The DeWALT DCF860B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed High Torque 1/4 in. Impact Driver is the top-output impact driver in DeWALT's 20V MAX XR line, sold as a bare tool. This is a cordless impact driver designed for heavy fastening: lag bolts, structural screws, deck and framing fasteners, and self-drilling screws in metal. Model Number DCF860B. It is built for framers, deck builders, remodelers, and mechanical trades who already run DeWALT 20V MAX batteries and want more driving power without moving up to an impact wrench.

The numbers are the reason to buy it. DeWALT rates the DCF860 at up to 2,500 in-lbs of max torque and 0 to 3,800 RPM. DeWALT says that is up to 66% more torque than the DCF787B (rated 1,500 in-lbs) and up to 63% faster driving in its test of 3" x 3/8" lag bolts into pressure-treated 4x4. On the job, that means long structural screws and ledger lags go in on one trigger pull instead of a series of stops and restarts.

Power is only useful if you can control it. The DCF860 pairs a variable speed trigger with 3-speed mode select. DeWALT optimized speeds 1 and 2 to match the installation speed of commonly used self-drilling and tapping screws, which is how you keep from spinning out a tek screw in sheet metal or snapping the head off a small screw in hardware work. Speed 3 opens up the full output for lags and long fasteners.

A brushless motor drives the tool, which keeps it efficient on the battery and durable under daily heavy use. The 1/4" quick-connect hex chuck takes standard hex-shank driver bits, nut drivers, and bit holders, and swaps them with one hand. With this much torque, use impact-rated bits; a set like the DeWALT DWANGFT40SET 40-piece FlexTorq set is built to absorb the impact load instead of shattering.

Visibility is better than the usual single LED. Nine built-in LEDs surround the work, and the 20-minute work light setting keeps them on so you can line up a fastener in a dark stud bay, under a sink, or above a drop ceiling. A belt hook comes in the box for ladder and roof work.

This is a bare tool: no battery, no charger. It runs on DeWALT 20V MAX batteries, and a higher-capacity pack like the DCB205 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery is a good match for a high-torque driver that spends its day on lags and structural screws. The DCF860 is also TOOL CONNECT chip ready; add the chip (sold separately) and track the tool through DeWALT's TOOL CONNECT Site Manager app.

Who should buy it? Deck builders, framers, remodelers, steel stud and metal roofing crews, HVAC and electrical installers, and general contractors who drive big fasteners daily. If most of your work is cabinet hardware and light assembly, a smaller compact impact driver will be easier to carry all day. If you want the most torque DeWALT puts in a 1/4" impact driver, this is it.

The DeWALT DCF860B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed High Torque 1/4 in. Impact Driver Is the One for Big Fasteners

The most torque DeWALT puts in a 1/4" impact driver, with low speeds that keep it controllable on small screws.

• Who it's for: Framers, deck builders, remodelers, and metal-fastening trades already on DeWALT 20V MAX batteries.
• Why it stands out: 2,500 in-lbs of torque, 3-speed control with screw-matched low speeds, and nine LEDs.
• Worth knowing: Bare tool, so budget for a battery and charger if you are new to 20V MAX. For light assembly work, a compact impact driver is the easier tool to carry.

• Does the DCF860B include a battery? No. It is a bare tool with a belt hook. Battery and charger are sold separately.
• How much torque does it have? DeWALT rates it at up to 2,500 in-lbs of max torque, with a no-load speed of 0 to 3,800 RPM.
• What are the lower speed settings for? DeWALT optimized speeds 1 and 2 to match the installation speed of commonly used self-drilling and tapping screws.
• Is it compatible with TOOL CONNECT? Yes. It is chip ready; the TOOL CONNECT chip is sold separately.