Dewalt has come out with 2 new Xtreme Subcompact 12V Max cordless impact wrenches that are aimed at automotive maintenance and repair applications. The new Dewalt Xtreme impact wrenches will be available in 3/8″ (DCF903) and 1/2″ (DCF901) sizes.
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There are two big takeaways about these new tools. First, they are compact and light. A side profile of the new Dewalt Xtreme impact wrenches shows that they were going for a stubby-like geometry to enable the wrenches to fit into tighter spaces.
Second, these wrenches are not light in power. Dewalt says that they can deliver up to 250 ft-lbs of max tightening torque, and up to 400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque. That’s 3,000 and 4,800 in-lbs, respectively.
This bests the 250 ft-lbs of breakaway torque for Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel stubby impact wrenches, as well as the recent Ridgid 18V Subcompact impact wrench which delivers 200 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 225 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque.
Makita’s 18V Subcompact cordless 1/2″ impact wrench delivers 155 ft-lbs max fastening torque and 245 ft-lbs of max nut-busting torque.
So, on paper, Dewalt’s Xtreme 12V Max brushless impact wrenches match up to a popular Milwaukee M12 model and best Ridgid and Makita 18V models – and not by small margins.
Dewalt says that their new cordless impact wrenches were designed to tackle a variety of automotive maintenance applications, such as brake repair, engine bay work, suspension work, and other such tasks.
The tools have the power to loosen stubborn fasteners, but the smaller size and lighter weight to make them easy to maneuver and comfortable to use.
Both new impact wrenches feature a hog rung anvil for easy socket changes, and a glass-filled nylon housing that resists the effects of common automotive chemicals and solvents.
The new Dewalt Xtreme impact wrenches will be available in kit format, bundled with one 3.0Ah battery and one 5.0Ah battery, with both featuring oil-resistant housings.
These oil-resistant 12V Max batteries, similar to the FlexVolt batteries that ship with Dewalt’s cordless pipe threader, are designed for use in an automotive shop and similar environments.
An optional protective boot accessory is available separately .
Features & Specifications
- 3/8″ (DCF903) or 1/2″ (DCF901) anvil
- Hog ring socket retention
- Brushless motor
- 250 ft-lbs max fastening torque
- 400 ft-lbs max reverse torque
- 0-2850 RPM
- 0-3250 IPM
- 5.2″ length
- Weighs 2 lbs (tool only)
- LED worklights
- Oil and solvent-resistant construction
- Kitted with oil-resistant batteries
- Belt hook is included
- Optional protective boot (available separately)
The kits come with (1) oil-resistant 3.0Ah battery (DCB124G), (1) oil-resistant 5.0Ah battery (DCB126G), a charger (DCB112), and a kit bag.
Pricing
- Dewalt Xtreme 3/8″ Impact Wrench
- Bare Tool (DCF903B): $149
- Kit (DCF903GJ1G1): $349
- Dewalt Xtreme 1/2″ Impact Wrench
- Bare Tool (DCF901B): $149
- Kit (DCF901GJ1G1): $349
- Protective Boot (PB901-03-11-13B): $20
ETA: Early 2021
Buy Now: 1/2″ Bare Tool via Lowe’s
Discussion
I said that the new Dewalt 12V Max 5.0Ah battery size suggested that more Xtreme Subcompact tools were on the way, and it looks like I was right!
On paper, the new Xtreme impact wrenches have impressive specs, especially for their compact size and weight.
Overall, this looks to be a very strong and compelling expansion of the Dewalt Xtreme cordless power tool lineup. It’s interesting that this kit was specifically designed and kitted for automotive maintenance work and related tasks, and I wonder – are more on the way?
Dewalt is proving they are committed to expanding their line of Xtreme Subcompact 12V Max cordless power tools, something that should please long-time users and fans.
Read More:
New Dewalt 12V 5Ah Battery Signals that More Cordless Power Tools are Coming Soon
Sean
Wicked excited about this new development!!!🎉🎉🎉
Big Richard
The numbers are pretty impressive to say the least. The only downside compared to their existing DCF902 impact wrench, and competitors like the M12 Stubby, is that these new models do not feature multiple speeds/modes.
Jared
I agree – excellent specs for 12v. What’s more, this should be very useful power for automotive tasks. Still need a full-size impact gun for large and stubborn fasteners, but it’s annoying to use big heavy guns when its not needed. This looks like an excellent size for a second impact gun.
Brian A
Shocked no speeds, thats a must. Sure you can accomplish with trigger control, but everything comes with multiple speeds these days…. except budget tools from the major players.
Mike
These are for automotive why would you need to change speeds unless you’re a amateur I’ve never changed the speed on mine it’s always on full speed all the time, I’m glad there is no speed selector don’t need them it’s just a gimmick
Isaac Serna
Really dont have any auto stwitching futures? Thats a dealbreaker
Nick
Nice to see more dewalt 12v tools. I took a gamble on the 12v max screwdriver and love it. Speaking of, I’d like to see an installation driver from them (without d handle or weird forward/reverse switch)
Matt
I’m Team Red and have the M12 Stubby and M18 2767, but I’m happy for anyone that gets into the cordless impact game. For so long us DIY mechanics were forced to bang on stuff with a breaker bar and dead blow hammer or pony up for a pneumatic and the air compressor to drive it. Now, for ~$200 you can get a beast of an impact, saving time and frustration. I don’t care if it’s red or yellow or whatever, cordless impacts are a GAME CHANGER.
Mike
True, a conventional breaker bar being used to tackle up jobs like taking off lug nuts can gets you tired and will bring frustration to the user, also takes longer time working, a cordless impact wrench is an amazing tool, one thing is certain; it’s indeed has the value to have one (if not more) I definitely love this tool .
Josh
Just invested into the dewalt atomic stuff, 3/8ths and 1/2in high torque impact within about the last year. Im interested to see if they make a 12 volt ratchet and what else they come out with.
Jason
Mac Tools make them. They are made by Dewalt.
Brian A
“and up to 400 in-lbs of max breakaway torque”
Think you mean 400 ft-lbs
Stuart
Sorry! Thanks – fixed! Force of habit.
Brian A
Power isn’t the main reason people choose the M12 stubby, its more about size for me. The Dewalts are significantly bigger in the compact sense, almost 1/2″ length and 1/4″ height, which can be more depending on how much height the battery adds vs an M12 XC pack.
Kizzle
But waaaaaaayyyyyyy more comfortable. Sold all my equivalent m12 tools once dewalt released the updated 12v line. Try and handle a dewalt and milwaukee 12v back to back. Milwaukee has awful ergonomics.
Mopar
Maybe I’m just old, but I just don’t see these replacing pneumatics yet for most mechanics, at least shop mechanics. Compare this 3/8 impact to say an Aircat pneumatic… the DeWalt is larger, heavier, and half the power.
Gordon
I don’t think these were ever intended to replace air tools at a shop. The biggest detriment to air tools is the size of the compressor needed to run them at max power. Most shops already have a large compressor. The smaller shops and independent mechanics are definitely a target though. Snap-on already proved it, and this is just a more affordable version.
I’ve also seen a lot of service trucks and utility workers with tools like this. In a recent storm a lot of the utility workers were using cordless sawzalls with pruning blades to help clear trees faster. Something like this is an easy sell when you already make space on the truck for batteries.
Jon98
I’ve been a diesel mechanic for over 20 years and moved to Milwaukee cordless a few years ago. Now most of the time I get air hose out is when I need a blow nozzle. 1/2 drive even broke track bolts on a D8R
John
I think cordless tools are absolutely replacing air tools. The only application I use air for is 1″ and larger impacts, for anything smaller cordless impacts just work better (and milwaukee has a decent 1″ cordless, so I think in 5-10 years air impacts will be obsolete for most applications).
Alex
Just like cordless nailer are not going to replace the air ones. But they are really useful when you don’t have access to a compressor. Repair in the field, home use, small shops, …
Argie
I disagree. I changed careers about 3 years ago and there was only one MAYBE two old timers in the shop still using the air. We had 16 bays so a fairly large sample size.
The milwaukee 2565-20 right angle impact isn’t too much larger and has 220ft lbs of breakaway torque – way more than my ingersol had, with no cord – Between that, the extended ratchet, the stubby, and the 1/2 high torque impact (which also out performs my half in pneumatic) air tools are a thing of the past.
I held onto my air tools when I bought into the snapon battery line, but when I switched to Milwaukee I sold them all besides the die grinder.
Jon
I have air tools and battery tools. I could remove a few wheels with the battery tools before I could turn on the compressor, extend the hose reel, and oil the tool.
Also my air setup freezes in the winter so I can’t always rely on air.
And good luck dragging air tools to a friend’s or family’s house or fix something on the side of the road.
Dean in Des Moines
I’m I the only one curious about the sprint to 12v? What is gained with the drop from 18/20v?
Matt
I’ll be the first to admit it doesn’t make sense on paper. For me, the benefit of 12V over 18V (in Milwaukee impacts anyway) is increased maneuverability, decreased weight and no real sacrifice in power in the sense that it will break loose 90% of the fasteners I need to remove. 600ft/lbs or whatever sounds awesome but if you realistically only need 200lbs or less 90% of the time, the extra weight and size of a big impact is really for nothing. Long answer to your question but I think 12V/compacts have far more overall utility than their 18/20V counterparts.
Stuart
Smaller size, lighter weight, lower investment (such as additional batteries, and occasionally tool pricing as well).
Aaron
but what I don’t get is if we’re looking at a 5ah 12v battery vs the same cells, same weight and same power in a ~3.5ah 18v (20v whatever) wouldn’t it make more sense to buy a 20v max compact stubby impact and not need a new system? With m12 being stem pack you end up with a totally different form factor but the dewalt 12v is just a smaller slide pack just like the 20v… except now its a bigger version of the smaller version of the 20v?
Tom D
Wait until they mount the battery pack at the end of a cord for more maneuverability- and then let you plug the cord in!
Kent
I’m on team red, but competition in this arena is good.
At what point is too much power for 1/4″ & 3/8″ drive? When do sockets start to explode? Lack of speeds or power levels would make me hesitate, but if I was already on team yellow I’d probably buy it anyway.
I really like the ability to be subtle with the M12 & M18 guns. I had to remove a frozen bolt on the water pump of a small excavator. Breaking the bolt would mean pulling the engine or some other week long PITA solution. I tried removing it by hand, but got to the point of stopping before I broke it.
I got out the Milwaukee, set it on low, barely touched the trigger and let it tap – tap – tap – tap away. One mild beat every half second. I was *so happy* when it came out. I don’t think a pneumatic gun would have succeeded, nor a wrench and hammer. Not so sure about the DeWalt.
Obviously this isn’t the way an impact gun is used most of the time, but it saved a *massive* pain for me.
Clay
Well, I just bought the M12 a month ago and have been happy but these do look nice.
I think a speed setting would have been nice.
Will this 3/8th replace the DCF902?
Stuart
I wouldn’t think so.
The DCF902 is $149 for the kit (via Acme). Right now there’s also a free 5.0Ah battery if you buy the kit.
The DCF903 bare tool is $149, and the kit is $349.
The DCF902 delivers 1,500 in-lbs fastening torque and 2,400 in-lbs max reverse torque.
The tools are intended for different target audiences.
Correction:
$99 via Amazon
$99 via CPO Tools
Big Richard
Other vendors have the DCF902F2 kit with out the free 5Ah battery for $99. Also, like I mentioned above this new 3/8″ DCF903 does not have the multiple speeds like the current DCF902. You said it best, different target audiences for sure.
James R.
Man, I -just- bought the DCF984 mid-sized two weeks ago for Auto work. Would have preferred something this form factor.
Oh well, I guess I need another tool.
Big Richard
The DCF894 still does have a good bit more power though, 330 ft-lbs fastening and probably 500+ ft-lbs reverse torque (they don’t list it, so just a guess). It also has multiple speeds, including the precision wrench mode. The 20v system is also much larger, so you have more choices for batteries. So yes this is a more compact form factor, but if your budget allows I think there is a place for both.
Louie Orama
600 Breakaway.
Big Richard
You are correct, after I posted I was able to find it (of course). Thanks Louie!
Nathan
I’d have prefered there be an atomic 20V model similar is size to this. Mostly because of the 20V battery. use a 2AH compact and call it a day.
but I’m glad this exists. and since there is now a craftsman 20V ratchet – and a Mac 12V ratchet (and impact wrench I suspect now too). They have some presence in the auto field.
need a yellow ratchet. Also plus 1 to the speeds question, maybe not 3 but it would have been nice to have 2 power leves and I think the RPM is quite high
Also it’s Brake work – not Break work. Or well it shouldn’t be break work.
Stuart
Technically “break repair” is a thing. Something has to break before you can repair it, right?
(Thanks – fixed!!)
Alex
They’ll probably have one. Coupe of tools are offered in both the atomic version and 12v version so I expect to see more. I think Dewalt wants to give people the choice to stay on the 20v platform (flex volt advantage, atomic) if they don’t feel like having 3 different battery voltages.
Aaron
I want pictures of someone using a big honkin flexvolt on a compact atomic impact! That will bring me joy.
Mike
Life can be full of surprises!, I’ve already seen on online-sale apps an M18 1/4” impact with 9.0ah and 12.0ah batteries, first thoughts came to my mind ..oh! Those poor 1/4” impacts put to work on tractors 🚜 or semi-trucks!
Mike
These tools are already out seen them in Lowe’s last week, that’s what I like about Dewalt they put their tools out and then they tell you unlike milwaukee who tells you about their tools and you have to wait for 6 months to over a year
Stuart
Brands typically don’t announce retailer-exclusive early launches.
For Atomic, for instance, Home Depot made announcements first, and then Dewalt made a broader announcement once Home Depot’s head-start for availability ran out.
Something similar probably happened here.
I went to my local Lowe’s last week, but they didn’t have any new Dewalt Xtreme tools on display anywhere.
Steve
I was just thinking this morning that SBD needs to have Dewalt start going after Milwaukee head on in the automotive mechanics area and stop thinking MAC can cover that market for them alone. Milwaukee is making such an automotive push that whatever share Dewslt might cannibalize internally from MAC is irrelevant compared to the market share that Milwaukee is seizing.
I want to see a Dewalt 20V under hood work light and 20V 3/8″ ratchet personally, also Dewalt 12V 3/8″ and 1/4″ ratchets would probably go over well with the mechanics.
Good to see Dewalt expanding the 12V line and pushing more into the automotive area. This is good for consumers.
Big Richard
When they announced these oil resistant packs back in October, they announced both 12v and 20v, so I think there is quite a good chance you will be seeing some 20v automotive tools like you mentioned. Ratchet, updated mid-torque wrench, right angle impact, all possible.
Jason
Just look at Mac offerings and you can see what Dewalt will potentially offer. They already have a 1/4” impact and other automotive related tools.
Big Richard
They’ve been out for a while now, like 7 or 8 years, it doesn’t mean they will all make it to the DeWalt platform.
David Funk
Im in this boat I’m not tracking down the Mac truck to get my tools.
Julian Tracy
I bought the Mikwaukee stubby to replace my Makita 150 foot pound 3/8 Lxt sub compact impact wrench… but the ergonomics of the M12 stubby were quite odd. Enough so that I sold it off soon after buying it. I already have the Hd Dewalt 1/2” 800 foot pound or so brushless 1/2 driver, but was looking for a 3/8” impact with a bit more oomph compared to my Makita.
These new Dewalts look to have much better ergonomics vs the Milwaukee, and damn they’re cheap!
I’m mostly Makita 18v and Dewalt 20v and have just added the M12 system, so I’m not looking to add yet another; I’ll make do with my Makita 3/8 impact. Nice to see D finally make their 12 volt platform something actually useful.
Corey Moore
The XR compact 3/8 older, and rated the same, but used it many times to finish what the Makita subcompact 3/8 wouldn’t. Loved the Makita subs, but I’ve still got all my 20v’s and no Makita left. I’m definitely interested in this 12v in 1/2″, but as of now that 20v 3/8 and the mid torque 20v 1/2″ are far and away my most used guns. The hog ring on the original 12v 3/8 was a disappointment to say the least, but it’s form factor finally beat out my likes for the Makita 3/8 sub.
Bob
[Oil resistant] Glass reinforced plastic housing??? Have a DeWalt 18v impact that is dedicated to truck and heavy equipment repair. No mention of “special” plastic. Got to be 20ish years old. Brake cleaner, gas, diesel, methenol, shop chemicals etc etc have not melted it. Sparkle wrench melted a little tho 🙂 Please DeWalt and every other top tier brand stop telling us you use “special” plastic for your “automotive” tools. I am calling BS.
Also where the hell is the impact wrench? Great a compact 12v impact gun. *Yawn.* Craftsman gets one first? Really?
Ok the stubby 12v impact gun looks nice. I’ll probably get one. Still where is the wrench???!!!!!
Big Richard
This IS an impact wrench. Craftsman only offers a cordless ratchet. I’m not sure if you mean ratchet or a right angle impact wrench, as they are very different tools. Either way, I think these offerings are a good sign that they may be on the way. Maybe.
Stuart
20 years old: “Oh hey, a cordless ratchet.”
2021: Welcome to social media where if something isn’t explicitly mentioned, everyone tears it apart.
Bob
Ok Big Rich has a valid point. I guess I never noticed the nuances of electric tool terminology. This 12v offering to me is an impact GUN. Pistol style grip in my mind equals gun not wrench.
I want a yellow version of the Milwaukee Model# 2557-20. I see it is refered to as a cordless ratchet not a wrench.
I will rephrase. DeWalt where is my GD cordles ratchet????!!!!
I think I am still solid on the marketing BS on the plastic tho? Anyone melt a tool with shop chemicals? Let me know if you did. I want to buy THAT brand of degreaser lol.
Tom D
Only thing I’ve ever seen is that auto shop tools all end up the same smudgy gray. Maybe some are more heat resistant than others but you shouldn’t be leaving your tools on hot exhaust manifolds anyway.
JoeM
Okay… Maybe my eyes are tired… What are they talking about when they say “Protective Boot” here?
I fully admit I’m tired, and this is probably the dumbest question on the planet… but humour me, please… I can’t see it depicted anywhere… What’s the “Protective Boot” all about?
Aaron
In the feature list it says optional available separately, so not in these photos. Milwaukee sells protective boot which is basically a rubber cover for the exposed metal area near the nose of the tool, so I’m assuming it is similar.
https://www.ohiopowertool.com/p-20112-milwaukee-m12-fuel-stubby-impact-driver-protective-boot-boot-only-49-16-2554.aspx
Tom D
Exactly. The tools now have rubber bumpers on the corners and the boot adds even more protection – so you can continuously drop it from a few feet up whilst working under a vehicle.
I don’t have them on my tools as I don’t use or drop them enough but I can see how it could be nice.
The boot on the ratchets may also protect the vehicle/surface from scratches.
Big Richard
It’s in the press release photos:
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/images/dcf901b-a8-2143590
JoeM
Ah! Thanks Big R! That’s exactly what I needed. Okay. Far smarter idea than what was going through MY brain. I was thinking it was a chunk of rubber that sat in the battery slide when not attached to the battery, or likewise a slide that went ON the Battery, either way to cover the contacts while it wasn’t in use.
Bumper Jacket like a kind of Power Tool set of Galoshes? Way smarter than my dumb thought. Thank you!
Joatman
If I was on Dewalts 12v platform, I would jump on this.
On another note….last night I went to HD and bought the Milwaukee 12v Fuel Hammer Drill driver kit for $80. Comes with battery and charger and bag. The online price states $99, but it was marked down in the store.
Robm
I need both!
Nathan
The protective boot is really more a keep it cleaner while at the same time protecting the thing you are working on from scratches.
On the plastic front – I’ve seen shop chemicals damage different plastics. many times it makes then more brittle and prone to cracking apart. Also engine oil and transmission fluids have chemicals that help seals “stay plump” for want of a better term. So it can cause some rubber formulas to swell or get gummy.
Now I’ve used a Dewalt 895 impact driver with an adapter on cars for at least 5 years and while it is dirtier I don’t have either of those issues. I also don’t set it in oil, I don’t clean it with carb cleaner or worse brake clean. etc. In fact let me put that out there right now – nothing should ever be cleaned with brake clean, other than bare metals.
SO I would say there is some logic to the plastic changes – but a person could also take care of their tools too.
Philip
I hope this is a new commitment for dewalt to jump into mechanics tools.
They could easily take the popularity of dewalt name in this direction.
The high torque gun came out a while ago. They should be more consistent… as people want one platform to do mechanical work. Dewalt did focus on new 12v… but should have started with mechanic tools first and then the same old contactor tools!
Robert
I have some M12 tools and was wanting to go into M18 for some other tools. But the Dewalt Holiday sales could not be beat so I move to their 20V line. Glad to see this move toward automotive tools. Having owned Dewalt, I prefer the narrower handle size since I have small hands.
Jonathan
Now if they would just update/replace the 887 20v impact… it’s been long enough
Oleg k
I don’t work for Milwaukee but I have the m12 fuel impact wrench and it’s smaller, lighter and has 250 ft. Lbs torque. I believe that, when it comes to impact drivers, wrenches and drills Milwaukee is number one, no matter how much advantage Flexvolt can provide or how many volts the battery is.
BTW, funny thing, with m18 fuel wrenches, not drills but impact wrenches, seem to be a lot more powerful with the High Output batteries! Hope they make a high output m12 as well.
Kirk
Lowes has them listed as 20v 1/2 inch impact wrench bare tool only but has the dcf901b sku . I ordered one and am curious to see what thet actually send me
Kirk
Got the new 12v ¹/2″ wrench from Lowe’s and got a set of the new 2ah batteries on sale for $20 each.
Matt the Hoople
HEY!!! Does anyone happen to know what happened to these 12 V automotive impact wrenches? I am looking for the 3/8 drive but cannot find anyone on the Internet selling them. I found only one site of some off-the-wall seller I never heard of and they are asking $189 for the bare tool.
I hope they have not already been discontinued. Perhaps there were issues with driving 400 foot pounds of torque in such a compact package?
If they were discontinued, I will likely buy the DCF902 kit at Lowe’s for $99.
Thanks.
Kirk
Yes, Lowes has the new 3/8 dcf902 kit for $99 plus a free 5ah battery. and I got the 1/2″ dcf901 almost 2 weeks ago from lowes for $150 plus tax but its listed as 20v. Just look for the DCF901 sku
Kirk
They’re not released until may 1
Matt the Hoople
I saw the deal on the 902 at Lowe’s. Decided to get that. Still has 200 ft-lb in reverse. This is plenty for lug nuts and 90% of the fasteners on a car. If I’m replacing control arms or similar and need more oomph, l can break out the air impact or a cheater bar to break them loose. I’m not a mechanic. Just maintaining my own vehicles. For 95% of what I’ll be doing this should work fine.
Just FYI on the free battery. Every Lowe’s in my area (5 of them) were out of stock on the battery and shipping wasn’t a selectable option. One Lowe’s showed 4 in stock but when I got there this morning they said it was an error as they discovered that days ago and forgot to zero out the inventory. Asked the manager and they allowed me to sub in a 3ah instead. For me that’s a better battery anyway and will live with my drill/driver kit where the tools see more continuous use.
Eventually I supplement this with a 20v large impact to replace the air one when I catch one on a killer deal.
Thanks.
Kirk
I guess lowes got the exclusive deal for April. still can’t track down the protective rubber boot anywhere thow
Kirk
Nice, I’ll try for the same 3ah deal because lowes kept removing the 5ah battery from my online order. i went to 2 different lowes and told its an error. Same, showing multiple stores with 5 in-stock
Kirk
The page on Amazon from Stuart’s link shows the dewalt 12v dcf902 3/8″ impact wrench with speed control settings??? Why not 1/2″ ?
Stuart
I don’t see where, but DCF902 is the other/older model.
The DCF903 is the higher powered model. Neither the DCF903 (3/8″) or DCF901 (1/2″) are on Amazon yet.
The ONLY available SKU I could find is the 1/2″ bare tool, and I added the Lowe’s link to the post. For convenience: DCF901B via Lowe’s.