Mac Tools Impact Driver Review

The Mac Tools Impact Driver is impressively lightweight and well ventilated

We tested 30 impact drivers in our recent head-to-head. Mac Tools Impact Driver finished 10th overall. Although middling in most categories, this impact driver does have some qualities and features that set it apart.

Performance

The two main areas where we test each impact driver are speed and torque. Go to our Best Impact Driver homepage to learn more about our testing methodology.

Theoretically, the Mac Tools Impact Driver has an idle speed of 2,800 RPM and an IPM of 3,200. It also produces a respectable 3,000 inch-pounds of breakaway torque. Interestingly, Mac Tools doesn't list their tightening torque like others do. It's a car brand, so it's a form we've seen in the field, but come on guys.

Note that our torque tests do not and cannot replace the way manufacturers test to their specifications. Head over to our main shootout page for details.

speed under load

In our speed test, the Mac Tools Impact Driver maintained 448 RPM under load. We'd like to see a professional-grade impact driver in this class that does at least 400 RPM. The tool hits that mark with a comfortable margin and drives 1/4-inch assortment screws with little trouble, and ranked No. 9 in this test.

You can expect to drive anything with wood screws and little lag. If you're going to be driving anything bigger than these, I'd recommend an impact wrench.

Tightening torque

For this test, we saw some heavy hitters put up numbers as high as 2,700 inch-pounds. We'd like to see these tools generate at least 1,500 inch-pounds of force, giving us the confidence to drive longer, thicker screws.

The Mac Tools model is enough to check the box. With a tightening torque of 1,556 in-lbs, the Mac Tools Impact Driver ranks 13th on our 18V chart.

Nut breaking torque

Breaking through 3,000 lb-in, Mac Tools is tied with 5 other models for 6th place in nut breaking torque. As the only tool in its class that actually cites a breakaway torque specification, it's great to see our testing confirm its claims with equal value.

Weight and Footprint

Mac Tools' impact driver weighs 2 pounds by itself, and only 2.8 pounds with its compact battery. This sets Makita's tiny XDT16 impact driver apart, giving it the lead in the weight category.

While the Mac Tools MCF886 is lightweight, it's not as small as you might think. It measures 5.5 inches long and 7.8 inches tall. That makes it slide into No. 8 in the size category.

decibel

The Mac Tools Impact Driver produced 101 dB(A), which fell right in the middle of our 97 – 105 dB(A) range and tied for 6th. Over time, this noise is enough to cause some damage to your hearing. Better get some hearing protection.

feature set

replaceable battery

The remarkably similar feel to DeWalt's 20V model is no accident. As Stanley Black & Decker's tool cart brand, Mac Tools and DeWalt are cousins that capitalize on their relationship with interchangeable batteries. If you decide to pull a single DeWalt 20V Max tool into your shop, or you want to buy batteries at your favorite home improvement store, that's a win.

efficient ventilation system

The Mac Tools Impact Driver has a very efficient air intake at the bottom of the handle that does a good job of getting air through the case and cooling the motor. It's more open than any other model we've seen, likely due to its habitat in the automotive industry, where it's less likely to encounter wet conditions.

other features

• Brushless Motor
• Quick-change hex chuck for one-handed insertion and bit ejection
• LED lights around the chuck

value

Since Mac Tools is a tool trolley brand, most of what I'm going to say won't come as much of a surprise – the impact driver kit is a bit pricey. It retails for $360 and includes tools, one 4.0Ah battery, one 2.0Ah battery, a charger, and a case. The bare tool is $210.

DeWalt's current leading impact driver (DCF887) is priced at $129 bare and $279 kit. Add Tool Connect on the DCF888, another $50. Either way, you're still under Mac pricing.

Despite the high cost, its performance is good enough to earn it 11th place in the 18V category.

the bottom line

Mac Tools Impact Driver does almost everything well and is a joy to use. This is very much a DeWalt model for the mechanic who really wants the convenience and service of a tool cart. But you pay for that convenience. At list price, the Mac Tools MCF886 tops DeWalt's Tool Connect DCF888.

If your Mac Tools representative can close the deal that works for you, pull the trigger. If you're after the bang for your buck, choose DeWalt's DCF887 or DCF888 for the same fit, feel, and a few extra features.

Mac Tools Impact Driver Specifications

• Model: Mac Tools MCF886M1D1

• No-load speed: 0-900/1950/2800 RPM

• Maximum Breakaway Torque: 250 Ft-lbs.

• Impact rate: 3,200 IPM

• Net Weight: 2.0 lbs

• Weight with battery: 2.8 lbs

• Length: 5.5″

• Height: 7.8″

• Warranty: 1 year

• Price: $209.99 bare metal, $359.99