushless motor. In use, Mode 3 produces the kind of speed and breakaway grunt I expect from a current 1/4 in. impact driver. It handled 3-1/8 in. deck screws into treated lumber without predrilling and drove 1/4 in. x 3 in. lags into SPF with a pilot hole with no drama. For longer structural screws, it kept a steady pace with no obvious bogging.

What I appreciate most, though, is the way the three speed settings and the variable-speed trigger work together. Mode 1 feels well damped for finish hardware, pocket-hole screws, and small self-tappers into light gauge sheet. I could set hinge screws flush without cam-out. Mode 2 is a good middle ground for cabinet install screws, deck boards, and Tapcons into masonry (with a pilot). Mode 3 is the “get it done” setting for larger fasteners. The trigger modulation is smooth enough that I rarely overshoot, even when switching back and forth between modes on the fly.

LED work light and visibility

The 3‑LED work light around the chuck is genuinely useful. It casts a bright, shadow-minimized pool of light on the fastener head. Under a sink base and inside a closet, I didn’t need a headlamp to see what I was doing. The light doesn’t lag excessively after trigger release, and it doesn’t blind you in reflective hardware the way some concentrated single-LED designs can.

Bit changes, ergonomics, and belt carry

Bit changes are painless with the 1/4 in. hex chuck. It holds impact-rated bits tight with minimal wobble. The front end is compact enough to get between wall studs and behind drawer slides where a drill/driver nose would be too long. With the compact battery, the tool’s balance puts the center of gravity right over my index finger, which helps with one-handed starts. The belt hook is sturdy and reversible, and the tool sits close to the leg without knocking around on ladders. After a few hours of intermittent use, hand fatigue was low; vibration is present, as with any impact driver, but not excessive.

Batteries, runtime, and the kit choices

This kit’s battery pairing is a bit unconventional. The POWERSTACK compact battery is about speed and feel: it’s small, it keeps the tool nimble, and under bursts of load it feels punchy. The standard 2 Ah pack adds a little weight and a touch of extra runtime. On my deck work, the compact pack ran through roughly 125–150 3-in. construction screws before I swapped it. The 2 Ah pack stretched that count modestly. Your mileage will vary with screw length, material density, and temperature, but that’s a reasonable expectation for compact packs.

If you need prolonged runtime or you’re driving long structural fasteners all day, plan on stepping up to a 4 or 5 Ah pack. The driver is compatible with the full 20V MAX line, and it really wakes up with a mid-size battery—fewer pack swaps and even less voltage sag under sustained load. For trim, cabinet installs, electrical rough-in, and punch lists, the included batteries are fine. For deck framing, ledger work, and timber screws, bring a larger pack.

One note for buyers: the two included batteries are not the same size or capacity. I didn’t mind the mix because I used them for different tasks, but if you want a matched pair for runtime parity on a jobsite, that’s something to consider.

Heat and endurance

Brushless motors manage heat well, and this driver is no exception. In repeated, back-to-back driving of long fasteners, the nose warmed up but never to the point of thermal throttling during my use. The compact POWERSTACK pack stayed notably cool to the touch compared to similar compact batteries I’ve used. That helps when you’re cycling packs in warm weather.

Tracking and durability touches

The tool is Chip Ready for DeWalt’s tool tracking accessory. If you already use tracking on your crew or you’re building out a tagged inventory, having the port ready to accept a chip is handy. The housing feels robust, with a snug battery interface and clean molding lines. I wouldn’t hesitate to toss it in the job bag. The soft bag is serviceable for transport, though a hard case would offer more protection if you rely heavily on bit organizers or store the tool under heavier items.

The warranty is in line with DeWalt’s pro-grade expectations: 3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s reassuring if this is your first step into a dedicated impact driver.

What I’d improve

• Battery pairing: The kit’s value is solid, but I’d prefer either two matched compact packs for parity or a compact plus a mid-size 4–5 Ah battery for real runtime separation. As it stands, the difference between the two included packs isn’t dramatic.
• Case options: A hard case or TSTAK-compatible insert would make storage cleaner for those who build modular kits.
• Feature extras: Three speeds cover most needs, but an assist mode tailored for self-tapping screws in metal, or a specialized precision mode for small fasteners, would close the gap with some higher-end models. A bit-eject collet would also speed up one-handed bit changes when you’re wearing gloves.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing if you’re cross-shopping.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and weekend renovators who want a compact, genuinely powerful impact driver that won’t feel intimidating and will fit in tight spaces.
• Remodelers, electricians, and finish carpenters who need reliable speed control, a bright work light, and a tool that won’t wear them out during a long punch list.
• Framers and deck builders who plan to pair the driver with larger-capacity batteries for long, heavy sessions.

If you already own a healthy 20V MAX battery stable, the bare tool would make a lot of sense. For those starting fresh, this kit is a reasonable entry point with room to grow your battery options.

The bottom line

This DeWalt impact driver brings the essentials together: legitimate power for its size, three well-spaced speed settings, a smooth trigger, and an excellent work light, all in a compact, well-balanced package. The brushless motor keeps it efficient and cool under normal use, and the tool tracking readiness is a forward-looking touch for small businesses and pros. The battery mix in the kit won’t satisfy everyone, but it does deliver portability and enough runtime to tackle most day-to-day tasks without hunting for an outlet.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool. It’s a capable, compact driver with thoughtful speed control and a great work light, backed by a solid warranty. Pair it with a mid-size 20V MAX battery if your work leans heavy, and enjoy the included compact pack for all the tight-quarters tasks where this driver really shines.