So, I have been trying to decide between a cordless impact wrench that can be used for most diy car repairs, tire rotations, suspension. I have a full size pneumatic impact wrench but would like something for portability. I currently have a couple Dewalt 20v products and multiple Dewalt batteries to include a 5ah lithium ion. I had my mind set on the Milwaukee M18 Mid-Torque impact wrench but then Dewalt released the 20v Atomic compact impact wrench and I’m torn.
Cordless Impact Wrench opinion
- Thread starter donchiro
- Start date
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
If you're going to add a new line of batteries and have the Dewalt 20V already, I'd say look at the Milwaukee M12 stubby in 1/2" or 3/8" (they're the same gun otherwise). The M12's size and output puts it into a league of its own. There's a new 3ah compact battery for tight spaces. The bigger batteries are handy for tires.
Otherwise, I don't know that the M18 really adds to what you have with Dewalt. Worth watching the Torque Test Channel guys.
-Ryan
Otherwise, I don't know that the M18 really adds to what you have with Dewalt. Worth watching the Torque Test Channel guys.
-Ryan
rsanter
Well-known member
I have the 20v dewalt impacts.
I have the big 1/2dr
The small 1/2dr
And the 3/8 dr units.
Mostly get used on cars. I'm happy with all of them
I have the big 1/2dr
The small 1/2dr
And the 3/8 dr units.
Mostly get used on cars. I'm happy with all of them
Torque Test Channel
Well-known member
Get the new DCF921 Atomic because it's the best 18/20v compact on the market right now.
Then wait for the new DeWalt mid torque, code name "Honey Badger 2" DCF891 due out in 2022
Then wait for the new DeWalt mid torque, code name "Honey Badger 2" DCF891 due out in 2022
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If you already have Dewalt maybe you should stick with them. I personally prefer Milwaukee. I have used both lines before and I just feel the Dewalt is underpowered for what it is. I’ve been using Milwaukee since July and it is amazing. I have the full size Milwaukee 1/2 and it’s a beast. I also just ordered more Milwaukee so it’s what I will be sticking with.
joshmodelskidoo
Well-known member
I have the dewalt 899 high torque and I love it but as stated it is mot as powerful as the Milwaukee high torque. As torque test said the new compact mid torque will do most things. I had a craftsman c3 and it was rated with 300ft lb and 3000ipm and it did probably 75% of what I needed and the dewalt 899 has over twice the power but less ipm (impacts per minute). Pretty sure the new mid torque is rated around 400ft lb. look up the torque test channel on YouTube. There’s tons of impact testing.
I mean, torque is great, but it's not the only thing. I really liked the Gen1, but I love the Gen2. The Gen2 has a bit more power, but likely not noticeable for me, but I sure as hell like the size, modes and lights of the Gen2.
javyLSU
Well-known member
If you’re looking for an excuse to get into Milwaukee, you’ll be hard pressed to beat the Gen 2 mid-torque. If you’re looking to be rational (since you already have DeWalt 20V batteries and chargers) the new 20V Atomic will solve most any problem in the areas you listed in your post. If I were in your shoes, I’d go with the DeWalt.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I am a huge fan of Milwaukee, but I have to agree with the others. Stick with DeWalt.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
I have both the DeWalt mid-torque (DCF894) and high-torque (DCF899), as well as the Milwaukee M12 stubby 3/8. They are the first ones I grab (before air tools), but I will admit their torque ratings are severely overstated.
The mid-torque ends up being my least used one by far now, which was actually the first one I got. You would think if you wanted a "do it all" type impact then the mid-torque would be it, but I find it severely lacking in power for most things. I drive a half-ton pickup, and I find for anything suspension related, or any larger bolts under the truck that are rusty, the mid-torque won't budge them.
So I usually go for the high-torque first thing now. It's big and heavy, but I also don't want to waste my time grabbing the mid-torque, finding it can't break the fastener loose, and then going back to the box for the big one. I don't have any experience with the new Atomic specifically, but it's rated at 450 ft-lbs, and the DCF894 that I have is rated at 600 ft-lbs, so I have a hard time believing the Atomic would be useful as a "do everything" tool. Looks more comparable to a replacement for my M12 stubby. Maybe people who don't live in the rust belt, or work on smaller cars, have better results with the mid-torque than I do.
The M12 stubby I grab if I'm doing brakes or something I know is either small fasteners, or in tight quarters. Milwaukee rates it at 250 ft-lbs, and their estimations seem to be closer to accurate than DeWalt's, although I still don't think it actually makes that much real-world power.
My advice to anyone just buying one impact for a variety of tasks would be to go for the high-torque DCF899, and then get a smaller one later for clearance issues. The DCF899 has three power settings, so you can always dial it back for lighter work. But you can't turn up the power on the smaller gun.
The mid-torque ends up being my least used one by far now, which was actually the first one I got. You would think if you wanted a "do it all" type impact then the mid-torque would be it, but I find it severely lacking in power for most things. I drive a half-ton pickup, and I find for anything suspension related, or any larger bolts under the truck that are rusty, the mid-torque won't budge them.
So I usually go for the high-torque first thing now. It's big and heavy, but I also don't want to waste my time grabbing the mid-torque, finding it can't break the fastener loose, and then going back to the box for the big one. I don't have any experience with the new Atomic specifically, but it's rated at 450 ft-lbs, and the DCF894 that I have is rated at 600 ft-lbs, so I have a hard time believing the Atomic would be useful as a "do everything" tool. Looks more comparable to a replacement for my M12 stubby. Maybe people who don't live in the rust belt, or work on smaller cars, have better results with the mid-torque than I do.
The M12 stubby I grab if I'm doing brakes or something I know is either small fasteners, or in tight quarters. Milwaukee rates it at 250 ft-lbs, and their estimations seem to be closer to accurate than DeWalt's, although I still don't think it actually makes that much real-world power.
My advice to anyone just buying one impact for a variety of tasks would be to go for the high-torque DCF899, and then get a smaller one later for clearance issues. The DCF899 has three power settings, so you can always dial it back for lighter work. But you can't turn up the power on the smaller gun.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I would stick with Dewalt because, you're already an established Dewalt user, and it's much easier to stick to one or two battery platforms. Besides, as the Torque test channel advised above, new Dewalt products are on the horizon. 
bubinga
Well-known member
FrogBlastTheVentCore
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2021
- Messages
- 26
DCF921/DCF923 is glorious.
Xcursion88
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 785
The 899 is USA made too
Get the hog ring version and keep the nose cone inners greased. (4 screws)
Milwaukee you must disassemble the entire ******** tool to grease that. It looks like 4 screws. Nnnnnnoooooo...30 mins and 23 screws later you can finally do maintenance on that Milwaukee.
bubinga
Well-known member
Did you try a 6Ah battery on the mid torque DeWalt?
Seemed to make a big difference
.Chumly
Well-known member
You mentioned DIY so I'm with the majority here, stick with what ya got or at least stay in the family due to costs of a new tool. Unless you're in the rust belt, the basic brushless 20v DeFault cordless does all of the impact work you'd really need. If I were in the rust belt again, heh, I'd take it to a good shop and pay to have someone else do it if it called for a bigger gun or a heat wrench to do. *****, but sometimes these jobs fall outside of what I'd call DIY simple repairs.
That not-so-old 20V DeFault 1/4" brushless impact has done a LOT of chassis work on various vehicles here at home, built 2 smaller decks with a ranch wrap-around getting ready, and I feel no need to upgrade to the Atomic at this point for around the house DIY chores myself. I do enjoy the M12 stuff for much more simple things that pop up though. Just stuff you don't need a 20V impact for, like drywall and all the other neat toys they make for the M12 system.
When I was in Iron building construction early on, I got grief for having a 12v DeWalt and not some 18V (at the time) from my best friend/Superintendent. The finishing contractors saved me one day when they all pulled out 12-volt tools. "They're light and you're doing this a lot so that speeds the job up, time is money right?" It's not always about having the strongest tool, it's about having the best tool for the job at hand. No different than when I see a lifted 2WD truck that'll never see dirt and I say a prayer for their lacking down below. I like the M12 (better drill chucks for sure) for around the house and the 20V DeFault for vehicle repairs and stuff that needs actual power.
I may contradict all of the above by saying I did get an Atomic only because there was that regular deal there for a while where you get the tool and a battery for $100 and then they tossed in another battery, and we all know the batteries are the wallet killers. That Atomic went to work and there's more yellow tools at home to grab for DIY projects as you mention.
That not-so-old 20V DeFault 1/4" brushless impact has done a LOT of chassis work on various vehicles here at home, built 2 smaller decks with a ranch wrap-around getting ready, and I feel no need to upgrade to the Atomic at this point for around the house DIY chores myself. I do enjoy the M12 stuff for much more simple things that pop up though. Just stuff you don't need a 20V impact for, like drywall and all the other neat toys they make for the M12 system.
When I was in Iron building construction early on, I got grief for having a 12v DeWalt and not some 18V (at the time) from my best friend/Superintendent. The finishing contractors saved me one day when they all pulled out 12-volt tools. "They're light and you're doing this a lot so that speeds the job up, time is money right?" It's not always about having the strongest tool, it's about having the best tool for the job at hand. No different than when I see a lifted 2WD truck that'll never see dirt and I say a prayer for their lacking down below. I like the M12 (better drill chucks for sure) for around the house and the 20V DeFault for vehicle repairs and stuff that needs actual power.
I may contradict all of the above by saying I did get an Atomic only because there was that regular deal there for a while where you get the tool and a battery for $100 and then they tossed in another battery, and we all know the batteries are the wallet killers. That Atomic went to work and there's more yellow tools at home to grab for DIY projects as you mention.
mikehaugen
Well-known member
My vote is for the dewalt mid-torque. I have it, the high torque, and m12 3/8 fuel. I rarely use the high torque. I find it big, heavy, and cumbersome. The mid torque is enough for most things and what it can't handle, you say you have a good air impact for. You rarely need max power and portability at the same time... I doubt you will be doing suspension work on the side of the road, and the smaller size of an air impact would be better for that anyway.
WWheeler
Well-known member
I had long been on Dewalt's 20V platform (and their 18V nicad before that) well before I bought my first cordless impact so that was the deciding factor for me. I don't have any of Dewalt's newer improved line-up but I'm not in the market for any upgrades yet either. I'm still quite happy with the 3/8 & 1/2 compacts and the DCF899 I picked up 4-5 years or more ago now before Milwaukee had even came out with their 2763 impact yet. Together they still tackle almost everything I'm working on to keep me from dragging out the air hose. The only concession I did have to make was that Dewalt doesn't make a cordless ratchet so I did also invest in Milwaukee's M12 for that. I have many other Dewalt 20V tools and a dozen or so 4-6a/h batteries and several chargers so if/when I do ever start looking for any upgrades/replacements for my impacts I'll very likely still be staying on team yellow.
IMHO they all do the same tasks. Whatever color brand's latest hits a little harder than whatever other color's latest did didn't really factor much practical consideration over the benefits of sticking with a battery platform I'd already invested in. The batteries and chargers cost near as much or more than the tools themselves do.
IMHO they all do the same tasks. Whatever color brand's latest hits a little harder than whatever other color's latest did didn't really factor much practical consideration over the benefits of sticking with a battery platform I'd already invested in. The batteries and chargers cost near as much or more than the tools themselves do.
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finn
Well-known member
Dewalt recently released both 20v Atomic and 12v Extreme fetchers.I had long been on Dewalt's 20V platform (and their 18V nicad before that) well before I bought my first cordless impact so that was the deciding factor for me. I don't have any of Dewalt's newer improved line-up but I'm not in the market for any upgrades yet either. I'm still quite happy with the 3/8 & 1/2 compacts and the DCF899 I picked up 4-5 years or more ago now before Milwaukee had even came out with their 2763 impact yet. Together they still tackle almost everything I'm working on to keep me from dragging out the air hose. The only concession I did have to make was that Dewalt doesn't make a cordless ratchet so I did also invest in Milwaukee's M12 for that. I have many other Dewalt 20V tools and a dozen or so 4-6a/h batteries and several chargers so if/when I do ever start looking for any upgrades/replacements for my impacts I'll very likely still be staying on team yellow.
IMHO they all do the same tasks. Whatever color brand's latest hits a little harder than whatever other color's latest did didn't really factor much practical consideration over the benefits of sticking with a battery platform I'd already invested in. The batteries and chargers cost near as much or more than the tools themselves do.
Wish I had realized that before my recent m12 high speed Milwaukee purchase.
anndel
Well-known member
I have both the hi-torques DeWalt DCF899 and Milwaukee 2767. Compared side-by-side, the DeWalt is under powered and the Milwaukee blows the DeWalt away. Un bolting cv axle bolts torques to 217 ft-lbf, the Milwaukee rips 'em right off. The DeWalt takes a little longer but does the job.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
The mid torque cordless models are bulkier than a 1/2" air impact gun and have less power in some cases. My Milwaukee M12 stubby is powerful enough in most cases and is able to fit in tight spaces.
I just recently purchased the Dewalt Extreme 12v max brushless 3/8 impact (DC902F2) for work. I gotta say I really like it. Light weight, small and compact. Has good power and battery holds up for a long time. I would saw its max fastener size is 1/2 but thats pushing it. Works great on 3/8 and smaller.
Lucid Moments
Well-known member
OP made 1 post 3 1/2 months ago. He came back at least once but hasn't posted anything since. Is there really a point to keeping this thread alive?
finn
Well-known member
Lots of responses, so obviously there’s a good deal of interest in the subject.
At least it’s current, and not a ten year old thread debating the merits of tools that were obsoleted five years ago.
Jweebothee
Well-known member
If it might help someone else who may be having the same question, then yes,
bubinga
Well-known member
Yeah, we can pick up the thread and continue without the op.
I'll add this.
With my DeWalt dcf894b, going from a 5 to a 6 Ah battery really gave it some extra punch.
bubinga
Well-known member
DEWALT To Launch New 20V MAX* XR® 1/2 In. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches
DOWNLOAD THE PRODUCT GUIDES BELOWDEWALT has announced two new 20V MAX* XR® 1/2-in. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches: DCF891 with a Hog Ring Anvil...
www.mynewsdesk.com
DEWALT has announced two new 20V MAX* XR® 1/2-in. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches: DCF891 with a Hog Ring Anvil and DCF892 with a Detent Pin Anvil. Each impact wrench delivers up to 600 ft-lbs. of maximum fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs. of maximum breakaway torque where power is needed in compact spaces.
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Torque Test Channel
Well-known member
I can do you one better:DEWALT To Launch New 20V MAX* XR® 1/2 In. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches
DOWNLOAD THE PRODUCT GUIDES BELOWDEWALT has announced two new 20V MAX* XR® 1/2-in. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches: DCF891 with a Hog Ring Anvil...
DEWALT has announced two new 20V MAX* XR® 1/2-in. Mid-Range Cordless Impact Wrenches: DCF891 with a Hog Ring Anvil and DCF892 with a Detent Pin Anvil. Each impact wrench delivers up to 600 ft-lbs. of maximum fastening torque and 800 ft-lbs. of maximum breakaway torque where power is needed in compact spaces.
Wow. There it is in the wild (out of stock of course). It looks like they weren't going for compact if the 7 inch long number is to be believed. It looks like they're hanging their hat on the 25% increase in breakaway torque as the differentiator between the Milwaukee gen 3 mid torque.
I just got the new atomic impact with the thought that I'll use it until the day it can't do something I need it to and then consider a larger wrench. We'll see how that goes...
I just got the new atomic impact with the thought that I'll use it until the day it can't do something I need it to and then consider a larger wrench. We'll see how that goes...
Torque Test Channel
Well-known member
It's the same exact body as the previous mid-torque, but with push button settings instead of switch.
That's a real missed sales opportunity though. I know impacts better than the average Joe and I'd walk right past that in the store. Or if I saw the $229 and that image probably scoff and keep walking
That's a real missed sales opportunity though. I know impacts better than the average Joe and I'd walk right past that in the store. Or if I saw the $229 and that image probably scoff and keep walking
bubinga
Well-known member
I wonder if we'll see the DCF 899 B on sale now?
bubinga
Well-known member
Is Dewalt coming out with a new high torque impact?
I'm sure the compacts are nice. Certainly much lighter.
I will say this. I spent a bunch of time and money up grading the air lines etc. to get the most out of stuff like my impact. Bought the Dewalt 899 and I don't think I've used the pneumatic one since.
I will say this. I spent a bunch of time and money up grading the air lines etc. to get the most out of stuff like my impact. Bought the Dewalt 899 and I don't think I've used the pneumatic one since.
Torque Test Channel
Well-known member
Yes DCF900
The real on the low rumor is about DCF961 "ludicrous" which may be Flexvolt 60V 3/4" or 1"
bubinga
Well-known member
Well, hopefully the DCF 899b will go on sale.
I think between the DCF 899b, and the DCF 894b, I already have, that will be good enough for me.
BTW a 6 Ah on the 894 really seems to give it extra kick.
Chumly
Well-known member
Ha, sure I suppose. Team Yellow or Team Red or pick another and be brave. Chevy vs Ford, Intel vs AMD, SIG vs Glock. That's the fun with tool talk: explain why we like what we paid for with some biases here and there. It's been a hell of a good read though!
I do have agree that after a couple weeks, it'll all change. We can get to page 24 and it'll all become moot because we're talking about current dinosaurs. "You're still using Atomic!? Man, they got 48/120V MegaPowerStack now. That was so March"
I get in heat for opinion elsewhere, but I don't care. I still think it comes down to what feels good in your hands and if it makes money for you or makes life easier. The philosophy of the tool in your hands, not the specs. Would you use an 18lb $700 impact for all the things if it had the best torque of them all? Of course not, I just need a tierod end removed that a harbor freight hand ratchet can do for $5...once, or 200 times.
When I pull out the drawers of tools, each have a use. There's no one tool to do it all and I think that ideal comes with time. So yeah, it's historical by now.
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Oh Jeez, I opened that old box in the stable and there's tools that don't even exist anymore. Still able to do work though!