A power tool everyone has in their garage is the impact driver. Most people have one and don’t even realize it. I’m talking about a cordless drill. An impact driver is the same tool, except it uses an impact mechanism to drive screws instead of a drill bit. The impact driver’s mechanism means it moves screws faster.
This post compares two of Dewalt’s most praised cordless impact drivers: the DCF885 and the DCF887. These two models have a few features and not many technical specifications. Therefore, before deciding on a purchase, one should research them. Ultimately, these two products are excellent tools for DIY projects and business professionals. The Dewalt DCF885 vs DCF887 are both cordless drills.
It’s not uncommon for people to get confused by these two models, so in this article, we’ll be comparing the two models of Dewalt impact drivers to help you understand the differences and make a more informed purchasing decision.
Without shrinking away from the real issue, we should take a plunge directly into our research and see which is the best for your needs.
Compare DCF885 vs DCF887
Battery
DCF887
The DCF887 model doesn’t come along with batteries, so you will need to purchase the 20v XR batteries separately. The good thing about the premium XR battery series is that it is much more efficient in operating and charging times.
The Dewalt DCF887 impact driver has a unique cell pack that allows you to change the voltage from 18 Volts to 12 Volts, depending on the situation. This is a wonderful feature for people who work with a wide range of tools.
Whether you’re a contractor who needs to use the same battery pack on various devices or a DIYer who owns more appliances, you can count on this great impact driver with an amazing battery.
The cell lasts extremely long, and you don’t need any precise XR battery for it to work. We recommend you buy the 0.6 amp batteries because they will last longer on a single charge.
DCF885
Dewalt DCF885 battery is a powerful 18V Lithium-Ion battery that can last for up to 1 hour of continuous use. This is a great battery that will serve you very well for many years. One of the best things about this cell is the amazing amount of power it has. The Dewalt DCF885 battery is compatible with all 18-volt Dewalt tools, meaning you can use the same battery across your entire arsenal of cordless power tools.
The battery is charged through a quick-charging lithium-ion system that ensures your tool is up and running in a timely fashion. The system also allows for a full day’s work on a single charge, with a maximum run time of about 40 minutes. The Dewalt DCF885 is a large-capacity battery for professional and homeowner use. The battery not only has a long life but is safe to use.
Verdict
Both the impact drivers DCF885 and DCF887 have a massive advantage in battery consumption. With the DEWALT DCF885 impact driver, you can use any MAX battery of any amperage.
Note: It’s always a good idea to have a backup battery on hand. This is especially true for power tools, where you don’t want to be caught with a dead battery when you’re in the middle of a project.
Motor: Both Impact drivers have a great motor
DCF887
The DEWALT DCF887 is a premium, top-of-the-line cordless motor that’s designed to be the ultimate power source for your toughest jobs. It features a brushless impact driver. The brushless means more power efficient and less heat.
DEWALT DCF887 introduces a powerful brushless motor in a compact 4-1/2-inch tool body for precision drilling, driving, and fastening. The DCF887 impact driver has a variable speed range of 0-450/0-1,500 RPM and provides 2,400 in./lbs. Of max torque, which is more torque than the typical cordless drill.
How does the Dewalt DCF887 impact driver motor work?
The Dewalt DCF887 cordless brushless motor is an excellent piece of engineering. It is a three-phase, electronically commutated motor with a permanent magnet rotor and a built-in sensor to determine shaft position. The shaft position sensor allows the engine to adjust for load variations and maintain constant speed under load.
The torque density of the motor is very high. That means the higher horsepower of the Dewalt DCF887 motor comes from the lower speed it spins at. The higher the torque density, the more power you can get from a motor with a given weight.
DCF885
Dewalt motors are high quality, robust and efficient. The motor of DCF885 is no exception.
Its motor comes in a variety of sizes and voltages for different needs. The new DCF885 impact driver has increased power and performance over the DCF895. Whether you’re using it for a DIY project or your job depends on it, it’s a significant investment. It has a brushed motor.
One of the significant advantages of a brushed motor is that they perform more suitably at reduced speeds.
Note: The brushless motor is always better than a brushed motor.
How does the Dewalt DCF885 impact driver motor work?
The Dewalt DCF885 motor operates on the BLDC principle. The acronym stands for Brushless Direct Current and is a motor control system becoming more and more popular as it becomes more cost-effective and efficient.
Verdict
You can’t turn out badly with brushless in our assessment, and the DCF887 impact driver wins this round. Brushed motors will, in general, require constant maintenance to supplant destroyed brushes.
Weight and size
When you’re looking for the best cordless drill, weight and size are important factors. After all, nobody wants to struggle to get their drill out when they need it. This is especially true if you’re working at height or in tight spaces.
DCF887
DCF887 is smaller and lighter than DEWALT DCF885 impact driver, so it’s easy to carry around with you. From front to back, its length is 5.3 inches and weighs about 3.4 pounds. The power tool does not cause any cramping in the hand or arm and can handle a wide range of tasks in cramped spaces.
DCF885
Dewalt DCF885 comes with a cell, charger, blade, and case. Weighing in at just over 4.2 pounds, it’s not the lightest circular saw on the market, but it’s still a compact size compared to some other models we’ve reviewed.
Verdict
Their difference in length and weight is not of much significance. However, many customers prefer to buy a lightweight impact driver, even if the distinctions are precisely measured in millimeters and milligrams. We like the heavyweight DCF885, but the decision depends upon the customer’s demand.
Strength, speed, and control
DCF887
These days, there’s a lot of buzz about power tools, and the DEWALT DCF887 model is one of the most talked-about as it offers plenty of power to get the job done. The 12-Volt Max lithium-ion batteries are designed to keep the power flowing for long periods, so you don’t have to worry about it dying out in the middle of a job.
The 3-speed model, DCF887, offers speeds of up to 1000 RPM, 2800 RPM, 3250 RPM, and 3800 IPM, as well as 1825-inch-pounds of turning effect.
The trigger plays a part in helping both beginners, and advanced users set a limit of power and speed to carry out depending upon the material and surfaces they are working on. The trigger is touch-sensitive; however, it is restricted depending on the gear you set it on. Check also the comparison of DCF887 vs DCF787.
DCF885
The DCF885 impact drivers carry out up to 2800 RPM and 3200 IPM at a torque of 1400 inch-pounds. These are impressive stats for a passage-level impact driver.
However, there is no availability of variable speed dial in this model. Instead, the speed and force to apply are determined by the touch-sensitive trigger. This could be a bit tricky for beginners, but it is a quick learning process that even most amateur handymen can overcome.
The product is portable and lightweight that provides users with the best drilling experience.
Verdict
The DCF887 model dominates the DCF885 in regards to speed, power, and control. Our recommendation to you will be to go for the DCF887 model because of its 3-gear setup, which provides high controllability to new users without the experience of going from 0 to 1000 RPM without a safety net.
The Differences – Dewalt DCF885 VS DCF887
| Model | Dewalt DCF885 | Dewalt DCF887 |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 9.37 x 3.9 inches | 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inches |
| Weight (without battery) | 2 pounds | 7.4 Pounds |
| Length | 5.55 inches | 5.3 inches |
| Chuck size | ¼ inches | ¼ inches |
| Motor type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Number of speed switches | 1 | 3 |
| Speed | 2800 RPM | 1000, 28000, 3250 RPM |
| Torque | 1400 inches/pounds | 1825 inches/pounds |
| Impact | 3200 IPM | 3600 IPM |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion battery | 2 Lithium-ion batteries |
| Voltage | 20V | 20V |
| Number of LED lights | 3 | 3 |
| Check on Amazon | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
Q&A
Is the DeWalt DCF887 any good?
The DeWalt DCF887 is one of the most popular 18v cordless drills on the market for DIYers and professionals alike. Offering 1,825 in/lbs of max torque, the DCF887 can handle most jobs around the home — with the exception of masonry drilling — and is certainly up to the task if you’re looking to start a small business and in need of impact driver. It also has a variable speed trigger helping you choose the speed that best suits you. Check also the comparison of Best Dewalt Drill Tools.
Is the DCF885 brushless?
This is actually a common misconception. As we mentioned, the DCF885does not have a brushless motor. The DCF885 features a brushed motor instead of a brushless motor. Brushed motors are less expensive and easier to assemble but they tend to be noisier and they wear down faster than brushless motors.
Is Dewalt dcf885 Easy to Maintain?
Dcf885 has a food performance and is relatively easy to maintain. If you are looking for a sturdy and durable construction tool to help you complete your home improvement projects, the Dewalt DCF885 cordless drill/driver might be the right choice for you. This model is designed to provide users with a high level of comfort even if it’s being used for extended periods.
Recommendation
As we mentioned in the intro, these two impact drivers have not many differences. Therefore, picking one over the other should be moderately straightforward. Also, that is the reason, as we would see it, the DCF887B impact driver merits more commendation over the worth-performing DCF885C1 impact driver.
We praise the DCF887 model more than the DCF885 because it comes with a brushless motor and ultimately offers excellent power delivery, exceptional energy-efficiency, and a variable speed trigger.
If you are searching for a circular saw to complete your small DIY projects, you can choose one of them. Dewalt is well-known for its power tools, so Dewalt DCF885 and Dewalt DCF887 are both better depending on what you are looking for. DCF885 vs DCF887 have many positive reviews and feedback from users who have used it and have been satisfied with its performance.
