Thoughts on Dewalt DCF902 compact 12V impact?

[AmateurMechanic]

Was looking at the Milwaukee M12 stubby impact and was impressed by the very small size, light weight, and 250 ft lbs of torque. Honestly seemed like it would cover most general automotive tasks without the bulk of a 18/20V impact. The only thing that gave me pause was the price which is rather high at $250 for the kit with 2 batteries.

Then I saw the DCF902 which seems like a great buy at $99 with 2x 2Ah batteries. Similar size and weight as the M12 stubby, and slightly less torque, but 200 ft lbs is still respectable.

Anybody have thoughts on the Dewalt compared to the M12? Not sure the extra 50 ft lbs of torque is worth $150 extra over the Dewalt.

 

[jmcf1949]

I don't know about those two, but I bought the Dewalt 1/2 in. mid range DCF894 and am thrilled with it. It is compact, lightweight, and has 330 ft. lbs. of torque. Plenty of nuts for what I need.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

I don't know about those two, but I bought the Dewalt 1/2 in. mid range DCF894 and am thrilled with it. It is compact, lightweight, and has 330 ft. lbs. of torque. Plenty of nuts for what I need.

The 894 looks nice but is still about double the weight of the DCF902. It's also 2 inches longer which can be an issue in tight spaces.

 

[HondaCBMan]

You will be disappointed by the DCF902 it doesn't have the 200ft-lbs it's advertising. It's literally the impact driver with an anvil thrown on. Not a true impact wrench in the sense.

Get the M12 Stubby.

 

[HondaCBMan]

BTW Dewalt does have a 90 day return policy, so try it. My original post was harsh, it should be fine for smaller jobs.

 

[DFB]

I don't own Dewalt tools so you may take my comments with a grain a salt but I do own cordless 5 different sized red impact wrenches

IMO it's a nice little tool so I'm not trying to discourage you from purchasing it if that's the one you want.

Forward torque and 1500 in lbs is in line with most 1/4" collet impact drivers

But I wouldn't expect real miracles with 200ftlbs max reverse torque knocking a lot of rusty stuff loose.

Depending on lug torque values it should do up to 125 ft lb fairly easy enough. My little 2454 Milwaukee can do freshly torqued 90-100 like nothing.

IMO though think any real comparison to the Milwaukee Stubby is a little off base especially with the included 1.5AH batteries. But many stubbie users will tell you the performance is far better using something like 6.0 and 4.0 minimum.

Milwaukee rates the M18 2754 compact at 210 ftlbs but that's also in forward as recently pointed out in another thread, there is no actual spec'd value for nut busting torque on those compact models which normally is quite a bit more or its Gen 1 predecessors

My M18 2655B @ 210ftlbs severely faltered on old frozen up light truck lugs that hadn't been removed for several seasons including winter conditions. A Mid Torque size tool zipped them right off though. The 2655 also ground away at 96 rusted and dirty nut and bolts combos on a roto tiller that the tines had to come off was the only one that fit in there, worked hard way too hard actually though it did all but maybe 2 or 3 damaged thread ones. Original torque there was like 90-100ftlbs

My personal opinion is the larger heavier 1/2" sockets always help too

 

[HondaCBMan]

The Dewalt 12v Xtreme comes with 2Ah batteries and the biggest they currently have is 3Ah.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Yeah, after watching some reviews I'm not expecting any miracles out of the Dewalt and I realize it's not quite as powerful as the M12 stubby. But, at $99 vs. $250 for the M12, there's quite a large price gap between the two and I'm just not sure I can justify paying 2.5 times as much for the Milwaukee when most of the fasteners I deal with are torqued to under 100 ft-lbs.

 

[DFB]

Yeah, after watching some reviews I'm not expecting any miracles out of the Dewalt and I realize it's not quite as powerful as the M12 stubby. But, at $99 vs. $250 for the M12, there's quite a large price gap between the two and I'm just not sure I can justify paying 2.5 times as much for the Milwaukee when most of the fasteners I deal with are torqued to under 100 ft-lbs.

Ya should work just fine for under hood fasteners, any small engine equipment work, lawn tractors, compact tractors etc.

If it's dollar value your after the HF Earthquake kit is often like $129 after a coupon with a single 4.0 AH hr battery that maybe should be considered.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Ya should work just fine for under hood fasteners, any small engine equipment work, lawn tractors, compact tractors etc.

If it's dollar value your after the HF Earthquake kit is often like $129 after a coupon with a single 4.0 AH hr battery that maybe should be considered.

I wanted something more compact for jobs that don't need a heavy hitter, plus i figure the stubby size (the Dewalt is 5 inches in length) will be good for tight spots. The M12 stubby is the better option, just not sure it's 2.5x better as its price would suggest

 

[HondaCBMan]

If you are doing under 100ft-lbs get the Dewalt. It should be perfectly fine.

 

[DFB]

I wanted something more compact for jobs that don't need a heavy hitter, plus i figure the stubby size (the Dewalt is 5 inches in length) will be good for tight spots. The M12 stubby is the better option, just not sure it's 2.5x better as its price would suggest

Ya the 3/8" Earthquake XT is 6 1/2" I have one here in the garage, and the M18 compacts 2754, 2755B are both 6" in length.

 

[DFB]

Just as another point of discussion on some of these smaller tools, more than a few have said the configuration of short body can sometimes be detriment as the nose being shorter or out no father than the battery pack now leads to possible situations where instead you have to use an extension bar which of course is power robbing.

Win some...lose some

It's all a Goldilocks thing

 

[shoot summ]

I have the 12V Dewalt set, drill, driver, and impact. I do not have anything Milwaukee so I can't compare. I have been VERY happy with the Dewalt set, they are light, and powerful. I recommended that set to both of my Boys who bought them, and they are very please with them as well. We regularly remark how powerful the impact is.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Just bought the DCF902 impact set with 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries and a Dewalt Tstak locking box for $89.99 shipped! Too good of a price to pass up.

 

[kctyphoon]

The idea is to invest in a system, not just one tool. The first is usually the hardest to swallow.
Dewalt is severely limited in the 12v market.. with both tools and battery sizes.
Had you gone milwaukee you would have a huge platform of other tools to use with those batteries if you choose to expand into ratchets, lights, ect..

I’m sure youll like the impact you got though. It is a pretty good price for a new toy. Smart on Dewalts part to offer a deal like that to lure people in.

 

[bubinga]

If you are doing under 100ft-lbs get the Dewalt. It should be perfectly fine.

I would agree. Heck, My 12 V brushed older Ni-Cad (the older style batteries)
is strong enough for the kind of work you're describing.
Say, My motorcycle shocks, will actually get them over spec.

 

[bubinga]

Just bought the DCF902 impact set with 2 x 2.0 Ah batteries and a Dewalt Tstak locking box for $89.99 shipped! Too good of a price to pass up.

Good Job! I "Need" another Impact. Have a link?
heck, the bare tool is $80.00 on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dewalt-DCF...401910771412?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

 

[AmateurMechanic]

Good Job! I "Need" another Impact. Have a link?
heck, the bare tool is $80.00 on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dewalt-DCF...401910771412?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-12v-brushless-drill-impact-driver-wrench-tstak-tool-box-kit-deal-112419/

Take your pick between the drill, impact driver, and impact wrench for $90. Comes with a free toolbox too.

 

[kctyphoon]

Yea thats a pretty great deal.. youre almost getting the tool for free .. hard to pass up for someone not invested in a system, - or even someone that just wanted a spare impact.. dewalt is so stupid for not making a ratchet branded and priced for Dewalt.

They could easily at least compete with Milwaukee in the 12v “mechanic” market with only a few tools. They need a ratchet, underhood light, a real inspection light - and they would pick up so many more new customers. The lack of a ratchet kills their market. Their Mac at 2x the price of a milwaukee is on NOBODYS radar...