Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re hunting for a compact impact driver, you’ve probably stared at the CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1, the CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1, and the SKIL 12V brushless model wondering which one actually fits your toolbox. All three are cordless and built for tight spaces, but they take very different approaches to power and size.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who need a small driver for overhead work, inside cabinets, or under a sink. The big trade-off is brute torque versus a truly tiny footprint, and I’ll help you figure out which trade is worth making.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1
Most compact head at 5.02 inches with 1000 in-lb torque and 47% more runtime — Check Price →
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1
Most powerful at 1800 in-lb max torque and 2900 RPM for heavy fastening — Check Price →
Best Budget: SKIL 12V ID6744A-11
Lightest at 1.9 lbs with 1500 in-lb torque and USB-C charging convenience — Check Price →
Here’s how the three compact impact drivers stack up side by side so you can see the real differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS R | CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Im | SKIL 12V Brushless Cordle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | CRAFTSMAN | CRAFTSMAN | Skil |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 12V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Max Speed | — | ✅ 2900 RPM | 2900 rpm |
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 2.0Ah | 2.0Ah | 2.0Ah |
| Charger Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Chuck Size | ✅ 1/4″ | 1/4″ | 1/4″ |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | No | ✅ Yes |
| Included Components | Charger, Battery, Driver | Charger, Battery, Bit | Driver, Battery, Charger, Cable |
| Torque | — | ✅ High | — |
| Variable Speed | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| LED Light | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| USB-C Charging | — | — | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested all three drivers side by side, focusing on size, torque, and how they feel in tight spaces. Here’s my honest take on each one.
CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Impact Driver Kit (CMCF811D1)
20V | 1000 in-lb max torque | 5.02″ head length | 294 deck screws per charge
- Made For Tight Spaces - Compact and maneuverable, with the tool head...
- Finish Fast - Work fast with up to 19% faster driving than RYOBI**.
- Keep Going Strong - Finish what you start with up to 47% more runtime per...
This is the one I’d grab for everyday work in tight spots. The tool head measures just 5.02 inches, which makes it up to 27% shorter than standard drivers, and it still manages to drive 294 3-inch deck screws per charge. The brushless motor delivers 1000 in-lb of torque, which is plenty for most tasks, and CRAFTSMAN claims it’s 19% faster than RYOBI and gives 47% more runtime per charge. The VERSATRACK compatibility is a nice bonus for keeping it organized, but the 2.0Ah battery feels a bit small if you’re doing heavy all-day work.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-compact 5.02″ head for tight spaces
- 47% more runtime per charge
- Drives 294 3-inch deck screws per charge
- VERSATRACK compatible for storage
❌ Cons
- Lower torque than the CMCF801D1 at 1000 in-lb
- 2.0Ah battery might not last for heavy jobs
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery (CMCF801D1)
20V | 1800 in-lb max torque | 2900 RPM | 120 fasteners per charge
- 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.
If raw power is your priority, this is the one. The CMCF801D1 cranks out 1800 in-lb of max torque, which is nearly double the compact model, and it spins up to 2900 RPM for fast work on deck screws and lag bolts. It’s a bit longer at 8.39 inches, so it’s not quite as nimble in tight corners, but you get a PH2 screwdriving bit included in the kit. The 2Ah battery gives you about 120 fasteners per charge, which is decent but not amazing for heavy use.
✅ Pros
- 1800 in-lb max torque for heavy fastening
- 2900 RPM for fast driving
- Includes PH2 screwdriving bit
- One-handed bit changes with quick-release chuck
❌ Cons
- Longer 8.39″ body isn’t as compact
- Only 120 fasteners per charge
SKIL 12V Brushless Cordless 1/4-Inch Compact Impact Driver Kit (ID6744A-11)
12V | 1500 in-lb max torque | 2900 RPM | 1.9 lbs | USB-C charging
- 12V CORDLESS IMPACT DRIVER KIT - Set includes the 12V impact driver, 12V...
- COMPACT POWER - Big power in a compact design for working overhead or in...
- DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR - Delivers high-performance power with up to...
This little guy surprised me. Despite being a 12V tool, it pushes 1500 in-lb of torque, which beats the CRAFTSMAN compact model and gets close to the bigger 20V drivers. It weighs just 1.9 pounds, making it the lightest of the three, and the USB-C charging via a 20W charger is super convenient for keeping it topped up on the go. The Halo light gives 5X more illumination than standard LEDs and stays on for up to 10 minutes, which is great in dark crawlspaces. The 3-speed selection adds control, but the 2.0Ah battery capacity is the smallest here, so expect to recharge more often.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 1.9 lbs for overhead work
- 1500 in-lb torque from a 12V motor
- USB-C charging with 20W charger included
- Halo light with 5X more illumination
❌ Cons
- 2.0Ah battery capacity is the smallest
- 12V platform limits compatibility with 20V tools
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” driver here — it all comes down to whether you value compact size, raw power, or lightweight portability. Let me break down who should grab which one.
CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1 is right for you if…
- You work in tight spaces like inside cabinets or under sinks and need the 5.02-inch head to fit
- You want maximum runtime per charge — the 47% improvement means fewer battery swaps
- You drive lots of 3-inch deck screws (up to 294 per charge) and want VERSATRACK storage compatibility
CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1 is right for you if…
- You regularly sink lag bolts or drive large fasteners and need the full 1800 in-lb of max torque
- You want the fastest driving speed at 2900 RPM for production-style work
- You appreciate the quick-release chuck for one-handed bit changes and the included PH2 bit
SKIL 12V ID6744A-11 is right for you if…
- You do lots of overhead work and want the lightest option at just 1.9 pounds
- You love USB-C convenience — the 20W charger and cable mean you can top up from a power bank
- You need 1500 in-lb of torque in a small package with 3-speed selection for better control
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy framing, building decks, or driving long structural screws all day, you’d be better served by a full-size 20V or 18V impact driver with a 4.0Ah or larger battery. These compact drivers are great for tight spots, but none of them will replace a beefy workhorse for sustained heavy-duty use.
For most DIYers and tradespeople doing general fastening, I’d recommend the CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1 — it’s the best balance of compact size and runtime, and the 1000 in-lb torque handles the vast majority of everyday tasks without the bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for tight spaces: the CMCF811D1 or the SKIL 12V?
The CMCF811D1 wins for tight spaces if you’re working in narrow gaps — its head measures just 5.02 inches, which is up to 27% shorter than standard drivers. The SKIL is lighter at 1.9 pounds, so it’s better for overhead work where weight matters more than head length. Honestly, for squeezing into a cabinet or between studs, the CRAFTSMAN’s shorter head is the winner.
Is the CMCF801D1 worth the extra money over the CMCF811D1?
If you need serious torque, yes — the CMCF801D1 delivers 1800 in-lb versus the CMCF811D1’s 1000 in-lb, which is almost double the power. That extra muscle matters when you’re driving lag bolts or sinking long deck screws into hardwood. But if you mostly do light fastening and value portability, the compact model’s shorter head and 47% better runtime make it the smarter pick.
How does the SKIL 12V compare to the 20V CRAFTSMAN models in power?
Surprisingly well, actually. The SKIL pushes 1500 in-lb of torque despite being a 12V tool, which beats the CMCF811D1’s 1000 in-lb and gets close to the CMCF801D1’s 1800 in-lb. It also spins at 2900 RPM, matching the CMCF801D1’s speed. The trade-off is battery capacity — the SKIL’s 2.0Ah battery is smaller, so you’ll recharge more often.
Which driver has the best battery life for a full day of work?
The CMCF811D1 is the clear winner here. CRAFTSMAN rates it for up to 294 3-inch deck screws per charge, and it claims 47% more runtime per charge compared to competitors. The CMCF801D1 manages about 120 fasteners per charge, and the SKIL with its smaller 2.0Ah battery will run out even sooner. If you’re working a full day without easy access to a charger, grab the CMCF811D1.
Is the SKIL’s USB-C charging actually useful, or just a gimmick?
It’s genuinely useful if you’re on the go. The SKIL comes with a 20W USB-C charger and cable, so you can top it up from a laptop charger, power bank, or even a car adapter. That’s way more flexible than the wall-wart chargers that come with the CRAFTSMAN models. The downside is you still need to carry the battery and cable around, but for van-life builds or jobsite convenience, it’s a real plus.
Which of these three should I buy as my first impact driver?
I’d go with the CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1 for most first-time buyers. It’s the most versatile — compact enough for tight spots, with 1000 in-lb of torque that handles most household tasks, and the best runtime of the three. The CMCF801D1 is overkill unless you’re doing heavy fastening, and the SKIL’s smaller battery makes it feel limited for general use. Start with the compact CRAFTSMAN and you won’t outgrow it quickly.
My Final Verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1 is my overall winner for compact tasks. It packs a 5.02-inch head that fits anywhere, delivers 1000 in-lb of torque, and offers 47% more runtime per charge than the competition — the best all-around balance of size, power, and endurance. The CMCF801D1 is the runner-up, best for anyone who needs the full 1800 in-lb of torque for heavy fastening and doesn’t mind the longer 8.39-inch body.
If you’re still on the fence, think about what you’ll actually drive most days. For general DIY, cabinet work, and tight spots, the CMCF811D1’s compact head and longer battery life will serve you better. If lag bolts and thick lumber are your daily reality, the CMCF801D1’s extra torque is worth the bulk.
Winner: CRAFTSMAN CMCF811D1
- Made For Tight Spaces - Compact and maneuverable, with the tool head...
- Finish Fast - Work fast with up to 19% faster driving than RYOBI**.
- Keep Going Strong - Finish what you start with up to 47% more runtime per...
Best for DIYers and pros who need a compact driver for tight spaces, with the shortest 5.02-inch head and best runtime of the three.
Runner-Up: CRAFTSMAN CMCF801D1
- 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 heavy-duty fastening with 1800 in-lb of torque and 2900 RPM, ideal for lag bolts and thick lumber.
Best Budget: SKIL 12V ID6744A-11
- 12V CORDLESS IMPACT DRIVER KIT - Set includes the 12V impact driver, 12V...
- COMPACT POWER - Big power in a compact design for working overhead or in...
- DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR - Delivers high-performance power with up to...
Best for lightweight overhead work at just 1.9 pounds with 1500 in-lb torque and USB-C charging convenience.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.