DeWalt DCF887 impact driver stalls under load

Hey guys, my DeWalt DCF887 impact driver just started stalling when driving 3” screws into pine. Battery is fully charged, but it stops rotating after a few seconds. Any ideas what’s wrong or how to fix it?

Could be the clutch worn out or the trigger switch failing. First check if the battery terminals are clean and snug. Then try a different battery if you have one. If it still stalls, open it up and look for corrosion on the switch contacts. Had a similar issue on a DCF885 last year.

Also check the brushes if it’s brushed motor. But the DCF887 is brushless, so likely an electronic issue. Might be a bad motor phase or controller. You can test the motor by disconnecting it from the controller and applying 12V directly—if it runs smooth, it’s the controller.

I had a DCF887 that did that and it turned out to be a loose wire inside the handle. Opened it up, resoldered a connection to the battery terminal, and it’s been fine since. Worth a look before buying a new one.

Don’t forget the basics: make sure the chuck is tight and the bit isn’t slipping. Also, pine can be resinous and cause binding. Try a smaller screw or pre-drill to see if it still stalls. Could be just the wood, not the tool.