Side by Side Comparison of: DEWALT vs BOSTITCH

I previously owned a bosch 12v impact driver I used for a couple years at work, this was my most used tool. The batteries were no longer holding a charge as long as I needed, so I researched impact drivers for a few months finally deciding on this one. The three power settings are great I use them all. When working on delicate parts I use the lowest setting if that doesn't work I bump it up to 2 etc..
This tool has all the power of a pneumatic 3/8 impact on the highest setting. I have snapped grade 8 3/8 stainless bolts trying to get them out. If you are in the market for an impact driver don't hesitate to buy this it is well balanced, feels great, is really short, has a ton of power, 3 bright led lights, and the bit release is awesome(one hand operation)

I bought this driver a few months ago to treat myself to a new tool. I have a cordless drill with a hammer option, and wasn't sure I really needed this but was persuaded by the positive reviews. I have used this driver on several projects - driving into wood and concrete - and have been amazed at how effortlessly it works on screws and bolts. When it encounters resistance, the hammer kicks in and screws are driven home without stripping. I recommend hearing protection if you are using this tool for extended periods in an enclosed area or driving screws overhead near your ears. I'm sure the other reviews have covered all the features and details of this product, so I will close by saying that anyone who does projects around the house will find this a very useful addition to your workshop.

There are plenty of other drivers out there that claim higher torque numbers, longer run times.. etc, but there are three things about this driver that persuaded me: The easy load chuck, the variable speed/torque, and the price. DeWalt does not usually win the "tool battle" videos on Youtube, but they always come very close, at a much better price. The differences between this driver and a much more expensive Bosch or Makita driver are minute. Generally a couple extra minutes of run time or 10 more ft/lbs of torque.

This driver has driven every fastener with ease, and the run time has always been fantastic. The easy load chuck is one of the nicest features, which makes changing bits very quick and easy.

I encourage you to do your research when buying power tools, but I promise that this one won't disappoint.

I work on projects at home and have Cr****man 19.2V C3 series tools. This was my 1st Dewalt 20V - First off, I researched this more than the CIA looking for Snowden. Youtube, Amazon reviews, picking the brains of craftsmen I know personally - and it came down to this tool for me. Why?
20V - awesome power for doing light, med OR HEAVY DUTY. I'm a go big or go home kinda guy.
Brushless - Consensus:
1. Less heat from the motor = longer use per battery.
2. Longer life of the motor
I have a smaller 12V impact as well for those quick jobs. This is versatile enough for small jobs or those bigger ones. It's not overweight like another screwdriver/drill I have - the Li-Ion battery(s) that came with this are part of this reason.
Well, there's more, but I have a mantel to build and install. Hope this helped!
PS - There are plenty of reasons to get other brands/tools - but when it comes to tech: I'd rather be on the cutting edge, than the bleeding edge!

Recently bought this to replace my DW977 impact driver that has lasted close to 20 years or so. The biggest reason I chose the DCF895: it has an adjustable torque switch allowing 3 ranges. The 977 had 7 settings but in use I'd typically need either the lowest or highest, occasionally a middle setting so the 3 ranges is just about right. For some reason the ability to adjust torque is disappearing from impact drivers and yet I find it indispensable.

I make my living with my tools, so this isn't just for hobby use, or occasional household projects.

The new tools are almost unbelievably powerful. This one--and most of the pro level impact drivers from Makita and Hitachi--produces 125 ft-lbs. of torque. That is as much or more than is needed on a car/light truck's wheel lug nuts for example. To use an impact driver of this power on say the #6 stainless steel screws (encrusted in 2 years of mud and debris accumulation) holding the grates on a landscaping drain is asking for trouble without a means to limit the torque. This unit can do it, and quite well, on the lowest torque setting. Then, when you're trying to drive 1/4" lag screws into roof beams, full torque is available.

As near as I can tell, this is one of the few high power drivers out there that has this capability. Time will tell if it's made as well as my trusty 977, but so far I'm glad to find the 895 can still give me what I need from an impact driver.

Great idea- okay execution.

I've been using this impact on and off for a year. When I'm on a job, it gets used hard.

Pros- recessed chuck is great. One handed feature is awesome.
LED lights are bright.
3-speed comes in handy- particularly for 1st gear removing screws, or for screwing in metal.
Brushless SHOULD run cooler. (All impacts will heat up with enough use)

Cons- the recessed chuck- do not put a one inch bit alone in it. It can be a real pain to get it out again. You'll need diagonal pliers to get it out, or needle nose.
The battery wiggles. (This simply should not be.)
The 3-speed switch is stiff and plasticky.; it seems cheap. (Not what I want from my impact on job sites where guys are running makitas and Milwaukee.)
This impact gets really hot running 3" screws into stage decking. As hot as my old Rigid impact used to.
Lastly, the black rubber cowling around the chuck is... There's room for it to flex, or stretch, which is annoying once you find that out. I expected more.
As for use, 2nd gear is my main use. 1st is a beast for removing any screw or bolt from the hardest rough hewn timber.
3rd is tricky- I avoid it for screws under 3". It's better for something you need continuous power, like spade bit (EXCEPT SPEED BOR!!!) or long screws and bolts. But starting a screw you gotta be real light on the trigger in 3rd, or else you'll burn through bit tips like crazy, just burning them up- or shearing them in half.

If you don't work a trade, this impact would just be a vanity purchase, imo. It's functionality is beyond the household use.

And for trades, I feel like Dewalt has to iron out some kinks in the execution of this design. Go with the new 887. It's got the 3-speed and is fool proof. And a lot cheaper.
Until the get the kinks ironed out on this model, that is.

I'm happy with this product.The battery holds a good charge for a long work day.I would buy it again.

Works great, so far no issues.Battery life is great.

So I finally caved in and said yes to buying this when it finally went on sale. I know it'll go for even less than $218 on Amazon but I needed it now or not at all. This impact is truly a pleasure when compared to the typical design. I just wish I could have given it 5 stars but alas...

The chosen placement of the control switch is a major pain in the ass. I'm not sure why my index finger is so control switch happy, but it consistently presses in the switch. I guess the darn thing is just too sensitive to touch. My older porter cable would occasionally do the same but it's switch was much more firm and required moderate pressure to move. It's a shame DeWalt missed this one issue because otherwise it is perfection. I'm sure it's not the very best you can buy, but assuming you don't get a dud, it will get the job done for 100% of the people out there.

However, if the control switch concerns you in the least, I strongly advise looking elsewhere, and letting go of the nice factor of recessed chuck and maybe 3 lights. I'm telling you, it's easily pressed into the other direction time and again. Today was my first day using it, for a total 2 hours or so. Maybe 20-30 total times of pulling/putting in screws. I darn near hit the switch unintentionally every single time. I had to make it a habit to check direction before I started using it again depending on which way I was going. I have rather large fingers, just for the record. Smaller fingers may play nice with it.

I have decided the pros outweigh the one con so I will live with it.

This is a nice tool, and is a replacement for my DeWalt 20V Max (brush-based) impact driver. The only feature that I did not like was the choke release mechanism. The plastic button in the front of the driver seemed cheap.

Worked great until it didn't. I had it for about 9 months before the motor just stopped turning one day. I sent it in for repair under warranty. When I got it back there was a note saying that it was tested and it was working again. As soon as I took it out of the box and tried it, I had the same issue: the motor doesn't turn but the LEDs light up. I know the batteries are charged. I have sent it back for repair and waiting to get it back.

The manual said it was supposed to have one with it and there is a slot on the side of drill for it but it was not included

not quite the quality I expected. It often stops turning, even when its just a screw into a 2x4.

One of the two batteries are defective,.
It will not charge, the other charges fine,.
Can I exchange the one defective battery or do I have to return the whole set?

Batteries cracks and break down easy

I tried this tool out on a window blind installation project. I experienced two problems.
a) Sometimes the tool buzzed instead of impacted.
b) The direction switch is the single point of failure for this tool. It has a very cheesy feel to it. Also, it is far too easy to switch from a direction to the middle safety position. The slightest touch will put it into safety mode.

19 Feb 2014 update.
After reviewing all of the available brushless impact drivers I picked what I feel is the best: Hitachi WH18DBDL. Having used it I feel confident I now have the best available impact driver. The Hitachi has a much more solid feel. The motor sounds, feels, and acts more powerful and solid. There are no strange noises or buzzing -- just a solid hum that does not change regardless of task at hand. The impacts are solid and not wimpy like the DeWalt. The direction switch is solid and not cheesy like the DeWalt. It will not be easily knocked out of position. The case is more roomy to allow for easier stowage of the charger and bits. Furthermore, the Hitachi offers much more control. It has a button to control the impacts (the DeWalt does not) and another button to control the speed ... with 4 speeds as opposed to 3 on the DeWalt.

Bought this impact back in January and I'm already having problem.One battery had stopped working altogether but was replaced by dewalt, but then the impacted started acting up on me and only works when it wants to.it's just becoming a real headache