DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver (Tool Only)

Why this compact impact still earns a spot in my bag

Tight soffit work, furniture assembly in cramped apartments, and awkward fasteners under a sink—those are the jobs that keep nudging me back to the DCF885. It’s an older, brushed-motor design in DeWalt’s 20V Max lineup, but the package is still compelling: short front-to-back length, honest torque, and the sort of simple reliability you appreciate when you’re wedged between studs.

Design and ergonomics

The DCF885’s standout trait is its size. At about 5.55 inches front to back and roughly 2.8 pounds bare, it squeezes where many full-size impact drivers won’t. I can get this driver into cabinet carcasses and inside electrical closets without contorting my wrist. The balance is best with a compact 2.0Ah pack; with a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery it gets a little bottom-heavy, but remains controllable. The handle shaping and rubber overmold are on the firm side—secure in the hand, even with gloves.

The belt hook is simple, sturdy, and reversible. That’s a small detail, but when you’re climbing a ladder to hang strut or running conduit overhead, a confident hook makes a difference. I do wish DeWalt included a bit holder by default (you’ll need to add your own), but the 1/4-inch hex chuck is a pleasure to use. It’s a one-handed design that accepts 1-inch tips, loads quickly, and retains bits well. There’s a trace of wobble with longer driver bits at high RPM—nothing unusual for this class.

Lighting and visibility

Three LEDs ring the nose and stay on for about 20 seconds after you release the trigger. This layout minimizes shadows better than single-spot lights, and the delay is genuinely useful when you’re lining up the next fastener in a dim corner. The LEDs are bright without blowing out reflective surfaces. The 20-second timer is longer than I’d need most of the time, but the draw is negligible and the convenience is real.

Performance and power

On paper, the DCF885 puts out up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque with a no-load speed around 2,800 RPM and 3,200 IPM. In practice, it’s right where I want a compact driver to land. It sinks 3-inch deck screws into PT and SPF cleanly, and I’ve driven plenty of 4-inch structural screws into framing with a short pilot without drama. For ledger screws, big lags, and stubborn, rusted hardware, I’ll step up to a higher-torque model or a mid-torque impact wrench. But for everyday construction screws, cabinet installation, electrical rough-in, and general MRO work, this driver does the job confidently.

The trigger modulation is linear and predictable, which matters because there are no dedicated speed modes. It’s variable-speed only via the trigger. With a light touch and the right bit, I can run small machine screws into sheet metal without stripping threads and set drywall anchors without overdriving. If you need the micro-control and specialty modes (like precision or assist modes), you’ll be better served by a newer brushless model. If you’re comfortable with your trigger finger, the DCF885 is easy to live with.

Where it hits a ceiling is in big fastener removal. Expect it to crack loose smaller automotive fasteners, HVAC panel screws, and light-duty anchors; don’t expect it to free lug nuts or heavily corroded bolts. It’s a driver, not a wrench.

Runtime and batteries

This is a brushed motor, and you feel the difference compared with DeWalt’s XR brushless line: a bit more heat under sustained load and shorter runtime on the same battery capacity. With a 2.0Ah pack, I typically get through a small-to-medium task list—assembling a couple of cabinets, hanging hardware, and a handful of 3-inch screws into studs—before swapping batteries. On a deck job, I average roughly 120–150 3-inch screws per 2.0Ah pack in SPF, give or take material variability and your duty cycle. Bumping up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack stretches that considerably, at the cost of balance.

Compatibility is straightforward across the 20V Max system. Compact packs keep the tool nimble; higher-capacity packs extend runtime for heavier sessions. If you’re just buying in, consider a kit with at least two batteries so you can rotate on the charger.

User experience

• Noise: Like all impact drivers, it’s loud. Hearing protection is a good idea in enclosed spaces.
• Vibration: Manageable and not fatiguing over an afternoon’s work.
• Heat: Under heavy, continuous driving, the housing warms at the motor vents. Nothing alarming, but it’s more noticeable than on brushless drivers.
• Chuck: Secure grip on hex shanks; I’ve had no issues with bits backing out under vibration.
• LEDs: The triple-light layout really does reduce shadows in deep cabinets and tight frames.

One recurring reality: graphics and rubberized accents will scuff with regular use. My “DEWALT” branding wore a bit over time—purely cosmetic, but if you baby your tools you’ll notice.

Durability and service

The housing and gearbox have held up well to jobsite bumps and a couple of short drops. Being brushed, the motor has wearable parts, but DeWalt’s support structure softens that. You’re covered by a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. I haven’t needed service on this unit, but I’ve used the free service on other DeWalt tools to good effect for routine maintenance.

As with any compact driver, avoid using the tool as a pry bar or letting it dangle off the battery pack edge on a ladder rung—housing stress shows up faster on lighter tools. Keep the vents clear, swap bits before they round, and the driver should give you years of steady work.

Where it fits in the lineup

The DCF885 is the “basic but solid” compact impact in the 20V Max family. It lacks the brushless efficiency, smart modes, and higher torque figures of XR models, but it’s also lighter, simpler, and typically more affordable. If your work is primarily carpentry, cabinetry, electrical, light plumbing, facilities maintenance, or DIY projects, this driver has the right balance of size and power. If you’re routinely driving long ledger screws, big structural fasteners, or working outdoors in bulk with no easy charging, you’ll notice the advantages of a brushless, higher-torque upgrade.

What I’d change

• Add at least a two-speed selector or a precision mode for delicate fasteners.
• Include a bit holder in the box.
• Nudge the torque upward to keep pace with modern compact class leaders.
• Improve cosmetic durability on the tool graphics.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re the areas where the tool feels its age.

Specifications that matter

• Torque: up to 1,400 in-lbs
• Speed: up to 2,800 RPM; 3,200 IPM
• Motor: brushed
• Chuck: 1/4-inch hex, one-hand loading (accepts 1-inch tips)
• Size and weight: 5.55 inches front-to-back; ~2.8 lb bare
• Lighting: three LEDs with ~20-second delay
• Power: 20V Max batteries (battery and charger sold separately)
• Warranty: 3-year limited; 1-year free service; 90-day satisfaction guarantee

Recommendation

I recommend the DCF885 if you want an affordable, compact 20V impact driver that prioritizes access, simplicity, and dependable everyday performance. It’s a no-nonsense tool that feels at home in tight spaces, drives the vast majority of common construction screws without complaint, and leverages the broad 20V Max battery ecosystem. If you value maximum runtime, advanced speed modes, or the extra torque of modern brushless drivers, step up to an XR model. But for tradespeople and DIYers who need a lightweight, trustworthy driver for daily tasks, the DCF885 remains a smart, budget-friendly choice.