Battery powered Dewalt impacts, Need Help choosing which model.

[JOE.G]

I think I am going to add a couple Battery impacts, I am leaning towards dewalt because I have lots of their construction based tools so batteries and chargers will interchange.

I have always used air tools and have a large assortment of them.

Below are a few of the models I am looking at, I am thinking id get a 1/2 inch and a 3/8. I was wondering if the stubby in 3/8 and full size in 1/2 would be the way to go?

Any help and suggestions on models would be great, They have a bunch of diffrent part/model numbers in each size.

Thanks

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9T821KC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MLM7BQJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

I have the 923 and 899, great combo. The 900 is a beast, same packaging as the 899 just a lot more powerful.

Do you need a high torque?

Make sure you are using the right batteries. The 21700 cell packs make a big difference and being at or above 5ah helps a lot

 

[dnschmidt]

The DCF900 has killer torque but do you really need killer torque? If you're working on cars you certainly don't and the thing weighs about 1,000 pounds. The DCF923 will do at least 90% of automotive applications and is light and portable. Used with the small Powerstack battery it's a joy to use. For the second model to handle anything on a car or pickup get the mid-torque with does like 800 ft-lb in reverse and is half the weight of the DCF900. The part number for the mid-torque is DCF891B for the bare tool. For this one use the 4.0 A-hr compact battery that uses the 21700 cells.

 

[finn]

I have the (921 & 923?) Atomic 3/8 & 1/2” drive impacts, and like them. I also have three latest gen Milwaukees, including their 2767 High Torque.

I prefer the Dewalt Atomics, but unless you really need a high torque, I suggest you get the Atomic and a mid torque for the better ergonomics and specifically the lighter weight and smaller size.

FYI, I encountered an under engine brace on a 66 Mustang project car I am working on that the Atomic wouldn’t remove. Pulled out the high torque Milwaukee and twisted the head off the special bolt in about three seconds. Now I’m faced with probably a two hour job removing a rusty, broken bolt in the box section frame rail.

Lesson (re)- learned: sneak up on torque when removing stubborn, frozen bolts. I really dislike the 2767 Milwaukee because of the ergonomics, and suspect the equivalent Dewalt would be the same, or at least similar.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the (921 & 923?) Atomic 3/8 & 1/2” drive impacts, and like them. I also have three latest gen Milwaukees, including their 2767 High Torque.

I prefer the Dewalt Atomics, but unless you really need a high torque, I suggest you get the Atomic and a mid torque for the better ergonomics and specifically the lighter weight and smaller size.

FYI, I encountered an under engine brace on a 66 Mustang project car I am working on that the Atomic wouldn’t remove. Pulled out the high torque Milwaukee and twisted the head off the special bolt in about three seconds. Now I’m faced with probably a two hour job removing a rusty, broken bolt in the box section frame rail.

Lesson (re)- learned: sneak up on torque when removing stubborn, frozen bolts. I really dislike the 2767 Milwaukee because of the ergonomics, and suspect the equivalent Dewalt would be the same, or at least similar.

Curious, why both the 921 and 923?

 

[ItsNemo]

The best combo is a 923 and 891. The 923 is 3/8" and very compact but still has some beans. The 891 is basically as potent as the old 899 (or very close) but is a mid-torque frame which is much more convenient to handle. The 899/900's are just wayyyy too heavy and bulky IMO for day to day use. The 891 can easily do lug nuts on most passenger cars/trucks and the typical heavier subframe/suspension bolts. The 900 would only come into play on things like honda crank bolts or tractor wheels or bigger stuff like that.

 

[mike93lx]

The best combo is a 923 and 891. The 923 is 3/8" and very compact but still has some beans. The 891 is basically as potent as the old 899 (or very close) but is a mid-torque frame which is much more convenient to handle. The 899/900's are just wayyyy too heavy and bulky IMO for day to day use. The 891 can easily do lug nuts on most passenger cars/trucks and the typical heavier subframe/suspension bolts. The 900 would only come into play on things like honda crank bolts or tractor wheels or bigger stuff like that.

If my 899 died, I'd almost certainly replace it with a 891

 

[finn]

Curious, why both the 921 and 923?

3/8” and 1/2” drive. I use both, but have a better selection of 1/2” drive impact sockets. The Atomics are strong enough to handle most work, and I like the size.

I bought the 1/2” first, and my only 3/8” ratchet was a Milwaukee (latest gen M18), which I didn’t exactly love after using the 1/2” Dewalt Atomic, so I picked up the 3/8” Atomic too.

in the grand scheme, if you are just buying a bare tool, they really aren’t that expensive. Especially since it’s been years since I finished paying college tuition for the kids.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I have the (921 & 923?) Atomic 3/8 & 1/2” drive impacts, and like them. I also have three latest gen Milwaukees, including their 2767 High Torque.

I prefer the Dewalt Atomics, but unless you really need a high torque, I suggest you get the Atomic and a mid torque for the better ergonomics and specifically the lighter weight and smaller size.

FYI, I encountered an under engine brace on a 66 Mustang project car I am working on that the Atomic wouldn’t remove. Pulled out the high torque Milwaukee and twisted the head off the special bolt in about three seconds. Now I’m faced with probably a two hour job removing a rusty, broken bolt in the box section frame rail.

Lesson (re)- learned: sneak up on torque when removing stubborn, frozen bolts. I really dislike the 2767 Milwaukee because of the ergonomics, and suspect the equivalent Dewalt would be the same, or at least similar.

Too funny, I have the same. I have the big Milwaukee and the mid Milwaukee, and the dewalt 921, and really like the 921, it feels crazy powerful for it's small size.

BTW, I get them super cheap off FB MP.

 

[dnschmidt]

The OP mentioned that he had a boatload of air powered impacts. If that's the case it makes the need for a high-torque even less. Say you've got something like a Thor or Aircat 1250K (I have both) The need for a cordless high torque that you'll seldom need (<<5% of the time if you've got a mid-torque) and weighs twice as much as the equivalent big dog air tool becomes zero as these monster air tools will get the job done if need be.

 

[MOS3522]

BTW, I get them super cheap off FB MP.

Support your local shoplifter?

 

[ThePostman]

Pro automotive daily use, DCF891 in 1/2" with an 8ah battery is awesome, and I have the stubby DCF923 in 3/8" which is very powerful for it's compact size.

 

[charbar]

Depends what you are doing with them. I have a couple old 899s and I use them all day every day in an automotive shop. They do 90% of what I need. For that other 10% of the time the 900 is awesome though. I usually only grab it if I need the extra power. It is considerably heavier than the 899. I also picked up an 891 that I haven't even used yet. It is smaller and lighter than the 899. Think power is rated within 100lbs of the 899. Maybe Ill use it today to actually get a comparison in power between it and the 899. I don't expect it to be able to do a lot of the suspension work on 3/4 and 1 ton pickups but I could be wrong.

900 on the left, 899 middle, 891 right

 

[mike93lx]

Depends what you are doing with them. I have a couple old 899s and I use them all day every day in an automotive shop. They do 90% of what I need. For that other 10% of the time the 900 is awesome though. I usually only grab it if I need the extra power. It is considerably heavier than the 899. I also picked up an 891 that I haven't even used yet. It is smaller and lighter than the 899. Think power is rated within 100lbs of the 899. Maybe Ill use it today to actually get a comparison in power between it and the 899. I don't expect it to be able to do a lot of the suspension work on 3/4 and 1 ton pickups but I could be wrong.

900 on the left, 899 middle, 891 right

Based on what @Torque Test Channel has shown, I bet you will be happy with the 891.

 

[JOE.G]

I am thinking I will do the 891 and 923, Can you guys please link me to the Battery packs you recommend for each. Thank you

 

[mike93lx]

I am thinking I will do the 891 and 923, Can you guys please link me to the Battery packs you recommend for each. Thank you

I tend to grab either a dcb206 or dcb240 if I want it lighter and smaller.

20V MAX* XR® 6Ah Battery | DEWALT

Power your 20V MAX* tools with these lightweight XR® batteries that feature a portable design and a 3-LED Fuel Gauge System for immediate feedback on your state of charge.

www.dewalt.com

I don't have a need for the runtime of an 8ahz so I don't have any bigger than 6.

 

[ItsNemo]

I am thinking I will do the 891 and 923, Can you guys please link me to the Battery packs you recommend for each. Thank you

923 I just use the little 2ah ones, but the small powerstack would be ideal.
891 (I have an 894, but same deal), I use the 5ah ones, but again, the large powerstack might be ideal.

I find anything beyond the 5ah just gets bulky again and the actual difference in power is minimal. If I really need beans I have the 60v 9ah packs but at that point I've just grabbed a larger impact instead.

 

[ThePostman]

My Mac guy sold me two of these for $160 last year. I like these because one can last me almost a whole week, downside is they take a while to charge. I think you need at least a 5ah battery to get full capability of the dcf891.

2Pack New DeWalt DCB208 20V MAX XR 8.0 AH Compact Lithium Ion Power Tool Battery | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2Pack New DeWalt DCB208 20V MAX XR 8.0 AH Compact Lithium Ion Power Tool Battery at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

For the stubby and everything else I have these. Plus the normal 2ah that came with everything else. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KKXPDJ5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[legenddc]

I don't know if these are the best deals, so do your own research.

Home Depot currently has the 921 with a 4 ah, 6 ah and charger for $299 plus you get a free tool, that could include another 921. I'm not sure why the 923 isn't an option.

They also have the 899 with a 4 ah battery for $249.

 

[finn]

923 I just use the little 2ah ones, but the small powerstack would be ideal.
891 (I have an 894, but same deal), I use the 5ah ones, but again, the large powerstack might be ideal.

I find anything beyond the 5ah just gets bulky again and the actual difference in power is minimal. If I really need beans I have the 60v 9ah packs but at that point I've just grabbed a larger impact instead.

I prefer the Powerstack. It’s light, and lasts long enough for what I do.

Pro shops might need huge batteries, but for hobby and homeowner use, it’s better to go as compact and light as you can get by with.

 

[JOE.G]

How does the Power stack differ from the regular battery?

 

[JOE.G]

I added it to cart, Went to check out and it was out of stock that quick. The 2 battery's and tool deal.

 

[mike93lx]

How does the Power stack differ from the regular battery?

It's a pouch cell.instead of cylindrical. Higher power density and output rate. Higher cost.

I'd like one but have plenty of other batteries that work great

 

[dnschmidt]

The Powerstack has a higher instantaneous current output which is ideal for a tool such as an impact which is an intermittently used tool. It has a relatively low 1.7 A-hr rating but that really isn't going to hurt you much as 1) Buy the two pack on Amazon listed above as it's an amazing deal and 2) The Powerstack charges at a faster rate than a normal cell battery so at the most it will take 30 minutes on the DeWalt rapid charger to completely recharge. This battery wouldn't be ideal for something like a blower or circular saw cutting up plywood sheets but for for an impact or a cordless ratchet it's the bomb.

For the MId-Torque I like the compact 4.0 A-hr batteries as the best combination of weight and power here's the Amazon link to these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0866BYSLM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mike93lx]

The Powerstack has a higher instantaneous current output which is ideal for a tool such as an impact which is an intermittently used tool. It has a relatively low 1.7 A-hr rating but that really isn't going to hurt you much as 1) Buy the two pack on Amazon listed above as it's an amazing deal and 2) The Powerstack charges at a faster rate than a normal cell battery so at the most it will take 30 minutes on the DeWalt rapid charger to completely recharge. This battery wouldn't be ideal for something like a blower or circular saw cutting up plywood sheets but for for an impact or a cordless ratchet it's the bomb.

For the MId-Torque I like the compact 4.0 A-hr batteries as the best combination of weight and power here's the Amazon link to these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0866BYSLM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There is also the 5ah PS

 

[dnschmidt]

There is also the 5ah PS

True, but that cost an arm and a leg.

 

[mike93lx]

True, but that cost an arm and a leg.

$300ish a pair. Not too far off the 6ah flex volt.

More than I need to spend on a battery, either way

 

[oilslick]

Lots of great information here. Personally I rarely use my 900, usually it’s the mid torque . Love the power stack on impacts and drills.

 

[bubinga]

I have the 923 and 899, great combo. The 900 is a beast, same packaging as the 899 just a lot more powerful.

Do you need a high torque?

Make sure you are using the right batteries. The 21700 cell packs make a big difference and being at or above 5ah helps a lot

If you're going to get a high torque I would get the DCF 900 at this point although I understand the 899 is a good impact as well.
The DCF 891/892 is said to be a killer mid torque as well.

 

[dnschmidt]

An example where the little Powerstack would **** would be a grinder. At most it would last 4-5 minutes under load. The 5.0 A-hr would work fine but at it's current price the 6.0 with the 21700 cells is a better deal for these continuous use applications. As time goes by the 5.0 price will go down but there is little doubt that pouch batteries are the future as the power density is that much better. MILWAUKEE TAKE NOTE.

 

[bubinga]

The DCF900 has killer torque but do you really need killer torque? If you're working on cars you certainly don't and the thing weighs about 1,000 pounds. The DCF923 will do at least 90% of automotive applications and is light and portable. Used with the small Powerstack battery it's a joy to use. For the second model to handle anything on a car or pickup get the mid-torque with does like 800 ft-lb in reverse and is half the weight of the DCF900. The part number for the mid-torque is DCF891B for the bare tool. For this one use the 4.0 A-hr compact battery that uses the 21700 cells.

Yes DCF 891b or DCF 892b one is hog ring the other is detent pin.

 

[ItsNemo]

Yes DCF 891b or DCF 892b one is hog ring the other is detent pin.

891 is hog ring, avoid the detent pins.

 

[bubinga]

I added it to cart, Went to check out and it was out of stock that quick. The 2 battery's and tool deal.

It just let me add it.
Maybe try again or try another store or maybe try tomorrow.
Now they do have free shipping or pick up in store I don't know if it was out of stock in your store, but you might find it for free shipping?

 

[dnschmidt]

891 is hog ring, avoid the detent pins.

Oddly, I'm in the opposite camp. I like detent pins as I don' like flying sockets. I have a detent pin Milwaukee Mid-torque and I keep a punch attached to it to quickly change sockets. It's clearly not as fast as a hog ring but I'm never in a hurry anyway. If I were working flat rate I'd care but I'm not so I don't.

 

[ItsNemo]

Oddly, I'm in the opposite camp. I like detent pins as I don' like flying sockets. I have a detent pin Milwaukee Mid-torque and I keep a punch attached to it to quickly change sockets. It's clearly not as fast as a hog ring but I'm never in a hurry anyway. If I were working flat rate I'd care but I'm not so I don't.

I've literally never had a socket fly off an impact wrench in my entire life...I have owned exactly one detent impact and hated it with a passion.

 

[bubinga]

891 is hog ring, avoid the detent pins.

I have it on my 894, I don't have any issues with it?
Most guys prefer the hog ring though.
ETA; I've never needed a punch to release the socket on my 894.

 

[mike93lx]

My 899 needs something to push the pin in. It's a real pain in the ***.

I would only buy a 899 today if it was a killer deal. $250 is way too much

 

[bubinga]

I have it on my 894, I don't have any issues with it?
Most guys prefer the hog ring though.

My 899 needs something to push the pin in. It's a real pain in the ***.

I would only buy a 899 today if it was a killer deal. $250 is way too much

I think it's too much too.
I thought they would close them out pretty cheap...... well I guess a couple places did but I always missed them.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have an 899, 891, and 923. Haven't found anything the 899 won't budge or break yet. It is heavy with an 8amp battery. The 891 does 85% of all the large fasteners. The 923 is nice and light with a power stack, and compact. I may need to send it in as it does like my bigger batteries. Pull the trigger and nothing, but with a power stack works every time. I still kick the idea around of getting a 921 for the compactness.

 

[JOE.G]

So I got the HD Deal 2 batteries and the 921 and I got the 1/4 impact as the free add on, I am still going to get the 923 as I thing the 3/8 will be the most handy in that size, Considering what I just ordered should I still go with the 891 or should I jump up to the 900?

I am thinking about getting the this as well,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BB4TP3LM/?tag=atomicindus08-20