DeWalt DCF815S2 12V Impact Driver Preview

DeWalt recently announced the launch of a 12V MAX Lithium Ion 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit (DCF815S2) and 3/8” Impact Wrench Kit (DCF813S2) as part of its new 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion cordless platform. Weighing just over two pounds, the impact driver and impact wrench are compact and lightweight for ease of use in tight areas or overhead applications. Both products incorporate a contoured grip, designed for comfort and balance, as well as three LED lights that provide visibility without shadows in dark work areas.The small, lightweight design of these tools is ideal for cabinetmakers and HVAC professionals, as well as electrical, mechanical and general contractors who perform fastening applications; often overhead or in tight spaces.

DeWalt 12V MAX Impact Driver DCF815S2 Preview
PTR Review
  • Size 7.0
  • Feature Set 6.8
  • Speed 7.1
  • Torque 5.3
  • Noise Level 7.0
  • Value 7.2

Now that DeWalt has a brushless 12V impact driver that's in the same price ballpark as the DCF815, there are fewer reasons to grab this one unless the kit goes on sale for less than $100. Even if it does, the brushless model's size and performance make it worth spending the extra money, in my opinion. 

Overall Score 6.7 (out of 10)

DeWalt recently announced the launch of a 12V MAX Lithium-ion 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit (DCF815S2) and 3/8″ Impact Wrench Kit (DCF813S2) as part of its brand new 12 Volt MAX Lithium-ion cordless platform. Weighing just over two pounds, the impact driver and impact wrench are compact and lightweight for ease of use in tight areas or overhead applications.


Both products incorporate a contoured grip, designed for comfort and balance, as well as three LED lights that provide visibility in dark work areas. The small, lightweight design of these tools is ideal for cabinetmakers and HVAC professionals, as well as electrical, mechanical, and general contractors who perform fastening applications; often overhead or in tight spaces.

Shootout Results

Now that DeWalt has a brushless 12V impact driver that’s in the same price ballpark as the DCF815, there are fewer reasons to grab this one unless the kit goes on sale for less than $100. Even if it does, the brushless model’s size and performance make it worth spending the extra money, in my opinion.

DeWalt DCF815S2 12V Impact Driver Features

The DCF815S2 Impact Driver delivers 950 inch-pounds of torque. It features a new 1/4-inch hex chuck that allows users to push the bit in with one hand to lock it in place and accepts 1-inch bit tips to access even the tightest spaces. For convenience and easy access during use, the DCF815S2 also comes with a belt clip. The DCF813S2 Impact Wrench has a 3/8-inch hog ring anvil and delivers 1,150 inch-pounds of torque.

The new Impact Driver Kit (DCF815S2) will include one impact driver, two 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion battery packs, one 40 minute charger, one bit tip, one belt hook and a contractor bag. The Impact Wrench Kit (DCF813S2) will include two 12 Volt MAX Lithium Ion battery packs, a 40 minute charger and a contractor bag in addition to the product. The impact driver kit and impact wrench kit will be available in the fourth quarter at home centers and industrial distributors for approximately $159.

DeWalt DCF815S2 12V Impact Driver

In addition to being sold as an impact driver kit, the DCF815 will also be available in two combo kits. The DCK2102 combo kit includes one screwdriver, one impact driver, two 12V MAX Lithium-ion battery packs, two bit tips, two belt hooks, one 40 minute charger, and a contractor bag. The DCK211S2 combo kit runs just $119.99. It includes one 3/8″ drill/driver, one impact driver, two 12V MAX Lithium-ion battery packs, a bit tip, two belt hooks, one 40 minute charger, and a contractor bag.

The product will come with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, there are a number of DeWalt accessories that are compatible with this drill/driver. For more information about the warranty or available accessories, visit the DeWalt website.

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