Finally, the DeWalt DCD791D2 kit comes with a nice hard case that leaves plenty of room for drill and driver bits. The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held, and it’s loaded with convenience features. It packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home. Ridgid has this nifty little drill bit holder – a small, but nice-to-have feature. I don’t understand why all tool brands don’t include this clever feature on all of their drills.
With a drill in the lower gear, we were usually able to continue on for a bit until the battery was completely drained. For the drilling test, the 12-volt models usually could handle drilling only a few holes before we switched over to the lower gear with the higher torque needed dewalt reciprocating saw for the difficult task. Two and three-speed cordless drills have a maximum speed of about 2000 revolutions per minute or more and can easily handle rapid drilling. Many lower-priced, single-speed cordless drills can manage only about 600 to 800 rpm, compromising their performance.
A brushed motor has a rotating aperture that makes contact with brushes, creating a significant amount of friction. A brushless motor eliminates the need for brushes, significantly reducing friction. As such, a brushless motor can run faster than a brushed motor without overheating, resulting in greater torque and speed. Brushless motors are also more efficient, allowing them to run on a battery for up to 50 percent longer. A brushless motor is also more expensive to manufacture than a brushed motor, which makes tools using them much pricier.
One of the key features to look for when selecting a battery impact driver is the motor type. A brushless impact driver often delivers a longer service life. Since brushless impact drivers also produce less heat, they reduce the risk of burnout. Brushless motors typically offer multiple speed settings and run longer on a single charge but tend to be more expensive. Brushed impact drivers are suitable alternatives at a more affordable price. The Dewalt impact driver stands out as one of the best on the market, especially when it comes to power and durability.
During our test we noted that assist mode slowed RPMs to help get screws started, while preventing the fasteners from over-tightening as they seated. The XTR has three selectable speed modes to tailor driving for the fastener and material you’re working with. We handily drove all our longer deck screws with the XTR, as well as shorter, self-tapping screws. When we drove the lag bolts, we found it to be competent, straining appropriately for the task. We appreciated the battery level indicator, a feature usually reserved for more expensive models. While the tool head is slightly on the larger size, making it feel slightly clunky in tight spaces, the Cobalt XTR is a solid impact driver for the money.
When we drove lag bolts into treated landscaping lumber, we easily drove the heads, cupping the washers we used, deep into the wood. The one-handed chuck on the Flex was unlike any other models we tested. We pressed a button, just above the trigger, to open the chuck and accept or release a bit. Get what works best for you, and the job, with a wide range of corded and cordless impact drivers and impact wrenches. Add in brushless motors that extend the life of the motor and enhance the runtime of the tool, and you have impact drivers and impact wrenches that deliver what you demand. The DCF885 measures just 5.5 inches long, making it capable of fitting into tight spots, and at just 2.8 pounds , a user’s arm won’t get tired even with extended use.