DeWalt vs Makita 20V Impact Drivers: Which One's a Beast?

Hey guys, I'm finally upgrading from my old corded drill and I'm torn between the DeWalt DCF887 and the Makita XDT16. I do a lot of deck building and furniture assembly. Which one has better torque without sacrificing control? I've seen mixed reviews.

I own both brands. For raw power, the Makita XDT16 is a beast with 1600 in/lbs, but the DeWalt DCF887 is lighter and has a better grip. If you're driving big lag bolts into hardwood, go Makita. But for all-day use hanging cabinets, the DeWalt is easier on the wrists. Also, check the brushless motor life - Makita's tends to last longer.

Don't forget about safety! I've seen ppl screw up their wrists with impacts. Make sure you use the right bits and don't gorilla it. The Makita has a variable speed trigger which is nice for precision. But both are OSHA rated for vibration, so you're good there. Also, lock the trigger when not in use!

Thanks, guys! I'm leaning towards the Makita now for the torque, but Bob, you mentioned weight. My old corded drill is like 10 lbs, so either will feel like a feather. I'll probably go with the Makita and get a compact battery.

Smart choice, Wendy. If you get the Makita, grab a 5Ah battery for longer runs. Also, look into the XDT16 with the Quick-Shift mode - it lets you adjust speed for different screws. And pro tip: use impact-rated hex shank bits, or you'll eventually break them.