Dewalt launched a new multi-tool, and I’m shocked at how good it looks.
Let me show you Dewalt’s multi-tool progression over the years and maybe you’ll see where I’m coming from.
Shown here is the pocket multi-tool that Dewalt launched around 12 years ago.
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They updated the design at some point over the years – this is what it looked like last holiday season. See The Dewalt Multi-Tool Deal Everyone Wants is Back in Stock.
And here’s what their newest multi-tool looks like – silver with subtle accents.
In my opinion, this looks like a much more serious multi-tool compared to the older version.
Here’s a look at the Dewalt MT20’s tools and features:
- Pliers
- Wire cutter
- Awl
- Phillips screwdriver
- Wood saw
- Knife blade
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Mini screwdriver
- Slotted screwdriver
- Bottle opener
- Rope cutter/hook
The tool is bundled with a sheath with snap closure and belt loop.
Here are more images of the multi-tool open and closed. It measures 6.5″ with the pliers open, and 4″ closed – which is fairly standard for full-size tools from Leatherman and other brands.
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Let’s talk about some of the serious features. To start off, it has 440 stainless steel blades, and not some mystery flavor of “stainless steel.” That’s a respectable alloy for affordable multi-tools.
The knife blade and saw both appear to be accessible while the tool is closed, which is always a nice feature that also allows them to be larger than the inner tools.
And, the wire cutters look to be have replaceable cutting edges, although it’s unclear if that’s the case or where you can source replacements from.
I’m impressed with the design – this looks good! Hopefully it works as good as it looks.
Price: $60
Robert
They lost the scissors it seems. That’s a step back in my book.
Jack
I agree. The scissors are the most used tool on the various multitools that I have.
Pablo
Eh for $30 it might be worth it and I’m a Dewalt fan. For $60 I’d stick with some of the budget Leathermans -Wingman, Sidekick, Rev etc. bought a Wave+ on sale last year for $89 for my son. The extra tools seem well worth the extra $29. Even Walmart’s Ozark trail multi tool looks more impressive to me.
eddiesky
For $4 more, you can get a Gerber Truss. 5 More tools and one is scissors! I got one last Amazon deals. Although the belt case had white Gerber embroidery, I took a Klein marker to it and blacked it out. Hear That Gerber?
Stuart
https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Truss-Multi-Tool-Sheath-30-001343/dp/B07DDDM35D/?tag=toolguyd-20
I see those as different classes of tools.
I think the next-best closest option would be the Leatherman Sidekick, which is $70. https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Sidekick-Multitool-Stainless-Sheath/dp/B005DI2QTC/?tag=toolguyd-20
There’s also the Wingman, which has some differences such as swapping the wood saw for scissors. https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Wingman-Multitool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/?tag=toolguyd-20
STILL, my argument is that the new Dewalt looks leaps and bounds better than their old one. Maybe we’ll see the price soften a little for the winter holiday deals season.
Jared
That does look radically better. The old one… I never cared for. Replaceable wire cutter blades is interesting.
440 is ok. It’s typically kind of soft and certainly far from my favorite – but lots of multitools use similar grade steels, even more expensive ones.
It will be interesting to see if it is actually a significant improvement, or just looks that way.
will
It would help if they said 440a,b or c with crazy being the best by far. Im going to assume its 440a. Still its a small improvement over 420hc and much better than the garbage ss they were using in the previous models. Either way $60 is way too much for what they’re offering,but at least they didn’t slap a magnacut blade on the tool and charge $300 like the new leathermans. Magnacut is good but I dont understand the upcharge, especially the knives. I like the looks compared to the previous models but those were cheaper especially the first model.
John
Am I the only one that finds it odd that there is no info about this item on the DeWalt site, and it doesn’t show in the DeWalt store on Amazon?
Stuart
It’s a Dewalt product produced and sold by a partnered company. You’ll see the same for things like this: https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-Bluetooth-Water-Resistant-Non-Magnetic-Hands-Free/dp/B0D3JLV5K6/?tag=toolguyd-20
Nathan
I hate to disagree but one it’s missing some things for the price. I agree on calling the alloy but I say it needs to be yellow and black. Only reason I’d buy one. Is to find it
Now it’s plain SS and looks like a Chinese knockoff which sadly I’m guessing it is?
Yadda
Definitely borrows from Leatherman. I like the look, but for the price I would probably go with something else.
Matt_T
“And, the wire cutters look to be have replaceable cutting edges, although it’s unclear if that’s the case or where you can source replacements from.”
The pliers part doesn’t even look like a functional tool. Left hand plier nose and right hand cutter are shown as one piece. And the screws appear to attach this piece to the other plier parts. I don’t see how this thing can move??!! Guessing it’s a marketing image rather than a real tool.
will
Sadly I was a few years too soon and didn’t get the replaceable wire cutters which I would love to have had. I wonder if the leatherman cutters would fit the dewalt. Most of the pliers are a similar size.
Ciccio
I have the Center drive, which i find amazing, but the price is twice as much, or probably more.
This Dewalt is not too bad actually, Stainless steel should be “robust” enough for a lot of applications, i like it.
It would be interesting to compare this one with Leatherman and Gerber in the same price category.
I gave you a tip for your next tool review lol
Matt_T
Stuart,
Is this article based on a Dewalt press release or just the 3rd party amazon listing? Searches for “Dewalt MT20” and the supposed DXKNMT20 part number from the amazon listing don’t return anything meaningful apart from the amazon listing. Between that and the obviously BS product images I’m really questioning the legitimacy of this tool…..
Stuart
I saw the 3rd party listing via a regular check for new releases/catalog editions.
Around 2 months ago I was invited to test a new line of Dewalt multi-tools and cutting products. I haven’t responded yet, as I wanted to see what they looked like first (one of the products is described as a machete).
And then this listing popped up.
The marketing images look Dewalt-approved or at least inline with what Dewalt would approve for a licensed product.
As it’s a licensed product, it’s going to be sold and marketed completely independently from Dewalt. This explains why I received the email directly from Dewalt’s manufacturing partner.
Basically, I believe it to be legit, as it follows many of the same patterns as with other Dewalt licensed products such as their mobile accessories and Bluetooth hearing protection and speaker products, and others.
Dewalt tends to be completely hands-off about licensed products, something I was educated on by one of SBD’s licensed partners years ago. It’s also why we’ve been seeing AI junk in Craftsman product listings on Amazon.
I doubt it’ll just be at Amazon, and so it might be a while to see it pop up elsewhere, such as maybe in a Home Depot holiday season promo display.
If it wasn’t legit, I’m fairly confident Dewalt would have seen this post and already asked Amazon to take down the listing.
Scott L
Can you explain the reasoning behind this? I’m sure there are plenty of products that are manufactured for DeWalt by others. This product doesn’t seem out of the ordinary for them- so why would DeWalt not contract out the manufacturing but sell it as their own as they do with other products?
Stuart
Here’s how I see it:
Brand-developed: in-house R&D costs
Brand-licensed: zero in-house costs
As I understand it, licensed arrangements allow brands to make money without having to spend a penny.
If they were to develop the product themselves, they would need product designers and engineers who would go back and forth with the manufacturing partner.
OEM: This is what we want, please make it for us.
ODM: We want to sell this doohickey, can you design and manufacture it for us?
License: Yes, you can use our name to sell that Doohickey, follow these rules and send us a payment.
What does Dewalt know about blasting cabinets? https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-abrasive-blasting-cabinet/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
With a licensing arrangement, they don’t need to do much. Seems like an easy paycheck.
Even when a brand has an ODM relationship with the manufacturer or an intermediate assists with the design work, you still need staff to work on it.
Stanley Black & Decker has a lot of talented product designers and engineers, but there are limits as to their experience. Entering multi-tools with in-house development would require an investment at the least in the form of time. Even if just time, that has an opportunity cost.
As I understand it, licensing essentially involves outsourcing the development, manufacturing, and marketing of certain tools and accessories beyond the brand’s core competency. This is a strategy that Dewalt and Stanley Black & Decker brands have been increasingly using.
There are additional benefits besides licensing fees – which I’d guess would be pure profit – such as broader brand familiarity.
There are risks, such as diminished control and oversight. I’ve caught some of Dewalt’s licensed partners – not this one, and not all of them – engaging in shady tactics, and Dewalt said it’s out of their hands.
Scott K
Thanks for this – the idea of no development costs but with the benefit of fees makes sense. I guess I assumed that they had the capacity for something like this given their various folding knives and such. It’s interesting to see an SBD brand wade into licensing considering how deep Black and Decker got which really diminished their brand.
Stuart
This is all my understanding and opinions.
I would have assumed the same as you, but I think I understand why SBD makes these decision at the corporate or brand level.
They’ve been offering licensed products for a while, it’s just not usually obvious.
Have you ever seen Dewalt smartphone accessories (chargers, headphones, etc) at a hardware store? As far as I am aware, they’re all licensed.
Scott K
I agree that this looks like a significant improvement – but it seems pricey. I’m a bit surprised that it looks like a standard multitool rather than one designed more specifically for construction. Some of the phrasing like controlled torque and precision cutting seemed geared towards a tool user but the can opener and awl seem less so. This isn’t a criticism, just interesting that they didn’t make changes that would make this stand out more.
DH
Scissors are a must