This NEVER Happens! DeWalt DCF513 20V ATOMIC Ratchet Review [70 ft-lbs TORQUE] 

This thing is awesome I’ve had it for over a year now. It breaks stuff loose and gets stuff tight. Great for suspension work where impacts won’t fit. I’ve had coworker pick it up and bust their hands running down bolts. If your not careful it will get away from you it’s hard to imagine how much power it has. Even I forget sometimes. It’s a machine

Bought one of these about six mo. ago. Had to have it. Shipped here to western Canada so it was a pricey buy but I love this thing. Great for tranny mounts or exhaust manifolds, even installed a set of leaf springs with it (Torque Wrench after). Like he said.. It's a beast ! A very satisfying tool to use.

I have it in my cart right now.waiting for video to end lol..great video dude.👍🏽

$200 is about what I expected 70 foot pounds is a lot for the size and design of the ratchet.

Impressive results for a non-XR DeWalt. Have been a subscriber for years, nice to see your channel well beyond the coveted Silver Play Button plaque at this point.

Great review! Ya let's see a running start for the hell of it. Mechanics use it in a pinch. Blows anything else in class away that's for sure. Wont make me get rid of my M12's but nice to see good competition.

Excellent review. Excellent ratchet. Thank you for your hard work sir.

Hi Tim, that’s a very strong ratchet from dewalt, very impressive, excellent demonstration ty,

Man I use this thing everyday. And from the times I have had in pinch my hand I can verify is has good power. It does good on upper ball joints. 18mm and so

I will buy soon to add to my collection in my van. Wish you would have tightened a bolt with it also and checked torque. It may be same difference forward and backward but would have been nice. Good review.

Great video. Would be interesting ifyou put tge 5Ah battery on just to see if it gets slight hight ft/lb

I got one of these for my birthday last year, it's been excellent.

Got this one with the power stack battery for 160 this Holiday. So sweet.

Awesome video as always! Love my dewalt!!

They sell an extended reach in the 12v variant at Acme tool

I’ve got the 12v version (was on sale for 70$ and I couldn’t resist at that price) and honestly it’s great. It claims 70lbs too and I’d say it’s pretty close. Not to worried about the max torque really. Without pulling the trigger it operates just like a standard ratchet so I can break something loose if it’s too tight then squeeze so I don’t have to manually back a bolt out. Just used it to replace the wheel bearings on my wrangler today and the only thing I needed the impact for was the 36mm bolt holding the bearings to the axle shaft. The three rear bolts were torque to 76 pounds if I remember correctly and it felt like they were just about there when I hit them with the torque wrench. I was able to break them loose with the Dewalt no problem. Didn’t even feel any resistance when I broke loose the bolts holding the brake calipers on. Did the whole job on one battery. My 12 volts batteries don’t have a charge level indicator so I don’t know how much I had left after. Only downside is the head is really fat so you can’t get it into every spot you can get a standard ratchet but it feels really heavy duty so I suppose that’s to be expected.

I have this thing and I also have the extended head version and I love them both

Hey, I liked the video and it helped me actually feel pretty good about my purchase (yeah, I already bought it lol). However, one thing I wanted to point out and suggest: breakout/break free torque actually isn't equal to the torque that was used to torque the nut or bolt. I'd suggest for future videos to get a load cell to measure torque input, and to regularly (like every 6-12 months) calibrate it.

If you want measure torque, measure torque not breakaway load. Buy a 1/2x10-inch bolt, a nylock, and some super glue. Screw the nylock onto the bolt, adding the super glue for the last half inch of thread, and bottom out the nut on the thread. Build a Vee-block jig to support the bolt horizontally. Measure the distance from the center of the drive, to the hanger hole in the handle, (for my mid sixties half inch breaker bar it is 18-inches or 1.5-feet. Divide the seventy foot pounds by the 1.5-feet. Which gives you 46.667-pounds. Rig a way to hang the 46.667-pounds in the hanger hole. If the ratchet lifts the load horizontal, the ratchet is delivering 70-lbs.

What measuring tape did you use to measure that length? I love the color on the tape. Let me know please. Thanks

Would have liked to see you try it with that 3AH 21700 batt as well...

As a former mechanic that had only air, this tool looks more than capable for anything you would use 3/8ths on

Bought one of these last summer, I really enjoy using it. My only complaint is that I wish it was more compact.

I own the 20 volt ratchet I purchased it at Kms tools for 208 Canadian it works great also a ingersolrand 12 volt 3/8 drive ratchet thanks for the review

Wish I had one of these because getting a starter out of a 2000 Ford was a pain took too long and almost no space

I love my Dewalt tools and I definitely need the ratchet now 👍

Would like to see it with a 5ah powerstack

Still I'm set up for milwaukee and I'm very happy with their product so I'm staying milwaukee but still that's looks fantastic

Nice demo 😊 thanks JR

Those small power stack batteries fit perfectly on this ratchet I have a few of the small powerstack batteries just for my ratchet

Running start is how most auto techs do it. Right or wrong When using a 6 point hard to cause any real damage. But that method is best left to those who are pros. I think dewalt did decent job on ratchet Agree a long neck or extended would be great. I use long/extended 3 to 1 to the short. Figured tool companies would have figured this out by now. But we all understand they are slow. To be honest almost never use regular size ratchet The cordless I almost always grab is my 1/4 or 3/8 extended reach cordless If I own Milwaukee I am sure I would do the same and so on .. Good video.

I believe Lowes has buy a 2 pack Powerstack battery $199 and get a free tool. The tools are impact 3/8" they have the ratchets, hammer drills and i think a 3mah battery and charger.

I have a Matco that I paid over 400 bucks for and it's like 65ft lbs of torque, its killer. I can break rusty bumper bolts. Not to mention I crank on it like its a regular ratchet. I recommend in a shop daily use buy torque over speed. I also have all Dewalt cordless tools and would love a ratchet for home use. The only issue I've had is the battery location design, I hate it. But after this video I might just go buy one. Thanks for the share.

I really wanted to like mine. Two weeks into using it, it died trying to install a caliper bolt. Then it would only flash and jerk the motor for a split second. I thought it was a little heavy anyways. For close quarters, I am now trying the compact dcf850.

Milwaukee fan bois "oh this test is rigged"

Great review. Thanks

I am having a lot of trouble trying to find a battery for this. The batteries I've ordered are all too wide. the last one I ordered was the DCBP034G "DeWalt Powerstack 20v". I have the extended version of this ratchet. Thanks!

Great cordless ratchet. Dewalt makes good stuff and it seems its fast. Not sure if its faster than the milwaukee.Thanks for the video

Another awesome review. Thanks

The finger switch and lock button needs to be on top. Every time I use it in a tight spot the lock switch get turned on. These are mainly used to run nuts in tight spots.

I have Milwaukee and Makita ratchets. As much as I love Dewalt I had to return their ratchet due to the noise and the backdrag.

I’m buying my first tools this holiday season I’ve been doing some research but don’t know if I should get dewalt or Milwaukee I was thinking the extended 3/8 from Milwaukee or this version of dewalt. I’m also thinking of getting an impact as well. So many choices.

Can you guys run all your tests on the CAT power tools please?

Snap-On CTR768 Brute also claims 70ft-lbs 175 rpm. Brushed motor, but has a planetary gearset in the base of the neck. I know you don't care about torque, but I do. But when a previous tech decided 1 bottle if locktite per bolt is the recommended amount, the high torque is nice. I also notice with the brushed motor and planetary gearset it seems to have more mid range torque.

Never used an Air ratchet to break bolts loose with air torque, always broke it loose with force until the tool would do the rest, tightening is the opposite, you can get a feel of how much torque they can put on bolts and only add extra with leverage if needed.

Good ratchet. I constantly try and sit it down for it to just fall over. Drives me crazy. For the money its good, plenty strong. Pretty big to access tight areas. Overall its not even close to as good as the snapon or matco. But it also cost much less and has as much or more power.

Howdy and thanks for the video. I'm getting lost with all the different model names and monikers. Where does Atomic fit in? I was alwyas under the impression that XR was the big dog and that's what I always looked for as the regular DeWalt didn't have enough snot for the things I was doing!? HELP! :)

Congratulations on passing the 100k subscriber threshold …!

Very well done video. I went and bought. One.

I have both. Love them

This sure appears to be reason enough for at least a few of us to jump too 'team yellow.' This thing was truly impressive, especially if paired with the small power-stack. This is the kind of power many of us are looking for in a cordless 3/8"ratchet. I'm truly in the market for said cordless 3/8" ratchet that can work with me when I'm holding it at arms-length, that has something called 'torque'?.!🤓 So I can work inside of the tractor body parts I'm constantly having to access, everyday almost on my job as a heavy duty body repair man. A 3/8" 90° impact doesn't work for every little thing, and sometimes it's just 'too-candy-for-a-nickle' and I want to not have to drag a 1/2"-5/8" air-hose from the other end of an over driven 1/4" or 3/8" air ratchet, that are supposed to run on 90 psi, when most truck shops run at least 110 psi. Not mention that big freaking air-hose that gets in the way of almost everything...!😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 I may be getting paid overtime today, but by Granny's, I'm earning every stinking penny.😮‍💨😤😮‍💨 I can't wait to try this Bad-Boy out for my self.

My snap on long neck 3/8 high torque electric ratchet is 70ftlbs too...maybe even 80 thing is a monster ...

First time using it, I went to tighten an exhaust bolt and damn near broke me wrist from how strong this thing is 😂

I know they have an extended reach in 12v its the dcf503e

0 do you have the skew or model number for the exact kit that you're showing with the The box right angle and the drill I can't find it

Nice tool. Did you try it with a higher amp hour battery? Just curious. My dewalt tool work way better with higher amp hours batteries. Thanks for the video.

is it ok to run an electric wrench maybe 2 or 3 times (for about a second) after it reaches the max tightness? if smoke starts to come out, is that a sign that it is being damaged (brushless)?

MAC tools have a promo for the long neck $249 comes with oil resistant battery. You have to call to get the deal.

Dewalt makes a 12volt extended ratchet got mine about year ago 3/8 drive acme tool sells them

I didn’t like how bulky it was. I wish it had more of a longer reach. I took it back. Had plenty of power and speed though.

Is there an extended reach version yet?

Would like to see this test done with the battery that came in the kit, bigger battery may have more power.

I would like to thank you for this video

You tested removing a fixed fastener, completely the opposite of what I actually expected, what will it apply the fastener too? Goto failure putting the nut on and then check the torque it is capable of. Show both please.

Really good tool. I use my adapter to make it 1/2 inch drive and I can spin a size 30mm definitely not brake anything loose but it helps spinning it fast after barking it loose with a normal ratchet. However treat it with respect because it catches you by surprise and beats up your hand or knuckles when it reaches it's max tightening force. But all good things have there downfall. 5 months later I have to turn it in for warranty. Because it just spins on its own without ratcheting. Maybe something striped out idk.

Did using the other battery make a difference?

What’s the part number for that power stack battery ?

Could you include numbers in Newton/metres, grammes, millimetres, etc for the modern world?

Dewalt is making my milwaukee blood turn yellow. Lately most of my tools have been dewalt. Wtf is happening to me.

Very course gearing and the larger battery doesn’t allow it to fit into FWD transverse engines for water pumps or other accessories

How much manual torque can you use on this tool? can you use it to loosen wheel nuts? Can you break it if you exceed the torque of the motor?

I put the 513 to extreme use for several months removing seats from vehicles...Usually had to hit it wide open and then slam the racket down on the bolt..The switch would eventually go out after about 3 months of hell...Dewalt replaced no questions asked...I stepped up and got another Dewalt rated at 400 break away and I do have the 900 for special times...

Can you use that to loosen up transmission drain plug?

Why did they put a drill off all things in that kit? Why not a impact wrench

How does it compare to the 20v XR one?

why would you think just because its tightened to X ft lbs it would take the same to loosen it?

gave it a chance… but still not convinced to get rid of my snap on and milwaukee

great test

Ya I'm not paying 200 bucks for one wrench that dont even come with a battery and charger this is why I'm a die hard Ryobi guy because there affordable and reliable

Does anyone know what the brand of digital torque wrench that is used in this video?

Lol! "Wow--- never had that before..."

that is a really nice ratchet. may need to sell my matco one

not sure of the 12v model but i've seen and heard they both work the same so tbh ppl go from there, slightly higher torque for a few couple bucks🤷‍♂️

I have the extended Dewalt ratchet! I need a battery

Yes, but they released it 3 years too late. Already into other product lines.

im CONVINCED its them batteries, and / or the software controlling them, i mean from a dead stop to full torque, gotta be the battery and power software, what you guys think??

torque really means little in this application, i have the m12 fuel 3/8 ratchet (53ftlbs) and the extended high speed 3/8 ratchet(30ftlbs) and i always go speed over torque, i break loose or snug by hand as principal, i honestly should have not purchased the regular m12 fuel ratchet

If you torque to 70 I doubt that it takes 70 to untorque. You should have tested that with the wrench as a baseline for your experiment.

Home Depot has that Ratchet today 9/1/23 for $179.00 and you get a FREE PowerStack Battery and Charger Starter Kit , not a bad deal, Just a Heads Up ..... 👍🖖

Would this be good for tire changing? Or any auto repairs?

High torque in a tight place can be a finger smasher.

Wait till the dcf510 comes out 👀

screw the drill where'd you get the case and foam?

Part number on that powerstack???

bought one of these, I could hold the 1/2" socket still with my hand and it would run the motor and move the head.... sending it back.

the 12 volts are so good not much need for a 20volt IMHO??

Bro, yall ate this up before i found out about it. Tool and battery went for 169. Sold on Home Depot, now going for 300 on amazon 😢😢😢😢

We could still have 10 lb of torque and I would want it I have the Milwaukee fuel extended high speed now and I love it it's great but DeWalt just did a better design wow The selector switch in itself would make me want it. Now if all the tool manufacturers would get together and make a universal switching battery between the companies then I would buy other companies tools but I have too many Milwaukee tools and batteries to just have one DeWalt

What kind of torque wrench is that, you using to set those torque?

I am a heavy dewalt user but I will say I was quite disappointed in this product. I love the power, the speed, and the looks… but the battery is huge. I find that the times I need it most I can’t get it in the spot I need because the battery is in the way. I use a Milwaukee m12 at work and it fits everywhere my ratchet does. Just wish they would rework their 12v pack design.