Mac Tools Impact Driver Review

Mac Tools Impact Driver Impresses With It’s Light Weight And Great Venting

We tested 30 impact drivers in our recent Head to Head Shootout. The Mac Tools Impact Driver finished that competition in an overall 10th place. Although finishing most categories in the middle of the pack, this impact driver does have a few qualities and features that set it apart.

Performance

The two main areas we tested each impact driver are speed and torque. Head over to our Best Impact Driver main page for our testing method details.

On paper, the Mac Tools Impact Driver has a no-load speed of 2,800 RPM with 3,200 IPM. It also generates a respectable 3,000 in-lbs of breakaway torque. What’s interesting in that Mac Tools doesn’t list their fastening torque like everyone else. It’s an automotive brand, so that’s a form we’re used to seeing in that sector, but c’mon guys.

Please realize that our torque tests do not and cannot replace how manufacturers test for their specifications. Head over to our main shootout page see the details.

Speed Under Load

In our speed test, the Mac Tools Impact Driver maintains 448 RPM under load. We expect to see a Pro-level impact driver in this class hit at least 400 RPM. This tool can hit this mark with a comfortable margin and has no trouble driving a 1/4″ ledger screw and settles in at 9th place for this test.

You can expect to drive anything up through timber screws and smaller lags. I recommend getting your hands on an impact wrench if you’re going to drive anything larger than those.

 

Fastening Torque

For this test, we see numbers up to 2,700 in-lbs for some of the heavy hitters. We like to see these tools generating at least 1,500 in-lbs to give us the confidence to drive longer, thicker screws.

The Mac Tools model does enough to check that box. Pushing 1,556 in-lbs of fastening torque, the Mac Tools Impact Driver ranks 13th on our 18V charts.

 

Nut-Busting Torque

Breaking 3,000 in-lbs, Mac Tools joins 5 other models in a tie for 6th place in nut-busting torque. As the only tool in the class to actually quote a breakaway torque spec, it’s nice to see our test confirm its claim with an equal value.

Weight and Footprint

Mac Tools’ impact driver weighs in at 2 lbs by itself and only 2.8 lbs with its compact battery. This edges out Makita’s tiny XDT16 impact driver, putting it in the pole position for the weight category.

While the Mac Tools MCF886 is a lightweight, it’s not as small as you might think. It has a length of 5.5″ and stands 7.8″ high. This slides it into the 8th place spot for the size category.

Decibels

Falling right into the middle of our 97 – 105 dB(A) range in a joint 6th-place tie, the Mac Tools Impact Driver generates 101 dB(A). It’s enough noise to cause some damage to your hearing over time. Better get some hearing protection.

Feature Set

Interchangeable Batteries

The remarkably similar feel to DeWalt’s 20V models isn’t an accident. As the tool truck brand for Stanley Black & Decker, Mac Tools and DeWalt are cousins and they take advantage of the relationship with interchangeable batteries. That’s a win if you ever decide to pull a single DeWalt 20V Max tool into your shop or you want to grab batteries at your favorite home improvement store.

Effective Venting System

The Mac Tools Impact Driver has a really effective air intake at the base of the handle that does a great job at moving air through the housing and cooling down the motor. It’s more open than any of the other models we see, likely because its habitat is in the automotive industry where it’s not as likely to encounter wet conditions.

Other Features

• Brushless motor
• Quick-change hex collet with one-hand insertion and bit ejection
• LED lights surrounding the chuck

Value

Since Mac Tools is a tool truck brand, most of what I’m about to say won’t come as too much of a surprise – this impact driver kit is a little pricey. It retails for $360 and includes the tool, a 4.0Ah battery, a 2.0Ah battery, a charger, and a case. The bare tool is $210.

DeWalt’s current leading impact driver (DCF887) runs $129 as a bare tool and $279 as a kit. Toss in Tool Connect on the DCF888, and it’s another $50. Either way, you’re still under Mac’s pricing.

Despite the high cost, it performs high enough to bring it up to a 11th-best value for the 18V class.

The Bottom Line

The Mac Tools Impact Driver does just about everything well and is a pleasant tool to use. It’s very much a sort of DeWalt model for mechanics that really want the convenience and service of a tool truck. But you’re going to pay for that convenience. At the list price, the Mac Tools MCF886 is higher than DeWalt’s Tool Connect DCF888.

If your Mac Tools rep can work a deal that works for you, pull the trigger. If you’d like to get more bang for your buck, grab either DeWalt’s DCF887 or DCF888 to get the same fit, feel, and finish with a few more bells and whistles.

Mac Tools Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Mac Tools MCF886M1D1
• Power source: 20V
• No Load Speed: 0-900/1950/2800 RPM
• Maximum Breakaway Torque: 250 Ft-lbs.
• Impact Rate: 3,200 IPM
• Bare Weight: 2.0 lbs
• Weight with Battery: 2.8 lbs
• Length: 5.5″
• Height: 7.8″
• Warranty: 1 year
• Price: $209.99 bare, $359.99