DeWalt 1/2" (13mm) Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil

A corded classic that still earns its spot on the cart

The first time I put this corded DeWalt impact on a crusty lug nut, I was reminded why corded impacts still matter. The DW293 is not flashy and it won’t send you a Bluetooth notification when a fastener breaks loose. What it does do—consistently and without drama—is deliver reliable, repeatable torque all day as long as you feed it 120V.

Power and real‑world performance

Rated at 345 ft‑lbs of fastening torque (with a 7.5A brushed motor), the DW293 sits in that “mid‑torque” sweet spot for automotive and general mechanical work. In the shop, it removes passenger-vehicle lug nuts, suspension hardware, and stubborn fasteners on mowers and small equipment without a fight. On lug nuts torqued to 100–140 ft‑lbs and even those that have seen a couple of winters, this wrench just hammers them off.

On heavier equipment and rust-belt exhausts, it will still do a lot—but not everything. Big truck lugs, seriously over-torqued bolts, or corroded fasteners north of 400 ft‑lbs are where I reach for a high-torque gun or bring in heat and penetrating oil. That’s not a knock on the DW293; it simply lives where most daily tasks are. The 2100 RPM/2700 IPM drive profile is tuned more for authority than blistering speed, which I actually prefer when trying to avoid overdriving fasteners.

One important note: like any impact wrench, fastening torque numbers are not a guarantee of clamp load, and they vary with socket fit, air power (not relevant here), and technique. I always run fasteners down with the impact and then finish with a torque wrench.

Control and ergonomics

Control is straightforward: a forward/reverse rocker switch sits right under your thumb and index finger. It’s not a variable-speed trigger, so finesse is achieved by pulsing the switch and letting the hammer mechanism do its job. That takes about ten minutes to get used to, and then it becomes second nature. For assembly work, the non-variable trigger can be a downside compared with modern brushless cordless tools that ramp precisely. For breaking loose, it’s a non-issue.

At roughly 7 lbs and about 11.5 inches long, the DW293 has the heft you expect from a corded impact. The soft-grip handle helps, balance is centered, and vibration is well controlled for a brushed tool. If you’re doing a full day of tire rotations, the weight is noticeable, but the lack of battery bulk and the consistent power offset it for me.

Socket retention and the hog ring anvil

This unit uses a 1/2-inch hog-ring anvil. I prefer hog rings in a production environment because socket swaps are fast—no detent pin to fight when you’re moving between a 19mm and a 21mm. The tradeoff is that retention pressure rides on a small spring ring. Over time, especially with frequent socket changes or dirty sockets, the ring can wear and retention gets looser. The good news: the retaining ring is inexpensive and easy to replace. Keep a spare in your box if you’re using this daily.

Pro tip: wipe the anvil clean occasionally and use impact-rated sockets with clean detents. Gritty anvil surfaces and worn socket detents accelerate hog-ring wear and lead to “mystery” socket drops.

Build quality and serviceability

This is classic DeWalt corded construction: ball-bearing supported internals, a brushed motor, and a housing that shrugs off shop abuse. The brushed motor is a plus from a service perspective. Brushes and rings are consumables, and on a corded impact like this they’re straightforward to inspect and replace when performance drops or you start seeing sparking at the rear vents. Keep the vents clean and don’t smother the tool under a blanket of brake dust—airflow matters for longevity.

The anvil and hammer mechanism have held up well for me under typical shop use. If you’re hammering on stuck fasteners all day, adding a drop of light oil to socket interfaces and avoiding cheater pipes on extensions will go a long way toward extending the hammer life. The included warranty (3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction) is a reassuring layer, though the real story here is that corded impacts like this tend to age gracefully with basic maintenance.

Corded trade-offs

Cords are both the charm and the compromise. On a bench or in a bay with power at hand, corded means:

• No batteries to charge, store, or replace
  
• Full power the moment you pull the trigger
  
• Predictable performance across seasons
  

Of course, you’ll have to manage cable routing, and an extension cord is part of the kit. For tire work, I use a 12- or 14-gauge extension no longer than 50 feet to avoid voltage drop and keep the motor happy. If you’re under a vehicle or up a ladder, a cord can be the limiting factor. For field work and tight spaces, a compact cordless mid-torque is easier to live with.

Where it shines, and where it doesn’t

Shines:
- Tire rotations, seasonal swaps, and general automotive service

- Suspension fasteners, mower blades, and equipment maintenance

- Shop environments with reliable AC power

- Users who value consistent, long-duty-cycle power

Less ideal:
- Remote jobsites, ladder work, or locations without nearby power

- Precision assembly where a variable-speed trigger and electronic control help

- Heavy-truck fasteners or severely seized hardware beyond mid-torque range

Practical tips from the shop floor

• Use a torque stick or set your impact for rundown only, then finish with a torque wrench.
  
• Keep the hog ring clean; replace it when socket retention feels sloppy.
  
• Inspect brushes annually if the tool sees daily use; replace at the first sign of excessive sparking or intermittent power.
  
• Stick to impact-rated sockets. Chrome sockets are a no-go on impacts—safety and performance both suffer.
  
• Mind your extension cords. Undersized cords run hot and starve the motor.

How it stacks up against modern cordless

Cordless has raised expectations across the board—brushless motors, electronic brakes, and compact frames are hard to ignore. I keep those on the cart and reach for them often. But the DW293 still earns its keep because it’s tireless. On days with back-to-back rotations or when I’m bouncing between bays, the consistent torque and never-ending runtime make the workflow simple. If you only want to own one impact and you’re frequently away from outlets, a modern 1/2-inch cordless mid-torque is the better all-rounder. If your work is shop-based, this corded unit remains a compelling, cost-efficient tool.

What I’d change

• A true variable-speed trigger would make this a more versatile fastener installer, not just a remover.
  
• A slightly shorter nose would improve access in cramped suspension pockets.
  
• Including a spare retaining ring in the box would be a small, appreciated touch.

The bottom line

The DW293 is a no-nonsense, mid-torque corded impact that delivers dependable power without the overhead of batteries. It’s comfortable enough for repeated use, easy to service, and strong where most everyday automotive and maintenance tasks live. It won’t replace a high-torque monster for seized heavy-truck hardware, and it can’t match a premium cordless for convenience in tight or remote spots. But in a bay with an outlet, it’s a workhorse.

Recommendation: I recommend the DW293 for shop-based users who want reliable, consistent torque for tire work and general mechanical tasks, with minimal maintenance and no battery ecosystem to manage. If your workflow is mobile or your fasteners regularly exceed mid-torque territory, consider pairing it with a cordless high-torque or choosing a compact brushless mid-torque instead.