HoosierDaddy
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I'm ready to buy my first/only cordless ratchet. I'm committed to Dewalt power tools.
Down to final 3 versions (w/current Home Depot sale prices before 10% veteran discount):
DCF512B - Atomic 1/2" $219 (with a 5 Ah Powerstack battery)
DCF513B - Atomic 3/8" $179, identical to 1/2" above except for anvil size.
DCF510B - XR 3/8" & 1/2" (substitutable anvils) $239
I actually bought the Atomic 3/8", mostly because I have several Atomic line tools and figured I'd use a 3/8" more than a 1/2". But I just opened the box and there was oil all around the head. My first thought was the tool must need periodic oiling but the very detailed manual has no mention of that. So, am researching if a manufacturing defect.
The $100+ power stack battery (and uselessly redundant charger) bundled with the Atomic 1/2" would be a plus. To be honest, to keep weight to a minimum I may need to buy such a battery for the other two ratchet options. And I don't have every size 3/8 drive sockets in 1/2 drive, so may need to use an adapter or make trips to get some.
The two Atomics are basically identical other than anvil size. They are lighter than the XR and claim to have vibration dampening for the hand.
The older XR 3/8+1/2 actually has slightly more torque but is heavier. Both no doubt due to the concept of Atomic being smaller and lighter but even more reliable. A plus of the XR is the anvil can be pointed up or down offering a little more clearance if pointing up (opposite of side with controls/light/battery). Strangely (to me) it is described as having a sealed head. I wonder if the absence of that is why the Atomic I bought has oil all over the head right out of the box.
After saying all that, I'm thinking the 3/8 Atomic is probably the least desirable for having only one ratchet unless there are factors I'm overlooking.
If Atomics don't leak and I don't mind having to scrounge up individual small size 1/2" drive sockets at inconvenient times if there isn't enough room for an adapter, maybe the 1/2" Atomic is best? Is there any such thing as a 3/32" socket with 1/2" drive? Maybe the reason they don't make a combo 3/8+1/2 Atomic is a 1/2" is best 90+% of the time when the only difference between 3/8 and 1/2 is anvil size.
Do clearance issues mean people end up buying extra shallow sockets to compensate for the extra thickness of any cordless ratchet? My recollections don't include whether my personal ratchet use would be compromised by a thicker ratchet head or handle.
Thoughts? Or if you have used any of these, comments? Thanks.
Down to final 3 versions (w/current Home Depot sale prices before 10% veteran discount):
DCF512B - Atomic 1/2" $219 (with a 5 Ah Powerstack battery)
DCF513B - Atomic 3/8" $179, identical to 1/2" above except for anvil size.
DCF510B - XR 3/8" & 1/2" (substitutable anvils) $239
I actually bought the Atomic 3/8", mostly because I have several Atomic line tools and figured I'd use a 3/8" more than a 1/2". But I just opened the box and there was oil all around the head. My first thought was the tool must need periodic oiling but the very detailed manual has no mention of that. So, am researching if a manufacturing defect.
The $100+ power stack battery (and uselessly redundant charger) bundled with the Atomic 1/2" would be a plus. To be honest, to keep weight to a minimum I may need to buy such a battery for the other two ratchet options. And I don't have every size 3/8 drive sockets in 1/2 drive, so may need to use an adapter or make trips to get some.
The two Atomics are basically identical other than anvil size. They are lighter than the XR and claim to have vibration dampening for the hand.
The older XR 3/8+1/2 actually has slightly more torque but is heavier. Both no doubt due to the concept of Atomic being smaller and lighter but even more reliable. A plus of the XR is the anvil can be pointed up or down offering a little more clearance if pointing up (opposite of side with controls/light/battery). Strangely (to me) it is described as having a sealed head. I wonder if the absence of that is why the Atomic I bought has oil all over the head right out of the box.
After saying all that, I'm thinking the 3/8 Atomic is probably the least desirable for having only one ratchet unless there are factors I'm overlooking.
If Atomics don't leak and I don't mind having to scrounge up individual small size 1/2" drive sockets at inconvenient times if there isn't enough room for an adapter, maybe the 1/2" Atomic is best? Is there any such thing as a 3/32" socket with 1/2" drive? Maybe the reason they don't make a combo 3/8+1/2 Atomic is a 1/2" is best 90+% of the time when the only difference between 3/8 and 1/2 is anvil size.
Do clearance issues mean people end up buying extra shallow sockets to compensate for the extra thickness of any cordless ratchet? My recollections don't include whether my personal ratchet use would be compromised by a thicker ratchet head or handle.
Thoughts? Or if you have used any of these, comments? Thanks.
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