DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Targets Top Tier Performance with Precision
When it comes to the mid-torque class, DeWalt has trailed behind its rivals as they push performance higher. But with the latest DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench DCF891, that’s changing, and it might be enough to launch DeWalt back into the conversation as one of the best cordless impact wrenches.
Pros
- Significantly improved performance over previous models
- Excellent driving and breakaway torque
- LED light controls
- Upgraded with four modes, including Assist Mode
- Option oil-resistant battery kit
- Made in the USA with global materials
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Performance
- No-Load Speed: 2,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 600 ft-lbs (fastening), 800 ft-lbs (breakaway)
- Impact Rate: 3250 IPM
- Anvil: 1/2 in. friction ring (DCF891), 1/2 in. pin detent (DCF892)
Let’s start with some stats. DeWalt’s previous mid-torque impact wrench was the DCF894. Its performance was respectable with 330 ft-lbs of torque for fastening and 600 ft-lbs for loosening.
The DCF891 (or DCF892 —same model with a pin detent) now boasts 600 ft-lbs of fastening and 800 ft-lbs of breakaway torque. That’s 82% more fastening torque and 33% more for loosening! I can’t remember another model that made that big of a jump from one generation to the next.
How about some context to go with that? Considering DeWalt’s top professional competitors, here’s where they stand:
| Max Tightening | Max Breakaway | Max Speed | Max Impact Rate | |
| DeWalt DCF894 | 330 ft-lbs | 600 ft-lbs | 2000 RPM | 3100 IPM |
| DeWalt DCF891 | 600 ft-lbs | 800 ft-lbs | 2000 RPM | 3250 IPM |
| Flex FX1451-1F | 600 ft.lbs | 750 ft-lbs | 2700 RPM | 3100 IPM |
| Makita GWT07 | 550 ft-lbs | 810 ft-lbs | 2300 RPM | 2900 IPM |
| Milwaukee 2962 | 550 ft-lbs | 650 ft-lbs | 2575 RPM | 3100 IPM |
While DeWalt left the top speed the same, it’s clear that the DCF891 is much more competitive in power.
DeWalt DCF891 Impact Wrench: How We Tested
Bolt Break Test
This test is all about breakaway torque. We start by tightening eight 1 1/2-inch lug nuts down to 500 ft-lbs using a specialized torque wrench and time how long it takes each tool to loosen all eight nuts. This gives us a solid, real-world representation of each tool’s capabilities.
Lag Bolt Test
In order to test the fastening torque, we drive a 10 x 1/2-inch lag bolt into a laminated OSB test block. Each tool has 30 seconds to sink the lag bolts. If the bolt is not completely sunk, we measure the inches remaining as our data results. This is a tough ask for most mid-torque impact wrenches, but it’s a good test that displays the raw driving power of these tools.
Inertia Torque Test
The last test we ran measures torque using an L1000 torque tester from Inertia Torque. This is very different from our other tests because it only tests torque without speed or impact rate coming into play.
Our method is to run three 5-second intervals with a 3-second break between and take the highest torque reading. This helps us understand how much actual torque the impact wrench is producing, and it is different from the method manufacturers use to rate their impact wrenches.
Testing Results
In our bolt break test, DeWalt loosened all eight nuts in 23.77 seconds to take first place, with Flex and Milwaukee trailing behind at 26.69 seconds and 26.09 seconds, respectively. Makita was the next closest competitor with a total time of 32.62 seconds.
When it came to driving large lag screws, DeWalt was the only mid-torque model we tested to sink our 10-inch x 1/2-inch lag bolt fully. This is a true test of brute strength and endurance for the DCF891.
Interestingly enough, DeWalt only posted 392.6 ft-lbs of torque during the Inertia Torque test. This score falls in the middle of the pack of all the impact wrenches we tested, settling behind Makita, Flex, Metabo HPT, and Milwaukee. So, how is it possible that DeWalt led the pack during our other tests?
It all comes down to impact rate and torque. DeWalt’s hammer strikes the anvil noticeably harder and faster, allowing it to progress through the tests faster. These factors pushed DeWalt ahead when it came to application speed.
DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Design Notes
- Model: DeWalt DCF891
- Power Source: DeWalt 20V battery
- Weight: 3.81 lbs (bare tool), 5.95 lbs (with 8.0Ah PowerPack battery)
- Head Length: 6.9 in.
Controls
When it comes to control, DeWalt replaced the 3-position mechanical switch at the base of the tool with a 4-mode push-button system. That 4th mode is a Precision Wrench setting. When fastening in this mode, the tool runs at 2000 RPM until it begins impacting. It then pauses for 1/2 second before continuing. This reduces the chance of overtightening your nut or bolt and damaging material.
When loosening nuts in this mode, the tool impacts at a normal speed until the fastener breaks free. Then, the tool stops impacting and reduces speed. This keeps you from unnecessarily losing nuts and other hardware.
The modes work with the following speeds:
| Mode | Application | RPM |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Low impacting | 0-600 forward 0-2000 reverse |
| Medium | Medium impacting | 0-1200 forward 0-2000 reverse |
| High | High impacting | 0-2000 forward 0-2000 reverse |
| Precision Wrench | Precision wrenching | 0-2000 forward 0-2000 reverse |
Size and Weight
Where some of DeWalt’s competition has an advantage is in size, but the weight is competitive. It’s 7.0 inches across the head, 3.8 pounds as a bare tool, and has a working weight of 5.3 pounds when you add a 5.0AH battery.
That’s certainlly not obnoxious, especially with the performance you’re getting. However, when you compare to Milwaukee’s 2962 that’s 6.0 inches across the head, there’s still some room to improve if the product team wants to target a more compact design down the road.
Additional Features
- 3-mode LED light to illuminate dark work spaces
- Compatible with all DeWalt 20V batteries
DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Price
The DCF891 bare tool is $249, and the kit retails for $429 or $479 depending on the battery configuration. The lower price nets you the tool with a pair of 5.0Ah batteries, and charger, and a kit bag. The higher price is similar, but you get two 5.0Ah oil-resistant batteries instead of standard ones.
The DCF892 is curretnly available as a bare tool only for $249.
DeWalt backs your purchase with a 3-year manufacturer warranty, a 1-year service agreement, and a 90-day money back guarantee.
The Bottom Line
The DeWalt 20V Max XR Mid-Torque Impact Wrench is a huge improvement over the previous model. It’s not just an upgrade on paper, either. Its improved results in our tests shows that it’s one of the too-performing cordless mid-torque models available, and the addition of a precision mode for both fastening and loosening is welcome.
The downside is that it’s not as compact and light as some of its competition. However, we don’t expect many DeWalt fans to complain, considering how much better the performance is. For me, I prioritize application speed and power in this class, and DeWalt has the advantage in these categories, so a little extra size and weight doesn’t bother me.
