18V 1/4" Lithium-ion Cordless Impact Driver - with 2 Batteries and Charger

I recently put the Cat DX71 18V 1/4” Cordless Impact Driver to the test, and it's become an essential addition to my tool kit. The brushless motor delivers impressive high-torque performance in a lightweight, compact design, making it perfect for both heavy-duty fastening and everyday tasks. Its precision control and adjustable clutch let me work efficiently across a variety of materials. While the battery life could be improved for longer projects, overall, it's a robust and reliable impact driver that truly stands up to demanding work.

We've gone through countless impact drivers for various projects and needs on our land. I had been partial to the DeWalt 20v, though it delivers about 1,500 in-lbs of torque. This particular impact driver from Caterpillar tops out at 1,600 in-lbs, but it's running off 18v batteries. The jury is still out on whether or not this will outperform my latest go-to for skirting installation. Which was the Greenworks 24v. The tradeoff is that it's a bit heavier, but then you get somewhere around 2600 in-lbs of torque with it. So ultimately you have to decide if 1500 in-lbs is suitable for your needs, which it probably will be if you just need a basic commercial-quality impact driver. Especially when working in tight spaces.Upside is that it's brushless. So you won't have to worry about the motor burning out quick, like with many of these off-brand impact drivers they sell for cheap. I was originally a little curious about the pricing, though. You get two batteries instead of the standard single battery you'll get with Greenworks or DeWalt. But this is priced a good fifty to eighty bucks more than either of those other ones. it's priced about eighty bucks more than either of those other ones. But when I was at Lowe's, I noticed spare 18v CAT batteries ran about $90 before tax. So basically the tool itself is priced about the same as the other big brand names. You're just ponying up for a second battery. Which, if you plan on using this for commercial purposes or extended periods of time, is a good investment.Only thing to do now is keep using it, and see how it holds up over the next year or two. I'm inclined to think that it should continue to perform well as time passes, just based on the brand. But I'll be sure to update this review in the future, should anything change. If you're a DIYer that will only use an impact driver once in a blue moon, it honestly wouldn't hurt to look at something that isn't brand-name, and only has one battery. But if you need something reliable that can stand up to frequent use, you can't go wrong with this one.

The media could not be loaded. This is the first time I've heard of Caterpillar brand cordless tools. This is an excellent impact driver.The size, weight, and balance are great. The feel is as heavy duty as it looks. It just a solid impact driver.It has outstanding torque, and can really hammer it home when you need it to.The batteries charge fairly fast and provide a lot of torque for being as light as they are. I only show some quick usage in the video, but it really shines in many other usages. The batteries do have to be charged first to provide full torque. The hex bit holder has a nice, solid "click", and very little play in it. I would not hesitate to use it for double duty as a regular drill, which hex bit drill bits.Brushless is impressive. No brush sparks or smell, and there is better battery life and torque. The battery indications show the battery charge both on and off the tool. The battery locking mechanism is quick and easy. The cooling fan on the back of the driver does its job and keeps the driver cool, and it doesn't blow air or sawdust in my face.The LED light is on the front of the battery part. I'm not so crazy about that placement, but it is an impact driver and not a flashlight. The LED is good enough. The driver is ready to use right out of the case with the sturdy belt clip came installed. The belt clip can be easily moved to the other side if needed.The case is intriguing. The open/close lid latches are easy to pull open and snap shut. They hold time when closed. It has some spring-loaded clips on the bottom that look to mate with a portable stacking tool box. I don't know what that is yet, but it opens up the versatility of this case. The inside is not blow molded, instead it has an insert to fit the drill, batteries, and charger. This is great as the actually shell of the case is very sturdy and not thin blow molded plastic. I can replace the plastic tray with some custom cut foam liners. There is actually plenty of room for a few more accessories.This is a very impressive drill from a highly respected brand name. I'm impressed! A very value with its two included batteries and the high build quality. It includes a factory 3-year warranty, which is well over what I've seen for other brands.

I ordered this because my other impact driver is too heavy and much larger, which is restrictive when I work on my project car. That said, this arrived as described, and it's the third product from CAT that I have had the privilege to evaluate.First, I am a sucker for any tool with its own case, and this is one of the best cases I have come across. Fortunately for me, I don't travel with my tools, but this is definitely a plus for those who do. The drill is compact, and its dexterity is great; it feels comfortable to hold and is small enough to get into the places I couldn't reach with my other drill.I especially like that it brought two batteries compared to my other unit, which only came with one. As for the performance, this exceeded my expectations and outperformed my other name brand. This is definitely a commercial-grade product built to last.Unlike my other drill, this is brushless, which is more powerful. The torque power for this unit is excellent, and I could take out bolts that my other unit could not handle easily. The LED light is an excellent touch, especially for us older dudes who need reading glasses when working.Lastly, this is my third product from CAT, and it has become my go-to. I'm pleased with it and recommend it.