Dewalt is coming out with a new 20V Max XR brushless cordless impact driver, model DCF886, in addition to the new brushless hammer drill and drill driver we previously discussed.
The new 1/4″ hex impact driver design more closely resembles conventional brushed motor impact drivers, whereas their DCF895 brushless impact has a stubby design and different bit release mechanism.
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Meet the Competition: Milwaukee M18, Bosch Hybrid Impactor, Bosch Impactor, Makita LXDT06 “Quick Shift”
As someone who found the DCF895’s bit holder to be somewhat harder to use than the one-touch bit holders found on Dewalt’s brushed motor impacts, I welcome the new design.
It is important to note that the DCF886 is NOT an upgrade to the DCF895, as it lacks several key features. It instead looks to be a direct upgrade to the similarly designed DCF885, Dewalt’s original 20V Max brushed motor impact driver.
The new impact driver has been given Dewalt’s “XR” branding, which has also been applied to their other recent brushless drills, as well as repackaged cordless tool kits that include either of the new high capacity batteries.
Comparison
Length
The new DCF886 has a 5.55″ front-to-back length, which is quite compact, but the DCF895 is 5.25″ long. Both designs are incredibly compact, but there might be times when that extra 1/4″ gets in the way.
Right now it looks like Makita’s LXDT06 “quick shifting” brushless impact driver, with a length of 5-1/8″, is the shortest brushless impact driver around.
Power
The DCF886 tops out at 1500 in-lbs, which is respectably high and the same as for Dewalt’s other brushless model. This is about average for an 18V/20V Max impact driver, with the DCF886 matching the power of Makita’s leading brushless model. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel impact driver is slightly more powerful, with a 1600 in-lbs rating.
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Features
The new model does not feature the electronic and speed adjustment found on the DCF895 or other brands’ leading impact driver models. This is a disappointment, but it makes it clear where the DCF886 stands in Dewalt’s lineup.
There will be two new combo kits bundling this impact with the new brushless hammer drill (DCK286D2) and drill driver (DCK281D2). Users that want Dewalt’s premium model will have to buy the individual tools or kits separately.
Specifications
- 1/4″ hex quick release bit holder
- variable speed 0-2800 RPM / 0-3200 IPM
- 1500 in-lbs maximum torque
- 5.55″ length
- 2.9 lbs weight
- 3 LED worklight with 20 second trigger release delay
- belt look
- DCF886D2 kit comes with 2x XR 2.0Ah batteries
- DCF886M2 kit comes with 2x XR 4.0Ah batteries
- DCF886B is just the bare tool
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First Thoughts
While the new model doesn’t quite match up to Dewalt’s “premium” brushless impact driver, that doesn’t mean it’s not a sufficiently capable model. What I expect is for the DCF886 to slowly replace the similarly designed DCF885, which has a brushed motor. Between those two models the DCF886 likely delivers greater runtime (Dewalt claims “up to 57% more”), especially when paired with one of the new higher capacity battery packs.
Within the Dewalt 20V Max family, the DCF885 is still a great impact driver, despite its only having a brushed motor; the DCF895 offers the most features, if you can adjust to the unconventional bit holder release design; and the new DCF886 falls in between the two, far closer to the DCF885 than the DCF895.
It seems to me that the DCF886 is going be the economical choice for those who want a brushless impact without all the bells and whistles.
Personally, I am quite fond of the bells and whistles that this impact driver lacks. After testing models with electronic torque and speed control settings, I don’t want to ever go back to using ones without such a feature.
If budget is a factor, the new DCF886 is a great option for users who already bought into Dewalt’s 20V Max platform and are looking for a no-frills brushless impact. Users who want the latest and greatest brushless design might be better served by Dewalt’s DCF895, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel, or Makita’s LXDT06 impact drivers, but should be prepared to spend more for them.
Jason
Was this model really needed? The only reason I can think of is they want to phase out production of the brushed impact driver. It’ does not make any sense to have 3 different impact drivers on the 20v max line. I like how milwaukee handles their models they just have the choice between compact of xc batteries this is just all sorts of confusing. The only thing I can think of is they wanted something brushless but cheaper to bundle with the new brushless drill. Also I agree once you have an impact with speed settings its hard to go back to one without it.
Stuart
Makita also has several brushless impact driver models, so Dewalt is not alone in their thinking.
My guess is that the brushed motor DCF885 will eventually be phased out after the DCF886 is released and available in sufficient quantities.
My original thought was also that the 886 was to be a lower-cost impact that’s mainly to be bundled in brushless combo kits, but I dismissed the idea after seeing that it will be available as a standalone model.
It also seems to be that development costs might have been low enough to justify the new model. The grip and motor housing design is shared with the other new brushless models, and the gear housing might be similar to either the 885 or 895 models. I don’t think that Dewalt would have released this model if it had to be designed from the ground up.
Jason
I wonder if dewalt is going to make a brushless model of the premium drill model with the 3 speed transmission. The push now seems to be making tools more compact and offering longer runtime right now. Increasing the power isnt as important right at the moment. I had that drill for awhile it was nice having the 3 speeds but it was just so damm heavy so I ended up returning it.
Stuart
Perhaps they will come out with a brushless version of the 20V Max premium drill and hammer drill.
But in order to do so they would have to develop a more powerful brushless motor. There have been rumors that Dewalt is soon coming out with a brushless SDS rotary hammer, plus they’ve come out with a brushless framing nailer, but the motors might not be suitable for implementation into premium drill designs.
I would agree that the 3 speeds is nice to have, as is the added power, but you’re right in that they’re large and weighty.
I’m sure that premium brushless drills are on the roadmap if not active development, but the question is whether Dewalt can shave off enough weight and improve runtimes without significantly raising costs.
Jason
Yea, Makita is kinda crazy with all the different models of impact drivers between old models and current current models you have plenty of choice.
mnoswad1
still wanting a brushless 18v….i know won’t happen, but still…it’d be cool.
Stuart
I don’t expect anything new to come out of the 18V lines. As much as Dewalt says they want to continue supporting the platform, the 18V line’s days are numbered. I don’t think they’re still doing it, but Lowes was accepting Dewalt 18V tools for discounts towards 20V Max kits and combos.
Noah
This is exactly what I wanted from DeWalt. I don’t like the snub nose design of the current premium brushless model.
DKing
If it is the same grip as the DCD790 make sure you try it out as I found it too big, unlike the excellent DCF895.
Arno Oosthuizen
Recently purchased a DCF895 and used it twice before it stopped working. Need to get it repaired (still under warranty) but it means I’ll be out of a tool for a week or two.
Very disappointed and would not recommend the product. DeWalt also does not pick up there phones so no point even talking to them. What’s the point.
Buy the cheep ones, they also come with a year warranty and much much cheaper. The whole notion that the more expensive brands are better quality is purely a marketing ploy. Sure they may develop the technology but then it gets copies for a fraction of the price by the cheaper brands. Not happy and disappointed with the new DeWalt range.
The DCD795 drill also does not sound health at all. Used twice. Just can’t see it lasting a year.
Stephen Murphy
Bought the dewalt drill/driver 20v combo just before building a deck. Was really excited about the impact driver. Felt good in my hands and seemed powerful. However, I could only use to to drive a handful of screws. Why? The bit wobbled so bad I couldn’t keep it in the deck screw. Had to use the drill. I returned it for Milwaukee fuel. No more dewalt drills for me.
Paul
I have a mod DCF887 what exactly do I have?
Stuart
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-next-gen-compact-brushless-drills-drivers-are-available/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E