Here is an early look at the new Dewalt 20V Max ATOMIC Series 3/8″ impact wrench, model DCF923B.
Judging from the emails and messages I have received so far, I know this is high up on many of your wishlists. Thank you to everyone who has written in with tips and questions!
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Several retailers have now published product details, but Dewalt has not yet officially announced the new impact. This is a developing story and I will update this post as more information becomes available.
From the product images, the new Dewalt DCF923B 3/8″ impact wrench has a somewhat stubby form factor, with relatively short length.
Despite being compact in size, the new Dewalt Atomic impact wrench is not small on power, delivering up to 300 ft-lbs (3,600 in-lbs) of max torque*.
(*Specs are subject to change.)
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If accurate, the new Dewalt Atomic impact wrench DCF923 would absolutely demolishes the performance of the brand’s compact 3/8″ impact wrench (DCF890) and even come close to the rated performance of their 1/2″ mid-range impact (DCF894).
In the above images, the new Atomic impact is paired with Dewalt’s oil-resistant 5.0Ah battery pack (DCB205G).
The impact wrench features 4 speed settings, as well as LED brightness control settings.
The settings include two speed and torque modes, plus a Timber Screw mode (and lag screws I’m guessing), as well as a Precision Wrench Control feature.
In Dewalt’s brushless impact wrenches, the Precision Wrench Control mode usually has two operating modes – it helps to prevent overtightening in the forward direction and fastener run-off in the reverse direction.
It looks like an optional rubber boot (model PB921-22-23B) will also be available.
Dewalt DCF923 Features & Specs
- 3/8″ drive with hog ring anvil
- 300 ft-lbs max torque
- 450 ft-lbs max breakaway torque
- 4 speed settings
- LED worklight with brightness controls
I don’t have high confidence in the speed and impact specs I’ve been seeing, although the torque specs have been consistent across the several retailer product listings I’ve seen.
Dewalt recently launched new 12V Max Xtreme brushless impact wrenches (DCF903, DCF901).
And, let’s not forget about the new new Dewalt Atomic brushless impact driver (DCF850) that is also launching soon.
Several recent Dewalt 20V Max Atomic Series cordless power tools strongly resemble 12V Max Xtreme SubCompact Series counterparts, but that’s certainly not the case here.
Dewalt has changed things up with the Atomic series, with new tools that really drive the “Atomic = compact but powerful” point home. The next couple of months are definitely going to be very exciting.
Update: There will Also be an Atomic 1/2″ Hog Ring Impact Wrench
Thanks to readers’ sleuthing, we have learned that Dewalt will also be launching a new Atomic 20V Max 1/2″ impact wrench, model DCF921B (bare tool).
JoeM
Well, that answers skfarmer’s request for the impact wrench version of the new Atomic Impact Driver.
Question though… Will this come in both Hog Ring and Detent Pin editions, like nearly every other Impact Wrench they’ve released so far? or are they dedicated to the Hog Ring shown above?
skfarmer
ha!!!!!!
beat me to it!
JoeM
Yep… I caught the vibe you were going for in the last thread… Figured I’d jump in while I was here man. Y’know… ‘Cause you helped me with the impact driver thing, explaining the benefit of that level of compact… Figured I’d try to do something nice for you.
Big Richard
That’s a good looking question JoeM. The 1/2″ will have a detent model, DCF922. The hog ring 1/2″ is the DCF921.
MM
Nice to see they’re making both variations.
Now I think the only unknown is if there’s a new top end model in the works to take on Milwaukee’s 1″ model. Flexvolt, perhaps?
Jared
Looks awesome. I sure hope that torque spec is accurate. I would like a compact impact wrench and 300ft/lbs would make any other mid- torque impacts redundant.
I already have the big one – while the power is great, it’s heavy if you don’t need max torque.
Robm
I bought the 12v max the DCF901B then I don’t feel like using the full size 1/2″ beast. However the DCF901 has done many of suspension jobs, and works flawlessly in tight/ tough to reach spots. But the big impact wrench is great for axle work, king pins(old D60 axles) and pinion nuts(seal replacements, or getting a rough set in on a gear set) they all do serve a purpose… all I can say is though is the 901 is a fantastic tool, and will do just about everything you can imagine.
David
This. I’d take the 12v over the 20v just for that little space you save on the battery side. It handles the 24mm caliper bolts torqued to over 200 ft/lbs on an AAM 9.25 with ease. It’s been tested to beat out the Milwaukee M18 1/2″ stubby.
When my 12v finds a bolt that it can’t handle, that’s when I reach for the big Milwaukee ugga dugga, or a large breaker bar.
Greg
It’s pretty nice I got mine last week the modes and the rubber buttons see to be worth the extra cost
Roger
This makes things harder to choose between the X-12 options and the A-20 ones… The push buttons… THE PUSH BUTTONS with an angled base.
1/2″ anvil and I’m sold
Nathan
the 922 model is supposed to be a 1/2 anvil and hog ring. I think these are all hog ring vs pin. not really sure though but I’ve not seen a pin model in a picutre.
the 12v Extreme devices are hog ring only as far as I can tell. I like the boot and would like to see a oil resistant boot for the battery but meh.
At 400 or even 450 ft lbs of removal torque I don’t want to put that though a 3/8 drive. that’s just too much IMO.
anyway nifty will buy I think.
JoeM
They are pushing a new line of Oil-Resistant batteries for Automotive and Greasy applications. Already have a Flexvolt, 2, 3, 4, and 5Ah Batteries with the oil protection built into the case.
But, yeah… If DeWALT won’t do it, some third party should make themselves a mint making silicone boots for other tool companies’ tools. Rise in 3D Printing, Resin construction, and Maker Spaces that teach Silicone Casting? Yeah… This is a good time in technological history for some small operation to step up into that space. I know I wouldn’t mind some nice drop protection for some of my older DeWALTs I own… Oil protection? Bonus… but check out the bumpers that boot adds! Definitely raises your protection level… I like it… Just wish it was available for other tools we already might own, that’s all.
Big Richard
921 is 1/2″ hog ring, 922 is 1/2″ detent, and 923 is 3/8″ hog ring.
Nathan
Thank you – any where a person can actually buy the 912B?
Big Richard
Since these are Atomic models, they will be at Home Depot and authorized online vendors (MaxTool, FAO, ToolUp, Acme, etc.) eventually. ToolUp and Summit Racing are the only vendors currently listing them – pre order and the prices are a bit inflated at the moment.
Your local Home Depot may have them in overstock. Mine has a shelf above the nuts/bolts/hardware that is labeled “future stock” or something like that, and I like to buy a lot of these new tools weeks before they are even announced. Especially this time of year, they are already getting stock in for holiday promos.
Kevin
That looks pretty sweet. I have the 1/2″ high torque and while it’s nice to know it’s got more torque than I’ll ever need, I end up using hand tools for a lot of things because it’s simply too big to get in there.
Big Richard
You mentioned that they don’t quite resemble the 12v Xtreme models, and you are correct. The 20v “standard” compact brushless models that match the 12v models, in both specs and appearance, are the 1/2″ DCF911 and 3/8″ DCF913. Single speed with 400 ft-lbs breakaway and 250 ft-lbs tightening. For impact drivers, that would be the new DCF840 (physically resembles the 12v DCF801 but specs are similar to the old 20v Atomic DCF809)
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/20v-max-1-2in-impact-wrench-hog-ring-anvil-tool-only-dcf911b
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/20v-max-3-8-in-cordless-impact-wrench-hog-ring-anvil-tool-only-dcf913b
https://www.toolup.com/DeWalt-DCF840B-20V-MAX-1-4-in.-Brushless-Cordless-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only
Stuart
Thanks! I hadn’t seen these yet.
Yes – those new impact wrenches do look to adapt the 12V Max Xtreme geometries and vent placements. The DCF840 looks to be the child of the Atomic and Xtreme series impact driver.
The DCF840 is not an XR model, and I find it curious that it’s shown pictured with a 1.3Ah or 1.5Ah battery.
Big Richard
As you said it appears to be a child of the Atomic and the Xtreme models, but it very well could be a replacement for the budget/holiday brushless model DCF787.
Nathan
That also explains some of the price difference then because I was looking at an asian site that showed the 20V atomic 1/2 impact being like the 12V extreme – no buttons and same torque values.
I want the one with the buttons now that I see it.
James
I don’t see the official press release but here is an image Dewalt uploaded for the DCF921B which is the 1/2 version of the DCF923.
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/images/300dpi-1500px-dcf921b-a4-2315017
James
Here’s the DCF923B pic https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/images/300dpi-1500px-dcf923b-e1-2315019
Luke
I have been waiting for this. I currently use the 20v 1/2 impact and had to track down a Mac Tools guy several years ago to get a 20v 3/8 brushed impact. The brushless version back then didn’t have enough power. I wonder if the big 20v is going to get an upgrade some time soon. It’s way behind on size/power compared to all the competitors…
Ian
Little off-topic, but related to Impact wrenches.
My torque wrench is very old, and I suspect out of calibration, plus it doesn’t go high enough for the new wheel nut torque required on a Ford Explorer (150 lbs)
So my question is whether the torque restricting extension bars really work, and do they work with impact wrenches? I’d heard the mid-ranges over-tighten.
Or should I just but a new torque wrench
And lastly, why don’t impact wrenches have a max torque setting? I suspect its a physics reason more than anything
Nathan
gotta ask – which year model ford explorer one of themanuals has a known typo.
My 2016 the wheel lugs are 115 ft lbs – and they are 19mm nuts for 20 inch rims. so check that.
also I’ve since started using digital torque gages in place of my click type torque wrench for some things. very very handy piece. set a number it beeps – stop pulling
Ian
It’s a 2020 Limited with 20″ wheels
MM
Yes, torque restricting bars do work, and they only work with impact wrenches. If you try and use a torque restricting bar with a ratchet it will act like a solid extension and won’t limit anything.
It’s impossible to put a proper “torque setting” on an impact wrench because the final torque will be dependent on what and how many tools are in use (extensions, sockets, etc) as well as the nature of the fastener (hard vs. soft joint). The measurement/setting has to be done at the fastener, not at the tool.
Ian
Thank you
David Beaudoin
David
This impact info is very helpful. I’m hopeful to get a recommendation on something I’ve been going through. I bought the biggest and baddest Milwaukee impact that’s supposed to break away $1,400 foot pounds. I bought it because I thought it would be helpful in breaking loose the kingpins on one of my first gen cummins. For whatever reason it wouldn’t break loose one of the lugs on one wheel and only one lug on another wheel. I easily broke the lugs loose with approximately a 30 inch breaker bar. Needless to say home Depot. I’ve had good fortune with Milwaukee especially when it comes to doing fabricating and using angle grinders but they were all electric. Now I am on my third 3/8 drive stubby. Of course we all know it’s claims to break free 250 foot pounds. If you want you to it’s actually breaking loose approximately 450 plus foot pounds with the new 6.0 battery. The first one I purchased would not break loose logs torque down at approximately 80 foot lbs. My second stubby was stronger but would not break loose the lugs on my first gen which are approximately 150 foot pounds. The third one that I now have seems to be the strongest of all yet but only brakes a few of the lugs loose on my first gen. Either way I’m quiet sure this is a far cry from 250 foot pounds. I do have a 250-ft lbs that I will be doing some tests with. As of now I’ve only taking one lug off the first gen oiled it up so it was a wet test which I think is what you want to be accurate and torch it down to 150 and it took three or four seconds before it started to break loose 150 foot pounds. Again making me pretty assured that it’s a far cry from 250 ft lbs, never mind what you see on YouTube at 450 ft lbs. I’m going to continue trying to get a stubby that will actually break loose the acclaimed 250 foot pounds. meanwhile I’m going to try and get an accurate number of what the study I presently have does before I send it back.
Mohd Rizal Madin
Personally;
I have seen that Dewalt atomic impact wrench and i’m real shok with his power. I’m so accited to have one. But i from malaysia can buy Dewalt atomic impact wrench from the original factory of europ product.
Compare to product from china. May sound little expensive but it dosn metter for a great quality.
Mohd Rizal Madin
Personally;
I have seen that Dewalt atomic impact wrench and i realy like with his power. I’m so accited to have one. But i’m from malaysia. If i can buy one Dewalt atomic impact wrench, it is satisfaction
for me. I realy love euro product why because quality…
Beau Broderick
I just bought this impact. I went to remove cold 17mm lug nuts torqued at ~100 ft-lbs and they didn’t even budge. It did, however, remove the nuts very rapidly after breaking them with a breaker bar. It will work well for smaller nuts/bolts on suspension etc., but it won’t work for axles and crank bolts IMO.
Stuart
Impact drivers often struggle to loosen lug nuts.
Chris
Got one of the dcf923 for Christmas, id like to get the protective rubber boot for it, is it only available overseas? Seems I can only find it on UK and Australian sites.
Stuart
Unfortunately, I cannot find any retailers that carry it. Dewalt’s parts or service department might be able to help.