DeWalt DCF887B 20V MAX XR Impact Driver Review: Fast and Compact

Starting with Torque

At 1,825 in-lbs of maximum torque, the DCF887B leads this four-tool impact driver comparison by a measurable margin. That figure is not merely a spec-sheet artifact — it translates to real capability on the fastener types that matter most on a construction site: 3/8-inch lag bolts, 3-inch timber screws, and self-drilling metal screws through steel track and stud in commercial framing. The 225 in-lb advantage over the Makita XDT16Z and the 25 in-lb edge over the Bosch GDX18V-1800CN may not be perceptible on deck screws, but at the top end of each driver's capability range, the DeWalt sinks fasteners the others stall on.

Pairing that torque figure with a 2.0-lb bare-tool weight is where the DCF887B establishes its strongest engineering case. Most competitors sacrifice compactness to achieve high torque; DeWalt's engineers fit a high-output brushless motor into a 5.3-inch body that stays under 2 lbs without a battery installed. Add a 2.0Ah 20V MAX compact pack and you are holding a 2.8-lb tool that can drive 5/16-inch lag bolts — a combination that remains rare across the market.

Three Speeds, One Killer Feature

The DCF887B's three-speed system is well-calibrated. Speed 3 (0–3,250 RPM, 0–3,800 IPM) is full-power structural mode for lag bolts, timber screws, and through-fastening. Speed 2 (0–2,800 RPM) covers the vast majority of general construction and decking tasks. Speed 1 is where the DCF887B differentiates itself from most of the competition: at 0–1,000 RPM with no hammering below threshold, it eliminates the aggressive hammering action that can strip Phillips heads and crack composite or PVC trim.

That Precision Drive capability in Speed 1 effectively turns the DCF887B into a standard driver for sensitive applications, then snaps back to full impact mode the moment you engage Speed 2. Finish carpenters and cabinet installers who previously needed both an impact driver and a dedicated drill/driver report that the DCF887B handles the delicate end of their work acceptably — not perfectly, but well enough to reduce tool changes during mixed-duty sessions.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

DeWalt's grip on the DCF887B uses a rubber overmold across the lower two-thirds of the handle. The grip circumference is slightly larger than the Makita XDT16Z's more tapered handle, which some users prefer for sustained driving and others find tiring over a full day. The three LED lights around the collet collar are a clear usability improvement over single-bulb designs — three lights distributed around the chuck eliminate the hard shadow that a single light casts across the bit tip, which matters in tight cabinets and dark wall cavities.

The belt hook sits on the left side of the body. Right-handed users who carry the tool in their dominant hand find this positioning slightly awkward when setting the tool on a sawhorse or reaching for another tool on a belt, but it does not interfere with normal operation. Owners consistently note that the DCF887B's fit and finish feel premium — minimal wobble in the collet, tight tolerances in the switch and trigger, and smooth speed transitions without the steppy feel of older 3-speed designs.

Platform Depth and Value Math

The DCF887B's strongest selling point beyond raw performance is DeWalt's 20V MAX/FLEXVOLT battery ecosystem. The same batteries that power the DCF887B power DeWalt's 7-1/4-inch circular saws, reciprocating saws, rotary hammers, wet/dry vacuums, and work lights — including the high-capacity FLEXVOLT cells that deliver exceptional runtime in demanding applications. A contractor building out a 20V MAX fleet gets compounding value from each additional battery purchase.

At $149 bare, the DCF887B is the best value per in-lb of torque in this group. Budget for at least one 20V MAX 2.0Ah battery ($40–$60) and a charger ($25–$35) if you do not already own them; the total first-purchase cost for new platform buyers runs $215–$245, which still undercuts the Makita XDT16Z kit on an equivalent basis.

How It Compares to the Others Here

Against the Makita XDT16Z, the DCF887B has more torque, lighter bare weight, and a lower price. It concedes the XDT16Z's fourth speed mode and T-mode tightening intelligence — features that matter most for precision finish work. For structural and general construction tasks, the DeWalt wins.

Against the Bosch GDX18V-1800CN Freak, the DCF887B trades the Bosch's dual-chuck versatility (which supports 1/2-inch sockets) for higher torque (1,825 vs. 1,800 in-lbs), a lighter body, and a broader battery ecosystem. The Bosch is the better tool for mixed impact driver and impact wrench applications; the DeWalt is the better pure fastening driver.

Against the Ryobi PCL235B, the DCF887B delivers 25 in-lbs more torque at the max, significantly faster IPM at top speed, and professional build quality — but at roughly three times the bare-tool price. The Ryobi is the sensible choice for homeowners driving screws a few weekends per year; the DeWalt is the correct tool for anyone doing this work regularly.

Closing Assessment

Among 18V-class compact impact drivers available in 2026, the DCF887B's combination of 1,825 in-lbs, 2.0-lb weight, and Precision Drive mode is difficult to match at its price point. The 4.7 rating reflects a tool that is the strongest all-around performer in this group, held just below a perfect score by its bare-tool-only packaging and the slight ergonomic limitations of its single-side belt hook.