DeWalt vs Makita Impact Wrench: Which One's Worth It?

Hey everyone! I'm in the market for a new cordless impact wrench for working on my truck and general DIY stuff. I've narrowed it down to the DeWalt DCF899 and the Makita XWT17Z. Both seem powerful, but I can't decide. Anyone have experience with either? Price isn't a huge factor, I just want something reliable that'll last.

I've been using the DeWalt DCF899 for about 2 years now. It's a monster – never struggled with lug nuts even on my F-250. The build quality is solid and it feels good in hand. Battery life is decent too. I've dropped it a few times and it's still kicking. Can't go wrong with DeWalt if you're already in their ecosystem.

Honestly, I think Makita takes the cake for overall durability. I'm a plumber and use the XWT17 for all sorts of abuse – water, mud, you name it. It's never skipped a beat. The variable speed trigger gives great control for delicate tasks, and the power is insane. DeWalt makes good tools, but Makita's just feel more refined to me. Plus, Makita's batteries seem to last longer on a charge.

I've got both (got a deal on the Makita, then inherited DeWalt from my old man). For automotive work, I pick whichever has a charged battery 😆. Both have zipped off bolts I thought would need a breaker bar. Honestly, for a weekend warrior, you won't be disappointed with either. But if you plan to use it a lot, check the ergonomics – the DeWalt is a bit heavier, but I like the handle better. Test them out at the store if you can!