Several new Dewalt cordless ratchets will be launching in two voltage classes and product families – 20V Max Atomic and Xtreme 12V Max.
While Stanley Black & Decker already offers cordless ratchets under their other brands, such as Mac Tools (compatible with Dewalt batteries) and Craftsman V20, these will be Dewalt’s first cordless ratchets.
Dewalt debuted their new cordless ratchets at the NECA 2021 show in October. Full details are not yet available, but we expect to learn more as we get closer to the launch date.
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As Dewalt had physical samples on display at the NECA show, I hope it’s fair to assume that the new ratchets will be launching in early 2022.
Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Ratchets
There will be two Dewalt Atomic 20V Max cordless ratchets to start – a 3/8″ ratchet and 1/2″ model (DCF512).
The 3/8″ model is said to deliver 70 ft-lbs of max torque and 250 RPMs. Features include an LED worklight, glass-filled nylon construction, an all-new brushless motor, compact size, and variable speed trigger.
Dewalt will be marketing their new Atomic cordless ratchets to a wide variety of users, “from professional automotive mechanics to commercial contractors.”
Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Cordless Ratchets
There will also be 3 new Dewalt Xtreme cordless ratchets – 3/8″ (DCF503), 3/8″ with extended reach (DCF503E), and 1/4″ (DCF504).
The 3/8″ model is said to deliver 60 ft-lbs and 250 RPMs.
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From others’ NECA coverage, it looks like the Xtreme 12V Max and Atomic 20V Max tools will be very similar in size. It also makes sense that the Xtreme lineup will get 1/4″ and 3/8″ ratchets, and the Atomic series 3/8″ and 1/2″.
Chris
Nice. I like the trigger switches vs the paddle switches like on the milwaukee m12 models. I don’t think I’ll be getting the Dewalt ones though. My m12 fuel ratchet works fine. But nice to see an option from Dewalt.
Jeff
I will get the 12v when it comes out. I have absolutely no interest in a 20v ratchet and I’m sure some knuckle head will be using it with a flexvolt battery. I’m sure 20v will be released first and we’ll have to wait months for the 12v.
Ron
I’d happily watch someone try to use a ratchet with a FlexVolt battery on it. Everyone needs a good laugh from time to time 🙂
Ron
Any of the 21700-cell batteries would work too…
Scooter
Won’t work?
Stuart
They will work, they might just be disproportionate for the smaller sized tool.
Randall
What about the Mac tool 12v 3/8 for a shade tool mechanic v. The new 20v Dewalt for basic auto repair jobs. Thanks
fred
Is it just me – or are some of these cordless ratchets so bulky as to make them inconvenient to use in the tight spaces of an engine compartment?
Pneumatic ratchets suffer from having the hose attached, while 18V cordless have their bulky battery to contend with.
Nathan
yes and no – the idea that you don’t have to swing the cordless ratchet or it’s pneumatic counterpart allows for larger sizes. no swing arcs to worry about or twisting the hand around it for grip etc.
but yes they would look bulky.
oh and personally I see no reason for the 1/2 drive model – I’m sure there is a diesel mech that would disagree with me. I wouldn’t use one for suspension work on a car – but I do use 1/2 drive ratchets there.
John
Yeah I only use 3/8 drive 9-24mm. Working at a Kubota dealer, assembling tractors, there really isn’t much of a use of a 1/2 but is a nice option. I guess if you have 1/2 drive everything including small stuff like a 10mm or something near that size then it would be handy but i doubt a lot of people do that.
Ron
The slide packs do add to the bulk of the tool at the end of the handle, because of how wide the batteries are with the cells arranged perpendicular to the tool handle. If you don’t work in an engine compartment regularly, then it’s probably not an issue.
Ratchets with stem-pack batteries such as the Milwaukee M12 ratchets don’t have this problem because the battery cells are contained within the handle. These are ideal ratchets for areas with little side-to-side clearance (anywhere a regular ratchet would be impractical to use).
My guess is that DeWalt didn’t initially design their 12V Max line with these particular applications in mind. To be fair, slide packs generally lend themselves to better tool ergonomics…for most tools, anyway.
John
For my application this’ll be awesome. I assemble tractors and implements at a kubota dealer and have to get into tight spots but it’s mostly spots I can’t get to with an impact, easily. I can get an impact but it’s hard. This’ll fit great where I need it. And yeah I’d say you’re right about dewalt not expecting to use those batteries for these types of tools. But I’m not bothered by the type they’re using. Lol I’ll be the dumbass who puts a 5 ah on it.
Adam
Why stop at 5? treat yourself you deserve it throw a 15 on there
Joel
Wow that looks like one bulky tool!
fred
I bet they picked a hand model with a large hand. Mine are a bit over 11 inches circumference around the palm – while my wife’s are about 7 inches. While I find that all my M12 tools feel good in my hands, she complains that most are too bulky. I can’t imagine what she’d say about this.
Big Richard
That’s not a hand model, that’s just an instagram user who was at the NECA show where they debuted them.
I bought the Craftsman V20 version for a review when it came out, and it’s length was the bulkiest thing about it (it was also a bit underpowered at only 35 ft-lbs). These appear slimmer with their smaller, lighter brushless motors, but about the same length.
For reference, the venerable M12 ratchets are bulkier in the hand, but are shorter and don’t have the battery at the end, which is a big plus.
The mechanics I know don’t view these as a replacement for pneumatic tools, but rather a compliment. That said, if you are shade tree mechanic who is already invested in the DeWALT line up, these are a no-brainer.
Big Mac
Come on mate there’s kids on here
Al
At first, I thought you mistakenly posted pictures of a recip. saw.
I’ve only seen one used for gym equipment assembly where space wasn’t an issue. Do people typocally use wobbles or flex adapters with these?
sunny
i do and yeah its not really great for tight fit stuff but when going a lot of assembly its great
Brendon
I’ve never used a cordless ratchet, but have several 12v Dewalt 3/8 impact drivers I use when working on cars. What are the pros / cons of these vs the impact driver?
Stuart
Impact wrenches are useful when you need speed and power.
Cordless ratchets are more useful when you want control or are working in tight or awkward spaces.
Brendon
Thanks, that makes good sense.. I’m happy with the control I have with the impact drivers so I might grab just one of these for the occasional time it’ll be handy.. but depends on the price.. if they’re too $$ I’d give it a miss…
Kenneth Stephens
I’m a Toyota dealer technician and while I don’t use the ratchet nearly as often as a small impact, they are great for tight spots like timing cover bolts and water pump hints on cars with timing belts when doing those and you’re going through the wheel well and don’t have room to get that last bolt with the impact
Ron
Many cordless ratchets can be operated manually just like a regular ratchet, so it adds to the utility of the tool…and since they don’t impact, you can safely use any old socket you have laying around. They really shine in tight spots where you can’t turn a regular ratchet and can’t fit any other tool…aside from maybe a right-angle impact wrench.
x lu
Battery pack size makes this a very flawed design. M12 is a much better form factor for this application. Great time saving tool and well worth the money.
Kenneth Stephens
I do wish it was more like the Mac (which has been discontinued) or the harbor freight Hercules with the battery on the bottom. Makes for a slimmer overall tool with the exception of the very bottom. Good thing you can modify the Hercules to take 12v dewalt batteries
Corey Moore
I hear this a lot, but I generally find the head of a rachet more useful than the handle end, so I’m unsure why the size of the a$$ end makes something a good or bad wrench. If you’re “entrapment’ing” these into blind compartments, a la the Katherine zeta Jones laser dance (there might be an age limit to that reference), you’re in for a bad time regardless.
Dave
Mannnnn, you made me completely lose track of the discussion when you brought up CZJ’s laser dance. OMG that was hypnotic!!
Matt the Hoople
I’m interested to see the 12v extended reach model. Had been looking at the Ryobi ratchets. They have a big honkin battery but somewhat compensate for it by making the head rotate 360 degrees. They also max out around 35 ft-lbs. Was thinking about pulling the trigger on the extended reach ryobi HP that came out recently. It ups the torque to like 55 ft-lbs and the extended reach would likely be handy for stuff like timing belt and water pump work. Gonna hold off now that Dewalt has them coming out.
JoeM
Well, this was inevitable, if you ask me. Honestly, since DeWALT doesn’t focus so highly on Trades as Milwaukee does, these are definitely “Under the Radar” types of tools for their Automotive division. Running low on tools for construction and project management to work with, these do seem to fill out the catalogue a bit.
To be clear, these are not a replacement for the Impact Wrenches, they’re the equivalent of a spinning ratchet head on a motor: The equivalent of a straight drill, versus an Impact Driver/Wrench of the same line?
I don’t like that they don’t have all 3 standard sizes for both battery platforms, but I’m glad they’re doing both platforms. When they pick a platform to choose all three heads (Or one with a lockable/interchangeable head) then I may choose it for my sockets, and not worry so much about complete sets including a pear-head for everything.
mosh
Can i torque down after ratcheting?
could use a angle impact, especially for copper details / end boxes where got tighten down on lugs nuts and bolts without room always for a regular impact….
Stuart
Good question!
I hope so, as this is a common request for cordless ratchets. I’ll see what I can find out, but we might have to wait until another announcement is made closer to the product launch.
Big Richard
Yes, they are quite vague in its limits though…
“The ratchet can also be used manually for starting stubborn fasteners or snugging by releasing the trigger and applying the torque by hand.
NOTE: Excessive manually applied torque may damage
the tool housing or mechanism.”
Nathan
but did it say the words – voids the warranty? Isn’t that what was on the milwauke at first? I forget.
Big Richard
It does not say that. The warranty clause does state that it “does not cover part failure due to normal wear or tool abuse” So it is sort of up to the service center, whether they determine whether you abused it or not. I wouldn’t recommend putting a 8ft cheater bar on them or anything like that.
Considering they are rated up to 60ft-lbs for the 12v, and 70 ft-lbs for the 20v, you should be able to use them as manual ratchet up to those numbers without any fear of voiding warranty. And 70 ft-lbs is a pretty snug bolt.
Sparkz
This comment unsold it for me. If I hafta “manually” start a stubborn fastener this in no way suits my needs.
BTW for electrician’s- it’s 1/2 inch drive ALL the way!
Ron
You can, but whether you should depends on the particular ratchet. I know in the case of Milwaukee, they did not recommend using their older M12 ratchets for manually torquing fasteners, but with their newer ratchets they say it’s fine.
The real concern is whether doing so would void your warranty in the event something breaks.
Todd
The cheap Husky 12v with built in battery has been great for me, reasonably compact , never ran out battery during projects. I have all Dewalt Tools and see zero reason to upgrade to these. The M12 is the only name
Brand platform that is reasonably sized. I’m not sure if you’re suppose to crank bolts down or loosen bolts with Husky by hand but I do and it’s held up for about 4years. Hands down the best cheap tool I have bought in a long time. Not as fast as an air ratchet but the convenience more than makes up for it.
Matt C.
This is why I tend to buy Dewalt for general construction and Milwaukee for automotive. For automotive work, size and shape are critical. I can barely fit my hands in certain spots in the engine bay. I can’t imagine trying to use these baseball bat shaped tools.
For ratchets, I’ve been looking at the Milwaukee M12 line because it is way more compact. This only confirms my decision to stick with Milwaukee. But competition is good and perhaps this will get Milwaukee to innovative further. My only complaint with Milwaukee ratchets is that there are too many to choose from.
MM
I couldn’t agree more. Most of my “Contractor” tools are on Dewalt 20V or Flexvolt, most of my “mechanic’s” tools are on M12. For things like a circular saw I don’t care for the fat M12 grip, but for things I might be sticking in a tight engine bay like a die grinder or a ratchet? I prefer the M12 form factor for that.
DC
Wow, those DeWalts look bulky with the battery pack installed. I prefer the smaller size of the Milwaukee M12 so will pass on these. If in a tight spot, I just use my hand ratchets or wrenches.
Oleg K
Why are they so damn big?! And why, if they’re already making a gigantic, mutated ratcheting tool, with an 18v battery nonetheless, why not make it more powerful?
This is why I prefer Milwaukee, their fuel ratchets are much more compact, 12v batteries are cheap and I can bet they will last longer, be more user-friendly and won’t look like mutated bumblebees with a fake voltage advertised on each tool.
I’m also confused why Dewalt bothered with the Atomic line in the first place, they could have just made their existing tools a bit smaller. The difference between the atomic and regular tools is minuscule, it actually seems as if they were recycling old motors and chipsets… I say that because their “new” atomic oscillating tool has the same exact hardware inside as the 355 model, with the sole exception that the new programming is limited at lower OPM, which is the same as lying…
Corey Moore
It’s bigger because the motor is bigger, which is how I presume it clears the m12’s 55 ftlb, and it’s got variable speed hardware. You want more power you need more real estate for either motor size or gearing. I’m not buying any of these, but some of these nitpicks are rather silly.
Ron
Cordless ratchets aren’t really about power. They’re more about running nuts and bolts. If you’re trying to loosen something that’s really tight, then you should probably be using a right-angle impact instead. Slide pack batteries won’t ever be a good match for a cordless ratchet, but they are what DeWalt has to work with…
I agree with your sentiments about the tools initially launched on the Atomic line. As you mentioned, several of them were just cheap versions of already existing XR tools. The only “new” tools were the recip saw and the 4½” circular saw, neither of which I really cared for.
However, they are finally starting to release tools that are comparably sized to their 12V Max Xtreme tools, but using 20V Max batteries, which I think makes a lot of sense. They’ve been killing it with the new impact wrenches.
P.S. I love Milwaukee (and DeWalt too), but they and every other tool company with a “12 volt” line are guilty of the “fake voltage” advertising. They all run at 10.8 volts nominal, just as the “20 volt” tools run at 18 volts nominal. No one is innocent!
Sparkz
Yes but we all know/knew that anyway. Imagine Dewalt trying to separate the newer 20v battery configured tools from the old 18v (third finger) style from a marketing perspective. Would’ve been a nightmare, for consumer and vendor both.
Don Julio
Stuart, any idea if these ratchets will be oil resistant?
Nathan
Dewalt’s glass fiber housings are supposed to be made for automotive workspace – so oil and solvent resistant. Like the MAC tools are.
Stuart
NECA materials say:
Dewalt also has new oil-resistant batteries in both voltage classes (12V Max and 20V Max), but it’s not yet known if there will be different kit SKUs aimed at automotive users.
Don Julio
Thanks!
Nathan
I find this odd I don’t think this is big at all but that might be becasuse I’ve used the Ingrosol rand newest ratchets which happen to have a similar design – they are also 20V cordless too.
Also go pick up the craftsman one at lowes it’s similar but not the same. Despite idea the battery pack isn’t that bulky but you’re also not going to put an 8AH pack on there. Or well I hope not.
But where you put your hand and where it runs isn’t really that bulky and note the guy is holding 2 in his hand or well on his hand. Bigger than the milwaukee – perhaps but it would be interesting to see side by side.
I will say this is one thing I’ve wanted for a while so first purchase will be the atomic impact wrench and second might be the atomic 3/8 ratchet though I think I’d like a 1/4 better. for most of my needs.
On big question and I think I know the answer – can you ratchet tighten with these and not void the warranty?
Big Richard
You are correct. And actually, this is a bit slimmer than the Craftsman V20 you mention. Its length is what makes it the most awkward, the actual body is less bulky than something like the M12, imo. I do rather like that this has a trigger switch, rather than the pneumatic style paddle switch that the M12 and aforementioned V20 have.
You can use it for manual tightening, they do not specify what the manual rating is, but do warn it can be damaged if you use it for excessive tightening.
Nathan
I should point out using the IR model that battery back there in that orientation was actually sort of nice – yes it’s behind your hand and yes I can see it getting in the way occasionally. I agree there.
However it also counterbalances the tool when you are applying the torque which was interesting. Less jerk in the hand when the ratchet is at max torque.
I’m curious as to what contractors would use this – like construction. I guess you could put down lags or such with them but why. and plumbing wouldn’t use this I don’t think. I see power ratchets as mechanic tools only – am I wrong?
Joellikestoola
I have been a non automotive technician and at my old work guys loved the m12 ratchet. We used a lot of small to medium sized bolts and had a lot of repetitive tasks. I think there is a market for various technicians although smaller. As for contractors maybe HVAC?
mido
@Stuart
what do you tink the “real” availability will be
please answer even if it is unofficial
thx
mike
Corey Moore
I did find use for the Ridgid jobmax rachet head when building MCC gear a time or two, but not being a mechanic I find the gap between my snap on rachets and my impact wrenches to be miniscule. I recall the jobmax was pretty fat, and I see a lot of comments about the presumed size of this guy in hand, but I can say that the times I used the bulky Ridgid there wasn’t an issue, as the tool doesn’t require articulating or balancing like a regular non electric rachet. You find it’s home and it plunks down and stays thanks to the heft, and you just zip it real quick without any movement. I’m sure there’s more situations than I’m familiar with in which form factor is crucial, but outside of an engine bay I can’t think of many places where clearances are a continual issue that warrant an electric wrench for volume of fasteners. Most construction and plant maintenance fasteners are wide open, and if they’re not at least you know the bolt is shorter than the clearance (unless engineers got at it lol) and you’d do better to just grab a speed wrench.
Matt B
Finally! Can’t wait to get hands on and compare, but more than likely I’ll have one of the 12V ones within the year. Having just one charger out is worth it for my use, plus I suspect the 12v isn’t that much bulkier than competitors – but can’t wait to see.
Rx9
Better late than never. I suppose someone from SBD finally figured out that people buy ratchets.
The MAC tools line was nice, but hard to find.
Dewalt missed an opportunity. I and many others ended up not choosing to buy into Dewalt’s cordless systems simply because they had no real automotive coverage. Dewalt makes fantastic quality tools, and it’s a crying shame it took them this long. I’m about 20 tools deep into another manufacturer’s system, and those tools would have all been black and yellow if only Dewalt had a cordless ratchet available at the same time as their competition. My first real drill was a dcd980 and I loved it, but everyone makes drills.
Ron
The real question is who is going to be the first to slap a 15-Ah FlexVolt battery onto one of these things?
Jesse
Do you know the release date and will it compete with Milwaukee Milwaukee m12 ratchet.
Stuart
They haven’t announced this yet, and I’m reluctant to guess wrong. Yes, I would expect that it will be positioned to compete against the M12 Fuel ratchets.
mike
any news on a specific release date ?
Stuart
Nothing yet, but I hope for more details soon.
Jesse
I see that you can pro order one on toolnut and amce tools. So have need new updates come out
GARY
mac will have them in early april
Edward Hermanns
Now they need right angle impact.
Brad Justinen
This product really highlights the bad design of Dewalts 12v battery system. They literally cant make a company ratchet. Really no good options for them hear. 20v could be good contractors but these are basically useless for auto mechanics.
Jackson
Is there any news on the Dewalt ratchet
Stuart
What kind of news are you looking for?
Jackson
Dewalt cordless ratchet
Stuart
Retailers have listings apparently (thanks Lindsay!), but I’m still waiting for official details from Dewalt PR.
Lindsay
Acme Tools has the 20 volt models in stock.
Jackson
Thanks
Steve / New Zealand
I agree 1/2″to big I will be buying the 20V 3/8 drive I fit a lot of PTO’s to Allison transmissions in Isuzu, Hino and Mitsubishi trucks. I currently have all Dewalt cord less tools and would save time just to small a space to use Dewalt impact driver. Other guys here have that other brand and make it look so easy.
When will these be available to buy.
Big Richard
Official announcement:
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/pressreleases/dewalt-r-adds-first-ever-cordless-ratchets-to-its-product-portfolio-3174511
Franck B.
I received mine (3/8″) over the weekend. The manual specifically says it’s not a torque wrench, or not to use it “manually for high torque applications, such as vehicle lug nuts or bolts.” I don’t consider most car lugs as high torque (12mm is usually around 90 lb-ft), but technically lug bolts would be excluded by the “not a torque wrench” rule.
So I guess I can use it for less than 80 lb-ft, which isn’t much. I won’t be doing any fuel pumps, brakes, headers or the like for a while, so I don’t know when I’ll be using it. Actually I might do a power steering pump soon that has one bolt that’s a pain.
Big Richard
New 3/8″ – 1/2″ swappable anvil XR ratchet (DCF510) – https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT/5013549737
Big Richard
A couple specs in case Lowes removes the link:
– Low profiled sealed head design
– 75 ft-lbs torque (compared to 70 ft-lbs of 20v Atomic ratchets)
– 300 RPM (compared to 250 RPM of 20v Atomic ratchet)
– 2.65lbs
– $249 bare tool
Overall it looks OK, pricey but considering it is 2 tools in one that both retail for $199 each I guess it is technically a deal. Plus, Lowes does not sell the Atomic 20v line, so this makes sense for them.
Edward Jarus jr
Very pricey if I may say
$150 would be be a good price