Best 20V MAX Impact Drivers

TL;DR: The Craftsman CMCK200C2 packs 1700 in‑lbs of torque, 3800 IPM impact speed and a 2 Ah battery into a lightweight $99 kit that feels premium without the premium price.

The standout spec is its 1700 in‑lbs of max impact torque paired with a peak 3800 IPM impact rate, driven by a brushless motor that the manufacturer claims adds 30% more power and 25% longer runtime. The tool also sports three surrounding LEDs that brighten the chuck area for work in dim spaces.

At $99 it sits above the DEWALT DCF809B’s $79.98 price point but still under the DEWALT DCF860B’s $118 price. Its 4.8‑star rating outshines the DEWALT DCF860B’s 4.6‑star and matches the DEWALT DCF809B’s 4.7‑star scores. Weighing just 0.000625 lb, it’s dramatically lighter than the 2.0‑lb DEWALT DCF809B, though its 15.5‑inch length is longer than that model’s 9.0‑inch overall length.

User feedback repeatedly praises the reliable runtime—thanks to the 2 Ah battery pack that delivers about 90 holes per charge—and the bright LED ring for tight‑fit jobs. Professional reviewers note the brushless motor’s efficiency, while both users and experts flag the variable‑speed trigger as a bit too sensitive, making it easy to over‑torque and snap bits. The tool’s power level is solid for DIY projects but may fall short on heavy‑duty automotive tasks such as lug‑nut removal.

Technical details round out the package: a 2‑speed drill gearbox, a 3‑speed impact gearbox, and a quick‑release one‑handed bit‑change system. The kit includes two 20V MAX batteries, ensuring you can keep working while one charges.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Craftsman CMCK200C2 offers Battery Capacity: 2Ah

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCF809B packs 1,700 in‑lbs of torque into a 9.0‑inch, 2.0‑lb brush‑less driver with three LEDs and a three‑speed trigger, making it a solid budget pick for tight‑space work.

What really stands out is the 1,700 in‑lbs of max torque paired with a brushless motor. That amount of turning force in a tool that weighs only 2.0 lb and measures 9.0 in long lets you drive large fasteners without sacrificing control. The three‑speed variable trigger and three integrated LEDs add precision and visibility when you’re working in cramped or dimly lit spots.

Compared with the other four drivers in this roundup, the DCF809B sits in the middle of the pack. It’s heavier than the ultra‑light Craftsman CMCK200C2 (listed at 0.000625 lb) but lighter than the DEWALT DCF870B’s 2.2 lb bare‑tool weight. Its 9.0‑inch length exceeds Craftsman’s 7.01‑inch impact driver length and the DEWALT DCF860B’s 8.5‑inch overall length, giving you a bit more leverage while still staying compact. Torque-wise, it outperforms the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20B’s 1,375 in‑lbs, and its three LEDs match Craftsman’s light count but fall short of the nine‑LED arrays on the DCF860B and DCF870B.

Users consistently praise the DCF809B’s ability to fit into tight cabinets and its “power‑to‑size” ratio. Reviewers note the brushless motor feels as robust as larger models, and the variable‑speed trigger lets you dial in just the right amount of force for delicate jobs. The main downside highlighted is that the tool ships without a battery or charger, meaning you’ll need to buy those separately. Some also mention the 1‑inch bit tip compatibility can require adapters for certain accessories.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the DEWALT DCF809B offers Drive Size: 1/4-Inch

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCF860B delivers 2,500 in‑lb of torque, a 3‑speed brushless motor and a 9‑LED work light in an 8.5‑inch, 32‑oz bare‑tool, offering strong mid‑range performance for pros and DIYers.

This driver’s standout spec is its maximum torque of 2,500 in‑lb, paired with a no‑load speed that reaches up to 3,800 RPM. A variable‑speed trigger and three‑speed gearbox give you fine control, while nine LEDs provide a 150% brighter work light for tight spaces. The bare tool weighs 32 oz and measures 8.5 inches in length, making it compact enough for most job sites.

Compared with the other four impact drivers in the roundup, the DCF860B outpaces the Black+DECKER BDCI20B’s 1,375 in‑lb torque and 3,000 RPM limit, and it offers far more illumination than the Craftsman CMCK200C2’s three‑LED light. It also tops the DEWALT DCF809B’s 1,700 in‑lb torque while matching its three‑speed design and staying at a similar 32‑oz bare weight. Against the DEWALT DCF870B, it’s a bit heavier (54.4 oz with battery versus the DCF870B’s lighter feel) but still provides the same nine‑LED brightness.

Users consistently praise the driver’s strong torque and ergonomic feel, noting that it handles large screws without buckling. Professional reviewers highlight the 63% faster driving speed and 66% torque boost over the previous model, calling it a balanced upgrade for contractors who need power without bulk. The only trade‑off is that the tool ships bare, so you’ll need to purchase a compatible 20 V MAX battery and charger separately.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the DEWALT DCF860B 1-inch offers Chuck Size: 1/4 inch

Avoid if: You need an all‑in‑one package with battery included or the absolute lightest driver on the market

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCF870B delivers 500 in‑lbs of hydraulic torque, runs up to 57 % quieter, and packs 9 LEDs, but its $169.99 price tags it as a premium‑tier impact driver.

The headline feature is the hydraulic system that cuts noise by up to 57 % compared with conventional impact drivers, while still providing a max torque of 500 in‑lbs. Its compact 4‑inch head length lets you reach into tight cavities, and the brushless motor spins up to 3,000 RPM on the high‑speed setting.

At $169.99, the DCF870B sits at the top of the price range, making it pricier than the Black+Decker BDCI20B, the DEWALT DCF860B, the Craftsman CMCK200C2, and the DEWALT DCF809B. It offers a higher impact rate—4,200 IPM versus Black+Decker’s 3,900 IPM—but its 500 in‑lbs torque is lower than Black+Decker’s 1,375 in‑lbs and the DEWALT DCF809B’s 1,700 in‑lbs. In terms of weight, the DCF870B weighs 2.9 lb with the battery, which is heavier than Black+Decker’s listed 1,633 g and the DEWALT DCF809B’s 2.0 lb, yet considerably heavier than Craftsman’s listed 0.000625 lb.

Professional reviewers applaud the quiet hydraulic pulse and the rapid lag‑driving speed, noting it feels “up to 250 % faster” than comparable Milwaukee models. Users also highlight the 4‑inch head as a real advantage in cramped spaces. The main criticism is the softer hydraulic blows, which some say limit raw power compared with standard mechanical drivers, and the torque ceiling of 500 in‑lbs falls short for the toughest fastening jobs.

Beyond the noise reduction, the DCF870B sports a 9‑LED work light that can be up to 6 × brighter than standard illumination, lasting 20 minutes on a single mode. The 2‑speed selector lets you choose between a low 1,100 RPM setting for torque‑heavy tasks and a high 3,000 RPM setting for fast driving. Its brushless motor and 20V MAX XR (18V nominal) power source are designed to operate reliably even in cold temperatures.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the DEWALT DCF870B offers Max Torque: 500 in‑lbs

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $169.99

TL;DR: The BLACK+DECKER BDCI20B delivers 1,375 in‑lb of torque, 3,900 IPM and a 30‑minute charge in a compact 3.6‑lb package, making it a solid budget‑friendly driver for most home projects.

What really stands out is the 1,375 in‑lb maximum torque paired with a 3,000 RPM top speed and 3,900 IPM impact rate. Those figures let the driver handle typical fastening tasks without stalling, while the quick‑release 1/4‑inch hex chuck and single LED work light keep setup fast and visible in tight spaces.

Compared with the four other drivers in this roundup, the BDCI20B is heavier than the DEWALT DCF809B (2.0 lb) and the DEWALT DCF860B (32 oz), yet its 3.6 lb weight is close to the DEWALT DCF870B’s bare‑tool weight of 2.2 lb. Its torque falls short of the DEWALT DCF809B’s 1,700 in‑lb, and its 3,900 IPM is lower than the DCF870B’s 4,200 IPM. Pricing sits roughly alongside the DCF860B, above the DCF809B and below the DCF870B, while the Craftsman CMCK200C2 is lighter but offers fewer impact‑driving specs.

Home‑owner reviews repeatedly praise the driver’s compact shape and 3.6‑lb weight for reducing arm fatigue during longer jobs. Users also like the affordable price point and the convenience of the POWERCONNECT 1.5 Ah battery that reaches a full charge in just 30 minutes. On the flip side, several reviewers note that the battery drains quickly under continuous use and that the tool can feel loud when driven hard, which aligns with professional feedback about its torque ceiling.

Beyond raw numbers, the BDCI20B packs a variable‑speed trigger, a belt clip for easy carry, and a 2‑year limited warranty. The 1.5 Ah lithium‑ion pack provides enough juice for most light‑to‑medium household projects, and the soft‑touch grip adds comfort during repetitive fastening.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option — the BLACK+DECKER BDCI20B offers Battery Capacity: 1.5 Ah

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance