DeWalt Impact Tools Compared by Torque and Size

The line-up at a glance

DeWalt High-Torque Impact Wrenches Compared

Keep units in mind. The wrenches are rated in foot-pounds; the DCF845 driver is rated in inch-pounds, and 1825 in-lbs works out to roughly 152 ft-lbs. Breakaway torque is what matters for removing a rusted or over-tightened nut, while fastening torque is the maximum the tool puts on going in. Listed weights vary in how they are measured, and the 11-pound DCF900P1 figure almost certainly includes the kit contents.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench DCF961B for Maximum 1/2-Inch Torque

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench DCF961B is DeWalt’s strongest 1/2-inch wrench in this list, rated at 1320 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1900 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque. DeWalt says that is up to 71 percent more than its DCF899. After four seconds of impacting, the tool automatically increases power to help loosen stubborn fasteners.

It has a hog ring anvil, Precision Wrench mode and an LED work light. The feature bullets list 3 speed settings while the description mentions a 4-speed mode select, so the listing is inconsistent on speed count. It is 8.43 inches long and weighs 8.4 pounds, two pounds more than the DCF900B, and it ships as a bare tool.

This suits owners of larger trailers, farm equipment or older vehicles with rusted hardware where 1400 ft-lbs might stall. For typical RV and car lugs, the extra weight buys torque you are unlikely to use.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench DCF900P1 Kit for a Ready Start

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench DCF900P1 uses the same tool as the DCF900B: 1030 ft-lbs of fastening torque, 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, 4-mode speed settings, variable speed trigger, Precision Wrench control, BatteryGuard and an LED work light. It carries a 3-year limited warranty.

The title says it includes a battery, charger and kit bag, but one feature bullet repeats “battery sold separately,” so the listing contradicts itself. Check the box contents on the product page before ordering. The listed weight of 11 pounds is much higher than the bare tool’s 6.4 pounds, which fits a kit with a battery and bag rather than a heavier tool.

This is a fit for someone new to the 20V platform who wants one purchase to cover a roadside or campsite kit. If you already own batteries, the DCF900B is the lighter, simpler choice. Readers who want less torque and a smaller body can see our DeWalt mid torque 1/2 impact guide.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/2 in. High Torque DCF900P2 Kit for Two-Battery Setups

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1 2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil Kit, model DCF900P2, is again the DCF900 tool with 1030 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, 4-mode speed settings, variable speed trigger, Precision Wrench control, BatteryGuard and an LED light.

The listing calls it a kit but does not itemize the contents, and a feature bullet again says the battery is sold separately. Its specifications list the voltage as 120 and the length as 15 inches, which do not match the 20-volt, 8.43-inch figures on the other DCF900 listings; those look like package or data-entry values rather than a different tool.

Choose this listing if you want the DCF900 in a kit format and can confirm on the product page what ships with it. For travel packing, the tool itself is identical to the DCF900B.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver DCF845B for Screws and Light Bolts

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver DCF845B is a 1/4-inch hex impact driver, not a wrench. Its brushless motor delivers 1825 in-lbs of torque at up to 3400 RPM, which DeWalt says is 30 percent more than the DCF885’s 1400 in-lbs. It has 3 speed settings, a variable speed trigger, a 3-LED work light and a belt hook.

DeWalt describes it as compact and Tool Connect chip ready (chip sold separately). Battery and charger are sold separately, and it carries a 3-year limited warranty. The listing’s “maximum chuck size 0.5 inches” spec conflicts with the 1/4-inch title, so go by the title. The listing does not give a weight.

This is the tool for building out a camper interior, driving lag screws or handling small bolts with a hex adapter. It will not replace a 1/2-inch wrench for lug nuts. If you want something in between, our DeWalt impact driver 1/2 inch page covers compact wrenches.

From the notebook

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3/4 Inch DCF964B for Heavy Equipment

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 3 4 Inch Cordless Impact Wrench, model DCF964B, moves up to a 3/4-inch hog ring anvil. It delivers 1420 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1900 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque, which DeWalt says is up to 102 percent more than its comparison model. It weighs 9 pounds as a bare tool.

The glass-filled nylon housing is designed to resist oil, grease and solvents. It has Precision Wrench mode; the feature bullets list 3 speed settings while the description mentions a 4-mode switch that also changes LED brightness. The battery is sold separately.

This is for large truck wheels, farm implements and structural bolts that need 3/4-inch sockets. For RVs and light trailers it is more tool than you need, and you would carry a second socket set to use it.

Before you choose

How to Choose the Right DeWalt High-Torque Impact Wrench

Start with the fastener. Car, camper and light-trailer lug nuts are well within the 1400 ft-lbs breakaway of the DCF900 family. Heavily rusted hardware, larger trailers and equipment are where the DCF961’s 1900 ft-lbs pays off.

Next, weigh the tool. The DCF900B is listed at 6.4 pounds, the DCF961B at 8.4 and the DCF964B at 9. When you are packing a truck box or a camper storage bay, two or three pounds adds up alongside sockets and batteries.

Then look at drive size. The 1/2-inch wrenches use the most common impact sockets; the DCF964B needs 3/4-inch sockets. Our 3/4 drive impact gun DeWalt guide explains when that step up makes sense.

Finally, decide on bare tool or kit. If you already run DeWalt 20V batteries, the DCF900B, DCF961B, DCF964B and DCF845B bare tools avoid duplicate chargers. The DCF900P1 and DCF900P2 are kit listings, but both carry conflicting battery notes, so confirm contents first.

Questions people ask

FAQ

Which DeWalt impact has the most torque?

The DCF964B 3/4-inch wrench has the highest fastening torque here at 1420 ft-lbs. The DCF961B and DCF964B share the top breakaway figure of 1900 ft-lbs.

What is the DCF900 torque rating?

All three DCF900 listings, the bare DCF900B and the DCF900P1 and DCF900P2 kits, list 1030 ft-lbs of max fastening torque and 1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque.

Can the DCF845 impact driver remove lug nuts?

It is a 1/4-inch hex driver rated at 1825 in-lbs, about 152 ft-lbs. That is built for screws and small bolts, not lug nuts, so use a 1/2-inch wrench for wheels.

Is the DCF961 worth the extra weight over the DCF900?

Only if you regularly face fasteners that need more than 1400 ft-lbs to break loose. It adds 2 pounds for 500 ft-lbs more breakaway torque and an automatic power boost after four seconds.

Should I use an impact wrench to tighten lug nuts?

Precision Wrench mode on these DeWalt wrenches helps prevent over-tightening, but the usual practice is to snug lugs with the impact and finish to spec with a hand torque wrench.