Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact 12V Impact Wrenches – Now Available

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.

Update 6/8/21: The 3/8″ bare tool impact and 1/2″ bare tool impact are available at Lowe’s with free shipping. The kits are not yet available.

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

Availability

Bare Tools: Launched Early 2021
Kits ETA: TBA

Buy Now: 1/2″ Bare Tool via Lowe’s
Buy Now: 3/8″ 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