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Head-to-head · Best Impact Drivers

Craftsman CMCF800C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit vs DeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

DeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about users needing maximum portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Craftsman CMCF800C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit
Ranked #2 in Best Impact Drivers
Craftsman CMCF800C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit
2 sourcesall derived$99as of Aug 1

For DIY and home improvement work, the Craftsman 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit's 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPM are enough. Autoblog called it 'phenomenal, powerful, and durable' at $59 and pointed to the quick-release chuck and LED light, while Amazon reviewers said it is 'perfect for mid- to light-duty work' and 'incredibly light for an impact driver.' Professionals who need more power will find it short. Two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger come in the box, so it is ready to use immediately.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and max 2,800 RPM/3,100 IPM for quick fastening applications
  • — Features quick-release hex chuck for easy one-handed bit changes
  • — Includes integrated LED light for improved visibility in dark work areas
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for heavy-duty professional use according to some reviewers
  • — Limited to 1,460 in-lbs torque which may not meet demands of all users
$99 · Buy at lowes.comFull review →
DeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Impact Drivers
DeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver
2 sources1 derived$135as of Aug 3

At 3.97 inches long, the DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver is the most compact 18/20V impact driver tested. Reviewers put it slightly behind the DCF887 on demanding tasks while noting it still has plenty of speed and torque on tap. A brushless motor, 3-LED light ring and reversible belt hook fill out the spec. Get it if portability and maneuverability rank above outright speed.

Strengths
  • — Most compact 18/20V impact driver tested
  • — 3-LED light ring around the collet
  • — Reversible belt hook
Watch-outs
  • — Slightly slower performance in tougher driving tasks
  • — Nothing else stands out as a weakness, but the compact build costs some raw driving power
$135 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Craftsman CMCF800C1 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit

The Craftsman 20V MAX Kit provides a good balance of torque and speed, but it's outperformed by the DEWALT DCF787D1 in terms of battery life and motor efficiency. Compared to the Craftsman V20 MAX combo set, it offers more torque and a better LED light, but lacks the versatility of the combo kit. While it's a solid mid-range option, it's not as powerful as the DEWALT models, making it better for light to moderate use.

DeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver

The DEWALT ATOMIC is the most compact option in the group, making it ideal for tight spaces where other models like the DCF787D1 or Craftsman 20V MAX would be too bulky. While it sacrifices some speed and torque compared to the DCF787D1, it excels in portability and maneuverability. Unlike the Craftsman V20 MAX combo set, it's a single tool focused on compactness rather than versatility, making it perfect for users who prioritize space-saving design.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCraftsman CMCF800C1 20V MAX Impact Driver KitDeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver
Voltage20V MAX20V MAX*
Torque1,460 in-lbs1825 in-lbs
Chuck Size1/4 inch1/4 in.
Max RPM2,8003,250 RPM
Impacts Per Minute3,1003800 IPM
Battery Type2 x 1.5Ah V20 20V MAX Li-ionLi-Ion
Motor TypeBrushedBrushless
Weight2.49 lbs2.1 lbs
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