DeWALT DCF850P2T

Only 100 mm, but so much power

Even by the standards of small screwdrivers, the DeWALT DCF850P2T is an ultra-compact unit. It has a very short length. From the "nape" of the body to the extreme point of the cartridge - only about 100 mm (for example, the previous generation DeWALT DCF887P2 screwdriver was about 35 mm longer with identical specifications). Therefore, this tool, like no other, is suitable for working in narrow places and tight spaces. It was possible to reduce the screwdriver to this size by using a brushless motor and tight integration of the gearbox with the motor. An important role in reducing the length of the case was also played by the absence of a ring for selecting the tightening torque. This feature can create some problems for those who are used to tools with clutches for adjusting torque. Therefore, to work with this screwdriver, you will have to learn to “guess” the moment when the screw head is slightly sunk into the wood, and release the start button at the right time.

RPMs, Newton meters and shocks - everything to the maximum

The DeWALT DCF850P2T screwdriver has a very high torque - 206 Nm. This is the peak (short-term) value of the tightening force, which is achieved due to the action of the tangential impact mechanism (up to 3800 beats / min). Due to such a large moment, only impact (torsion) heads and bits should be used with this tool, because ordinary nozzles will instantly deteriorate and break. But a lot of effort (both in forward rotation and in reverse) allows you to confidently turn long and thick self-tapping screws, like “grouse”, or unscrew tightly “stuck” bolts and nuts. The screwdriver is high-speed, and it has three speed settings for different tasks. Of greatest interest is the first of them (up to 1000 rpm) - with a "smart blow". It is designed for delicate work with fasteners. In this mode, the screwdriver first turns the fastener without impact, and then, when the electronics determines the most appropriate moment, it freezes for a second and continues to work with the impact mechanism connected, turning the screw or self-tapping screw to the stop. The electronics so sensitively and accurately doses the impact force that you can turn even miniature screws, like “bugs” for a metal profile, and not be afraid to break the thread or turn the hole. The second (up to 2800 rpm) and third (up to 3250 rpm) speed settings are designed for fast and rough work that requires high speed and high tightening torque.

A barrel of honey and a fly in the ointment

Other interesting features include the presence of excellent circular illumination, which is provided by three bright LEDs located around the cartridge (having a hole for the bit and a retractable ring for secure attachment of the nozzles). Also of interest is the presence of a belt clip and a magnetic bit holder (they may not be available for devices intended for sale outside the European Union). In this configuration, the screwdriver is sold with a pair of XR system batteries with a large capacity (5 Ah), a charger and a suitcase compatible with DeWALT boxes of the TSTAK system.

But what the DeWALT DCF850P2T screwdriver does not please is the price. You can, of course, buy a slightly cheaper version with 2 Ah batteries and save a little, but even in this case, the tool costs a lot. Well, apparently, this is the real cost of the most modern (as of 2022) technologies used in cordless screwdrivers.