Full Review ⭐ DeWalt DCF899N-XJ: 18 V XR Brushless 1/2 Inch High Torque Impact Wrench (950 Nm), Bare Unit, Yellow/Black

Impact wrenches are a powerful tool used to drive and remove fasteners like lug nuts and bolts. They utilize compressed air or an electric motor to generate high amounts of torque to tighten or loosen fasteners quickly and efficiently. DeWalt is a leading American power tool manufacturer known for their high-performance impact wrenches and cordless power tools.

DeWalt's DCF899N-XJ 18V XR Brushless 1/2 Inch High Torque Impact Wrench is one of their flagship cordless impact wrench models. It's designed to deliver maximum power and runtime for automotive and industrial fastening applications. This review will take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of the DCF899N-XJ to see how it stacks up for professional use.

Specifications

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench is powered by an 18V XR brushless motor, delivering impressive performance in a compact and lightweight package. It has a 1/2" drive size and can produce a maximum torque of 950 Nm, making it suitable for lug nuts and other demanding applications.

The brushless motor provides more runtime, more power and more durability compared to a brushed motor. It's optimized for efficiency to give longer runtime per battery charge. With no brushes to wear out, it has a longer lifespan as well.

The 1/2" drive accepts a wide range of socket sizes, while the detent pin retains the socket so you don't have to hold it in place. The impressive 950 Nm of max torque allows you to power through stubborn bolts and fasteners quickly. This high torque in a compact impact wrench makes the DCF899N-XJ a versatile and powerful addition to your tool kit.

For those looking for a high-powered, compact impact wrench, the DeWalt DCF899HN-XJ is an excellent choice. This 18V XR brushless 1/2 inch impact wrench delivers a whopping 950 Nm of max torque while weighing only 2.2 kg. The hog ring anvil provides versatility to use sockets with either hog ring or detent pin retention.

With dimensions of just 4.09 cm x 10.87 cm x 9.53 cm, the DCF899HN-XJ packs incredible power in a small footprint. The brushless motor means you'll get more running time per charge, as well as increased durability. An anti-slip comfort grip gives you control, even in wet or oily conditions. Three LED lights illuminate your work area.

DeWalt's XR Li-Ion batteries provide 33% more capacity over standard packs for longer runtime. The DCF899HN-XJ is sold as a bare unit without battery or charger, so you can choose the XR battery that fits your needs.

This compact but powerful impact wrench is ideal for automotive repair, fleet maintenance, product assembly, and any other high torque application. Its hog ring anvil accepts sockets with either retention system. Backed by DeWalt's 3 year limited warranty.

With 950 Nm of max torque, a brushless motor for efficiency and durability, and a compact size, the DeWalt DCF899HN-XJ 1/2 inch impact wrench is a versatile addition for your toolbox. Check it out if you need serious fastening torque in a small, lightweight package.

Power and Performance

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench packs a serious punch with 950 Nm of maximum torque and 700 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque. This high torque output makes it ideal for heavy duty automotive and industrial use, allowing you to remove even the most stubborn lug nuts and bolts with ease. The DCF899N-XJ utilizes DeWalt's efficient brushless motor technology that delivers more runtime and longer tool life compared to brushed motors. The brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize performance across a range of applications. It provides faster application speeds while maintaining control and precision. Overall, the brushless motor gives you the power you need without sacrificing runtime or durability.

If you're looking for a more compact and lightweight impact wrench, check out the DeWalt DCF880N-XJ. This 18V XR Lithium-Ion compact impact wrench measures just 3.94 cm x 9.61 cm x 6.3 cm, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Despite its small size, it delivers an impressive 339 Nm of maximum torque, plenty of power for most automotive and DIY projects. The DCF880N-XJ uses the same efficient brushless motor as the DCF899N-XJ, providing longer runtime, faster speeds, and increased durability. It also features a hog ring anvil for quick and easy socket changes, as well as a variable speed trigger with electric brake for maximum control.

When choosing between the DCF899N-XJ and DCF880N-XJ, consider your specific power needs and workspace constraints. The DCF899N-XJ offers nearly 3 times the maximum torque in a mid-sized package, making it the ideal choice for heavy duty bolting jobs where high torque is required. Its powerful performance does come at the cost of larger size and weight compared to the more compact DCF880N-XJ. For tight spaces or extended overhead use, the DCF880N-XJ's smaller form factor could be advantageous despite lower torque output. Both utilize DeWalt's proven brushless motor technology to provide pro-level power, runtime and durability.

Design and Ergonomics

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench features a compact and lightweight design that makes it easy to maneuver and reduces user fatigue during extended use. Despite its smaller size, the tool still maintains DeWalt's reputation for rugged durability thanks to its metal transmission and reinforced housing.

Weighing only 7.2 lbs with the battery, the DCF899N-XJ can be used in tight spaces where a bulkier tool won't fit. The short 5.5 inch head length allows you to drive fasteners in confined areas. Combined with the slim 2.9 inch width, the impact wrench can fit into spots that are difficult to access with larger tools.

Comfort and control are enhanced through the rubber overmold grip on the handle. This gives you a secure hold of the tool, even when wearing gloves or when your hands are oily. The grip absorbs vibrations and impacts from the tool, helping to reduce hand fatigue. An LED light integrated into the base of the tool provides visibility when working in dimly lit spaces.

Overall, the compact and ergonomic design of the DCF899N-XJ makes it well-suited for automotive repair, construction, plumbing, and other applications requiring high torque in tight quarters. The lightweight body and rubber grip give users more comfort and control during use.

Battery and Charger

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench is powered by DeWalt's 18V XR lithium-ion battery packs, which are not included with the tool. It's compatible with all of DeWalt's 18V XR slide-style batteries, ranging from 1.5Ah compact batteries up to 12Ah high capacity batteries for extended runtime. The more amp-hour capacity of the battery, the longer the runtime you'll get per charge.

For charging the batteries, DeWalt offers a few different single and multi-port chargers. There's a basic single-port charger that charges one battery at a time. For faster charging, the dual-port charger can charge two batteries simultaneously. And the quad port charger can charge up to four batteries at once. These chargers plug into AC power and typically charge an 18V XR battery from empty to full within 60-90 minutes. Having multiple batteries and a multi-port charger helps keep the impact wrench up and running with minimal downtime.

Accessories

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ comes with a friction ring anvil, allowing you to adjust the torque settings easily without needing to change sockets. It is compatible with 1/2" impact sockets.

DeWalt offers a wide range of accessories and attachments to expand the capabilities of the DCF899N-XJ impact wrench. Some popular accessories include:

• Anvil Types: DeWalt has 1/2" hog ring anvils available to replace the friction ring and allow even higher torque settings. The hog ring anvil tightly grips sockets to prevent slippage at max torque.

• Extension Bars: Extension bars in varying lengths (3", 5", 10") allow you to reach fasteners in tight spaces. The extensions bars have a 1/2" male drive to connect directly to the impact wrench.

• Universal Joints: Flexible universal joint attachments enable the impact wrench to reach fasteners at odd angles where a straight extension bar is not feasible. This improves access in tight engine bays.

• Impact Sockets: DeWalt has a full range of max impact 1/2" drive sockets in all standard and metric sizes to tackle any fastening job. The sockets are forged from chrome molybdenum for durability.

Choosing the right accessories can maximize the capabilities and improve the user experience of the DCF899N-XJ impact wrench for specific applications. DeWalt's wide accessory ecosystem ensures you can customize the tool for peak performance.

Applications

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench is a versatile tool suitable for a wide range of applications. Its high torque output makes it well-suited for automotive uses, especially lug nut removal and installation. Mechanics will appreciate the power and control of this tool when working in the shop or garage.

In construction settings, the DCF899N-XJ can drive large lag bolts into wood beams and handle concrete anchor bolts with ease. The impact mechanism delivers consistent power that won't unexpectedly twist a user's wrist. This is useful when driving screws or bolts overhead or in tight spaces.

For DIYers, this impact wrench tackles projects both large and small. It can assemble decks and fences, fasten shelving into studs, and power through rusty bolts on older equipment and machinery. The variable speed trigger gives users precise control when driving screws into delicate materials or starting holes. Despite its power, the brushless motor enables greater run time for completing longer projects.

With 950 Nm of max torque, the DCF899N-XJ provides ample power for automotive repair, heavy-duty construction, and home improvement tasks. Its compact size makes it easy to use in tight spaces.

Pros

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench has many excellent features that make it a top choice for automotive and construction professionals.

• Powerful and efficient brushless motor: The DCF899N-XJ is powered by an 18V XR brushless motor that delivers an outstanding 950 Nm of maximum torque. This high torque allows you to easily loosen even the most stubborn bolts and lug nuts. The brushless motor is also very efficient, providing longer runtime per battery charge.

• Compact and ergonomic design: Weighing only 2.6 kg with battery, the DCF899N-XJ is designed to be comfortable to handle and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The overmold grip reduces vibration and fatigue during prolonged use. At just 155mm long, it can fit where bulkier impact wrenches cannot.

• Variable speed trigger: The variable speed trigger gives you precision control over the output, allowing you to match the power to the application. Low speeds prevent fastener damage while high speeds make quick work of large fasteners.

• LED worklight: The built-in LED worklight illuminates dark work areas, making it easier to see the task at hand. The 20 second delay after trigger release allows you to inspect your work.

• Detent pin anvil: The detent pin anvil makes socket changes fast and easy, promoting productivity. The 1/2" square drive accepts standard impact sockets.

Cons

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench does have some drawbacks to consider:

• Expensive - This is a premium tool that comes at a premium price. At around £250, it is more expensive than many other 18V impact wrenches on the market. The high cost may make it prohibitive for some buyers, especially DIYers or hobbyists.

• Heavy - Weighing in at 1.8kg without a battery, this is a fairly hefty tool. The weight could become tiring if using it for extended periods overhead or in tight spaces. The bulk and weight are the trade-off for the tool's ruggedness and power.

• Loud - As a high torque impact wrench, it produces a lot of noise in operation. At over 100 decibels, the sound levels are high enough to require hearing protection with prolonged use. The noise could be an issue around noise-sensitive areas.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCF899N-XJ 18V XR Brushless 1/2 Inch High Torque Impact Wrench is an excellent choice for automotive mechanics, construction workers, and DIYers who need a powerful and reliable cordless impact wrench.

This impact wrench delivers an impressive 950 Nm of max torque and 3 speed settings, allowing you to tackle a wide range of heavy-duty fastening applications. The brushless motor provides sustained power, run-time, and durability.

The tool is compact and ergonomically designed for comfort during prolonged use. It has an LED work light and a belt hook for convenience. The battery and charger are sold separately.

Overall, the DeWalt DCF899N-XJ impact wrench is a rugged, high-performance cordless tool that makes quick work of stubborn bolts and fasteners. It's a worthwhile investment for professional automotive technicians and construction crews who regularly work with large fasteners. The power and reliability also make it a great choice for home mechanics tackling DIY automotive repairs.