You’re standing there looking at two yellow tools that are almost exactly alike, wondering if they’ll fit into your toolkit or not. Both is compact. Both have the same frame.
Both claim they will drives screws just fine. There is small differences in the specs though and the price tags aren’t the same. When you’re working in tight spots and dealing with hard wood, these difference matter.
Choosing the wrong one doesn’t just mean spending extra money. You grab the wrong tool. You carry around something you can’t really control or something that doesn’t pack enough power.
These tools aren’t two different levels of quality; they’re both great. They’re both based off DeWalt’s proven 20V Max platform. Rather, it’s a matter of what tasks you do and how much fatigue affect your work.
There are two flavors, speed and torque, with some additional feature to make the latter more refined. Knowing this will save you from buyer’s remorse. Get something that’s easy on the body, not something that saps your energy.
Choosing Between DeWalt Impact Drivers
Common Features and Build Quality
This is the bottom line on performance. Both are powered by DeWalt’s XR brushless motor that enhances battery performance while adding to tool life. Both feature same head design.
It allows each to fit into tight spots you couldn’t get a full-size drill into. That makes it handy when building furnitures in corners or when framing. Since they’re built alike physically, you won’t notice any difference in grip or balance.
Both feel the same in your hand. Switching between them can be helpful. The main difference, however, is in regards to speed and torque.
Torque and Speed Differences
In terms of torque, the DCF886 provides more maximum torque then the DCF885. This means that when driving long screw into hardwood, for example, it will generally has a quicker fastening speed. For general drywall and carpentry use, the DCF885 is plenty powerful.
But the DCF886’s got a bit more oomph if you’re working with tougher stuff. That additional power can save you some frustration and time by keeping the tool from stalling out. Battery efficiency also matters.
Battery Efficiency and Runtime
Both model use brushless motors. This means they waste less energy and produce less heat, giving you longer run time between charges. If you’re working away from a power source this matter.
Expect to be able to handle big job with your 20V batteries. At full throttle, the DCF886 might be slightly more power-hungry but that doesn’t matter much in normal operation. Either way, expect to complete your task with some juice still in the batteries.
Price and Value Comparison
The DCF886 usually costs more because it has extra electronics and refined control, while the DCF885 is a better value for light to medium duty tasks. Ultimately, choose based on both price and features. The DCF886 will typically have superior trigger control and more electronics, but it’s also going to cost more at purchase time.
So, if you’re doing light to medium work and trying to stay on a tighter budget, then go with the DCF885. You’ll get most everything the 886 can do for less money. But if you’re using this thing every day commercially and need the best performance possible, then spring for the 886; it’ll handle the abuse a bit easier.
Final Recommendation and Verdict
The decision comes down to what’s valuable to you. Do you want maximum power for the tougher tasks? Or do you prefer something affordable and dependable that still performs well?
If you need the absolute best performance, go with the DCF886. If it’s the latter, stick with the DCF885. It’s an economical, good choice for homeowner buyers who seek quality at a reasonable cost.
Either way, you’ll have a great tool in hand. Just be clear about what you’re looking for.