Less Noise, More Torque
DeWalt's hydraulic impact driver makes less noise without sacrificing power.
My impact driver is the first tool I grab from the truck most mornings, so owning a driver that will perform at a high level is crucial. For the last few months, I’ve been working with DeWalt’s new hydraulic impact driver, which has been making some noise in the industry.
Actually, its lack of noise is the reason I wanted to try out this tool. If you’re not familiar with the difference between a hydraulic driver and a traditional driver, here’s a simple breakdown: A traditional driver uses a mechanical hammer-and-anvil system to generate rotational force (torque), while a hydraulic driver uses an oil chamber to transfer energy.
This results in less vibration and, more importantly, less noise. DeWalt claims that the tool is 57% quieter than previous models, and I believe it, especially when comparing my old driver side by side. I’m not suggesting you work with your head in a cabinet and the driver next to your ear without hearing protection, but I can say I’m able to carry on a normal conversation while using it—it’s seriously quiet.
Aside from noise reduction, this tool has a number of other impressive features. For starters, the overall design feels comfortable and rock solid. The ring of LED lights, just over the shoulder of the 1/4-in. chuck, are exceptionally bright—a huge advantage when working in tight spaces like attics and crawlspaces where lighting is limited.
The driver is also very compact. I have used it to get between tightly spaced joists and have even attached window flower boxes to the wall by driving the screws from the inside of the box itself. Traditionally, the trade-off with hydraulic drivers has been power—the quieter the motor, the less power it has.
That does not seem to be the case with this tool. DeWalt claims that the DCF870 has the highest torque rating in the industry and is 250% faster at driving 5-in. lags than competing hydraulic drivers. With the combination of reduced noise, vibration, and those other benefits, this tool has earned its place on my job sites.
DeWalt DCF870
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| Editor’s note: Hydraulic impact drivers like this one are gaining popularity. Fine Homebuilding will test a group of them in an upcoming issue—stay tuned. |
— Justin Cline; carpenter in Cape May, N.J. Photos courtesy of the manufacturer.
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