Dewalt DCF900 vs. Milwaukee 2767-20 – Real-World Performance Breakdown
In August 2024, Dewalt dropped their DCF900 20V MAX XR impact wrench, claiming a beastly 1,200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque… but does it actually deliver? We put it up against Milwaukee’s 2767-20 M18 FUEL, one of the most popular high-torque impact wrenches on the market, to find out—winner takes all.
If you wanna know which impact wrench actually earns its place in your toolbox, we’ve got you covered. Both the Dewalt DCF900 and Milwaukee 2767-20 are heavy hitters in the high-torque game, and today, they’re stepping into the ring.
Mechanics tend to be Milwaukee loyalists or Dewalt die-hards, and both sides have their reasons. Some guys swear by Milwaukee’s speed and efficiency, while others claim Dewalt is the torque king.
The truth? It depends on what kind of work you do.
Let’s break it down.
📊 Key Specs & Features
Key Specs & Features: Dewalt DCF900 vs. Milwaukee 2767-20
Max Forward Torque
- Dewalt DCF900 (20V MAX XR): 600 ft-lbs
- Milwaukee 2767-20 (M18 FUEL): 550 ft-lbs
Max Breakaway Torque
- Dewalt: 1,200 ft-lbs
- Milwaukee: 1,100 ft-lbs
Speed Settings
- Dewalt: 0–600 / 1200 / 2000 RPM
- Milwaukee: 0–1250 / 1950 / 2575 RPM
Impact Rate
- Dewalt: 3100 IPM
- Milwaukee: 3100 IPM
Weight (with 5.0Ah battery)
- Dewalt: 5.3 lbs
- Milwaukee: 5.2 lbs
Length
- Dewalt: 7.0 inches
- Milwaukee: 6.0 inches
Battery Compatibility
- Dewalt: 20V MAX XR
- Milwaukee: M18 REDLITHIUM
Special Features
- Dewalt: Precision Wrench Mode
- Milwaukee: Drive Control Modes
What It Boils Down To:
- Dewalt edges out in torque – it’s got a bit more muscle where it counts.
- Milwaukee is faster and more compact – a better fit for tight spots.
- Both have adjustable speed settings, but Milwaukee’s top speed is noticeably higher.
- Milwaukee is slightly lighter – and that tiny difference matters more than you think.
Now let’s stop staring at numbers and actually see what happens when we put these two to work.
Performance Testing: Real-World Scenarios
Because let’s be honest—nobody buys an impact wrench based on a spec sheet. We ran these two through three brutal tests to see how they hold up where it actually matters:
Test 1: Breaking Rusted Bolts – Where the Muscle Matters
- Scenario: We torqued down rusted suspension bolts to 500 ft-lbs (about the worst-case scenario for any mechanic) and timed how fast each impact could bust them loose.
- Dewalt: 0.64 seconds per bolt – an absolute monster when it comes to sheer power.
- Milwaukee: 2.63 seconds per bolt – still respectable, but noticeably slower.
- Winner: Dewalt – Why Higher Breakaway Torque Matters
When it comes to rusted, seized bolts, the name of the game is brute force. Once corrosion has had its way with a fastener—essentially fusing metal together—raw breakaway torque is what separates a quick job from a frustrating time-waster.
The Dewalt DCF900 boasts 1,200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, giving it just enough extra muscle over Milwaukee’s 1,100 ft-lbs to snap rusted bolts loose faster and with less struggle. While 100 ft-lbs may not seem like a huge difference on paper, in real-world use, it means:
- Less trigger time per bolt – The Dewalt popped bolts loose in 0.64 seconds, while the Milwaukee took over four times longer at 2.63 seconds.
- Reduced wrist strain – Less time hammering means less vibration fatigue on your hand and wrist over a full day’s work.
- Lower heat buildup – The longer an impact wrench has to hammer away at a bolt, the more heat is generated, which can sometimes make a stubborn fastener even harder to remove.
Why Milwaukee Fell Short Here
The Milwaukee 2767-20 is no slouch, but its lower torque output meant it had to work harder and longer to break rusted bolts free. While 2.63 seconds per bolt is still respectable, in a shop setting where every second adds up, that extra time can slow down workflow—especially if you’re dealing with multiple rusted fasteners on a job.
For mechanics who frequently tackle suspension components, exhaust manifold bolts, or any other rust-prone hardware, Dewalt’s extra breakaway torque is a major advantage.
Bottom Line
If your work involves a lot of rusted or over-torqued bolts, the Dewalt DCF900 is the better tool for the job. Its sheer power means less fighting, less waiting, and a faster overall process, making it the clear winner in this test.
Test 2: Lug Nut Speed Test – When Speed Beats Strength
- Scenario: We removed and reinstalled five lug nuts torqued to 125 ft-lbs to see which impact wrench could knock out a typical tire rotation faster.
- Dewalt: 9.3 seconds for 5 lug nuts – solid, but a little sluggish on the spin-off.Milwaukee: 7.8 seconds for 5 lug nuts – noticeably faster and smoother.
- Winner: Milwaukee – Faster RPM Wins in Repetitive Work
In high-volume work like tire rotations, brake jobs, and suspension installs, speed matters just as much as power. While breakaway torque is king for rusted bolts, most lug nuts are torqued well below 150 ft-lbs, meaning you don’t need brute force—you need efficiency.
That’s exactly where the Milwaukee 2767-20 shines.
- Milwaukee removed and reinstalled 5 lug nuts in 7.8 seconds, while Dewalt took 9.3 seconds.
- Drive Control Modes let you fine-tune speed for precision without over-torquing.
- Higher max RPM (2,575 vs. 2,000) means Milwaukee spins faster, clearing nuts quicker.
Why Dewalt Was Slower Here
The DCF900 is built for sheer power, but its lower RPM (2,000 max) means it’s not as quick on light-to-medium torque applications. While 9.3 seconds is still respectable, over an entire workday, that slight difference in speed adds up—especially in shops that deal with wheels and tires constantly.
Bottom Line
For repetitive, lower-torque work like lug nuts and general suspension disassembly, Milwaukee’s higher RPM and precision speed control make it the better tool. It spins faster, gets through bolts quicker, and ultimately saves time—making it the clear choice for mechanics who prioritize speed over raw power.
Test 3: Ergonomics & Fatigue – When It’s an All-Day Job
- Scenario: We simulated an hour of continuous work removing fasteners to see which tool felt better in hand over time.
- Dewalt: Slightly heavier, bulkier, and tougher to maneuver in cramped spaces. You feel that extra 0.1 lb and extra inch when you’re working overhead.
- Milwaukee: More compact and ergonomic, which makes a difference over long sessions. Less wrist fatigue = happier mechanics.
- Winner: Milwaukee – Lighter, More Compact, and Easier to Handle
Torque numbers and speed aside, there’s another factor that matters over a long day of wrenching: comfort.
The Milwaukee 2767-20 comes in slightly lighter (5.2 lbs vs. 5.3 lbs) and shorter (6 inches vs. 7 inches) than the Dewalt DCF900. While that 0.1 lb difference might seem minor, it adds up over hours of use—especially in overhead or tight-space work.
- More compact body means better maneuverability under the hood or in wheel wells.
- Better balance—Milwaukee’s weight distribution feels less nose-heavy, making it easier to control.
- Less wrist strain over time, reducing fatigue on long jobs.
Why Dewalt Feels Bulkier
The DCF900 is built for power, and that comes with a larger housing and heavier feel. While it delivers brute force, the extra inch in length and added weight make it more cumbersome in tight spots. Over a long workday, mechanics who constantly hold an impact wrench will feel that difference in their wrists and shoulders.
Bottom Line
If you’re using an impact wrench all day long, Milwaukee is the clear winner. Its lighter weight, shorter body, and ergonomic grip mean less strain, less fatigue, and better control.
So, Here’s Where We’re At:
- Dewalt dominates in raw torque – If you're constantly battling rusted, stubborn bolts, go with Dewalt.
- Milwaukee wins in speed and comfort – If you need an impact for faster work and better ergonomics, Milwaukee is the better all-day tool.
Both are absolute beasts, but your choice comes down to what matters most for your workflow.
The Good, The Bad, and The Buy-ability
✅ Dewalt 20V 1/2” Impact – Best for Power
✔ Takes out rusted, seized bolts faster – less time fighting corrosion, more time getting paid.
✔ Ideal for heavy-duty mechanics who need raw torque more than anything else.
❌ Heavier and bulkier – you’ll notice it after a few hours.
❌ Slower on lighter tasks like lug nuts—overkill for anything under 300 ft-lbs.
✅ Milwaukee M18 Fuel – Best for Speed & Ergonomics
✔ More compact & lighter – easier to use in tight spaces.
✔ Less fatigue over long periods – your wrists will thank you.
❌ Lower breakaway torque – it’ll struggle a little more on extreme rusted fasteners.
❌ Not as dominant in heavy-duty applications – torque junkies may feel underwhelmed.
TAA’s Take: Which One Belongs in Your Toolbox?
This isn’t about who wins—it’s about what wins for your kind of wrenching.
- If you’re a heavy-duty mechanic, diesel tech, or constantly breaking loose rusted bolts, the Dewalt DCF900 is the better tool. Its brute-force torque makes stubborn fasteners a non-issue, cutting down frustration and wasted time.
- If you’re handling tire rotations, suspension jobs, or need a fast, all-around impact, the Milwaukee 2767-20 is the smarter choice. It’s faster, lighter, and more comfortable for all-day wrenching.
At the end of the day, both of these impact wrenches are absolute beasts—your choice comes down to whether you need more raw power or more speed and maneuverability.
That’s a wrap—stay greasy. 🔧
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