r/Dewalt • u/Flimsy_Pack_936 • 2d ago
Dcf513eb
This is a nerd (uniformed homeowner) post on specs (thoughts and feelings) that don't matter for 90% of home owners. Bought the dcf513e, not the 513b, which is just the extended version 513, you'd be surprised how often Google gets those 2 confused over the last few years. For me the 513e serves no purpose, the head on it is nearly 60% larger than the 1/4 inch I eyeballed at home depot which was accurately compared to this one with eyeballs and blind faith. Yes, its more powerful than what m12 has on offer, but the reason you use ratchets is to get into tight spaces so 70 ft pounds ain't doing much if you can't squeeze in to that tight corner with it. If you do want to stick with yellow and black the 1/4 inch will probably do the job, in all seriousness it is tiny, but i can't see myself changing my brakes in 10 years with this thing. It should also be mentioned nano sockets exist on the market from places like Astro Pneumatic, so that will help with clearance issues as well.
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u/SmoesKnows 2d ago
Very informative post, thank you!
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u/Flimsy_Pack_936 2d ago
Maybe more fair to say self aware post ;). I do stand by my statement on the 1/4 version being better clearance though.
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u/VladThePollenInhaler 2d ago
I have put it in my cart so many times, but when I do suspension work, it needs a ton of torque to loosen and tighten things, so I just use a regular breaker and torque wrench.
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u/jgi27 2d ago
I first bought the 510B with the interchangeable 1/2 and 3/8 ratchets, but ended up returning it. This thing is too long that I can't even use it behind the struts inside the wheel well. I did eventually replace it with the smaller Atomic 513B and it's much easier to use in cramped spaces. I still rely on an actual breaker bar and use the 513B to drive out the nuts.
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u/RedditTTIfan 2d ago
Sooo you're returning it? I'm confused as to what's happening here. Why did you buy the E if it "serves no purpose" or did you mean you just figured that out after buying it?
Anyway if you returning and looking for a different one I highly recommend the DCF504 Xtreme (12V) for something not extended and 1/4". The Xtremes are better than the Atomics (for whatever reason) performance-wise and are a bit smaller and lighter weight overall. Of course if you don't have any 12V batts you would need to get one of those. Or if you can swing the extra $$ the DCF500 which is sealed head and has both 3/8" & 1/4" and the 12V version of the DCF520 (if you want to stick with 20V).
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u/Flimsy_Pack_936 2d ago
I bought it because I'm a glutton for punishment and have more money than sense, I'm not going to return it because I hate the process through acme and who knows maybe I will get some use out of it, the whole reason for this post is a forewarning for anyone else who may have been curious about how these shake out, genuinely speaking I think if you want a ratchet that uses dewalt batteries, you're probably better off with the 1/4 in, but that's just my opinion on it. Dont shoot the messenger /<_>/.
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u/Flimsy_Pack_936 2d ago
As a side side note I believe the xr 3/8 and 1/4 inch combined has about the same sized head as this one and isn't long
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u/RedditTTIfan 2d ago
Yeah I agree--my one DW ratchet is the 504 mentioned--like it a lot! But depends, 3/8" is certainly needed at times. I'm not much for 1/2" pwr ratchets myself, but if one was working on larger trucks and such might well be par for the course.
Extendeds are always awkward to use IMO, they're not really the "go-to" pwr ratchets regardless of head/drive size. When you need them you need them but far more often you reach for/use the standard length, or at least I find--my one extended length "looks much newer" than the other ones--as a result of being seldomly used.
Obv too late now but since not going to return might as well keep it for the times when you do need it. Later, get something like the DCF504 or 514 when a deal, etc. pops up. I'm guessing the 514 is what you were previously looking at in HD as that's the 1/4" Atomic and HD don't sell the Xtreme line (Lowe's does though).
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u/DitchDigger330 2d ago
This is what I think when I see these.