DeWALT's New Quiet Hydraulic DCF870 vs M18 Surge

Can DeWALT's new hydraulic impact driver DCF870B make a dent in the market by offering more performance? Peak torque might but a smaller piece of the pie than normal for these tools, so we try to take a more comprehensive look at where it sits vs mainstays like the Milwaukee M18 Surge 2760, and recommend taking a look at other sources that uses these tools day in and out for their thoughts as well.

As always, the creator of this channel works in product development for Astro Tools, always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[lilpelusa]

As a Big Milwaukee fan. I’m glad there’s competition if not for that no one would try to improve their tools and keep their prices under the clouds.

[marconiandcheese]

Also, holy crap the slow mo is super informative on what's actually happening and a new way to think about these things.

[KjWilliams_]

This is by far my favorite tool right now. Hydraulic impact drivers are so unique and what Dewalt did with this one is truly impressive.

[royireland]

I know this is not Project Farm, but you could maybe put these hydraulic tools into a freezer and then test them when they are really cold. It is not clear how long the tool would have to "warm up" to be really useful. Being in Alaska, this is important to me.

I suppose someone in a warmer climate might also like to see how the tools operate when they are really hot - I can imagine someone working outside on a hot sunny day, though it is not something I would likely encounter.

The viscosities of the hydraulic fluids may vary between tool brands, and that could impact your testing.

[palaceofhatee]

Good to see more hydraulic impacts on the market. The difference in noise is night and day once you get used to them. My hearing is already fucked but maybe we can do better for the next generations

[jameshill]

Dewalt R&D definitely seems to be innovative on their tool offerings last couple years. Not on their platform but definitely would consider them a top choice if changing.

[vcrpnff]

the real-time line graphs with both tools going at the same time is pretty helpful in seeing the differences. nice job

[shawnlachance]

Straight up best tool review channel on YouTube. ( By far) Appreciate all the effort and money you put into your content. We are lucky to have you.
Regards, stonemason from Maine USA

[randalorian]

Please test the Makita Oil impulse. It's my go-to. I don't need nut busting torque or fastest speed. Give me usability features, less noise and less hand fatigue. That's the ticket.

[superspeeder]

The main reason these hydraulic impacts are so desirable is because the CONTROL they offer. I hope dyno tests don’t encourage their downfall by convincing companies it’s all about torque.

Hydraulic impacts are great BECAUSE they lack torque. However, it is encouraging to see this DeWalt up the torque without losing the low speed control.

I’ve been using the Makita for years and love it! I have the M12 too and it’s great also. Hopefully they all get tested, but there NEEDS to be a subjective category for small fastener control; if cranking up the torque means a loss of control then these will serve no purpose.

[yup]

I upgraded from my Milwaukee to this new Dewalt and it does not disappoint.

[HCG]

Just wanted to say thank you for all the effort you put into these videos, especially the ones where you test a whole range of products like the handheld air blower video you just did. The videos are incredibly helpful and save all of us much time, effort, and headaches.

[kcl]

I do a lot of woodworking as a hobby and my m12 surge that I bought at an auction for $50 did absolutely everything I needed from it, mainly using it for jig assembly and the occasional pocket screw. I left it in the rain while I was working on a fence and it bricked it. I saw the price of a new one and opted to get a skil 12v kit with extra battery for half the price. The Skil does everything I need from it and has twice the power, but it's louder and not nearly as smooth. I miss my hydraulic dearly.

Hydraulic's are like the perfect middle ground between a drill driver and a traditional impact driver. It's perfect for just throwing a quick and dirty jig together without having to predrill. Wonder how long til we get an ultrasonic impact driver 😂.

I really want to see you guys test the torque of electric lawn mowers. I'll buy an electric mower when TTC tells me which is best.

[IHWKR]

Thank you for putting lifetime charts in description.

[abc-mnyi]

I just love this channel. You guys clearly put a lot of effort into the videos, right down to including metric conversions and awesomely interesting slow-mo shots with really nice music to match. It makes your videos an absolute pleasure to watch. Well done, keep up the amazing work!!

[pomprocks]

The lower sound levels of hydraulic is nice but for me the control of tightening is the killer feature. When assembling with machine screws I want something that isn't going to over-torque everything.

[cflwhat]

I have been running the surge for a solid 5-6 years now as a GC. Milwaukee had to replace one but the second is still running strong 4+ years in. It's nice to see dewalt finally join the party! These are very underrated and work really well in a ton of applications for construction at least!

[jeremyr]

I’ve been planning on buying an DeWalt impact driver. Had not heard of this hydraulic model. This should be interesting

[andrewfidel]

It's too bad Ridgid discontinued the Stealth Force, it was rated at 1, 200 in-lbs vs 450 for the M12/18 Surge and honestly that's about what it feels like, about 3x stronger. It's also a darn bit heavier, especially with a 2 row battery pack on it (I try to use the 2Ah and 3Ah packs but when I was driving 12" timber lags I needed the 4Ah packs).

[daveharty-wbmr]

I am one that buys what works best. I am a DeWalt guy for the most part but i absolutely love the comments - " The Pro's" use red! LMFAO. Well, i can tell you there are a ton of people out there that buy "red" and think they are pros because of it. Funny thing - most of them couldn't tell the difference in a harbor freight tool. The "color" doesn't distinguish a professional. Sorry to burst your bubble