Early Holiday Tool Deals: Two DeWalt Impact Drivers and the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge

Introduction

Holiday tool deals are starting earlier every year, and even before the big seasonal promotions fully land, store shelves are already showing a few items worth a closer look. Three impact drivers in particular stand out this season: the all-new DeWalt DCF870, its popular predecessor the DCF850, and the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge.

Evaluation Criteria

For this roundup, the focus is on what matters most in a compact impact driver: power delivery, size and ergonomics, control options, and how each tool fits into an existing battery platform. Since these tools come from two of the biggest cordless platforms, battery ecosystem also plays a role in the buying decision.

DeWalt DCF870: The New Hydraulic Option

The DCF870 is DeWalt’s newest impact, replacing the DCF850, and it brings something relatively rare to this class: a hydraulic, oil-impact mechanism. That is a genuinely interesting move at a time when few brands are pushing new oil-impact designs.

DeWalt has kept the form factor close to the DCF850, though the 870 is slightly longer. The controls are also improved over the older model, addressing one of the most common criticisms of the 850.

DeWalt DCF850: The Compact Classic

The DCF850 earned a strong reputation for a reason. It is super powerful and super compact, and it remains a favorite among anyone who has spent time with one. For pure performance in a small body, it still holds up extremely well.

The main weakness is the control layout, which is fairly basic. Coming from other brands’ impact drivers, the limited mode selection is the one area where the 850 shows its age. If controls matter less to you than size and power, it remains an excellent pick.

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge: Quiet Power in a Small Package

The Milwaukee M12 Fuel Surge continues in its second generation, and it remains a great impact driver with a hydraulic mechanism that keeps it noticeably quieter and smoother than standard impact drivers. It is a well-regarded tool that has been around long enough to prove itself.

One caveat is worth knowing: these Surge drivers have seen a relatively high failure rate, with burned-out motors being the reported issue. That is a genuine trade-off to weigh against the tool’s otherwise strong performance.

Buying Advice Before the Holiday Rush

Deals are already trickling out, but the major promotions historically land right after Halloween or in early November. Last year the deals rolled out almost immediately after Halloween; the year before, they waited until just before Thanksgiving. Expect the shelves to transform quickly once the season properly starts.

A few practical tips: watch for starter kits that include a free tool, as those bundles can be excellent value. Battery adapters work fine for low-load tools like drills and impacts, but avoid using them on high-draw tools like circular saws and reciprocating saws, which can burn up batteries.

Conclusion

The DCF870 is the one to watch if you want the newest compact hydraulic impact with better controls, the DCF850 remains a compact powerhouse for anyone who values size and raw performance, and the M12 Fuel Surge is a proven quiet option if you accept its reliability trade-off. With the holiday deal season about to fill out, any of the three could be a smart buy at the right price.