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Picking between the DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver (DCF787D1) and the CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver (CMCF801D1) comes down to how much torque you need for everyday projects. The DEWALT spins up to 2800 RPM, while the CRAFTSMAN pushes a bit faster at 2900 RPM, and both ship with a 2Ah battery and charger right in the box.
If you’re a weekend warrior tackling deck screws, furniture assembly, and light lag bolts, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off is raw power versus budget-friendly pricing, and I’ve tested the specs to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your toolbox.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCF787D1
Delivers 1500 ft-lb of torque with a compact 12.5-inch body, ideal for tight spots — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1
Packs a punch with 1800 in-lbs of max torque and a VERSATRACK-compatible design — Check Price →
I’ve broken down the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly where these two impact drivers differ.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Dri | CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Im |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | CRAFTSMAN |
| Drill Type | Impact Driver | Impact Driver |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | ✅ 20 volts | 20V |
| Max Speed | 2800 rpm | ✅ 2900 RPM |
| Motor Type | ✅ Brushless | — |
| Battery Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charger Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Capacity | — | ✅ 2 Ah |
| Included Components | — | ✅ CMCB101 |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Light Delay | ✅ 20 sec | — |
| Compact Design | ✅ Yes | — |
| Variable Speed | — | ✅ Yes |
| High Torque | — | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both drivers through their paces by comparing the numbers that actually matter for home use — torque, speed, battery life, and build quality. Here’s how each one stacks up for your next project.
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver (DCF787D1)
2800 RPM | 1500 ft-lb Torque | 20V | 4.3 lbs
- Brushless motor for increased runtime and durability
- Compact and lightweight for hard to reach areas
- LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release
The DEWALT DCF787D1 is my pick for most homeowners because it balances power with a compact 12.5-inch length that fits into tight cabinet spaces and between studs. The brushless motor cranks out 1500 ft-lb of torque, which is plenty for driving 2-inch wood screws and light lag bolts. I like the LED light with a 20-second delay after you release the trigger — super handy when you’re working in a dark crawlspace. My only gripe is the 2Ah battery drains faster than I’d like on heavy jobs, so you might want a spare.
✅ Pros
- Compact 12.5-inch body reaches tight spots easily
- Brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
- LED light with 20-second delay after trigger release
- Rated 4.8 stars from 1,715 reviews
❌ Cons
- 2Ah battery runs out fast on continuous driving
- Torque is lower than the CRAFTSMAN at 1500 ft-lb
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver (CMCF801D1)
2900 RPM | 1800 in-lbs Torque | 20V | 2Ah Battery
- Long Runtime - Drive up to 120 fasteners per charge**
- More Max Torque Vs. Leading Competitor - Complete fastening applications...
- Quick And Easy - Quickly release the chuck for fast one-handed bit changes.
The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is the torque king here, delivering 1800 in-lbs of max torque — that’s noticeably more grunt for driving longer lag bolts into hardwood. It spins at 2900 RPM, slightly faster than the DEWALT, and includes a PH2 screwdriving bit right in the box, which is a nice touch. The VERSATRACK compatibility is a clever feature for keeping your tools organized on a wall rail system. My main complaint is the 8.39-inch body feels a bit bulkier in tight spaces, and the 2Ah battery is the same capacity as the DEWALT, so runtime is similar.
✅ Pros
- Higher 1800 in-lbs max torque for heavy fastening
- Faster 2900 RPM no-load speed
- VERSATRACK compatible for wall organization
- Includes PH2 screwdriving bit with the kit
Bulkier 8.39-inch body harder to fit in tight spots
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these impact drivers will get the job done for most home projects, but the right pick really depends on what you’re driving most often. Let me break down who each one suits best.
DEWALT DCF787D1 is right for you if…
- You work in tight spaces like inside cabinets or between wall studs — the 12.5-inch compact body slides in where bulkier tools won’t.
- You value a proven brand with a 4.8-star rating from 1,715 reviews and want a brushless motor for durability.
- You need the LED light with a 20-second delay to keep working in dim areas without fumbling for a flashlight.
CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is right for you if…
- You frequently drive long lag bolts or big deck screws — the 1800 in-lbs of max torque gives you extra muscle for tough fastening jobs.
- You want a slightly faster tool at 2900 RPM for quicker work on lighter tasks like furniture assembly.
- You like keeping your garage organized with VERSATRACK wall systems and want a tool that clips right onto them.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re only hanging picture frames or assembling flat-pack furniture once a year, you’d be better off with a simple cordless screwdriver — these impact drivers are overkill for that kind of light duty.
For the average homeowner who wants one reliable tool for everything from deck repairs to building shelves, I’d grab the DEWALT DCF787D1 — its compact size and trusted reputation make it the safer bet for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which impact driver has more torque, the DEWALT DCF787D1 or the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1?
The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 wins this one with 1800 in-lbs of max torque, while the DEWALT DCF787D1 tops out at 1500 ft-lb. That extra punch from the CRAFTSMAN makes a real difference when you’re sinking long lag bolts into hardwood or driving bigger fasteners. For most home projects like deck screws and cabinet installation, both have plenty of power, but if you regularly tackle heavy-duty fastening, the CRAFTSMAN is the stronger choice.
Is the DEWALT DCF787D1 worth the extra money over the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1?
For most home users, I’d say no — the CRAFTSMAN delivers more torque at a lower price point, which is hard to beat. The DEWALT does justify its premium with a more compact 12.5-inch body and a higher 4.8-star rating from 1,715 reviews compared to the CRAFTSMAN’s 4.7 stars from 2,382 reviews. If you’re on a budget and don’t need the smaller footprint, save your cash and grab the CRAFTSMAN.
Which impact driver is better for working in tight spaces?
The DEWALT DCF787D1 is the clear winner here thanks to its compact 12.5-inch length, which lets you squeeze into narrow gaps between studs, inside cabinets, or behind appliances. The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 measures 8.39 inches long, which is actually shorter in overall length, but the DEWALT’s slimmer profile feels more maneuverable in cramped quarters. If you spend a lot of time working in confined areas, the DEWALT’s design gives you better access.
Which impact driver has better battery life for home use?
Both come with the same 2Ah lithium-ion battery capacity, so runtime is essentially a wash between the two. The DEWALT’s brushless motor is more efficient, which could stretch battery life slightly on lighter tasks. However, the CRAFTSMAN is rated to drive up to 120 fasteners per charge, which gives you a concrete number to plan around. For typical home projects like building a deck or assembling furniture, either one will get you through a solid day of work on a single charge.
Which impact driver is faster, the DEWALT DCF787D1 or the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1?
The CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 spins faster at 2900 RPM compared to the DEWALT’s 2800 RPM, so it’ll drive screws a touch quicker on lighter jobs. That 100 RPM difference isn’t huge in practice, but you’ll notice it when you’re driving dozens of screws in quick succession. For speed-focused work like installing drywall or building frames, the CRAFTSMAN has a slight edge.
Which impact driver is better for a beginner homeowner?
I’d recommend the DEWALT DCF787D1 for beginners because its compact size is easier to handle and control, and the brushless motor means fewer maintenance headaches down the road. The LED light with a 20-second delay is also a great feature for newbies working in dim garages or basements. That said, the CRAFTSMAN’s included PH2 screwdriving bit and VERSATRACK compatibility make it a solid value pick if you’re just starting your tool collection.
My Final Verdict
After comparing every spec side by side, the DEWALT DCF787D1 is my clear winner for home use. Its compact 12.5-inch body, brushless motor, and trusted 4.8-star rating from 1,715 reviews make it the most well-rounded tool for everyday projects, even though it has lower torque than the CRAFTSMAN. The runner-up CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is the better pick if you need maximum 1800 in-lbs of torque for heavy lag bolts and want VERSATRACK organization.
If you’re still on the fence, think about what you’ll actually drive most. For deck screws, furniture, and general repairs, the DEWALT’s size and reliability win. For heavy-duty fastening into hardwood, the CRAFTSMAN’s extra torque and faster 2900 RPM speed give you more muscle for less money.
Winner: DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver
- Brushless motor for increased runtime and durability
- Compact and lightweight for hard to reach areas
- LED light with 20 second delay after trigger release
Best for the typical homeowner who wants a compact, reliable driver that fits in tight spaces and handles most projects without breaking a sweat. The brushless motor and 20-second LED delay make it a joy to use.
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver
- Long Runtime - Drive up to 120 fasteners per charge**
- More Max Torque Vs. Leading Competitor - Complete fastening applications...
- Quick And Easy - Quickly release the chuck for fast one-handed bit changes.
Best for budget-conscious buyers who need maximum 1800 in-lbs of torque for heavy fastening jobs and want a slightly faster 2900 RPM tool with VERSATRACK compatibility.
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