DeWalt Cordless Ratchet Brings New Options to Mechanics
DeWalt Cordless Ratchets come in different sizes and their models can run on either the 12V Xtreme or 20V Atomic platform. DeWalt's new cordless ratchet joins similar car tool releases from other manufacturers. Will these new DeWalt Atomic 20V Ratchets and 12V Xtreme Ratchets be the right solution for mechanics who need a reliable combination of torque and speed?
Common Features of DeWalt Cordless Ratchet Wrenches
Every DeWalt cordless ratchet features a brushless motor. These tools also include a handy LED light to make working in dark spaces easier. Mechanics will certainly find this handy when working under the hood and chassis, as well as repairing large machinery and equipment.
DeWalt designed these ratchets for their Xtreme 12V Max line as well as their Atomic Compact 20V Max line of cordless power tools. Each platform has its own combination of size, torque and runtime. The DeWalt Xtreme 12V Ratchet focuses on 1/4" and 3/8" drive sizes, while the 20V Atomic models include 3/8" and 1/2" drive heads. All models have the expected forward and reverse two-finger switches and shift control.
DeWalt Xtreme 12V Brushless 1/4" Ratchet (DCF504B)
The DeWalt Xtreme 12V 1/4" Ratchet is designed to remove small nuts and bolts, even in tight areas. Automotive work tends to be greasy, but the standard glass-filled nylon tool housing is resistant to many automotive fluids. This should make it easy to wipe off the tool and keep it working over time. Look for this DeWalt Cordless 12V Ratchet, which offers about 40 foot-pounds of maximum torque for its 1/4-inch square drive.
Additional features
- Speed: 250 RPM (variable)
- Compatible with all DeWalt 12V batteries and chargers.
- trigger lock
- forward/backward switch
You can pick up the DeWalt DCF504B for $179 bare-bones at Acme Tools or your favorite DeWalt retailer. 12V battery and charger sold separately.
DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8" Ratchet (DCF503B)
Another size variation, the DeWalt 3/8" Xtreme 12V Cordless Ratchet is very similar to the 1/4" listed above. It has the same glass filled nylon tool housing and you get the same 250 RPM max speed. The main difference between these two tools is power and torque. With the DeWalt DCF503B 3/8 Inch Cordless Ratchet Wrench, you can achieve up to 60 foot-pounds of maximum torque. 50% more than 1/4" ratchets, allowing you to handle more projects.
Additional features
- Speed: 0-250 RPM (variable)
- led light
- Compatible with all DeWalt 12V batteries and chargers.
- trigger lock
- forward/backward switch
The DeWalt DCF503B is a bare-bones model for the same price as the 1/4-inch model. Get it for around $179 at Acme Tools. Batteries and chargers sold separately.
DeWalt Xtreme 12V Brushless 3/8" Extended Ratchet Wrench (DCF503EB)
The final tool in the DeWalt 12V Max cordless series is the 3/8" Extended Ratchet Wrench. DeWalt designed this tool to help mechanics and technicians easily get into tight workspaces. Its long, elongated neck provides several inches of room to reach into those tight areas. It has the same maximum torque as the 3/8" ratchet, 60 foot-pounds.
Additional features
- led light
- Speed: 0-250 RPM (variable)
- Compatible with all DeWalt 12V batteries and chargers.
- trigger lock
- forward/backward switch
The DeWalt Xtreme 12V Brushless 3/8" Extended Ratchet Wrench bare metal retails for $189. Buy it at Acme Tools or your favorite DeWalt dealer.
DeWalt Atomic Compact 20V Brushless 3/8" Ratchet Wrench (DCF513B)
Entering the more powerful DeWalt Cordless Ratchet, DeWalt uses a 20V battery instead of a 12V battery pack to power its line of Atomic cordless ratchets. Right off the bat, this ratchet gets more power, with a maximum torque of 70 foot-pounds. Yet it's still compact enough to reach into tight spots to get the job done. It's designed for versatility at the high end of the power cordless ratchet.
This model is available now at your favorite DeWalt retailers.
Additional features
- Speed: 0-250 RPM (variable)
- led light
- variable speed control
- Compatible with all DeWalt 12V batteries and chargers.
- trigger lock
- forward/backward switch
You can pick up this tool bare metal for $199 starting in July 2022. It's also available in a $239 kit (DCF513D1) with a contractor's bag, battery, and charger.
DeWalt Atomic Compact 20V Brushless 1/2" Ratchet (DCF512B)
Finally, there's the 20V Atomic Brushless 1/2" Ratchet Wrench. This 1/2-inch ratchet provides up to 70 foot-pounds of torque. It has many of the same features as the rest of DeWalt's ratchet list.
Additional features
- Speed: 0-250 RPM (variable)
- led light
- variable speed control
- Compatible with all DeWalt 12V batteries and chargers.
- trigger lock
- forward/backward switch
You can buy a DeWalt Atomic Compact 20V Brushless 1/2-Inch Ratchet as a bare tool for $199. Get it at Acme Tools or your favorite DeWalt retailer.
final thoughts
Look at many 3/8" air ratchets and you'll see torque values between 30 and 50 foot-pounds. This makes even smaller 12V DeWalt ratchets comparable to pneumatic ratchets. With 20V tools, you may get more power. We like that.
Their 12V Xtreme line has more power than the Milwaukee M12 ratchet (and comes close to the M12 FUEL high-speed ratchet running at 450 RPM). Both Milwaukee Tool and Makita have higher speed options, however, if you prefer. The DeWalt 20V Cordless Ratchet is definitely the most usable wattage we've seen in a cordless tool to date. If the increased battery size is no problem, check those out. If you sacrifice power for a true nutrunner, the Makita XRW01 still beats the competition with a strong 800 RPM, but a maximum torque of 35 foot-pounds.
These DeWalt Cordless Ratchet Wrenches are designed to fill a glaring gap in the company's line of automotive tools. We like the inline design, and the company targeted many of the major touchpoints a mechanic needs in a tool like this.
Shop for DeWalt power tools on the Acme Tools website.