Warning DeWALT Fans! This Could Get Ugly

DeWALT's newest XR Impact Driver didn't improve in performance as I thought it would, so where does that leave it against some of the top impacts on the market?
#milwaukeetools #milwaukee #dewalt #flexpowertools
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[@J.Wick.]

It's a few seconds slower, yet far lighter, and more comfortable to use in my opinion, especially compared to the Flex. Dewalt usually has one of the better triggers like you mentioned as well. It's not a MetaboHPT or Makita in that regard. But more exact than the others here. As always, just depends on your needs.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Well said.

[@builder_for_life4490]

@ReyMan83. Excuse me DeWalt is Heavy as the rock 🪨. The Lightest and The most Easy to Operate, most comfortable Impact Driver I have ever used and owned is The Makita XDT16 and Makita TD-172. And Flex 24V Quick Eject Brushless impact driver is No good for me since the tool is Destroying and Breaking a lot of Bits and Screws, even Timberlok screws, Ledger Screws and Spax power lag screws in my Jobsite. Even in Speed #2 The tool is stripping, breaking the Fasteners. The Flex is too much to handle, it's Overpowered Impact Driver, everytime I use the Flex I feel like I'm using a Mid Torque 1/2 Impact Wrench!!!!! just like the others that's the only complains I have with the tool. I wish The Flex have 2 types of Spring inside the Hammer Anvil Housing, one with the Precise and Finesse to it, and the other one is Hard. But it is what it is! Flex is a Monster impact driver. Perhaps an Impact Driver from Hell. That's why I still have my Makita Impact Driver for a much Precise and Finesse application.

[@J.Wick.]

@@builder_for_life4490 ........ Sure

[@papageo5]

It seems like DeWalt is more focused on the powerstack batteries than maybe their tool improvements. Honestly, I will probably go with the 845 because I don't have a DeWalt impact driver yet. If I did already have an older one, I wouldn't upgrade. I think the ergonomics are more important to me than saving a second or two per screw. You could drive 120 screws and spend two or three minutes longer than the flex. I could save much more time by not taking my phone in the crapper.

[@TinkerWithTools]

They have had some great tools releases lately but te impact didn’t impress me like I hoped it would.

[@stevenfoust3782]

Admittedly the Milwaukee is more powerful but that is where it ends! The Dewalt is so much more refined and precise. The trigger ( and user experience) allows for the most delicate work to all out full force. About the only place Dewalt struggles is ledger locs into LVL material. The three speed trigger is unnecessary and I’d rather see more torque for big stuff. I’ve been using the 887 happily.

[@pattognozzi]

All my power tools are Dewalt and I fully agree with what you just said. I upgraded from the 887 to the 850, but I still need to buy a second driver. Because of my line of work I end up needing two. I wanted a more powerful option and I thought that was going to be the 845. Now I don’t know what to get. Seeing that new brushless Hercules out and how powerful it is makes me wonder what happened at DeWalt.

[@TinkerWithTools]

It just feels like their focus is elsewhere. I was hoping that the 845 would be more like their impact wrenches but this is what we got. The Hercules is intriguing but I want to reserve judgement until I can try it.

[@dfs7979]

You can get a compact impact wrench if you need more power?

[@pattognozzi]

@@dfs7979 i guess. I need a second impact driver, not impact wrench. Impact driver needs to have selectable speeds, especially on the low end. I use speed one a lot. Impact wrench won’t have that. I also need the versatility to drive lags in not beams.

[@josephh7228]

That's good I went out and got Milwaukee New M12FUEL impact driver I use it for Seamless Siding and my FX1371A IMPACT DRIVER FLEX when u need the power like putting in Gutter Hanger as I also do Seamless Rain Gutters I just don't have all day using a Dewalt impact driver to do Hangers in the Gutter since I started using FLEX 24V FX1371A IMPACT DRIVER I'm know longer tired after one Gutter job and I use one battery pack all day long

[@tylersayre89]

Great comparison! I find speed 1 to be valuable in delicate work (driving pocket screws, snugging fasteners in softer woods, etc…). Unless you’re driving fasteners all day (bless you guys out there doing the lords work) I find all the new gen equipment to be indistinguishable from the others. Plenty powerful, great battery life, comfortable ergonomics, and compact size. I happen to have dewalt but would be equally happy with any of the contenders. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for chiming in with how you use Speed 1.

[@IMPACT-NATION]

I’ve been practicing the lie in wait method when it comes to buying the new to market impact drivers for this very reason 😂. I didn’t see the performance improvement out of the Gen 4 Milwaukee, the metabo hpt bolt, this dewalt etc etc. That’s why I appreciate videos like this. It allows people to see it in use to make a better decision if it’s worth upgrading. You test tools man so I understand why you purchase them, but my Gen 3 fuel works just fine. My dcf 887, 840, and 850 work just fine. I really would like to have seen the digital settings on this driver like the wrenches

[@TinkerWithTools]

Well said man! The truth is that tools aren’t guaranteed too improve every generation to make it worth buying. But people like me have that addiction to the tools man! Thanks for watching and have a great weekend with your boy!

[@IMPACT-NATION]

@@TinkerWithTools I share the same addiction bud just on a different tool at the moment so I feel your pain 😂. Enjoy your weekend as well man

[@IMPACT-NATION]

@@TinkerWithTools truth is the tools at this moment are so powerful already idk how much more room there is for improvement 😂

[@qusaiqarqaz5941]

Slower performance is not necessarily a disadvantage as long as it gets the job done, it's mostly about more controlled performance especially in high end tool makers. I'm a Milwaukee guy myself I currently use the gen 3 impact driver and hammer drill, I lost count on how many times it snapped fasteners and driving bits. I think 1825 inch pounds is more than enough to accomplish all the tasks an impact driver is meant for.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree that control is important but if that is the case I’ll go with Makita over this DEWALT as well.

[@qusaiqarqaz5941]

@@TinkerWithTools couldn't agree more

[@slickrick8046]

@@qusaiqarqaz5941 The user/operator can make up a big difference in speed…such as how fast you are moving when you’re not driving. Snapping fasteners and driving bits will also slow down your time as well. Having to climb down off a roof to get another battery will slow you down as well (Milwaukee…cough, cough). Milwaukee has great tools. But when it comes to large-scale operations of driving day in and day out such as dealing with roofs and decks to go along with the abuse on the driver…the XR reigns supreme. It all depends on what you’re using the driver for but I have yet to see a roofing, deck, or framing crew out here in the wild rocking all red. It’s mainly mechanics and other guys who don’t put a lot of time on their drivers I see with Milwaukee.

[@rcud1]

I think the Dewalt 840 and 845 are both fine for what they are. If use with the smaller powerstack battery its noticeably lighter than the Milwaukee and especially lighter than the Flex. For bigger lag screws I use an impact wrench. But if you're doing a lot of those longer timberlock screws, then might want the Flex or Milwaukee.

[@TinkerWithTools]

That is one way to look at it.

[@TacticalThib]

Man you nailed it with the buyers remorse after the purchase of the 200.00 DCF-850 then seeing the 99.00 DCF-840 arise from nowhere not even announce it!! It definitely was or felt to me like a bait and switch!! I've noticed that DeWalt has stolen a lot of tool designs from other companies and just changed voltage!! And honestly the Makita - matabo hpt- hikoki is definitely the most comfortable impacts on the market!! Now DeWalt did make claims the the DCF- 845 was 30% stronger than IDK 😶 what and faster with 3,400 RPM to drive large diameter screws

[@TinkerWithTools]

The 30% more torque was for the DCF885. 😆

[@fike301]

That’s part of the problem with contractors in the new world order…..seems to be all about how fast can throw something together, which does not necessarily equate into highest quality construction. Just the fastest!

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree that speed isn’t everything but if I am being honest there isn’t much that dewalts impact drivers are class leading in. And the newest impact just feels like more of the same old models we already had.

[@littlecedar3425]

Hey tinker! Next time please do the same test!!! But use the Dewalt's New 5Ah Powerstack battery! VS Milwaukee Gen4 with 6Ah high output 21700 cell battery VS Flex with 6Ah Stack Lithium Ion! I wanna see it! And I wanna know!!! And please use 9/16 diameter by 10" long lag bolts next time! I also wanna see who's the smoker on those 3! 😁

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ve tested each of the batteries before so you can reference those videos for now. I likely won’t revisit them for a little while. As for the giant lags I don’t know if I’ll be going that extreme as each of these tools was purchased by me, I like them to be around for the long haul.

[@littlecedar3425]

@@TinkerWithTools Ah I see!!! I'm sorry, So You're NOT Sponsored by those tool companies then.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have received some tools but not the vast majority. The video will be clearly marked at the beginning if sponsored content.

[@Cpm0487]

I'm awating the arrival of my new DCF845 on Monday. I like these style of tests, but speed is a bit of a moot point to me. I use company provided Milwaukee at work. I get paid by the hour, so i don't care how fast it is, lol. With that said, i'm a deal shopper. Flex is only available at one place locally. I havent seen them in the wild at the jobsite yet. Milwaukee has deals, but mostly from online retailers. Dewalt seems to have the best deals. Case in point. I ordered two 1.7ah powerstack batteries, and the 845 came as a free bare tool. I believe that deal is still going at Acme in case anyone is looking. I also got my DCF900 at the blue store with a 5.0 battery. the battery wasn't free but close to half price in the kit. I ordered 2 5.0ah batteries and got a dcs382 recip saw as a free bare tool. I ordered a DCH273 Sds Hammer drill with a free 5.0 battery. All within the last month or so. I guess my point is...i think Dewalt is the best value right now.

[@TinkerWithTools]

And as I said at the end it’s not a bad impact and should still get the job done. Nice job on the deals by the way.

[@Cpm0487]

Oh, and i forgot, the blue store has the XR oscillating tool with the depth guide, 2.0 battery, 2 blades, a sanding attachment with sandpaper for $129 right now...picked that up yesterday!

[@Cpm0487]

@@TinkerWithTools Thanks! I do agree with your thoughts. With the DCF900 coming out and spanking everyone in the high torque category, i think we were all hoping to see Dewalt release a beast of an impact driver.

[@Zakh0704]

I love flex tools but they are bulky and heavy compared to the 840 and 845 but they also offer more power then the competition so it depends on your needs and weather or not the weight difference even matters to you. But FLEX is releasing the compact line so we will see if they can keep the power after dropping the size. I have the dcf 840 and the 887 and in my opinion there isn't enough of a difference in the 845 for me to buy it for any other reason then making content with it but honestly I probably won't get it unless I run across a really good deal same goes with Milwaukee with the gen 4.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think the compact flex are going less powerful than the current offerings but they haven’t mentioned power figures to my knowledge

[@Griffinwoodworks]

Honestly the 850 seems like a much more refined and modern tool, plus it just looks cool lol. It should’ve had the XR badging on it imo. I believe I said about the same thing last video lol. This one seems more like a rebranding or refreshing than a new model to me. It’s kinda like Milwaukee did, but at least the Milwaukee looks like a totally different tool, even if it shares or is similar to a lot of the same specs as the previous generation.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I love the look of the 850 and with the small Powerstack battery it’s a nice pairing.

[@a1b1c184]

The 850 is the better tool but for me, the 840 is extremely close to the 850 and actually beats the brand new 845 in most tests with a much lower price point. The tool, bag and 2 batteries for $100 at Lowes for the 840 which is also brushless. You can't beat that unless you just have to have the smaller one.

[@slickrick8046]

@@a1b1c184 The 845 and 840 *is smaller and lighter* than the 850. Plus the 850 has horrible balance in the hand. Home Depot’s DeWalt Atomic line is for DYI guys and is not meant for large-scale operations. Give that 850 to a roofing and or deck crew and it would burn out within a few months. That is if they don’t stop using the 850 within a week or two because the balance is off which makes it uncomfortable to hold for hours on in. The 840 is a bargain price for the DYI’er who needs a driver and not a nut-buster (which isn’t the purpose for drivers). The 845 is the XR version of the 840. DeWalt’s XR line is their high performance line. If the 845 can withstand the large-scale operation and abuse like the other XR’s…DeWalt knocked it out the park with the 845 for those who put an excessive amount of time and abuse on drivers.

[@alirionoguera1897]

Me gustaría ver esa prueba con el dewalt y la batería powerstack 5 ah , seguramente estaría mejor que los otros

[@TinkerWithTools]

It will see an improvement on that battery or any of the higher output batteries like the 6ah XR or the flexvolt but it’s not a big enough thump to over take Flex and Milwaukee.

[@geraldhickey7781]

Great testing , the longevity of the tool is very important, most tools work well when new so time will tell.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Absolutely

[@dangrimes5078]

DeWalt still makes nice tools. Maybe not the fastest but their quality is very high and they do last a long time.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think that is important to realize too. I know I focus on power and speed a lot in the reviews but quality, longevity and ergonomics are just as important in a purchasing decision.

[@TechTokOffical]

Idk, I bought my first dewalt dcf850 with the powerstack and charger for $150 which is in the market of the BASIC consumer which is who spends the most money and it single handedly opened me up to looking at dewalt. Also,how bout u give us a sec to actual read the results txt on the screen

[@rnuovz71]

Until recently I was using my old 18v nicad dewalt impact driver from 07 because it was out performing my 887. Personally I’d own any impact driver over a dewalt. However their impact wrench’s are quite good.

[@TrixieDK]

Milwaukee all the way. Compact and very close to the Flex in performance even though it used the basic 5ah battery. Imagine this thing with a compact pouch cell battery which will hopefully be released this year.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I hope you are right about the battery.

[@Cpm0487]

@@TinkerWithTools I hope to see Milwaukee bring out smaller powerful batteries as well. I carry the Gen3 up and down a ladder and work in the air all day. I'm kinda hoping to see pouch cell batteries become the norm.

[@__________f9433]

The pouch battery is a big disappointment with the 5AH battery. But 1.7ah battery with atomic impact driver is awesome. Small pouch batteries with Milwaukee would be nice

[@icyrene1]

Good video thanks ..wow Dewalt gotta pump it up..the old style 3 speed should have been digital like the wrench…

[@TinkerWithTools]

Agreed.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Agree with the rest of the comments here-doesn’t really do anything else they currently offer doesn’t. I really like the M18 Gen 4, much better trigger and especially low end finesse than the Gen 3, and I’m more than happy with mine.

[@EditioCastigata]

Dont know about the performance gap, but the 840 and 845 are marketed here with PowerStacks or two. Even promotions give you PS, whereas its normal batteries on other tools. Maybe they compensate doing this?

[@TinkerWithTools]

Perhaps.

[@cykablyat5497]

I would much rather see comparisons of the self tapper modes or lack of. Most commercial is steel stud and all that power means nothing when you just strip out holes or snap the head off of screws.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll have to look at testing those in the future. I don’t have a lot of experience with steel framing.

[@konadayz426]

Agreed that 845 is disappointed. From what is out there now I was expecting it to be competitive. It is what it is. Great video

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks man!

[@robertpaget809]

Your insight into these tools is one of the fairest reviews I’ve seen on here I think dewalt are saying if you want to wack home some lags and bolts then use an impact wrench

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks! Well put and if you are doing lags all the time then I would suggest using a impact wrench. We do these types of bolts and lags in testing to help illustrate the power of the tools but that doesn’t mean they are the best suited tool for the job.

[@dcl97]

I remember someone at a trade show a few years ago asked a Makita rep if their new impact was going to be as powerful as the Milwaukee, which I believe the gen 3 had just come out. His response was something to the effect of...why would we make a tool designed to drive screws worse just so you can use it to do something you should be using an impact wrench for?

[@DiligentDave1966]

I saw a video on the Torque Test Channel, and it seems like the Kobalt XTR beats just about everything else.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have the XTR hammer drill but not the impact. If it ever goes on clearance I’ll grab it.

[@DiligentDave1966]

@@TinkerWithTools The comparison was between Kobalt, Milwaukee, Bauer, Hercules and Flex. Surprisingly, Bauer put up some good numbers too, but I’m not sure about the durability of Bauer.

[@brandonlove3444]

Almost all of their new tools are stronger than the comp. Why they didn't do that here is weird. They dished up a disappointment here.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Well said.

[@FoxOutdoors]

Yup, how does your company release the 891, 900, 800, 805, 921 and THEN release this tool. The 845 leaked a year ago and Dewalt have over a year to get this right. At the very least they should have put the 921 switch on it. No wonder Home Depot rejected it.

[@loucifer4205]

Most people don't know but the collets are maxed out at 1825inlbs anymore you risk breaking them and that is why the Milwaukee impact driver collets break all the time just go to your home depot and ask

[@Lee-lb9qh]

I agree, but I think they were going for something small and light, but Idk really, just my opinion....

[@loucifer4205]

@@Lee-lb9qh You don't think dewalt can make a more powerful impact driver than Milwaukee just look at the impact wrenches they beat Milwaukee in every one ,why do you think Makita, Hikoki and Bosch don't make more powerful ones, because they go for quality not power which strips out screws like they're going out of style I've used my friends Milwaukee a few times and it's striper screws to easy

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Yup. Little disappointed in the power and speed. Probably a better tool for finish and cabinet work. Now test the Milwaukee against flex, XTR and new Hercules and see what happens.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I don’t have the XTR (never found a good deal on that one) but I do have a previous video of the flex vs Milwaukee. Hercules might be coming soon…

[@jackofalltrades123]

That wasn't ugly at all! Milwaukee and flex is way more fat the dewalt. Dewalt is very slim and held its own very well! I was actually surprised lol and about speed 1. I actually like how it stops and starts up. When you are doing delicate work it gives you way more control. I'm prolly biased but I like the new xr. I do wish it would hold up a little better to the 2 big dogs of impacts but I would give dewalt a B+

[@TinkerWithTools]

Good way to look at it. I’m just surprised given their recent trend of some pretty powerful impact wrenches.

[@jackofalltrades123]

@@TinkerWithTools that is true! Dewalt has been upgrading their tools but for some reason they've always fell behind with their impact drivers

[@dfs7979]

Nice comparison. The thing to remember is that it isn't rocket science to make a more powerful impact driver. It just takes a stiffer spring or a heavier anvil. This means that tool companies need to make a choice between control and power. The Milwaukee impact drivers are just too powerful for all but the largest of fasteners. Even on deck screws the tool doesn't begin to impact until the head of the screw makes contact with the surface. I much prefer the ergonomics and control of the DeWalt impact drivers over the Flex and Milwaukee. That said, DeWalt needs to do something about how they number their products. It's impossible to know which tool is the new generation as the numbers keep jumping around. It certainly doesn't do them any favors.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Now you have me wondering if speed 2 on the Milwaukee would still beat the DEWALT on speed 3.

[@WoodworkingCyclist]

I sold my millwaukee and bought 887 just cus its feels better in my hands

[@zabduhamel6745]

I was looking to gift my father (dewalt fan) a new impact but I guess his 887 is still pretty good 😆 i guess ill just get him a powerstack battery

[@TinkerWithTools]

The 887 isn’t bad but I prefer this, the 840 and the 850 to it.

[@rishisonoo2531]

I would like you to compare the Kobalt XTR with these. It supposed to be a powerful impact driver.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven’t purchased that one yet. I got the XTR drill on a sale but I haven’t bit the bullet on the impact yet.

[@bread-gz3rl]

I wonder what the 845 against a HP ryobi would do

[@TinkerWithTools]

Key an eye out for a short.

[@THEBEARDEDTOOLGUY]

I don't know don't have any RYOBI impact driver or Wrench but against my new RIDGID 2400 inch pounds impact driver they were almost even and that with a 3 AMP OCTANE VS a 5 Amp Power Stack

[@rudeman1914]

Wow the number’s actually tells you which one is the fastest. You need to do a real test by dropping them from 10’ ladder from the side few times and see which one is better

[@TinkerWithTools]

Durability testing like that is something that is important, but nearly every tool you see on the channel was purchased by me and I enjoy using most of them, it's unlikely that I am going to set out to see if I can break them any time soon. We may do it in the future, but for now, they are more valuable to me in one piece. Plus I hate heights.

[@15seconds3]

Your reviews don't take into consideration ease of use, weight, durability, cost to performance, warranty issues, etc. There are tons of factors that make a tool better or worse. Rate of speed driving a fastener is only one component of the tool. If that's the only thing you test, quick fast food videos on youtube are flawed as testing needs to be done long term to determine the superior tool. If I have a tool that lasts 20 years with no issues to one that burns out after 3 years that's when the comparison matters. I can build 1000 hp out of a 2 liter motor. How long do you think that will last?

[@TinkerWithTools]

You are right it is just one component. Testing to that degree isn’t super feasible especially with such a new tool but as the tool gets used more and more I do report back with how it is going. I consider these test more for an initial purchase decision and put some of the long term durability on the brand reputation.

[@wilsoneashoian5789]

What 1 second faster accomplish in life? If people have built on Dewalt platform, does it really matter?

[@TinkerWithTools]

It may be only 1 second here and 1 second here but it’s 30% faster. If I was paying 30% less maybe then you feel like the deal is worth it but for comparable price I think most people would like comparable performance.

[@rudyfromsomewhere3066]

Flex impact is for giants. The weight is unbelievable. if it's made this way to be a reliable tool it can make sense though

[@TinkerWithTools]

You right about the weight. I hate running it on the 5 ah for that reason.

[@ChristianJames559]

Why not try with the power stack, 5ah so you get the dewalt in its complete form?

[@TinkerWithTools]

We will be trying, just not in this video. Flex doesn't have a 5 AH stacked lithium, Milwaukee doesn't have it all... so instead of upsetting someone for the batteries all being different, i went with as standard as you can get for these.

[@ChristianJames559]

@Tinker With Tools it's the only way us dewalt guys can beat milwaukee, make the video! 😅

[@mattheinbaugh46]

If I was Dewalt I would discontinue the 887 and this be its replacement. Then they should release a stronger XR impact driver that is also quicker. I’m 50/50 when it comes to more torque just because I’ve heard that the Milwaukee strips screws very easily.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ve never had an issue with the Milwaukee doing the stuff I do. On the topic of the XR, I am holding onto the hope that it works like that.

[@mattheinbaugh46]

It would make sense so that they get both kinds of customers. Ones that want a powerful driver and ones that want a we’ll balanced and controllable driver. Also, love your videos keep it up.

[@TinkerWithTools]

@@mattheinbaugh46 thanks!

[@rickyperkins232]

I was told by one of you subs FLEX when compared to the 40 volt Mikita impact driver is straight junk.... can you comment?

[@TinkerWithTools]

They are different impact drivers in my opinion. If I need to drive a big fastener as big as possible, I’ll grab the flex but for most of my day to day impact driver use I far prefer the makita for its refinement, precision and how enjoyable it is to use.

[@rickyperkins232]

@@TinkerWithTools feel you dude

[@tuffytoys9707]

The only reason why Flex is faster is that extra 4 volts. It may not sound like much but try this; your vehicle starter works with 12 volts, try using 16 volts on it and hear the difference it makes with the motor. Of course don't try it on a starter attached to a engine or a vehicle or do at your own risk, but you will clearly notice a difference that 4volts make. Also most brands have their 2 or 3 tier system with good, better and best tool selection like Milwaukee basic brushed tools, Brushless and Fuel line up and it's easy to choose price wise and also their generations are easier to tell apart from one another like Gen 2, Gen 3, or Gen 4 But Dewalt is too confusing and especially now that a newer tool may be more pricey but less effective than an older generation or in between etc, All that yellow and black is too dazzling and confusing to the consumer. Makita is a good choice especially if you can get the Japan version. Hikoki or Metabo HPT however seems to be on a downward slope in quality and performance based on recent youtubers testing and evaluation.

[@engineer_alv]

Makita has become confusing on impact drives. Their current top dog (XDT19) offers basically no advantage over the XDT16 and they are comming with a new one overseas that doesn't bring more torque nor RPMs over the previous two. That's basically 3 generations staying the same. Their 40V impacts don't seem to improve over each other as well

[@jacobsebastien3910]

The Dewalt 850 Atomic has more torque than the Dewalt 845 on the torque test channel on KZbin

[@azzielcarballar2968]

you should have used a powerstack battery delivers more power

[@justgregnow]

I do most impact driving with the 12v dewalt it has the perfect power to comfort ratio. The speed game honestly means nothing to me and yes I’m a full time carpenter. If I need power I pull out my dcf850 and the job is done.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Good input.

[@cwell2112]

I prefer the 12V dewalt too. It's the perfect balance of comfort and power. I'm considering the 845 because it looks like a 20V version of the 12V Xtreme impact driver. I bet it's really nice with the smaller power stacks.

[@stevestevenson289]

What purpose does this tool have? I already have a good drill..

[@lcook0825]

For me Flex is heavy and cost quite a bit more than DeWalt. For me DeWalt is great for the money spent.

[@TinkerWithTools]

If value is what you are after, I would save even more money and just buy the 840. It beats this 845 and when on promo is a 2/3 the cost in a kit, not just bare tool.

[@doctorlefthandthread]

The new Dewalt Impact drivers are more of the same it was a missed opportunity from them to challenge other brands.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Agreed Doc!

[@mos8541]

LOOK, what the fascination with total power in a DRIVER... a little teenie QUARTER inch hex?? wgaf, ive used several brands and ive NEVER had to pound a fastener beyond 100ft lbs or "nut busting". I do electrical, mainly commercial, some res. construction, some rehab remodel. ANYONE... TELL ME.. when the fukk POWER is More important that WEIGHT, control, ergonomics battery life, etc. !?.... smFh

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think the big thing is that they aren’t as competitive with other premium brands and this is just more of the same with the other slew of impacts they already offer. That being said all the other things are important but it’s not like DeWalt is necessarily class leading in those either. There are smaller impacts than this one (in their own lineup) and there are impacts with better control and ergonomics in my opinion.

[@dewalt_6728]

Hercules now very powerful impact driver

[@TinkerWithTools]

I have seen some of the content from mastering mayhem. Still not available to me locally yet.

[@littlecedar3425]

I can't believe it! Flex outperformed the Dewalt's New 845 and Milwaukee's Gen4 with only just using a Standard common weakling 5Ah 18650 cell battery!! How much more when Flex is loaded with Stack Lithium?? See I knew it Milwaukee is only powerful when it uses high output battery 21700 cell but when you use standard weakling 18650 cell the Milwaukee shows it's true weakness.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Even on the 5ah it’s going to be one of the top 2 impact drivers out there.

[@littlecedar3425]

@@TinkerWithTools yeah, If you know about the Harbor Freight's Hercules Brand new Brushless impact driver can go toe to toe with Milwaukee and Flex

[@josephh7228]

Dewalt could of made a better new Impact Driver I think it's the same as the 887 888 and the 850

[@TinkerWithTools]

That’s what it seems

[@MrDontcareify]

DeWalts impact drivers have been really sucking lately. That said, I do appreciate their innovation with the PowerStack batteries but they must still be using some inefficient motors for them to be beat so badly by the competition.

[@loucifer4205]

How are they sucking, 5 years down the line the Flex and Milwaukee have long given up their ghost the dewalt is still going, there are still contractors using nicad dewalt tools over 15 years old still going you never see old Milwaukee tools ever

[@lcook0825]

I don’t thi;k I would write something off for a 3 second difference.

[@lalhmelthra817]

Dewalt is afraid to add more torque, because they hurt too much wrist.😂😂😂

[@TheChico868]

U put Flex and Milwaukee against Dewalt impact. You cruel man

[@TinkerWithTools]

Had to be done. 😄

[@TheChico868]

@@TinkerWithTools 😂

[@brianf9619]

I Don't Get It ....DeWalt made the Most Powerful Impact Wrenches on the Planet , so I was expecting a Awesome Impact Driver this year and we get this ??? What the F××K DeWalt ......🤬🤬

[@TinkerWithTools]

I think that sums it up. We know they have the potential.

[@johnnywishbone932]

I own a 845. I prefer my old 885 hands down. I wish I never bought it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I really am seeing a lot of love for the 885 lately. Makes me think I might need to try it.

[@johnnywishbone932]

@@TinkerWithTools I use my driver around the house. I have one in the garage for automotive work and one for the house. The 845 was a manager’s sale so it was 45% off. The problem is the impact rate is high for what I am use to. It mucks up nuts and bolts because it’s torquey but not as smooth as the 885. With a stubby adapter they turn decent torque to accomplish a wide variety of jobs. They also work well on my Polaris RZR and motorcycle. I don’t always need a huge DCF 900 monster. The 845 is a snarky little bugger. It might grow on me the more I use it but my 885s are proven and have a nice smooth impact rate. That’s just my side of things, I am sure the 845 does well for others.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah the 840 and the 845 both share the crazy high speed. If you want something slower but eventually need to upgrade, I might recommend the 850. Super compact so good for tight quarters work but not as speedy as the other two.

[@johnnywishbone932]

@@TinkerWithTools That's the one I let slip away. 😑. I went for "New!"

[@charlieward7606]

i mean i looks far smaller and lighter in the video

[@TinkerWithTools]

it is, but if that is what you are after, just go for the 840, which was already the same size... and significantly cheaper.

[@charlieward7606]

@@TinkerWithTools well i meant the fact they are beating it is partly down to mass but thanks for the recommendation

[@gabrieldibble6875]

Flex is better

[@builder_for_life4490]

@Tinker with Tools. Yo I'm putting my Flex 24V Quick Eject Brushless impact driver with 10Ah Stack Lithium Battery away! This impact driver is a Tool from hell causing chaos and problems to me in the jobsite. It's too much powerful that NO fasteners and bits out there that can handle this Beast. I stripped and broken a lot of Fasteners and Bits especially Philips and Torx T-25 Framing and Decking Screws whenever I built Decks and Sheds for my clients, the Flex is causing me problems Instead of helping me to be more productive. It's too much powerful! I feel like I'm using a Mid Torque 1/2" Impact Wrench in an impact driver form. And get this! I'm using GRK and Spax Fasteners for Construction grade 2 by materials, pressure treated beams. Even in speed 2 the Flex is still destroying screws and other fasteners and I spent a lot of money replacing bits and socket adapters. For now I'm putting the tool away and I'm gonna be sticking to my good ole DeWalt dcf885, dcf887 and my good ole Makita XDT14 they're not powerful as The King Flex and Milwaukee. But they can do the job.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I haven’t had a problem with stripping or breaking fasteners but the driver does lack finesse and refinement compared to others. So for that reason flex gets left on the shelf.

[@stevestevenson289]

What purpose does this tool have? I already have a good drill..

[@TinkerWithTools]

Impact drivers are commonly used for driving fasteners. Their method of driving usually makes it easier to drive a fastener without it cam out. Additionally while noisier they typically make significantly more torque than even the most powerful drills. At the end of the day they can perform similar tasks but specialize differently.