Dewalt Impact 12V MAX 3/8″ Impact Wrench – DCF813S2

We have been doing a lot of reviews of the Dewalt 12V max line.  This line of power tools by Dewalt has been great, we like the balance and the power.  We wanted to try something a little bigger, so this time we decided on reviewing the Dewalt 3/8″ Impact Wrench.

Power Tool Review– Dewalt 12V Max 3/8″ Impact Wrench
Power Tool Model – DCF813S2

Pros: Great Balance, Lightweight, Good Power

Cons: None

Specifications of the Dewalt

• Drive Size – 3/8″
• No Load Speed – 0-2,450 RPM
• Impact/Min – 0-3,400 IPM
• Max Torque – 1150 in-lbs
• 3 LED Lights
• Weight – 2.3 lbs
• Length – 6.25″
• Kit includes 3/8″ wrench, 2 12V Max Lithium-ion batteries, fast charger, contractor bag

Nuts & Bolts of the Dewalt

Specifications

With Lithium-ion batteries gaining more popularity, it only makes more sense for tool manufacturers to start utilizing this technology, which they have.  The tools are lighter and more powerful than ever before.  When the batteries were first introduced, a lot of manufacturers went to their 36 or 28V lines to improve those tools.  But in recent times manufacturers have been pounding the 12V market like crazy.  Dewalt’s 12V max line is no different.  They have been making some great 12V power tools that are well balanced and powerful, which brings us to the 3/8″ impact wrench.  The Dewalt impact wrench uses a 3/8″ Hog ring anvil which allows for quick socket changing.  This is a lightweight, but powerful impact wrench.  The tool puts out an impressive 1150 in-lbs of torque and has a no-load speed of 0-2,450 rpm and impact speed of 0-3,400 ipm, all three numbers are enough to make anyone raise their eyebrow.  On the head there are three great LED lights to help the user see their work even in dark conditions.  Now you may think with all this it would be a heavy wrench, but this only weighs 2.3 lbs and is only 6.25″ long making it ultra compact.

The Dewalt impact wrench kit comes with everything you need to get started on your project which includes the wrench, two 12V Max Lithium-ion batteries, a charger and a tool bag.

Review

As with any review, the first thing we always look for is a power tool with good balance.  Bad balance leads to fatigue and makes the tool hard to use.  Since we tested the other Dewalt 12V max tools and all of them so far had great balance, we didn’t think the impact wrench would be any different.  As we assumed, the wrench again was in-line and felt great in our hands.  The wrench is very light and easy to maneuver around.  It is also small enough to get into tight spots, like engine compartments, various HVAC applications or well you get the point.  On the other hand, it’s not too small where you can not get a good tight grip with a large hand or even with a glove on.  Okay we will shut up and just get to the point, the size is perfect.

We spent a day at our local boat marina, since it is winter by us, they are pretty slow and we had some time to take the tool for a test drive.  We removed the engine from an ATV and the tool worked flawlessly on one charge. We also fixed and worked on a couple of trailers without any issues.  Now we are not saying this is going to replace your air compressor system or even your 18V impact wrench system, but this is a great addition for someone looking for some great torque power in a compact size.  It’s portable and easy to use. We even tried to remove the lug nuts off a Ford F350 pick up truck but that proved a little too much for the 12V as the lugs were rusted on.

We really didn’t want to bore you with everything we did with the impact, but as you can see by the video below, we drove a couple lag bolts into some wood, so you can see it in action, hence tools in action.

Conclusion

Overall this is like the rest of Dewalt’s 12V max line.  This has some serious power for a 12V.  The balance is great and fits like a glove.  Dewalt is starting to add more and more power tools to their 12V line, which makes this purchase even more appealing.