DeWalt Impact Driver Lineup: DCF845 vs DCF887, DCF840 and DCF850 Compared

Introduction

DeWalt has been slow to replace its long-standing flagship impact driver, and for good reason: the XR DCF887 has remained hard to beat. Now the brand has a new 20V Max XR quarter-inch three-speed model, the DCF845, positioned above everything else in the lineup. Alongside it sit three familiar options that are still very much worth considering: the outgoing DCF887 flagship, the single-speed DCF840, and the compact Atomic DCF850.

This comparison sticks to on-paper specifications. Real-world testing would need tools in hand, but the spec sheet already tells a clear story about who each model is for.

The New Flagship: DeWalt DCF845

The DCF845 is DeWalt’s new 20V Max XR quarter-inch three-speed impact driver, and it brings the most torque the company claims for this class: 1,825 inch-pounds of max torque, which DeWalt describes as 30 percent more than its predecessor. Top speed is 3,400 RPM, and the brushless motor is paired with a three-speed switch for added control and precision across different applications.

DeWalt positions it as lightweight yet powerful, capable of driving large-diameter fasteners, and it includes a three-LED onboard work light for dimly lit workspaces. It is also chip ready, with the tracking chip sold separately, for use with the Tool Connect site manager application. Notably, DeWalt pairs the new tool with its PowerStack batteries, meaning the driver is designed to get the most output from the battery platform.

One practical buying note: at launch there was no official release event, but a buy-one-get-one style promotion let buyers effectively score the bare tool for around $50. Buying a two-pack of PowerStack batteries at $199 and receiving the bare tool free works out to roughly $200 for what is nominally about $350 worth of gear. Deals like that come and go, so check current pricing.

DeWalt DCF887: The Outgoing Three-Speed Flagship

The DCF887 has been the XR flagship three-speed impact driver for years, and nothing in the lineup had surpassed it until the DCF845 arrived. Its three-speed design delivers up to 3,800 IPM, with 3,250 RPM available in speed 3.

It remains a compelling choice, particularly if pricing on the older flagship drops now that a successor exists. You give up some torque and RPM on paper compared with the new model, but the three-speed control that made the 887 a favorite is fully intact.

DeWalt DCF840: The Proven Single-Speed Workhorse

The DCF840 looks very similar to the new DCF845, but there is one key difference: it lacks the three-speed selector, so you get a single speed only. In that single mode it delivers 1,700 inch-pounds of max torque and 3,200 RPM.

Those are still strong numbers. The 840 has earned a solid reputation for power, especially with larger-diameter fasteners such as lag bolts, and many users will not miss the extra speed modes. You also give up about 200 RPM and 125 inch-pounds of torque compared with the 845, so if you want maximum headroom, the newer model is the clearer pick.

On availability, the 840 has been a Lowe’s exclusive, though it can also be found through retailers such as Acme Tools and Ohio Power Tool. It is not sold at The Home Depot.

DeWalt DCF850: The Compact Atomic Option

The DCF850 is the Atomic compact three-speed impact driver, sold as a Home Depot exclusive. It shares the three-speed selector with the XR models, which is not always expected from a compact-series tool.

If size and maneuverability in tight spaces matter more than outright torque figures, the Atomic line is built exactly for that trade-off. It sits apart from the XR models in positioning, and its exclusive retail channel is worth knowing before you buy.

Buying Advice

The simplest summary: if you want the most torque, the most speed and the most features, the DCF845 is the new benchmark with 1,825 inch-pounds, 3,400 RPM and three speeds. If you find the DCF887 at a discount, it still offers proven three-speed performance. If you mostly drive large fasteners and do not need speed modes, the DCF840 delivers 1,700 inch-pounds at a friendlier positioning. And if compact size is the priority, the DCF850 fits the bill through Home Depot.

Watch the battery deals too. Bundles that pair the new driver with PowerStack battery packs have offered some of the best effective pricing in the lineup.

Conclusion

DeWalt’s impact driver range now covers every realistic need: a new torque-leading flagship, a proven three-speed veteran, a strong single-speed workhorse, and a compact option for tight spaces. Matching the tool to your fasteners and workspace matters more than chasing the top spec number, and any of these four is a defensible choice.