Which Dewalt 20v Impact?

[jacked_72]

I got a 20v Dewalt drill, a couple of batteries and a charger for my birthday. I'd like to take advantage of having the batteries and charger and pick up an impact that fits the batteries. I want a 3/8" or 1/2" gun. I see that there is a DCF880B for about $130, but from what I've read in the amazon reviews it sometimes has problems with lug nuts torqued to 60 pounds. Interestingly, this model does have its max or working torque listed, but the 3/8" version says it has a max torque of 130#. One would presume the 1/2 gun would have a higher value, but who knows? I'd like to get a gun with enough power to do most of what a pneumatic impact will do (so as to not have to deal with a cord) but not be so big as to make it a chore to use. I know there is a larger 1/2" gun with something like 750# of torque, but it sounds like that gun is pretty big and would probably result in me not using it that often.

Anyone have feedback on the 1/2" DCF880. Oh, and why wouldn't I want a ball detent? I see they sell a hog ring and a ball detent. It seems to me that the ball would be the way to go, but I've seen that some people prefer the hog ring.

 

[md21722]

You want the hog ring unless you are using swivels all day long or doing production work, like putting in 300 bolts all the same size.

With the pin detent you need to use a screwdriver or punch to push the pin in to change sockets. That is more suitable for production work, not for automotive repair.

Look at this one in this video instead:

 

[jd_1138]

Are you a mechanic/technician? Or need it for home use?

 

[sld961]

Don't mess around with the 880, get the DCF899HB if you want to do lug nuts or anything like that.

I got a DCF899 for $100 used. It's the pin detent, which I don't care for, but it is a beast otherwise.

 

[WWheeler]

I have a Dewalt DCF883B 3/8 impact that I use quite a bit. I bring it out on most jobs along with a Milwaukee M12 3/8 cordless ratchet. For small stuff I'd normally feel comfortable using a 1/4" ratchet on, up to > ~5/8 or ~15mm or so, I tend to use the Milwaukee unless they look rusted/stuck, and then for that and most everything else larger just short of breaking lug nuts free I use the Dewalt. The combo for me saves a LOT of time on jobs I used to do only with hand tools or when I would drag the air hose around. Some jobs I get done in half the time I used to.

 

[gdocktor3]

The dcf899b is the Creme de la creme. I love mine and it impresses me each time I use it. Go big or go home I say. You won't be sorry. Hog ring is the way to go.

 

[Ree75]

Don't mess around with the 880, get the DCF899HB if you want to do lug nuts or anything like that.

I got a DCF899 for $100 used. It's the pin detent, which I don't care for, but it is a beast otherwise.

I had the dcf889, maybe it was me but it seemed like it lost torque after a few months, maybe I am crazy or maybe I just got used to the vibration. Wish I would have gotten the 899 ( I work on a lot of farm equipment, big lug nuts). Fortunately I recently was afforded the chance to correct my previous mistake, but instead I went with the IR w7150, because soon I would like to add a cordless ratchet to my arsenal. Which unfortunately DeWalt doesnt have at this time and I haven't seen or heard from DeWalt on their plans to add one

 

[Cope]

The dcf899b is the Creme de la creme. I love mine and it impresses me each time I use it. Go big or go home I say. You won't be sorry. Hog ring is the way to go.

Actually, there is a video on YouTube showing how to modify the pin model so that it works like a regular ball. Either way, it's a great impact.