DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3/8 in. Compact Impact Wrench

A compact 3/8-inch impact that earns its spot on the belt

A lot of 3/8-inch impacts try to split the difference between a nimble driver and a heavy-hitting 1/2-inch wrench. The DCF890 lands on the right side of that line: genuinely compact, genuinely useful, and honest about what it can and can’t do. After several weeks of automotive and general maintenance work with it, I’ve come to see it as a “reach-for-first” tool for small to medium fasteners, not a do‑everything torque monster.

Size, balance, and build

At 5.5 inches from the back of the gear case to the tip, this is a short-head tool that actually fits where you want a 3/8-inch wrench to fit—between a strut and a fender, under a dashboard, around HVAC brackets, and behind engine accessories. Bare weight is about 2.4 lb; with a compact 2.0Ah pack it stays light and balanced, and the grip-to-trigger feel is familiar if you’ve used DeWalt drivers. The forward/reverse switch falls right under the thumb and forefinger and is positive without being stiff.

The hog-ring anvil is the right call for a compact 3/8-inch wrench. Socket changes are quick, the retention is tight enough for most general work, and you don’t need two hands to pop a socket off. The tradeoff is that sockets can pull off if you’re working overhead or snagging on materials. If you live under a lift, a detent-pin anvil or locking sockets will save you the occasional dropped 10mm.

Three front-facing LEDs switch on with the trigger and linger briefly after you let off. They’re well placed and don’t throw harsh shadows around the anvil, which makes threading nuts by hand before running them down much easier in cramped compartments.

Overall build quality is solid: the housing feels rigid, the trigger is linear, and there’s no rattle or wobble in the anvil out of the box. The included belt clip is robust and reversible.

Power and real-world performance

On paper, the DCF890’s brushless motor delivers up to 150 ft-lbs of fastening torque, with 2,800 RPM and 3,200 IPM. In practice, that translates to confident run-down and removal of most automotive and machinery fasteners in the 8–19mm range:

• Suspension and steering: sway-bar links, strut top nuts, small control-arm hardware, shock mounts, and tie-rod clamps are all fair game. Large, crusty lower strut bolts may ask for more tool.
• Underbody and drivetrain: skid plates, heat shields, driveshaft flange bolts, diff covers, and crossmember hardware come off cleanly unless severely seized.
• Brakes: caliper slide pins and many caliper brackets are within reach. Some larger brackets torqued well past 100 ft-lbs can be hit-or-miss depending on corrosion.
• General construction and maintenance: driving 3/8-inch structural screws and smaller lag bolts with a socket is faster and more controlled than using an adapter on a hex impact driver.

For lug nuts, it’s a useful helper but not a replacement for a mid-torque 1/2-inch wrench. On passenger vehicles torqued correctly and not corroded, the DCF890 will remove many nuts and snug them back efficiently. Add rust, over-torque, or larger truck wheels, and you’ll want a breaker bar or a higher-torque 1/2-inch impact to break them free. As always, finishing lug nuts with a torque wrench is the right move.

The trigger is fully variable, and there are no multi-speed modes or auto-stop features. That puts finesse in your finger. I found it easy to feather small fasteners without shocking threads, but if you’re used to preset speed levels or auto-tighten for assembly work, you won’t find them here. The upside: simple controls, predictable response, and less to fiddle with.

Noise is inline with compact impacts—sharper than a drill, quieter than many full-size air impacts. It’s still impact noise; hearing protection is a sensible habit.

Runtime and batteries

The brushless motor is efficient. With a compact 2.0Ah battery, I ran through routine chassis work and a handful of lag installs without racing back to the charger. A 5.0Ah pack obviously stretches runtime but makes the tool top-heavy; I preferred 2.0–3.0Ah packs for balance and used a 5.0Ah only when I knew I’d be on fasteners continuously.

If you’re already on the 20V MAX line, the tool-only format makes sense. If not, remember to budget for batteries and a charger. Runtime also influences torque consistency: a fresh, high-capacity pack tends to hit a bit harder and recover faster between impacts.

Durability and the anvil

The anvil is a 3/8-inch hog ring, and like any 3/8-inch impact, it has a mechanical ceiling. Keep the tool in its lane and it holds up: pair it with impact-rated 3/8-inch sockets, avoid oversized adaptors and step-ups, and don’t try to drive massive fasteners it wasn’t designed for. Abuse aside, the gearbox feels tight, and the hammering mechanism is smooth under load. Routine maintenance is minimal—keep sockets clean, don’t oil the anvil (it attracts grit), and let the tool pulse rather than leaning your full weight into it.

The warranty coverage—3-year limited, 1-year service, 90-day satisfaction—adds some reassurance if this is going to see daily duty.

Where it fits in a kit

• If you’re currently using a 1/4-inch hex impact driver with a socket adapter for mechanical work, the DCF890 is a meaningful upgrade. It’s more robust on sockets, hammers more effectively, and survives side loads that eat adapters.
• If you already carry a 1/2-inch mid-torque, the DCF890 complements it for all the fasteners that don’t need 300+ ft-lbs—and it fits where a 1/2-inch can’t.
• For maintenance techs and installers, the size, weight, and lighting make it a great “everyday carry” impact for panels, brackets, and equipment hardware.

Limitations and small gripes

• Torque ceiling: 150 ft-lbs is the practical limit. Stubborn, large fasteners—especially those that are rusted or over-torqued—will beat it.
• Hog ring retention: great for speed, less great for overhead work. I lost a socket once while working above a crossmember; switched to locking sockets for those tasks.
• No drive modes: only the trigger for speed control. I didn’t miss them, but if you prefer set-and-forget low/medium/high settings or auto stop in reverse, you won’t find them here.
• Tool-only: not a gripe if you’re already on the platform, but it adds cost for newcomers.

Tips for best results

• Use impact-rated 3/8-inch sockets. Skip big step-up adapters and oversized sockets that put extra leverage on the anvil.
• Start fasteners by hand, then use short bursts to seat them. Finish critical fasteners with a torque wrench.
• Choose the battery for the job. Compact packs keep it nimble; larger packs add endurance for repetitive work.
• Let the tool work. Constant heavy side load reduces impact effectiveness and wears the anvil faster.

The bottom line

The DCF890 is exactly what a compact 3/8-inch impact should be: quick, light, strong enough for the bulk of everyday fasteners, and small enough to go places bigger wrenches can’t. It won’t replace a 1/2-inch impact for heavy automotive or industrial work, and it doesn’t have fancy electronic modes, but its ergonomics, lighting, and consistent hammering make it a highly productive addition to a 20V MAX kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this compact 3/8-inch impact to mechanics, maintenance techs, and serious DIYers who want a nimble, socket-ready tool for small to medium fasteners. It excels at run-down and removal in tight spaces, saves adapters from abuse, and offers dependable power within its 150 ft-lb envelope. If your work routinely involves seized hardware, large chassis bolts, or constant wheel service, pair it with a 1/2-inch mid-torque. For everything else, this is the impact I’m happiest to clip to my belt and keep moving.