DeWalt Vs Bosch Cordless Impact Driver: What Brand Is Better

Anyone who has done projects as a woodworker, homebuilder, DIYer, or any other profession that needs power tools knows about DeWalt and Bosch brands. These two have made a name for themselves for delivering quality and reliable products. Today, we want to see how the two compare when it comes to impact drivers.

Bosch and DeWalt impact drivers will often be within the same price range. Also, the features will be similar with a few differences that make each stand out. From our reviews below, you will learn more about what each has to offer before making up your mind.

Quick Summary

For comparison purposes, we will look at the DeWalt DCF888B and Bosch IDH82-02 impact drivers. They are both designed to work with brushless motors. Such motors are good for efficiency and battery life. Since they are cordless, you would wish for more battery life. They are also designed to have a small footprint and remain lightweight. This makes both good for portability to different job sites.

The DeWalt model can connect to a smartphone app so that you can monitor its performance and do some basic settings to it remotely. That is a feature the Bosch model lacks. Also, the Bosch kit comes with the batteries and a charger, that is not what you get with the DeWalt unit. You have to buy the batteries and charger separately.

Comparison Between DeWalt DCF888B And Bosch IDH182-02 Impact Drivers

DeWalt DCF888B 20V

The DeWalt DCF888B model has been around for a couple of years now. Over the years, it has received multiple positive reviews all showing its benefits. Even if it is a relatively new model, it has made a name for itself. Below are the top features of the unit.

Improved Brushless Motor

It seems like any new impact driver will likely have a brushless motor. With the many advantages of brushless motors, it is easy to see why this model is popular. Its brushless motor delivers an impressive 75% more on run time as compared to other models used the NiCad brushed motors.

Smart Features

The model can connect to your DeWalt Tool Connect app for monitoring. From the app, you will learn about the speed, torque, LED brightness and its delay, and the precision drive control feature. You can always adjust various features straight from the app.

Performance

Speed and torque are always important to consider under performance. The model comes with a speed of 887 RPM at no-load and 3250 RPM at full speed. As for the torque, it generates a respectable 1825 in-lbs. It is easy to cycle through the three-speed settings until you find a speed that works for your application.

Weight and Size

It is admirable that the manufacturer managed to keep it light and compact considering its performance. The impact driver weighs 2.1 lbs. without the battery. Even with the battery inserted, it only adds a pound. It does not take up a lot of space in your toolbox, so you should find it easily portable.

What We Like

• It is a light and compact unit
• It is easy to use
• The brushless motor makes it more efficient
• Comes with app connectivity for monitoring the performance

What We Don’t Like

• The batteries are sold separately

The Solution: Many brands do this where they sell their power tools and batteries separately. Make sure that you get the right batteries from DeWalt to get the best performance and dependability.

Bosch IDH182-02 Cordless Impact Driver

Bosch is no stranger to making some of the best impact drivers in the market. For this reason, the IDH182-02 model can be your next ideal impact driver. Let us see what it has to offer in terms of features.

Versatility

The model stands out for its versatility as it comes with a socket ready adapter to handle ¼ inch Hex and ½ inch square drive. So, depending on where you need to use it, you can always switch between the two. With more flexibility, it is possible to handle more jobs.

Still on versatility, the user has the option of choosing the torque setting. If it is a tough job, then you can opt for a higher torque setting.

Efficiency

Cordless impact drivers are limited by the battery life. To make sure this unit performs better and for longer, it comes with an EC brushless motor. This motor is all about more battery life, better efficiency, and no maintenance. Even if you use it for long hours, you do not have to worry about overheating it.

Durability

The build quality you find with the model is all about improving the durability. Considering you will be using it at various job sites, you need a durable model to keep up with the working conditions. This Bosch unit will do that.

As part of making it durable, the cell and electronic motor protection all help in preventing overloading and overheating. You can be sure to get the best tool life and runtime from the unit.

Ergonomics

Just like any other model, the ergonomics of an impact driver is important for usability. This one features a small grip diameter to allow the unit to fit easily in your hand. The rubber molding around the gripzone also makes it slip-resistant. Even when working in a slippery environment, you should find it easy to control the model.

What We Like

• The brushless motor improves battery life and performance
• It can work for long without overheating
• It feels comfortable in the hand
• You have up to 3-speed settings
• The unit has an impressive high torque delivery

What We Don’t Like

• The battery life could be better

The Solution: Try to work with the LED lights turned off most of the time. Only turn on the lights when they are needed to conserve the battery life.

Which Is Better?

When looking at the features of these two models, you should find that they are relatively the same. They come with new motor technology whose aim it to provide you with better energy efficiency while at the same time deliver on more power. There is no doubt that is what you would want in a new impact driver right now.

The DeWalt DCF888B 20V model differs from its Bosch competitor with its smart connectivity option. You can connect the unit to a phone or PC and gather enough information on how it is performing. As much as this new feature is great, but it is not a deal breaker for many professionals.

We find that the Bosch IDH182-02 unit is great for various professionals or even home DIYers. Its cooling technology ensures that the unit remains cool and work for long hours. It is also a better value for money.

Final Thoughts

Both models offer great value to performance ratio. Sometimes it would be difficult to choose the favorite between them. However, it always comes down to personal preference and use of these impact drivers. Both can make working on various projects easier and faster. At this point, pick the one that appeals to you as they can all do their jobs perfectly.