Dewalt recently announced a new 20V Max XR high torque impact wrench, DCF900, featuring a 1/2″ hog ring anvil.
The new impact is said to deliver 47% more torque compared to the DCF899 impact wrench.
The new Dewalt DCF900 impact delivers 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque, and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque.
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Compared to its predecessor, the DCF900 delivers 47% greater fastening torque, and by my calculation about 16.7% greater breakaway torque, or reverse torque, which is used for nut-busting and removal purposes.
The Dewalt DCF899, which launched in various configurations 7-1/2 years ago in May 2015, delivered 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque, and 1200 ft-lbs of reverse torque.
The latest DCF900 impact features a new BatteryGuard technology, which is a shock-absorbing battery-to-tool connection that helps reduce wear and tear on the battery while you work.
The new impact wrench also has a Precision Wrench mode that helps to prevent overtightening when used in the forward direction, and fastener run-off when used in the reverse direction.
Dewalt says that the DCF900 is ideal for fastening large pipe flanges, grooved couplings, wheel lugs, concrete anchor bolt setting, and other commercial applications that demand power and efficiency to get the job done.
Dewalt DCF900 Key Features & Specifications
- 1/2″ drive
- Hog ring anvil (for socket retention)
- 1030 ft-lbs max forward torque
- 1400 ft-lbs max reverse torque
- 0-2300 RPM
- 0-2200 IPM
- Brushless motor
- BatteryGuard battery connection
- 4-mode speed settings
- Precision Wrench – helps prevent overtightening and fastener run-off
- Variable speed trigger
- LED work light with adjustable brightness
- 8.81″ length
- Weighs 6.4 lbs
Here are the max fastening torque and speed ranges for each of the 4 modes, as per the online user manual:
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- Low: 100 ft-lbs, 0-650 RPM
- Medium: 600 ft-lbs, 0-1040 RPM
- High: 1030 ft-lbs, 0-2300 RPM
- Precision Wrench: 0-820 RPM forward
- Reverse: 0-2300 RPM in all modes
Precision Wrench Explained
With the DCF900 set to the Precision Wrench mode:
Forward Direction – the tool will fasten at 820 RPM until impact begins, then pause for 0.75 seconds before impacting at 2200 IPM, providing greater control and reduced chance of overtightening or material damage.
Reverse Direction – the tool will impact at normal speed (2300 RPM) and impact at 2200 IPM. When it senses the fastener has broken free, the tool will cease impact mode and reduce its speed to prevent “run-off” of loose hardware.
Pricing and Kit Options
The DCF900 1/2″ impact wrench will be available as a tool-only, and in different kit formats.
- DCF900B – tool-only
- DCF900P1 – kit with charger and (1) 5Ah battery
- DCF900P2 – kit with charger and (2) 5Ah batteries
- DCF900GP2 – kit with charger and (2) oil-resistant batteries
A rubber boot will also be available, model PB900.899.
Julian Tracy
Unfortunately, looks as though they’ve gone towards the electronic push button controls ala Makita’s impacts, instead of the traditional slide switch of their prior model.
I appreciate the slide switch on the previous iteration because of it’s instant simplicity of adjustment. Without even having to think, I can switch between the lowest and highest power in one second. Having to push tiny little electronic “buttons” and cycle through speed settings is a royal PIA. Enough so, that I sold off the Makita High Torque impact I owned in favor of the Dewalt.
MM
I don’t care for the membrane switches either. I greatly prefer the tactile feedback of traditional switches. That is my one gripe with the M12 installation driver, I would much rather have the traditional mechanical forward/reverse switch above the trigger like most drills or impact drivers have rather than the membrane switches they put on top of that unit, though I must admit that if you hold it like a drywall screw gun you can use your thumb to hit the forward/reverse switch pretty easily. (thank you to whomever Toolguyd reader it was who suggested that, by the way. I forgot your name but I did not forget your advice!)
That said I’ve been waiting for this one for a while. I’ll almost certainly be picking one up later in the year, the only reason I might not is if the 3/4″ version comes out before purchase time or if I hear anything new about the rumored DCF961. I doubt the membrane switches will bother me too much, for an impact of this size I’ll probably just leave it on “high”. I learned using air tools which didn’t have these kinds of smart controls so I’ve gotten pretty good about feathering the trigger on an impact gun.
James
agreed. Also the older model is more than enough for any purposes I have had so far including working on a isuzu npr-hd
Kevin Yancey
If it will loosen that damn crank bolt on Honda V6’s, I’ll not only buy one, but give it some serious praise! My 3/4″ 1500lbft air impact struggled with that stupid bolt. Honda sells a torque multiplier, similar to the air cooled VW’s axle nut tool, to crack that sucker loose!
Jared
Have you tried the weighted sockets from IR and others?
https://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-S64M19L-PS1-Power-Socket/dp/B01CVAG1SG
MM
The ones that always give me grief are the kingpins on a Dana 60 front axle, which have a tightening spec of 600 ft-lb but always take way more than that to remove. It would be nice to zip those out without having to get the rosebud.
Bob G
Heat that honda crank bolt up red hot and she will come off easily!
MikeIt
South Main Auto showed a massive socket to remove the crank bolt. Same idea as the IR power socket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT-ZMNhOT-M&t=312s
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-77080-Harmonic-Balancer-Socket/dp/B00RGNCV1U
Matt+the+Hoople
Thanks for the links. Kept our Old Odyssey for a spare car and is well past due for a new timing belt. Gonna try that Lisle socket.
Jared
Wow. This new high-torque looks to be a monster. Those are some very impressive specs.
I’m surprised it looks so much like the 899 – I would think Dewalt would want to spice it up a bit to make it obvious its a new tool.
Is the “low” mode going to be low enough? 100 ft/lbs is quite a bit for the weakest setting. Some cars have lugs as low as 80 ft/lbs, so it seems like you shouldn’t use this to zip lugs into place before final tightening.
MM
I’d be very careful using this thing for lug nuts unless we’re talking about big trucks or heavy equipment. Even a 500 ft-lb impact gun can break a typical passenger car wheel stud. We’re at the point were a typical 3/8″ impact wrench could easily handle lug nuts. Right now my “light duty” 1/2″ impact is the DCF894, it’s the older model “midrange” which I bought on sale when the new model came out. 350 ft-lb if I remember correctly, it handles lug nuts on vehicles up to 1-ton pickups no problem and is a lot handier size than this one. I’d think that your average automotive user would probably pick that one or its new replacement. This is really a big boy, more for industrial use, heavy equipment, farm tractors, etc.
eddie sky
If doing lugs, I use the torque master extension kit. Also, I have a 3/4ton F250, and 1ton F350. When one came back from the dealer, they put the rear lugs on with some ridiculous torque that I had a 6ft bar on a 2ft breaker bar to free them. I cussed them out, because if I had a flat on the road, there was no way I had that kinda tools to change it.
Anyway, I had even tried my 1/2 Aircat w/compressed air and couldn’t break them. But my neighbor had the 1/2 Milwaukee and I was impressed. I might consider this for my truckbox, with battery in the cab, on a charger.
I’m doubtful that a stud can break (steel stud) but yes, be wary of the power metal studs like on 1/2ton trucks like my buddies Tundra or even the smaller Tacoma (that he already snapped two bolt studs).
Jared
I mentioned that because I use my 899 for automotive work all the time. It’s probably not worth the upgrade for me – but I’d buy this instead if I was doing it over right now.
That lug nut scenario I mentioned is something I do now with my 899. It’s not very powerful on low – I can do the lugs and be certain more torque will still be needed when I put the vehicle on the ground.
I think the 899 is great. I can’t remember the last time I needed a breaker bar – you put the 899 on high and even rusty things come off eventually. This 900 seems even more exciting.
Stuart
I suppose one could use a torque stick and then finish with a torque wrench as recommended.
Jared
I don’t have a lot of faith in torque sticks generally – the range seems too unpredictable. However, I think that’s a fair point if your goal is just to limit the power on low – e.g. a torque extension robs power, so one thing you can be sure of is that most would easily lower the 100 ft/lbs low setting to something safer for passenger vehicles.
It also occurs to me that the 100 ft/lb rating is probably based on holding the trigger for awhile – e.g. there’s a difference between a couple impacts after the fastener is seated vs. impacting for 5-10 seconds. Even on low, I’m not impacting for any significant time with my 899 (basically just making sure the fastener is seated), so maybe it wouldn’t be that different in practice.
TomD
The trick I do is run it in, and if it bottomed out reverse for a single shot, then torque it down.
Funda
My M12 Fuel stubby has a mode where it stops tightening the lug nut once it bottoms out (don’t remember the torque limit) after which I use a torque wrench.
Kevin Yancey
You should never use an impact to tighten lug nuts. I have a 1/4″ drive impact I use to run lugs in at it’s 40lbft setting, then finish up with a torque wrench. Even if you use those torque sticks for impacts, they’re only subjective to the impact’s capability, and used from a seated position, not for running all the way in. I’ve pulled lugs off after having been run in with those torque sticks and they’re tighter than spec and often unevenly torqued. Since nearly every brake rotor is held in place by the wheel and lugs, unevenly torqued lugs can cause warped rotors.
Jared
I think we’re talking about the same thing. I don’t tighten lug nuts with an impact – but I do bottom them out while the vehicle is raised so I can lower the vehicle and finish them with a torque wrench. That helps make sure the wheel is sitting on the hub properly.
I have plenty of practice with my 899 on the low setting – even small cars with low torque values (e.g. 80ft/lbs) still need some turning to hit their torque values with this method. That’s why I was wondering about the 100ft/lbs setting being the lowest on this new model.
However, I decided to look up the DCF899 specs to see how it compares and found this: https://support.dewalt.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012645198-What-are-the-speed-and-torque-numbers-for-the-DEWALT-DCF899-Impact-Wrench-
According to that help article, the DCF899 also has 100ft/lbs as its low setting. I would NOT have guessed that. When I check with a torque wrench I’m obviously not hitting 80ft/lbs.
BUT, like I mentioned in response to Stuart above, I bet that 100 ft/lb measurement is the max torque if you keep it impacting for a few seconds until the fastener stops moving. That’s not how I actually use the tool. I once the lug nut bottoms out and the impact blows start, I release the trigger pretty quickly.
Seems like this new model should behave exactly the same way.
CountyCork
I read/heard from somewhere that the impact wrench is at it’s max torque after 10 seconds.
Funda
One of the YouTube channels graphs torque over time, for example https://youtu.be/GrYGybCl630?t=438
Kevin
I’m a bit dubious just because I know that although all brands are very optimistic about published “but-busting” torque, I’ve noticed DeWalt tends to be the most optimistic by quite a large margin. I’d be curious to see how it stacks up against the gold standard Milwaukee high torque, considering the specs are essentially the same.
Jeffro4704
TTC tested it already, the Dewalt destroyed it. https://youtu.be/hd7PFxvptBk
Byron Grover
This Dewalt sounds similar to the specs on the new Harbor Freight Hercules ultra torque impact. Its a beast for sure. It comes with a five year warranty also. HF has a bad reputation, but they have improved their quality greatly in the last few years. I bought the new model to keep in our motorhome, mainly for changing tires. It doesn’t even break a sweat when removing or installing the lug nuts. It’s half the price too
Jeffro4704
Dewalt destroyed that also, https://youtu.be/hd7PFxvptBk
Derek J Mason
Dewalt done a decent job beating milwaukee stuff a lot lately in multiple areas.
Nathan
The switches on the new compact one seem to be easy enough to work – they aren’t membrane but rather a rubber button. so they move a bit.
I like the modes are nice to have and I suspect like the compact model they might come out with a cheaper no-mode model.
Meanwhile I dislike there is no – new dewalt tool made in USA rant and not to get political but I hope SBD reads this forum.
and I have concerns at this torque value and with this impact rate and the 1/2 drive anvil. I don’t know how many of the old ones were breaking but that’s over the ANSI torque value for a 1/2 drive socket. something like this should be in 3/4 drive at those 1200 ft lbs ratings. IMO.
Otherwise I like the device and will consider one if I need that sort of power. I planned on buying the midtorque device a while ago to replace my corded impact for auto work – but then the compact came out and it does nearly everything you would need for a nomad car or truck.
HOWEVER – if you have a larger tractor (say a 40HP or more) or you use a 1 ton truck like an F250 you might need more than that compact. THis however is like putting on tires on a combine or something.
Also glad they mentioned and thought about battery pack interface vibration.
TomD
Check out torque test channel – I don’t know if they’ve run this one yet but these numbers are very “reach” vs the older “standout” numbers you’d see.
Jared
TTC has tested it – and the numbers are as impressive:
Fyrfytr998
The 900 is currently the cordless king for 1/2 inch wrenches. TTC’s tests always brings the beans.
Roopchander
Is it available in India
Stuart
You will have to check with your local Dewalt tool dealers.
JoeM
I’ve been wondering when this monster would rear it’s mythical head!
The 899 with the different versions just kinda screamed for an updated set. This 900 is proof to me that they are back to working on the Impact Wrenches. And look! The oil-resisting overshielding on the main body! If money were no object, I’d make sure to have all three sizes of Impact Wrench. Carpal Tunnel from typing most of my life has made me swing more toward power tools, and it would be nice to get away from pearhead drivers. Not that I would get rid of them entirely, just that it would be nice to leave them as a last resort for reaching super-tight spaces, instead of my primary means of using sockets.
This is great news for me, Stuart! Thank You for the writeup! I have new tools to look out for! Hopefully I can recall if they do this for the 1/4″ and 3/8″ socket sizes as well… Or if it’s some other configuration I’ll be looking into…
MM
The “oil resistant shielding” is an optional external cover or “boot” that is sold separately. They’ve had it for years, it also fits the 899. They seem to be a common accessory for impact guns in general though not all that well promoted.
Dewalt has really been kicking rear end with their impacts recently. The new compacts that Stuart posted a teaser article about a year ago (i.e. DCF923) are awesome, as are the impact drivers of the same generation. And sometime since then they updated their “mid range” 1/2 drive impact too, the older model (DCF894) was great so I can only imagine the newer one is even better. And if memory serves I think they also released 12V models too?
Corey Moore
They did release 12v’s, and they’re equally impressive jumps forward in their respective categories, just like this one and the mentioned mid torque upgrades. DeWalt is extremely competitive in pretty much all classes of impact wrenches at this point.
MM
Agreed, I think that really the only part of the cordless impact market that Dewalt isn’t leading is the very large sizes. Dewalt doesn’t currently have an answer to the big 3/4 and 1″ drive units from Milwaukee or Ingersoll. But I suspect that will change soon, I’d expect a 3/4″ version of the DCF900 soon, the same way that there is currently a 3/4 drive version of the 899. And there’s the rumored DCF961 which is supposedly Flexvolt or Flexvolt Advantage, I’d think something like that would be at least 3/4 if not 1″.
JoeM
I know the boot is a separate accessory, it’s just nice to see it again, and that it will fit the 900. That shows they care about it, and have not just… dropped it into the pit, so to speak.
Now if only money were no object… the things I would do to purchase my way into this latest generation of XR tools and accessories!
Norse
I have owned and used the 899 impact to change hundreds of tires and to install hundreds more Titan concrete anchors. I also have driven many a lag bolt with it. It is a fantastic tool and I am sure that the update will be great as well. I only wish that Dewalt had asked me first before the came out with another one without a belt or rafter hook. I know that they are heavy, but it would be nice to be able to hook it on my tool belt or hang it on a rafter or scaffolding instead of bending all the way to the ground to pick it up. I know that I am not the only one who uses this for more than mechanic work. Even a mechanic might appreciate being able to hang the tool between operations. Maybe someone is already making a hook and I just missed it. Please let me know if you know of one.
Jared
Ha, I was thinking the 899 would just pull my pants down if it had a hook. It’s no lightweight!
Bob
DeWalt offered a tether point on the dcf898 Which is the version of the 899 with the quick change chuck. It was meant for electrical linemen to use auger bits for wood power poles.
https://www.toolbarn.com/products/dewalt-dcf898b
It has a ring attached to the metal hammer housing. I’m fairly confident it would fit the 899. Might get lucky and it will fit the 900 too. The rubber housing cover they finally came out with after seven years fits both of them so they’re probably pretty close in dimensions.
They do make retractable lanyards you can lash to the tool. Kinda spendy and not sure how well they actually work.
I agree though, I think it was a miss not including a hook.
Bob
So I have an 899. Love it. Probably buy the 900 if I find a good deal. Pleasantly surprised at some of the fasteners this gun has removed off heavy equipment.
Are the dewalt specs B.S. tho? The torque test Chanel on YouTube only got 936ft lb out of the dcf900? It’s YouTube so who knows. Does seem legit tho. What do you guys think?
Corey Moore
TTC is pretty universally regarded as objective and thorough in all their findings.
Keith G
It will bust 1800lb but the ultra torque can do 1900lbs with a 5ah battery at half the price