Dewalt has released a new 8V Max LED worklight DCL023 that is designed to complement their recently released cordless gyroscopic screwdriver.
The LED flashlight features an 80-lumen brightness output, and up to 5 hours of runtime per full battery charge. It’s 5-1/2″ long and weighs in at under a pound. A 2-zone flood and spot beam pattern makes the flashlight well-suited for general usage.
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Price: $29, not including the lithium ion battery pack or charger, which will be sold separately.
Dewalt declined to comment on whether the flashlight has an impact rating or IP dust- and waterproof rating.
First Impression
Personally, I think Dewalt should have come out with a floodlight version of this flashlight, rather than design it with a 2-zone spot and flood beam pattern. Their 12V Max and 20V max LED worklights work great from a distance, but the central spotlights on those units can be a bit too bright and harsh for close-up work. You can’t exactly put this flashlight down behind you and aim it at your work area, so bright reflections or glare might be an issue.
It is also disappointing to see that there is no way to fix a lanyard loop or tether to the flashlight. Even an attachable belt clip would have made a world of difference.
Right now Dewalt is not selling 8V Max batteries or chargers separately, which means you can only use this flashlight if you also buy their gyroscopic screwdriver. While the gyroscopic screwdriver is a nicely designed and well-built tool, it’s not for everyone. While I think the 8V gyroscopic screwdriver is a great tool in theory, it’s not exactly a love-at-first-use kind of tool. (Don’t forget to check out our Dewalt 8V gyroscopic screwdriver review for the full story.)
Even if Dewalt launches their 8V LED flashlight alongside a standalone charger and battery pack, it’s probably not worth buying into the 2-tool battery platform just for the LED flashlight.
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If you’re interested in the 8V LED flashlight but don’t plan to purchase the gyroscopic driver, your best bet might be to hold off and wait to see if Dewalt comes out with any other 8V Max tools. Or you can budget for a standalone charger and battery pack, if or when they become available. Right now it’s unclear what might be in the works, so you might be waiting a while either way.
mnoswad1
I like this 8 volt idea. Don’t like the gyro screwdriver, as it is not an adequate replacement for the 7.2 volt driver, but there seems lots of potential in this new system.
Greg W.
I love my Dewalt impact drivers and batteries, but only 80 lumens for a flashlight?
gregg
I tried that screwdriver @ Lowes the other day and would not advise purchasing it.
PowerPax Peter
The 8 volt seems pretty good but I would wait till they come out with more tools. The gyroscopic screwdriver isn’t worth it. Great post!
Tommy Applegate
WoW DeWALT finally did it. A light not to big & not to small perfect hand grip. Big enough for the back pocket.
Larry
I have had quit a few electric screwdrivers in my time and this Dewalt gyroscopic screwdriver is fantastic, don’t let any one tell you different. Comes with a heavy duty caring case and charger. Feels great in your hand and has about a 45 second learning curve for an average intelligent person. There are several youtubes on it check it out.
fm2176
I picked up the 2-battery screwdriver kit a few months ago. It was marked 50% off the clearance price, so I couldn’t pass it up for $35 or so. It can’t do what my 12v and 18v impact and drill drivers can, but it isn’t designed for that anyway. For lower torque screwdriving it is great, though. I may look into getting this light, though by now I wonder what the future holds for DeWalt’s 8v line. This post is two years old and only updated versions of the gyro screwdriver have been released. I’d love to see something else…maybe an impact driver or compact drill.
Stuart
Different versions of the gyroscopic driver have been released, not updated versions. All 3 are still current.
I don’t think Dewalt has much interest in furthering their 8V Max lineup. Heck, we haven’t seen anything new to their 12V Max lineup in a long time either.