I'm a casual DIY enthusiast, and I'm looking to buy an impact wrench, specifically the DeWalt DCF891B. Lowe's has a deal where I can get it for $250 with a 20V 8AH battery (not the Max XR version), while Acme Tools is offering the same price with a 20V Powerstack 5AH battery instead. Since both options are the same price, I'm trying to figure out which battery is better. Can anyone share their experiences or opinions on the 5AH Powerstack versus the 8AH battery?
5 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend either of those options. The Powerstack isn't a huge weight difference from the 8AH, and there have been reports of it failing. The original 8AH uses Samsung 40T cells, which aren’t the most reliable either. If you can find the 8AH Powerpack, I’d suggest going for that one instead.
If you're just a weekend DIYer, you might find the lighter and smaller Powerstack 5AH more comfortable to use than the bulkier 8AH. However, if you plan on getting bigger tools later, the 8AH could provide better run time.
The Powerstack is more future-proof, especially for tools designed to take advantage of its power, like the DCD1007. The old style 8AH has longer run time, but it won't perform as well with newer tools because it can't output power like the Powerstack or XR packs.
It really comes down to your needs. If you need more power for your tasks, go with the 5AH. For overall capacity, the 8AH is better. Plus, I remember the 5AH Powerstack is pretty much equivalent to a 6AH XR, while the 8AH is stronger when used with larger tools.
I'd suggest trying both options if you can. You might prefer the weight and balance of one over the other, especially considering what other tools you plan to get in the future. If you're considering a sander or impact, the 5AH Powerstack could be a smart choice.