Dewalt Impact - Picked DCF894B

[Rodango]

Hey y'all, second post here, seems like a great forum.

I got hooked into Dewalt battery tools ~15 yrs ago when I did an installation of 10 counters with sink cutouts for a contractor and he paid me with my choice of an 18v Dewalt tool kit. With 20v battery adapters I'm still using all of those tools except the light (jab saw, circular saw and hammer-drill.)

I've seen so many people doing tasks like long screws and lag bolts and car repair, that I decided to spring for an impact wrench. Staying in the Dewalt universe, it came down to might vs weight. Their DCF899B with 700 claimed ft-lbs vs DCF894B with 330 max ft-lbs. (7+ lbs vs ~3.3 lbs)

Had to go into deep though mode to avoid overspending: the bigger stronger tool would not be right for my most common uses, and when I have to remove stubborn lugnuts I have a decent socket wrench and a good breaker bar. And I do less of that than building, woodwork and light construction/repair.

So I opted for the lighter duty (bare) tool, and it's winging its way to Atlanta for $140 shipped. Is that a a good deal? Are they a decent compromise between size, weight and cost for general duty?

 

[ike]

I'm happy with mine. I got mine at Lowes for $199 w/ a 5ah battery, but if you don't need the battery (I'm at the point of not needing anymore) than $140 is a great price.

 

[liliysdad]

I have that impact, and its been perfect. I use it for primarily automotive work, busting lug nuts, etc, and its never disappointed me.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have a couple of different Dewalt impacts, all early generation 20V and they have been great. I do a fair amount of hobby mechanic work so have come across a few things they won't do, but not many.

 

[TonyJ]

The 899b is a pure beast of a impact but yes it’s almost twice the weight but with breakaway torque of 1200ftlbs it’s well worth the extra weight. I thought about the 894b as being a second smaller one but I think I’m going to get a 3/8 drive one instead just for the light duty work


Tony

 

[will335i]

The 899b is a pure beast of a impact but yes it’s almost twice the weight but with breakaway torque of 1200ftlbs it’s well worth the extra weight. I thought about the 894b as being a second smaller one but I think I’m going to get a 3/8 drive one instead just for the light duty work


Tony

This is what I did. I got the 899 for working on my F350 and I got the 902 for smaller projects. Both great tools.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have the 894. I use it much more often than I thought because of the power and size. I was going to get the bigger 899, but its size limits the use for me. I have a couple air powered impacts. A craftsman 1/2 impact with with 450 of torque and the HF earthquake with 750-800ft. I Figured if I need the extra power, I'll just use those. Both of those are smaller than the 899 and fit better in tight places for suspension work. I realize the 899 is more powerful, well on paper it is, but I haven't come across a bolt yet that the Earthquake has had any issues with.

 

[jonshonda]

There IS such a thing as too much tool for the job. I prefer the smallest, lightest weight tool that will get the job done! Hence the reason for my Milwaukee M12 purchases.

 

[JoeMcGov]

Really?? This is GJ and it's not until post #9 to say: buy them both!

 

[Lucid Moments]

Really?? This is GJ and it's not until post #9 to say: buy them both!

What are you talking about, both. There are a lot more than two. I count one 3/4", three 1/2" drive tools, plus a 3/8". And I didn't even get into 1/4" tools.
I can think of a use for all of them.