We just wrapped up testing ten of the most popular mid-torque impact wrenches from brands you know and trust. Now, we’re highlighting two key contenders: the DeWalt DCF891 and the Makita GWT07. Both models are packed with Pro-level features and are built to handle the rigors of the jobsite. But which one truly comes out on top in a head-to-head challenge? Let’s break it down and find out.
See the full results of our Best Cordless Impact Wrench head-to-head testing!
DeWalt VS Makita Impact Wrench Specifications
Here’s a quick look at the key specs to know before we jump into testing:
| DeWalt DCF891 | Makita GWT07 | |
|---|---|---|
| No-Load Speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,300 RPM |
| Max Impact Rate | 3,250 IPM | 2,900 IPM |
| Max Breakaway Torque | 800 ft-lbs | 810 ft-lbs |
| Max Fastening Torque | 600 ft-lbs | 560 ft-lbs |
| Head Length | 6.88 in. | 6.63 in. |
| Bare Weight | 3.83 lbs | 4.38 lbs |
| Working Weight | 5.95 lbs (with 8.0Ah PowerPack battery) | 6.45 lbs (with 4.0Ah High Power XGT battery) |
DeWalt VS Makita Impact Wrench: How We Tested
Bolt Break Test
This test is all about breakaway torque. We start by tightening eight 1 1/2-inch lug nuts down to 500 ft-lbs using a specialized torque wrench and time how long it takes each tool to loosen all eight nuts. This gives us a solid, real-world representation of each tool’s capabilities.
Lag Bolt Test
In order to test the fastening torque, we drive a 10 x 1/2-inch lag bolt into a laminated OSB test block. Each tool has 30 seconds to sink the lag bolts. If the bolt is not completely sunk, we measure the inches remaining as our data results. This is a tough ask for most mid-torque impact wrenches, but it’s a good test that displays the raw driving power of these tools.
Inertia Torque Test
The last test we ran measures torque using an L1000 torque tester from Inertia Torque. This is very different from our other tests because it only tests torque without speed or impact rate coming into play.
Our method is to run three 5-second intervals with a 3-second break between and take the highest torque reading. This helps us understand how much actual torque the impact wrench is producing, and it is different from the method manufacturers use to rate their impact wrenches.
Testing Results
| DeWalt DCF891 | Makita GWT07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt Break Test | 23.77 sec | 32.62 sec |
| Lag Bolt Test | 27.71 sec | 2.0 inches remaining |
| Inertia Torque Test | 329.6 ft-lbs | 502.3 ft-lbs |
As you can see, the DeWalt DCF891 absolutely dominated in this head-to-head match-up, completing the bolt break test almost ten seconds faster than Makita and sinking the lag in 27.71 seconds. Makita did, however, register 502.3 ft-lbs of torque when we tested on our Inertia Torque L1000, while DeWalt only clocked 329.5 ft-lbs. While these results don’t paint the GWT07 in a positive light on the surface, let’s consider some deeper analysis that the numbers don’t show by themselves.
During our latest round of impact wrench testing, DeWalt was the only tool out of ten popular brands to fully sink the lag bolt. That includes Milwaukee, Bosch, Metabo HPT, and others. It’s not so much evidence of Makita underperforming as much as it is just how impressive DeWalt’s performance was.
But still, why was there so much disparity when Makita had higher torque?
Impact rate.
DeWalt’s hammer was striking the anvil significantly faster, so it was progressing through the tests faster, even though Makita really was hitting harder.
So while the Makita GWT07 is still a formidable tool and boasts some of the highest torque specs in the mid-torque class, DeWalt’s DCF891 optimizes power and impact rate, taking the gold medal in our application tests.
DeWalt Vs Makita Impact Wrench Key Highlights
DeWalt DCF891
- Brushless motor
- 3 speed modes with assist mode
- 3 mode LED light
- Available with hog ring (DCF891) or pin detent (DCF892) anvil
Makita GWT07
- Brushless motor
- 3 speed modes with 3 assist modes
- XPT dust and water resistance
- Vibration-reducing battery isolation zone
- Available with either hog ring or pin detent anvil
Pricing and Final Thoughts
| Configuration | DeWalt DCF891 | Makita GWT07 |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Tool | $279 | $394 |
| Kit | $329 w/4.0Ah battery | $609 w/2.5Ah battery |
| Kit #2 | $469 w/2x 5.0Ah batteries | N/A |
| Kit #3 | $529 w/2x oil resistant 5.0Ah batteries | N/A |
| Warranty | 3-year | 3-year |
After all of our hands-on testing, DeWalt is the clear winner today. The DCF891 is an absolute powerhouse and displayed true Pro-grade performance during our tests. Plus, it’s significantly less expensive.
There’s still a case for Makita, though. While the DeWalt does have a few speed and assist modes, it pales in comparison to Makita’s more specialized electronics suite. With that in mind, if you need a more technical tool, Makita is the way to go.
Personally, I prefer the DeWalt DCF891. It offers plenty of power for a wide range of tasks, and there are several kit options available to fit your needs. Moreover, it’s also much less expensive than the GWT07, so Pros can stretch their dollar a little further.
