Impact drivers used to be specialist tools used by industry workers for completing a wide range of construction jobs. Their high-torque performance is what made them a rarity among hobbyist DIY-ers and power tool retailers. Nowadays, impact drivers have become an essential tool for every construction worker of any expertise.
It’s no surprise that we’re fans of DEWALT, and we’re not the only ones. The market also has very few bad things to say about any DEWALT power tools. In this article, we’re going to take a look at two of their impact driver models the DCF885C1 and DCF787C1. To be completely honest, there are very few differences between these two models. However, where they do differ could make a difference in persuading you to choose one over the other. So which of these two DEWALT-made impact drivers is the better option for your line of work. Keep reading to find out.
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Torque
DCF885C1
The main difference between a power drill and an impact driver is that the latter delivers a tremendous amount of torque. You’ll need more torque for breaking nuts and driving screws into wood, both soft and hard, with little resistance. The DCF885C1 can deliver up to 1,400 inch-pounds of torque.
DCF787C1
The DCF787C1 can deliver a maximum of 1,500 inch-pounds of torque. This should be more than enough to finish a wide range of tasks in the home and garage. Compared to the DCF885C1, we can see that there’s a very small difference in torque.
Conclusion: When it comes to torque, the general rule is that more is better. That being said, we feel that there isn’t that significant a difference to make you choose one tool over the other when considering their torque alone. Either of these tools could serve you well in completing a wide range of tasks.
RPM and IPM
DCF8851C and DCF787C1
The next most important variables to consider when looking at impact drivers are their speed and how many impacts they produce. IPMs indicate how many hammer-like blows are made when the chuck spins, giving the tool its torque and effectiveness in driving long screws and breaking nuts. Both of these tools can produce 2,800 RPM and 3,200 IPM. This should be more speed and power for everything you’ll ever need your impact driver to do.
Chuck Size
DCF885C1 and DCF787C1
The largest chuck you can find in consumer-grade impact drivers is one inch. The larger the chuck, the more powerful the tool is at breaking nuts and driving long screws. However, a larger chuck uses larger bits, requiring the tool to use more power to perform optimally. The DCF885C1 and DCF787C1 both come with ¼-inch chucks, which is the most common size found in impact drivers. With the right adapter, you can even connect 1-inch bits/shanks into these tools’ chucks.
LED Lights
DCF885C1 and DCF787C1
Oftentimes, your work will force you to work in poorly lit areas – e.g., under the hood of your car or in closets. One of the most reliable sources of high-lumen lights is by using a cordless torch. However, they may not properly illuminate the area in which you’re driving screws. Luckily, both the DCF885C1 and DCF787C1 come with three LED lights with a 20-second delay after releasing the trigger. This will give you time to appreciate your work smugly.
Brushed vs Brushless Motors
DCF885C1
This tool comes with a brushed motor. In terms of performance, there is no significant difference between brushed and brushless motors. However, although brushed power tools are cheaper, they will need to be maintained regularly.
DCF787C1
The DCF787C1 is a brushless impact driver. Since there are no brushes, this tool doesn’t produce as much heat as the DCF885C1. This extends the lifespan of the tool dramatically, reduces maintenance-related issues, and eliminates the need to replace brushes. However, brushless motors are generally more expensive, but you can save hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Conclusion: This is the most significant difference between these two impact drivers. One features a brushed motor, whereas the other comes with a brushless motor. Brushless motors perform considerably more efficiently than their brushed counterparts. The only drawback of brushless tools is their cost. However, their higher price tags can help you save money in the future on maintenance and replacing brushes and commutators.
Runtime
DCF885C1
The DCF885C1 uses a 20V Li-Ion battery that delivers around 30 minutes of runtime per full battery. This is about the industry average for brushed impact drivers, so you can rest assured that this impact driver will provide just as much runtime as comparable products.
DCF787C1
This tool is also powered by a 20V Li-Ion battery. However, it has a runtime rating of over 45 minutes per charge. The 50% increase in battery life is due to the brushless motor. The tool loses less power due to heat production, making it perform much more efficiently than its brushed counterparts.
Conclusion: Although both of these tools draw power from 20V 1.5-amp Li-Ion batteries, we can see a difference in how effective these tools use power. This is mainly due to their respective motor types and ability to alleviate heating problems. Brushless motors produce less heat and are better are heat dissipation, thus extending their runtime per full battery by over 50%.
- Compact (5.55 front to back), lightweight (2.8 lbs) design fits into tight areas
- 3 LEDs with 20-second delay after trigger release, provide visibility without shadows
- One-handed loading 1/4 hex chuck accepts 1 bit tips
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
DEWALT DCF885C1 vs DCF787C1: Verdict
There are several overlapping specs or minor differences between these two DEWALT-made impact drivers. Both the DCF885C1 and DCF787C1 can produce more than 1,000 inch-pounds of torque, can generate 2,800 RPM and 3,200 IPM, use the same sized bits, and have handy front-facing LED lights.
The main differences between the two are their motor types and their respective maximum runtimes per battery. Because of the DCF787C1’s greater efficiency, we’d highly recommend this tool over the brushed DCF885C1.
However, we should also let you know that the brushed DEWALT DCF885C1 produces just about the same results as the DCF787C1, but it’ll have more maintenance issues down the road. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and how often you’ll use an impact driver. For infrequent use, the brushed DCF885C1 will suit you just fine.
- Brushless motor of the DEWALT impact driver is made for increased runtime and durability
- The cordless impact driver is compact and lightweight for hard to reach areas
- LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3 Recommended Impact Drivers
- 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
- DCD771 in cordless drill combo kit features two speed transmission (0-450 / 0-1500 RPM)
- DCD771 high performance motor of cordless tools combo kit delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability...
- DCD771 compact, lightweight design of the drill/ impact driver combo kit fits into tight areas
- Item Package Dimension: 14.99L x 12.29W x 6.99H inches
- Item Package Weight - 5.84 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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