DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Cordless Ratchet Review DCF513

Apr 22, 2023

Cordless ratchets have steadily made their way into the mainstream tool market and are no longer an expensive tool truck luxury. Last year we took a 10,000 foot overview of the entire brand new lineup of DeWalt Atomic 20V and Xtreme 12V Cordless Ratchets. Now, we’re diving deeper into the DeWalt Atomic 20V 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet that offers a major boost in fastening and loosening power compared to traditional ratchets.

At the heart of this 20V cordless ratchet is a brushless motor that produces an impressive 840 in-lbs of torque with a top speed of 250 RPMs. To date, this is one of the strongest battery-powered cordless ratchets we’ve ever tested. That level of torque is especially helpful for tackling stubborn nuts, bolts, and other fasteners.

For us, the speed is right where we want it to be. The 250 RPM max gives you excellent control when removing nuts and bolts, especially in a cramped engine bay.

If you find yourself in need of a little more loosening power or need to snug down a bolt, you can use this ratchet manually. Simply take your finger off the trigger, enable the trigger lock, and then apply the necessary force.

One of the biggest benefits of a cordless ratchet is that it removes the limitations of a manual ratchet's swing arc. Working in tight spaces is a little easier when the traditional "ratcheting" motion is no longer necessary. Just make sure you’ve got clearance for the tool and you’re good to go.

DeWalt's cordless ratchet features a two-finger trigger and a rubber overmold for improved grip, especially while wearing work gloves. The drive head is 1-1/2 inches wide and 1-3/4 inches deep which is slightly larger than your average manual ratchet but with the advantage of a 0-degree swing arc.

The tool body is fairly slim and the compact battery does not protrude out in a way that isn't overly cumbersome. From tip to tail, it measures 15 inches and weighs 3.1 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery. This compact design allows you better access to those hard-to-reach nuts and bolts, even in a cramped engine bay.

The DeWalt 20V Atomic Ratchet is on the shelves of your local DeWalt retailer with a bare tool price of $199 and $269.99 as a kit. The kit includes a single 2.0Ah battery, charger, and soft carry case. Both options carry a 3-year limited warranty and a 1-year free service contract.

In terms of performance, we are pretty impressed with what the DeWalt 20V Atomic Cordless Ratchet has to offer. It has plenty of strength for removing stubborn rusty nuts and bolts and a max speed that will certainly outpace any manual ratchet. Overall, if you’re looking to upgrade your trusty tool kit, DeWalt's Atomic series offers a robust mechanical advantage and saves valuable time.