Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887 – A Practical Comparison Guide

Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887 – A Practical Comparison Guide

Whether you are a handyman, a DIY enthusiast, or an industrial worker, a driver might be one of the first tools you would have included in your kit. This is because Impact drivers can be extremely useful in driving nuts, bolts, and minor drilling applications. From metal to wood and soft surfaces, Dewalt impact drivers can drive nails and drill through easily.

Though multiple power tool companies sell good drivers, DeWalt is considered one of the best. This is why you might find yourself stuck between Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887.

Dewalt is an American manufacturer that supplies power tools and hand tools worldwide. Since 1924, Dewalt have a range of excellent tools, including Dewalt dcf787 and dcf887 impact drivers.

If you are looking for a detailed Dewalt dcf787 vs Dewalt dcf887 review, here’s a comparison of both.

Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887 Impact Driver Comparison

Dewalt DCF787Dewalt DCF887
DCF787BDewalt DCF887B Impact Driver
Features– Powerful Brushless Motor
– Compactly designed
– The ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip
– LED lighting improves precision and accuracy
– 4.0 Ah Batteries charge up fast and are durable
– Ergonomic handle improves durability
– Lightweight and easy to handle
MotorBrushless motor with fifty-seven percent more durability and runtime than brushed motorsBrushless motor with excellent runtime
Torque1500 in lbs1825 in lbs
Voltage20 Volts 20 Volts
RPM2800 1000/2800/3250 RPM
IPM3200 IPM 3800
Max Chuck Size ¼ inch ½ inch
Speed setting2800 RPM Adjustable (1000/2800/3250)
Length5.55 inches5.3 inches
Weight2.8 pounds2.0 pounds
Ratings4.8 out of 54.8 out of 5
Best ForScrewing into a range of hard and soft surfacesExtremely fast in driving a range of different bolts and pulling them out within a few seconds
Reviews1,681 global ratings5,568 global ratings
PriceCheck hereCheck here
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Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887 Review

The main difference between the Dewalt DCF787 vs DCF887 is their Power, Chuck size, and Speed settings. DCF887 torque (1825 lbs) is more than its counterpart DCF787 (1500 lbs). It also has variable speed settings function that DCF787 does not have and the most notable function is that the chuck size of the DCF887 is 1/2, whereas DCF787 chuck size is 1/4.

Dewalt DCF887 is a heavy-duty tool and is recommended for professional workers, whereas DCF787 is recommended for Auto mechanics, DIYers, and other short projects for homeowners.

Now that we are done with a quick comparison, here’s a detailed account of Dewalt dcf787 specifications and that of Dewalt dcf887 parts, battery, performance, etc.

Battery

Dewalt dc787 impact driver battery
Dewalt dcf787 impact driver battery

Batteries play an important part in overall performance. A durable battery can result in excellent performance, whereas a non-durable battery may result in poor performance.

DCF787 brushless driver has a 20v max XR lithium-ion battery that is durable enough to work for a long time and is good enough to screw nuts and bolts with relentless power. When it comes to battery life, the dc787 20v max XR battery coupled with a compact and lightweight brushless motor offers more durability than a brushed motor.

It has fifty-seven percent more run time than a brushed motor. This makes it a fantastic tool for longer work hours. Aside from this, you can always pick and choose various batteries from the Dewalt dcf 787 kit, depending on your usage time. The torque will not change, though.

As for Dewalt DCF887 battery, it’s also a 20V lithium-ion battery that is endurable, compact, and lightweight, especially for domestic usage. Its battery possesses enough power and is fully capable of completing three sets of driving the bolts 1-inch in and pulling them out 1-inch out. However, it might die in between the third set. Therefore, the runtime can be classified as just above average. For this reason, it may not be as suitable for heavy-duty tasks that require a lot of time and non-stop power.

Who wins?

The winner, undoubtedly, is the Dewalt DCF787 brushless Impact driver. With an excellent runtime, its compact and lightweight batteries are fully capable of working non-stop for a longer time compared to Dewalt DCF887. This makes it suitable for domestic or commercial activities, including woodwork, carpentry, etc.

Motor

Dewalt dcf787 brushless motor
Dewalt dcf787 brushless motor

Though both the impact drivers have compact and lightweight motors, their performances differ.

Dewalt dcf787’s motor works smoothie with little to no noise, enough power, maximum torque capability making it suitable for at-home or workplace usage. Also, the motor is exceptionally compact and lightweight. Therefore, the brushless driver is portable as well as easy to handle. Along with this, the motor has an incredible torque (1500 lbs).

On the other hand, the dcf887 also has a brushless motor, but it’s not as quiet as DCF787. Nonetheless, it has an exceptional maximum torque (1825 in-lbs) which positively impacts the overall performance.

Who wins?

It depends, if you are a person who is working on a DIY project or lightweight woodworking project then DCF787 is a winner for you, however, if you are a heavy-duty professional worker then DCF887 would suit your project better.

Speed setting

The speed settings of DCF787 is commendable. It offers a torque of 1500 lbs with a maximum speed of 2800 RPM Revolutions Per Minute and 3200 IPM. To deliver such a performance, uses a variable speed trigger and delay trigger along with a ¼ inch chuck to precision drive the screws, nuts, and bolts 1-inch inside any surface or pull them out when needed.

Unlike battery and motor, the speed setting with a variable speed trigger and delay trigger is a major element when deciding which one’s better.

When it comes to the speed setting for Dewalt’s DCF887, it is adjustable with a speed trigger and can perform from 1000 to 3250 RPM along with 3800 Impacts Per Minute. The impact driver is also capable of delivering a maximum torque of 1825 lbs for driving tasks.

Who wins?

We have a winner for Dewalt 787 vs 887-speed setting of 3200 IPM with 2800 RPM and 3800 IPM with 3250 RPM. It is none other than Dewalt dcf887. Keeping aside the average battery life and motor performance, DCF887 can be considered one of the fastest drivers out there for driving tasks with its 3250 RPM. It can drive the deck screws or carriage bolts and pull them out of any surface within a matter of seconds.

Weight and Size

Another important factor is the weight and the size of the machine. The heavier and bigger the power tool is the lesser its portability will be and vice versa.

This power tool measures 8.78 x 5.91 x 3.43 inches with head length of 5.55 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds without the lithium-ion batteries and 3 pounds with the lithium ion batteries. Therefore, making it lightweight and portable enough to be carried around easily. You can even take the drill driver at cramped places to work with deck screws.

As for the dcf887 power tool, its dimensions are 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inches with a head length of 5.3 inches. It weighs 2 pounds without the batteries and 2.7 pounds with them. Henceforth, it is also a lightweight impact driver from front to back that is extremely easy to carry.

Who wins?

Since Dewalt’s dcf887 impact driver is much more compact in design and build, we can consider it as the winner here. It is not only lightweight but it is also has a reasonable size front to back to make it highly portable. Therefore, you can easily carry it around and take it to relatively smaller areas at the job site or elsewhere.

Grip, LED Light, and Warranty

Aside from the speed setting, weight, size, battery, and motor performance, other accessories also add up to a tool’s performance. These include the grip, led lighting, and the warranty of the tool.

Dewalt’s dcf787 power tool features one LED light rather than 3 LED lights that improve visibility at the dark work areas. Along with this, it has a comfortable ergonomic grip that gives firm control over the impact driver. Moreover, the power tool comes with a 3-year limited warranty alongside a 1-year free service and 90-days money-back guarantee.

Moving further, Dewalt dcf887 has three LED lights which enhances precision and accuracy during working with carriage bolts. It also has an easy-grip sleeve which offers more control over the tool. As far as the warranty is concerned, it lasts for 3 years.

Who wins?

With three LED lights and a comfortable grip, Dewalt dcf887 wins from dcf787. Though there’s a tie when it comes to warranty, dcf887 surely overpowers dcf787 at the grip and lighting of LED lights.


DCF887 vs DCF787 (Pros and Cons)

Are you wondering how good or bad either of the impact drivers could be? Well, here’s a list of the pros and cons of Dewalt’s dcf887 and dcf787.

Dewalt DCF787

REASONS TO BUY

Lightweight

Comfortable grip

Easy to handle

Compatible with all bit tip chuck sizes

5.55 inches front

It comes with a carrying bag, a battery, and a charger

REASONS TO AVOID

Only one LED light

Dewalt DCF887

REASONS TO BUY

Durable battery life

Compact design

Extremely portable

5.3 inches front.

Includes two batteries, a belt hook, and a charger

REASONS TO AVOID

Reverse/forward switch uncomfortably located

Dewalt DCF887 vs DCF787 Kits Comparison

Both the kits come in different variations and they may differ on several levels. As for Dewalt dcf887, it comes in four different variations which are described as follows:

DCF887 Variants Available

DEWALT DCF887B

Dewalt DCF887B Impact Driver

Dewalt DCF887B includes only a cordless impact driver that weighs 2.7 pounds and its dimensions are ‎8 x 3 x 5.88 inches. It operates on lithium-ion batteries and has a built-in brushless motor. The tool is extremely compact in design, has ¼ bit tips, and has a comfortable grip which allows the user to carry it around easily. It also has adjustable speed settings and three LED lights for accuracy and precision. Plus, it also comes with a belt hook

Check DCF887B Price

DEWALT DCF887D2

Dewalt DCF887D2
Dewalt DCF887D2

Dewalt DCF887D2 is also a cordless impact driver kit. The kit consists of an impact driver, a belt clip or belt hook, 2.0 Ah batteries, and a battery charger. The impact driver measures 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inches and weighs 7 pounds. This particular model from Dewalt has a brushless motor with a torque of 2000 in-lbs, which positively impacts the overall performance. Plus, it comprises 3 LED lights Dewalt DCF887D2 is a versatile tool with great precision. However, it may be a little heavy.

Check DCF887D2 Price

DEWALT DCF887M2

Dewalt DCF887M2
Dewalt DCF887M2

Like others, this model also consists of a combo kit of cordless tools, a 4.0 Ah 20v max lithium ion battery, a charger, a kit box, and a belt clip or belt hook. The driver in the kit has the dimensions 16.22 x 4.5 x 10.1 inches and 7.4 pounds. Aside from this driver has a motor without carbon brushes, a ¼ inch hex chuck size perfect for ¼ bit tips, a grip sleeve, and three luminous 3 LED lights rather than a single LED light. 

Check DCF887M2 Price

DEWALT DCF887P1

Dewalt DCF887P1
Dewalt DCF887P1

This particular combo kit model includes a cordless driver, 5.0 Ah 20v max lithium ion batteries, a charger, and a belt clip or belt hook. This driver weighs 2.1 pounds with a maximum chuck size of 6.35 mm suitable for ¼ hex chuck bit tips. It is compact enough to fit into smaller areas and light enough to carry around. Along with portability, this driver improves the visibility in dark areas through its lighting of 3 LED lights. Also, it is easy to handle due to the comfortable grip sleeve.

Check DCF887P1 Price


DCF787 Variants Available (DCF787B vs DCF787C2):

DEWALT DCF787B   

DCF787B
DCF787B 

Dewalt DCF787B includes a cordless driver with a built-in brushless motor that provides 3200 IPM and a torque of 1500 in-lbs. The dimensions of the tool are ‎8.78 x 5.91 x 3.43 inches with a front of 5.91 inches rather than 5.55 inches and weigh three Pounds. Plus, it has a reliable Max XR lithium-ion battery, a reliable belt hook, and is compatible with ¼ hex chuck bit tips. This driver works reasonably fast and is suitable for domestic and industrial work along with DIY activities. 

Check DCF787B Price

DEWALT DCF787C2

DCF787C2
DCF787C2

Dewalt DCF787C2 includes a compact cordless driver with a brushless motor, a charger, a lithium-ion 20v max XR battery, a belt hook, and a tool bag. Its dimensions are 5.4 x 2.4 x 7.6 inches rather than 5.3 inches and the weight is 2.1 pounds. Its chuck is also suitable for ¼ bit tips. This driver is relentlessly powerful and can work for hours without running out. Plus, you can illuminate the area with a LED light in it.

Check DCF787C2 Price


How to use Dewalt DCF887


How to use Dewalt DCF787


My Recommendation Dewalt DCF887 vs DCF787

Though both the models are immensely useful for a range of tasks, Dewalt DCF887D2 is a remarkable impact driver out of all. It can work extremely fast for a long time not to mention the lightweight design and the compact size. This driver with a LED light can be really useful in driving and removing fasteners during renovations, DIY activities, carpentry, woodworking, etc. with an amazing performance in all kinds of tasks, including the challenging ones, Dewalt dcf887D2 can be considered as one of the fastest drivers available in the market.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, both the models by Dewalt have their pros and cons, but Dewalt dcf887D2 wins when it comes to Dewalt DCF887 vs Dewalt DCF787 due to extreme power and versatility. However, that does not mean that the dcf787 tool range is not worth a try. You may find it useful for less challenging tasks. Therefore, you can always explore to find out what is most suitable for you.


Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dewalt DCF stand for?

Dewalt has named its different product lines with different names. These names are usually three-word abbreviations and each one represents a certain type of tool. If we come to decode it, DCD represents cordless drills and drivers series. DCH stands for rotary hammers series, DCL refers to LED work lights and DCK refers to combination kits series. Similarly, DCF is used for the impact driver’s series.

What does no-load speed mean?

The no-load speed refers to the RPM at which a DC motor’s shaft rotates.

 

 

Bahram Shahab
Bahram here! A certified Electrical Engineer who knows his way around using power tools like a professional. My journey of using these robust tools started back when I graduated. Since then, I have finished almost a dozen DIY woodworking jobs. Apart from that, I have developed this habit of jotting down my personal experience about using a specific tool. So, I write on them to help the community in the best possible way.