I know there is much confusion before buying a tool, and you are stuck about whether it is worth buying the Dewalt DCF787C1 or not? We have used it for more than 3 years now and can help you in deciding whether it is worth buying or not? Here is the detailed Dewalt DCF787C1 review.
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Having an impact driver can really make your work as a professional a lot more efficient. I made the decision to purchase the Dewalt DCF787C1 Impact Driver for the same reason 3 years ago. After all this time, here are some of the things that make it one of my best buys to date.
I have used this impact driver extensively during the lockdown and found many new things about it, and now sharing all of the things that I found with all of you. So that you can make a better buying decision.
The Dewalt DCF787C1 is a rugged and lightweight impact driver that can be used in the tightest of spaces. Aspects such as quiet operation and interchangeable 20V MAX battery system make it one of the most user-friendly tools available in the market.
- Drive Size: 1/4 in Hex
- Drive Configuration: Straight
- Max. Torque: 1,400 in-lb
- Voltage: 20V DC
- Brushless Motor: Yes
- Free Speed: 2,800 RPM
- Impacts per Minute: 3200
- Battery: 1.3 Ah, 20V Max Series
- Weight: 2.1 lb
- Warranty: 3 years
I still vividly remember the days when I used to physically hammer nails day in and day out as part of my projects.
Despite my sore hands and forearms, I was able to carry on for a few months by hand. However, as I started getting more projects, I realized it was about time that I got myself an impact driver.
At the start, I was quite confused by the number of products available in the market. That is when I realized I wanted to go for a quality product from a reputable brand.
I was willing to sacrifice a few features that were surplus to requirements if it meant not burning a hole in my pocket. That is when I came across the Dewalt DCF787C1.
I was convinced to go for this product thanks to its affordable price tag and the Dewalt brand. A carry bag and battery also made it a lot more convenient for me, which had me convinced that I was receiving great value for money.
Dewalt DCF787C1 Review
In this owner’s review of the Dewalt DCF787C1 impact driver, I will give you a unique insight into this product.
Read on as I list out the various features that stood out for me, while also discussing some of the hits and misses of this product.
For those of you interested in the technical aspects of this product, here is the specification table attached below.
In this next section, I will be discussing the major features that have worked well for me over the years.
This will give you an understanding of how this impact driver from Dewalt may suit your needs.
Features
- Ease of use
The Dewalt DCF787C1 is a lightweight impact driver, weighing just under 3 lbs. Its compact design allows you access hard to reach spaces. It also comes with a kit bag that allows you to pack all your accessories and batteries together.
These above-mentioned features made this product from Dewalt one of the most convenient to use. The kit bag allowed me to pack all that I needed in one go, without having to search for items all over the place when required.
Another added advantage of this tool is the toolless bit change thanks to its locking chuck mechanism. This allowed me to change bits with ease in a few seconds, making it very convenient in situations where my impact driver had multiple uses.
The lightweight design allowed me to operate this tool with one hand in most situations. This also meant I could access difficult spots with ease, without having to worry about the tool slipping out of my hand in such situations.
- Smooth and rugged performance
The Dewalt DCF787C1 has a brushless motor that helps minimize vibrations and reduce noise levels.
These aspects of this impact driver convinced me that I was holding in my hand a product that could be used by professionals. The minimal vibrations further enhanced the premium feel of this product, much to my delight.
A lot of my neighbors have to deal with increased noise levels coming from my house when I use my tools. However, this impact driver ensured there was no such issue thanks to its quiet operation.
This also allowed me to work at odd hours without having to worry about disturbing my surroundings in the process.
It is also important for me to highlight how rugged this tool is despite its lightweight design. I dropped the tool a couple of times from a considerable height and was convinced that I had done some serious damage.
To my pleasant surprise, the tool started up without any issues and had no dip in performance whatsoever.
- Great Warranty Period
As mentioned above, I was quite scared that my Dewalt DCF787C1 needed servicing after dropping it. However, the robust warranty offered by Dewalt for a duration of 3 years gave me the comfort that the product was built to last.
However, it would have been nicer if the Dewalt customer service was better trained to deal with my queries.
On contacting them regarding a few queries, I found that they were not able to resolve a few doubts of mine regarding the technical aspects.
I was also left on hold for a considerable amount of time, which was quite frustrating when I needed quick solutions.
- Compatibility with the 20V MAX battery range
One of the most revolutionary innovations in the world of power tools was the introduction of a unified battery system for various tools. Amongst the pioneers was the 20V MAX battery range from Dewalt.
I have always been a long-time fan of Dewalt’s 20V MAX power tools, which has helped me interchange batteries amongst the large number of tools I own. These batteries are known for their long runtimes as well as quick charge capabilities
The DCF787C1 is compatible with this system. As a result, I already had a large number of batteries at my disposal, which allowed me to plan my charge and usage patterns accordingly.
Batteries with higher Ah were ideal for usage in outdoor conditions with scarce access to electrical points. On the other hand, smaller capacity batteries were great to use at home, with standby’s getting charged quickly in the meantime.
This also comes with the added advantage of portability as I could now move around different job sites and use my own impact driver when required.
It helped me avoid requesting fellow contractors on the site for their tools while allowing me to be more comfortable using my own settings and methods on this Dewalt product.
- High operational speed
The DCF787C1 has a high impact speed, which allows you to penetrate most solid surfaces. It also has a reverse feature that allows you to remove tough screws and nuts as well.
It falls short of the speeds offered by similarly priced models from competitor brands. However, I was quite happy with these speeds, which was sufficient for my requirements in most jobs.
The trigger and its inbuilt delay of 20 seconds also ensured a smooth transition when the trigger was released. This helped protect screw heads from damage due to sudden stopping, which helped increase the quality of my work as well.
PROs and CONs
Pros
- Great value for money, especially for amateur customers
- Low noise levels allows for work at all times
- Ideal to use for single handed operation
- Comes with kit bag and battery, ideal for carrying around
- LED light allows for better visibility in dark spaces
- Compatible with 20V MAX battery range
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy duty tasks due to lower speed
- Lacks belt clip attachment
- Customer support could be better
Conclusion
After three years with my Dewalt DCF787C1, I am completely convinced that I made the right choice when it came to purchasing an impact driver.
Built to maximize convenience for its customers, this product from Dewalt packs some of the most useful features that have become a staple of the brand.
This includes the 20V MAX battery compatibility, rugged and lightweight design, and quiet but powerful performance.
If you are a DIY enthusiast or an amateur looking to buy an impact driver that offers great value for money and a user-friendly design, then this is the perfect option for you.
I can assure you that you will enjoy a premium experience at a very affordable rate while using this product.
However, you may want to look elsewhere if you are a professional with heavy-duty requirements on a regular basis.
This product may not be able to match your power and torque requirements, which can hamper your work as a result.
If you have any questions regarding this Dewalt DCF787C1 review, then you can comment down below, I am happy to help you.
