Review: Dewalt DC825B 18v


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It’s no wonder this is the best selling cordless impact driver on Amazon! While compact and light weight, the DeWALT DC825B has no shortage of power. If you need to drive a large number of screws, lags, or bolts, or even just a few long screws that have potential to strip, this tool is a must. While it may be overkill for the only-occasional DIYer, the active home handyman will definitely appreciate the value in this impact driver.

At a Glance
List price $197
Sale price HelkatAzon Error: Missing ASIN
Voltage 18v
Torque 1,330 in-lbs
Drive size 1/4″ hex
Weight (w/o battery) 2.2 lbs
Length 5.75″
Battery NiCad / Li-Ion
Impacts/Min 0-2,700 ipm
Speed (no load) 0-2400 rpm
Resources Manual
Mfr. Data Sheet
Warranty 3 year limited
Kit part number DC825KA (NiCad)
DC827KL (Li-Ion)
Description

Like most impact drivers, the DeWALT DC825B is great for driving screws with ease, and without stripping the heads. The low weight makes this one easy to use one-handed or overhead. At only 5.75″ long, it’s compact so you can more easily work in tight areas. And, since the impact action means you don’t need to apply as much pressure as with a standard drill, these factors all combine to create a tool you can use for long periods of time or in awkward situations (or both!) and still not feel fatigued.

With 1330 in-lbs of torque, it’s not the most powerful in its class – but don’t let that trick you into thinking it’s a weakling – it’s more than enough for the most common tasks. The product description vaguely claims that it is good for “light-to-medium” applications, but in practice this simply means that you shouldn’t expect to use it as an impact wrench, nor will you get the best results driving huge lags all day long.

For the most common tasks – driving medium to long screws, lags, and tightening nuts – the DeWALT performs great.

As for construction, the DC825B impact driver is no toy. Although on the small side, it is very durable and it feels it. It has a sturdy magnesium gear case within, and the sturdy outer shell is the famous DeWALT yellow plastic. The “textured anti-slip comfort grip” is, in fact, comfortable. And after using this driver for a half hour in the hot summer, sweaty palms were no hindrance to the task at hand.

DeWALT DC825B Cordless impact driver - LED

The frameless motor has replaceable brushes to allow easy servicing. While we don’t personally know anyone who has needed this done , it is reassuring to know that when the time comes you won’t need throw the whole impact driver out and get a new one. In reality this isn’t too surprising, as DeWALT service centers are plentiful and used by lots of folks to keep their old power tools in tip-top condition.

The DC825 has a durable high speed motor that delivers 2,400 RPM, beating out both Makita and Milwaukee. This makes for a speedy driver, as well as a fast, effective drill. With 1/4″ quick release hex shank, you will need to invest in a set of hex drill bits or pick up an add-on chuck (like the DeWALT DW0521 ) Drilling isn’t as precise as a standalone drill, but for general pilot holes, or hogging out larger holes, the driver has plenty of power.

Batteries

This driver takes DeWALT 18v batteries. There are 4 types of these, and you may use any of them with any of the DeWALT 18v tools.

The batteries break down into ‘Compact’ or ‘XRP’ (eXtended Run and Performance). Basically, the compact has half the runtime of the XRP of the same type, as you can get either kind as NiCad of Lithium Ion.

The DC825KA kit comes with 2 XRP NiCad batteries. They weigh 2.4 lbs each, which doubles the weight of the tool. The XRP Li-ion are only 1.5 lbs, which may not seem like much but is nearly a 20% weight reduction for the overall tool while you are working. That makes a difference.

Lithium ion batteries last longer than the NiCad – both in terms of usage time, and number of recharges before they are worthless. According to DeWALT, the XRP Li-ion can charge 2000 times, vs 800 for either of the NiCad types.

XRP batteries, even the NiCad ones, do indeed last a long time between charges, and give plenty of power to the impact driver.

Additional Features
  • Front facing LED turns on when you pull the trigger. This little bit of light is very handy if you are working after sunset or, more likely, under a sink or in a dim basement corner.
  • Hard body carrying case comes with the kit
Problems
  • No belt clip. Especially on a tool you would want to use up on a ladder – thanks to it’s low weight and small size – a belt clip is super handy. It’s a shame it’s missing here, although you can buy it separately
  • No bit storage.
  • Not quite as powerful as some competitors.
Bottom line

The DeWALT DC825B is a great performer. A compact tool with lots of power, you will reach for it on every project you take on, from fixing a loose hinge to building a whole deck. If you already have any of the DeWALT line of 18v tools, then this is a no brainer.

If you need to buy the batteries/charger, consider the DC827KL – this is the same driver, but with XRP Lithium-ion batteries. It’s generally about $100 more than the kit with NiCad, but they are longer running, longer lasting, and faster charging. If you are planning working a lot with this driver, it’s well worth the upgrade.

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DeWALT DC825 info and prices at Amazon
DEWALT DC825B 1/4-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only) DEWALT DC825B 1/4-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only)
18v Impact Driver, Bare tool
DEWALT DC825KA 18-Volt Compact Impact Driver DEWALT DC825KA 18-Volt Compact Impact Driver
18v Impact Driver, two 18v XRP NiCad batteries, 18v charger, carrying case
DEWALT DC827KL 18-Volt 1/4-inch Lithium Ion Impact Driver Kit with NANO Technology DEWALT DC827KL 18-Volt 1/4-inch Lithium Ion Impact Driver Kit with NANO Technology
18v Impact Driver, two 18v XRP Lithium-ion batteries with NANO Technology, 18v charger, carrying case

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