Product · DEWALT
DeWalt DCF870N: quiet hydraulic driver, 101 mm, bare
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The DCF870N is a hydraulic impact driver from DeWalt, designed to cut the hammering noise of a standard impact driver. It is aimed at kitchen fitters, carpenters and electricians who work in occupied homes, offices and schools, where a loud driver is a nuisance. Its point of difference is that quiet hydraulic mechanism, packaged in a very short 101 mm body.
- Max torque
- 56 Nm
- Max speed
- 4,000 rpm
- Length
- 101 mm
- In the box
- Tool only (no battery)
In its favour
- The hydraulic mechanism reduces impact noise, according to DeWalt.
- 101 mm long, so it reaches into small spaces.
- Drop and load bit holder for one handed bit changes, plus a flashlight mode.
Good to know
- Listed torque of 56 Nm is far below standard impact drivers, so it is not for big coach bolts.
- Bare unit: battery and charger are sold separately.
Our take
How the hydraulic system works
DeWalt says the quiet hydraulic mechanism delivers high application speed with reduced impact noise. Rather than a steel hammer striking an anvil, oil cushions each blow, making the sound duller and lower. For anyone driving hundreds of screws a day indoors, that matters for hearing comfort and for the people around you.
The listing gives up to 4,000 rpm and three speeds from a brushless XR motor.
Torque is much lower
The listed torque is 56 Nm, far below standard impact drivers such as the Milwaukee M18FID2 at 226 Nm or the Bosch GDR 18V-215 at 215 Nm. That makes the DCF870N a driver for plasterboard, cabinets, studwork, ply and general screws up to moderate lengths. Long coach screws and large structural fixings need a conventional impact driver.
The lower torque also reduces the risk of snapping small screws or sinking them too deep.
Practical features
At 101 mm long, it is the shortest driver in our impact guide, which helps inside cabinets and between studs. The drop and load bit holder lets you change bits with one hand. Flashlight mode gives 20 minutes of continuous light, handy for loft or under sink work.
The listing quotes ten years of EU spare part availability, which is good for a tool you expect to keep.
Alternatives
The HiKOKI WHP18DA is the other quiet driver in our guide, using oil pulse technology with a 128 mm head and 33 Nm. The DeWalt is shorter and has more torque on paper. If you need power more than quiet running, the Milwaukee M18FID2 or Bosch GDR 18V-215 are better choices.
Battery note
It is sold bare with no battery or charger, so it suits existing DeWalt 18 V users.
Verdict
Buy the DCF870N if you work indoors around people and want a short, quiet impact driver for general fixings on your DeWalt XR batteries. For heavy screws, choose the Milwaukee M18FID2 or Bosch GDR 18V-215, and HiKOKI owners have the WHP18DA as a quiet alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best impact driver kits and bare tools
Amazon listing title: DEWALT DCF870N-XJ 18V XR Brushless Hydraulic Impact Driver, Bare Unit, [Power Source Type], [Style], [Color] - Style - Color