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Head-to-head · Best Impact Drivers

Craftsman CMCF800C2 20V Cordless 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 (unrated vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about users needing maximum portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Craftsman CMCF800C2 20V Cordless Impact Driver Kit
Ranked #4 in Best Impact Drivers
Craftsman CMCF800C2 20V Cordless Impact Driver Kit
Unrated2 sources$82.49as of Aug 1

The CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 1/4-in Impact Driver puts out 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs, enough for demanding fastening work. Pro Tool Reviews credited the brushless motor, the 3-speed gearbox and the light 2.1 lbs body, and the quick-release chuck and LED light help day to day. In Pro Tool Reviews' testing it performed adequately but landed at the back of the pack on strength. A sensible choice for DIYers and pros already in the V20* ecosystem.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and max 2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs for quick fastening applications
  • — Features quick-release hex chuck for easy one-handed bit changes
  • — Integrated LED light helps in dark work areas
Watch-outs
  • — Coverage is thin — too few independent tests to surface consistent weak points
  • — Performance in strength tests placed it at the back of the pack
$82.49 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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 CMCF800C2 20V Cordless Impact Driver Kit

The CRAFTSMAN V20* Impact Driver delivers strong torque and RPMs, but it's outperformed by the DEWALT DCF787D1 in terms of battery capacity and overall durability. Compared to the Craftsman 20V MAX Kit, it lacks the included batteries and charger but offers a more streamlined design. While it's lightweight and efficient, it falls short of the power and torque offered by the DEWALT models, making it less suitable for heavy-duty applications.

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 CMCF800C2 20V Cordless Impact Driver KitDeWalt Atomic DCF850 20V MAX Impact Driver
Voltage20 V20V MAX*
Torque1,460 in-lbs1825 in-lbs
Chuck Size1/4 in.1/4 in.
Max RPM2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs3,250 RPM
Impacts Per Minute3,100 ipms3800 IPM
Battery Type2.0Ah Li-ionLi-Ion
Motor TypeBrushedBrushless
Weight2.1 lbs2.1 lbs
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