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Best DeWalt 3/8" impact for auto use?

nattyboh74

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Joined
Aug 28, 2017
Messages
8
So I'm already invested in DeWalt, so I want to stay with them. I'm looking for a 3/8 impact that can remove lugs, suspension bolts/nuts etc. The biggest vehicle I have is an f250... It looks like some of those new compacts are crazy high torque wise. More than I thought they were... Any 3/8" impacts worth looking at from DeWalt?
 
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mrvm

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Feb 12, 2014
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Location
PA
So I'm already invested in DeWalt, so I want to stay with them. I'm looking for a 3/8 impact that can remove lugs, suspension bolts/nuts etc. The biggest vehicle I have is an f250... It looks like some of those new compacts are crazy high torque wise. More than I thought they were... Any 3/8" impacts worth looking at from DeWalt?
IME 1/2" is a better size for what your tackling: lugs, suspension. An impact rated adapter can get you 1/2>3/8
 

turbodave

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Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
673
Location
IL/WI
I've had my DFC923B since Dec. I'm just a hobbyist so it doesn't get daily use, but from my experience I'm really happy with it.

I used it when parting out a 90's Caravan, pulling the engine, trans and interior apart. It worked great on all of that, even easily removing the trans to engine bolts and flywheel to crank bolts, something my old 18V Dewalt 1/2" impact would have struggled with in the past.

It has had no issues with lug bolts and nuts on my cars so far. Haven't tried it on the 3/4 ton truck yet.

I did have to switch to 1/2" pneumatic impact when it wouldn't get a strut clamp bolt loose on an 08 Accord I was swapping an axle on the other day, but I didn't spend a lot of time messing with it and was probably going at it from the bolt side when I should have been tryin to remove the nut first.

I'm in the rust belt so everything is a fight on our cars. I am waiting on Dewalt to release their new 1/2" high torque, or might just pull the trigger on the new Mid torque 1/2" I think those are still the go-to for truck lug nuts and some of the tighter suspension parts.
 
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WWheeler

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Jun 23, 2015
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Middleofnowhere USA
So what do you recommend for 1/2" then?
I'm guessing the Dewalt DCF891, judging by this from Torque Test Channel (edit: looks like I was 7 minutes too late with this post):


Or, if you are really seeking a big bad mammajamma the much anticipated Dewalt DCF900 (nickname Bruiser 2) is due to be out before much longer that's rumored to boast 1,000 ft lbs.
 

Xcursion88

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2013
Messages
785
So I'm already invested in DeWalt, so I want to stay with them. I'm looking for a 3/8 impact that can remove lugs, suspension bolts/nuts etc. The biggest vehicle I have is an f250... It looks like some of those new compacts are crazy high torque wise. More than I thought they were... Any 3/8" impacts worth looking at from DeWalt?
Dcf903 is a great do most everything impact.
3/8, 12 volt...yes 12...and that little bit of size difference can mean getting into the spot or not.

I use a dcf901 (1/2") 12 volt for everything. Armed with a 5AH 12 volt, swivel sockets, I can get to everything.
Power...the only time I can't remove lug nuts is if someone went king kong on them. If that happens I just pull out the DCF899 impact.

Good luck.
 

boom_bap

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Joined
Feb 29, 2020
Messages
614
Location
Idaho
Does the 150ftlbs between the DCF921 and M18 2962 warrant owning both? I've got a 2962 but eyeballing the 921 or 923 and was gifted some dewalt batteries that have been collecting dust.

They're only 1.1 inch in difference but was thinking the 921 would be good for most smaller jobs or smaller nuts and bolts (8-15) and the mid torque for suspension, lugs, axles, brakes, etc. (15+).

921 - 319 lbft range
2962- 450 range.
 
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