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Cordless ratchets have become must-have tools for mechanics, HVAC techs, industrial maintenance crews, and installers who constantly work in tight mechanical spaces. Dragging around air hoses or fighting with manual ratchets in cramped spots slows everything down. That’s exactly where DEWALT newest 20V MAX ATOMIC and XR Brushless Ratchets come in, delivering serious speed, compact access, and jobsite-ready durability in a cordless platform.
This new lineup isn’t just a minor update. It expands DEWALT’s ratchet range to cover everything from compact daily service work to higher-speed, higher-torque applications where productivity really matters.
Compact Power: ATOMIC 20V MAX Brushless 1/4 in. Ratchet
(DW-DCF514B)
The ATOMIC 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 1/4 in. Ratchet is built around one simple idea: deliver real power in a compact body that fits where larger tools can’t. Whether you’re working under a dashboard, inside an electrical cabinet, or around tightly packed engine components, this ratchet is designed to move easily without sacrificing performance.
Inside the compact housing is a brushless motor capable of reaching up to 250 RPM and delivering up to 45 ft-lbs. of max torque. That combination makes it strong enough for the majority of fastening and removal tasks technicians face every day, while still being small enough to control comfortably in tight quarters.
DEWALT also focused heavily on how this tool feels in real-world conditions. The forward and reverse controls are shaped so they’re easier to operate with gloves on or even with greasy hands. A variable speed trigger allows for more precise control when starting fasteners by hand or working with delicate components. The housing itself is made from glass-filled nylon, helping protect the tool from exposure to harsh shop fluids, chemicals, and solvents, something automotive and industrial users will immediately appreciate. A built-in LED helps light up dark work areas, and the integrated trigger lock adds an extra layer of safety when the tool is being stored or transported.
More Access Where It Counts: ATOMIC Extended Reach Ratchet
(DW-DCF514EB)
For technicians who constantly deal with fasteners buried deeper inside assemblies, DEWALT offers the DCF514EB Extended Reach Ratchet. This model shares the same core performance as the DCF514B but adds a longer neck and low-profile head to reach farther into tight, obstructed areas.
That extended design makes a noticeable difference when working around brackets, hoses, wiring, and structural components that block direct access. Instead of removing surrounding parts just to reach one fastener, users can often get in and out more efficiently. Despite the longer reach, performance remains the same with 250 RPM and 45 ft-lbs. of max torque, ensuring the tool still has the muscle needed for stubborn hardware.
The extended reach model carries over all the same jobsite-focused features, including the chemical-resistant housing, glove-friendly controls, variable speed trigger, trigger lock, and integrated LED light. It’s a strong option for automotive techs, heavy equipment mechanics, and anyone who frequently works in deep engine bays or crowded mechanical systems.
Maximum Speed and Versatility: 20V MAX XR Sealed Head Ratchets
(DW-DCF520B)
Stepping up into the XR line, the DCF520 Sealed Head Ratchet is designed for users who want even more speed and flexibility. This model is currently DEWALT’s fastest 20V MAX ratchet, delivering up to 450 RPM. That added speed can significantly cut down time when running long bolts or handling repetitive fastening tasks, especially in production, fleet maintenance, or industrial settings.
Torque also increases slightly, with the XR ratchet producing up to 50 ft-lbs. of max torque. That extra power helps when breaking loose stubborn fasteners that might slow down smaller ratchets. One of the most versatile aspects of the DCF520 is its interchangeable anvil system, which allows users to switch between 3/8-inch square drive, 1/4-inch square drive, and a 1/4-inch low-profile hex anvil. Instead of carrying multiple tools, technicians can adapt the ratchet to match different sockets, adapters, and bit-driven applications.
The sealed head design is another major advantage. By helping keep debris and contaminants out of the ratchet head, the tool is better suited for demanding environments like automotive shops, heavy equipment service, and industrial maintenance. The forward/reverse switch is positioned for easy access even in tight spaces, and like the ATOMIC models, it includes a trigger lock and built-in LED for visibility and safety.
The XR ratchet is available as a complete kit (DW-DCF520GE1). The kit includes multiple anvils, a charger, a kit bag, and a DCBP034G 1.7Ah oil-resistant battery. That oil-resistant battery is particularly useful in environments where tools regularly come into contact with automotive fluids or industrial lubricants, adding another layer of durability to the overall system.
Choosing the Right Ratchet for the Job
Choosing the right ratchet really comes down to your daily work. The ATOMIC models are perfect for tight spaces and everyday service tasks, offering compact size with plenty of power, while the extended reach version helps you get to deeper, harder-to-access fasteners. If speed, versatility, and tougher applications are more your focus, the XR sealed head ratchet delivers higher RPM, more torque, and interchangeable drive options to move through jobs faster.
No matter which you choose, all of these tools run on the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform, making them easy additions to an existing setup. Together, the new ATOMIC and XR ratchets give pros more access, more speed, and more cordless convenience on the job. Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!
