I'm upgrading but keeping my Gen 1 3/8. The main reason is that the 10-pound Auto Stop makes doing valve cover jobs quick. The Gen 2 stops at 15 pounds, which is too much for that application, but it's beast mode for everything else. I almost bought the DCF921 1/2 a few days before the Gen 2 was announced, and I'm glad I didn't. BTW, I also have the same 1/2 Midtorque, but honestly, I hardly use it and my High Torque since the stubby is my workhorse. For new techs, I'd say get a Gen 2 3/8 stubby, skip the midtorque, and get the new High Torque. You'll be covered for pretty much everything that rolls in.
Thanks for a really interesting comment! I went 1/2" to give me a single set of impact sockets and to have the range go up to the size for wheel hubs/etc. The Stubby is so short that the additional length of the 1/2" sockets hasn't been a problem.
@@themessygarage I have both sets of impacts, but the 3/8 gets into some tighter spots especially while using wobble sockets. The 1/2 sockets and extentions are just too bulky at times to use in those pesky transverse engine bays. I do use the 3/8 to 1/2 adapter at times which does give the 3/8 more beans. I'm getting both the 3/8 and 1/2 stubby's this time. You just can't beat the versatility of the stubby's torpedo style 🔋 breakdown to get into some crazy places 👍🏻
@@johnny4713ify There are so many low-profile options for impacts that along with the shortness of the Stubby I just can't see two sets. But if you have the room and the tools, it's all good...
@@themessygarage Maybe for a DIYer, a 3/8 or 1/2 inch Stubby would serve them well. As for myself, I find that I need every bit of clearance possible, so having both options is a must. For example, I was working on a 1996 OBS F150 that needed the water pump and fan clutch removed. I used several fan clutch wrenches to remove the fastener, but no dice. It was so seized that I was literally stripping the fastener. I ended up cutting off the fan clutch and just leaving behind the fastener for easier access to remove. I tried using my 3/8 stubby, but the additional adapter length, while using the larger socket, prevented me from zipping it off. If I had the 1/2 version, I would have had just enough clearance to at least bust it loose. Whoever replaced it in the past used a crazy amount of Loctite, so a long breaker bar and a bit of heat popped it loose. And yes, I do own low-profile Astros and Capri sockets in both 3/8 and 1/2, but in that application, it wouldn't matter because they don't make them that large unless custom-ordered. For me, the 3/8 version has served me well, but having a 1/2 in the mix is well worth the investment.
I’m really glad you shed some light on this subject I mean im all for the new gen 2. But just not forget the gen 1. I’ll hang onto it for many years to come. It’s tried and true. We don’t know this new gen yet it has huge she’s to fill !!! Especially for reliability!!
I'm getting the 1/2". The early evals I've seen say the 3/8" has slightly more grump, but I want access to big sockets for things like hub huts, etc. without using an adapter.
I have the 3/4" M12 stubby and 1/2" M18 mid T. I ordered the new M12 in 1/2" stubby to go with the older M12 in 3/4. The M18 is much harder to use one handed vs the M12 stubby. Lightweight is key.
This was made when they announced it, and a lot of guys like me are/were wondering "Is this worth upgrading?" - this video is for them. (Mine is here in the next week or so, so there will be a vid)
I'm upgrading but keeping my Gen 1 3/8. The main reason is that the 10-pound Auto Stop makes doing valve cover jobs quick. The Gen 2 stops at 15 pounds, which is too much for that application, but it's beast mode for everything else. I almost bought the DCF921 1/2 a few days before the Gen 2 was announced, and I'm glad I didn't. BTW, I also have the same 1/2 Midtorque, but honestly, I hardly use it and my High Torque since the stubby is my workhorse. For new techs, I'd say get a Gen 2 3/8 stubby, skip the midtorque, and get the new High Torque. You'll be covered for pretty much everything that rolls in.
Thanks for a really interesting comment! I went 1/2" to give me a single set of impact sockets and to have the range go up to the size for wheel hubs/etc. The Stubby is so short that the additional length of the 1/2" sockets hasn't been a problem.
@@themessygarage I have both sets of impacts, but the 3/8 gets into some tighter spots especially while using wobble sockets. The 1/2 sockets and extentions are just too bulky at times to use in those pesky transverse engine bays. I do use the 3/8 to 1/2 adapter at times which does give the 3/8 more beans. I'm getting both the 3/8 and 1/2 stubby's this time. You just can't beat the versatility of the stubby's torpedo style 🔋 breakdown to get into some crazy places 👍🏻
@@johnny4713ify There are so many low-profile options for impacts that along with the shortness of the Stubby I just can't see two sets. But if you have the room and the tools, it's all good...
@@themessygarage Maybe for a DIYer, a 3/8 or 1/2 inch Stubby would serve them well. As for myself, I find that I need every bit of clearance possible, so having both options is a must. For example, I was working on a 1996 OBS F150 that needed the water pump and fan clutch removed. I used several fan clutch wrenches to remove the fastener, but no dice. It was so seized that I was literally stripping the fastener. I ended up cutting off the fan clutch and just leaving behind the fastener for easier access to remove. I tried using my 3/8 stubby, but the additional adapter length, while using the larger socket, prevented me from zipping it off. If I had the 1/2 version, I would have had just enough clearance to at least bust it loose. Whoever replaced it in the past used a crazy amount of Loctite, so a long breaker bar and a bit of heat popped it loose. And yes, I do own low-profile Astros and Capri sockets in both 3/8 and 1/2, but in that application, it wouldn't matter because they don't make them that large unless custom-ordered. For me, the 3/8 version has served me well, but having a 1/2 in the mix is well worth the investment.
I’m really glad you shed some light on this subject I mean im all for the new gen 2. But just not forget the gen 1. I’ll hang onto it for many years to come. It’s tried and true. We don’t know this new gen yet it has huge she’s to fill !!! Especially for reliability!!
Well - the new one showed up today, so I'll unbox it, play around with it and post a vid or two on what I think.
@@themessygarage absolutely please do. I’m on the fence.
I sold mine to a lube tech, in fact I used the money and pre order the new one and I can’t wait
Great video are you getting the 3/8 or 1/2” ?
I'm getting the 1/2". The early evals I've seen say the 3/8" has slightly more grump, but I want access to big sockets for things like hub huts, etc. without using an adapter.
@@themessygarage sounds good 👍
I have the 3/4" M12 stubby and 1/2" M18 mid T. I ordered the new M12 in 1/2" stubby to go with the older M12 in 3/4. The M18 is much harder to use one handed vs the M12 stubby. Lightweight is key.
Wait until you have one then make a video. Waste of our time.
This was made when they announced it, and a lot of guys like me are/were wondering "Is this worth upgrading?" - this video is for them. (Mine is here in the next week or so, so there will be a vid)