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 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.
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'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 sold mine to a lube tech, in fact I used the money and pre order the new one and I can’t wait
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.
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 👍