I'm thinking of buying a used DeWalt Impact Wrench for some mechanical work on my 1997 Subaru Sambar, primarily to tackle the timing belt job. I usually manage these jobs manually or with a 3/8" socket, but I need something powerful enough to remove the crankshaft pulley to access the timing belt, and possibly for tire work. I want to know if the 20V is really more powerful than the 12V version and if that difference even matters for the tasks I'll be handling.
3 Answers
Remember that it's not just about voltage; you need enough torque too. I found a great video on the Torque Test Channel that compares many DeWalt impact wrenches and covers what they're actually capable of. It's worth checking out if you're unsure! Also, the 12V is handy, but if you can go 20V, it's definitely going to have more versatility for your projects.
Totally agree with you on that! I learned the hard way when I tried using my 12V on bigger tasks.
Honestly, for something like a crank bolt, don’t even think about the 12V. It’s decent for lighter tasks, but from my experience, I had to pull out my 20V for the last crank pulley. It just didn’t cut it otherwise.
There are quite a few models out there, and while the 12V versions can pack a punch, they might not be quite enough for tough jobs like removing crank bolts. I’d recommend going for a mid-torque 20V model like the DCF891 or DCF892. These are compact but powerful enough for most automotive work without being too bulky—unlike the bigger models which can be overkill.
Exactly! Torque is key for those tougher jobs—having the right tool makes a big difference in how easy everything goes.