Are these two the same wrench?

Yes. Both are the DEWALT DCF961B. The difference is the box contents: one includes a battery and charger, the other is the bare tool.

Which is better for lug nuts and anchor bolts?

Either, since the torque is identical. Both are rated at 1,200 ft-lbs fastening and about 1,900 ft-lbs breakaway, enough for truck lugs and large concrete anchors.

The tool itself is the same, so life depends on the battery and how hard you run it. The hog-ring anvil is the usual wear point on both; keep sockets seated and it holds up.

Is the kit worth stepping up to if I already own DeWalt batteries?

No. If you have 20V MAX packs and a charger, the bare tool gives you the same performance without paying for a battery you do not need.

Will a small battery limit the power?

Yes. High-torque wrenches pull hard, so a 5Ah XR or POWERSTACK pack delivers full torque and fewer stalls than a compact 2Ah pack.

Does it have a precision mode?

Yes. Precision Wrench slows the tool near snug in forward and limits run-off in reverse, which helps on smaller fasteners.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench vs DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench

These are the same tool: the DCF961B. Product A is the kit listing with a 5Ah battery and charger; Product B is the bare tool. Buy A if you own no 20V MAX batteries, B if you already have the platform. Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 and praise the breakaway power on lug nuts and anchor bolts; the common complaints are weight and the hog-ring anvil wearing over time.

Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR kit if you are starting from scratch and need a battery and charger in the box.
Choose the DEWALT DCF961B bare tool if you already own 20V MAX batteries and a charger.

Prices

DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench: $102.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 2)
DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench: $274.00 at Amazon (checked today)
Difference: the DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench is $172.00 cheaper than the DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 10)

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless 1/2 In. HT Cordless Impact Wrench

What separates them

	DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench	DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench
What is in the box	Wrench plus one 5Ah battery and charger	Wrench only; battery and charger sold separately
Model	DCF961B	DCF961B
Max fastening torque	1,200 ft-lbs	1,200 ft-lbs
Max breakaway torque	1,750–1,900 ft-lbs	1,750–1,900 ft-lbs
Speed settings	4-mode switch including Precision Wrench	3 speeds plus Precision Wrench
Anvil	1/2 in. hog ring	1/2 in. hog ring
Stated weight	6.4 lbs	7.65–8.45 lbs depending on battery
Ready to use out of the box	Yes, charge and go	No, needs a battery and charger

Specs compared

Spec	DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench	DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench
Battery type	20V MAX*	Lithium Ion
Battery capacity	5Ah	5 Ah (XR POWERSTACKTM Oil-Resistant)
Torque Range	1400 ft-lbs (max breakaway torque)	1200 ft-lbs (max fastening torque)
Impacts Per Minute	2200	1890
Speed Range	2300 RPM	1200 rpm (no load)
Driving Power	1400 ft-lbs of max breakaway torque	Increase in power (after 4 seconds of impacting)
Fastening Capacity	1030 ft-lbs (fastening torque)	Heavy-duty 1/2-in. fastening applications
Speed Control	Yes (variable speed trigger)	Yes (variable speed)
Number Of Speed Settings	4	3
Motor Torque	1400 ft-lbs (max breakaway torque)	1200 ft-lbs (max fastening torque)
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Motor Speed Settings	4	3

Show all 40 specs

Spec	DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench	DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench
Battery Voltage	20V	20V
Number Of Batteries Included	1	0
Chuck / Drive Size	1/2 in	1/2 in
Chuck / Drive Type	Impact wrench	Impact wrench
Chuck / Drive Subtype	Hog Ring Anvil	Hog Ring Anvil
Weight	6.4 lbs	7.65 lbs
Height	9.1 in	9.67 INH
Length	8.8 in	8.43 in
Width	5.875 in	3.73 in
Power Source

DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench vs DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench

Prices

DeWalt 20V MAX XR 1/2 In. Impact Wrench vs DeWalt DCF961B 20V MAX Impact Wrench

Prices