Dewalt launched a new ToughSeries lineup of hand tools, starting with the new tape measures I recently reviewed here. Coming up next, they also have new screwdrivers on the way.
Dewalt says that there will be a “complete range” of ToughSeries screwdrivers. At this time, there are details about a new 8pc screwdriver set and 2pc demo-style screwdriver set.
Advertisement
The biggest feature with the new screwdrivers is that they feature 10X greater corrosion resistance compared to their previous models.
Dewalt is presumably referring to their MaxFit screwdriver set, which launched a few years ago. Benjamen reviewed the Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers here.
The improved corrosion resistance is due to a “black chrome coating” that is applied to the screwdrivers’ shafts.
The new Dewalt ToughSeries screwdrivers will also feature MaxFit precision machined tips. Dewalt says that this will help reduce camout and maximize fit within fasteners.
Advertisement
Dewalt ToughSeries Screwdriver Set Pricing
- 8pc screwdriver set, DWHT65102: $30
- 2pc demo screwdriver set, DWHT65100: $13
Discussion
It looks to me that Dewalt kept the same MaxFit-style screwdriver handles, making very minor changes to the new ToughSeries handles. You won’t find any complaints from me – the MaxFit screwdriver ergonomics were quite good.
The pricing of the new screwdrivers are comparable to Dewalt’s current screwdriver set options. I actually hoped to see the ToughSeries demo drivers in-store, but they don’t seem to have started shipping yet, and so I picked up the set with acetate handles for an upcoming comparison.
I feel that a little more could have been done with the new screwdrivers though. The MaxFit screwdrivers were announced 6 years ago at a Dewalt media event, and the new ToughSeries drivers look barely any different. But, I suppose it speaks highly of the original designs and engineering if the surface finish was the only aspect Dewalt felt necessary to improve upon.
Dewalt did introduce new screwdrivers in the years since the MaxFit sets first came out – and they were made in the USA – but that entire lineup has already been discontinued. Maybe, if the ToughSeries product family gains enough traction, we might see a return of those truly tough drivers.
More Dewalt ToughSeries News and Reviews
New Dewalt Tough Series Tape Measures – Should Milwaukee be Worried?
Dave
Plenty of screwdrivers made in the US or Europe. If I want Taiwan I’ll order Tekton. I never want west Taiwan.
Harry
Current Tekton Screwdrivers are made in the USA so, if you want Taiwan made screwdrivers, skip Tekton.
David Earls
Good point. Blue Point then. 😁
Raycr
I like screwdrivers with diamond particles that grip the screw out.
Maps Bam
Which USA-made screwdrivers would you recommend?
Stuart
Proto, Williams, Klein.
David Earls
I have a lot of Snap-on/Williams and Klein. Both are great. Felo/Wiha show the quality the EU is up to as well.
Mike (the other one)
Williams and Proto for automotive work. Klein for electrical work, but the Ideal screwdrivers in the electrical section at Lowes are pretty good too.
Channellock acetate handle screwdrivers are also good for general use.
Corey Moore
Fancy new screwdriver shaped business cards.
Stuart
I don’t get it.
MoogleMan3
Meaning they carry little value more than the dewalt name.
Corey Moore
I consider all the “we also make” portfolio fillers, like generic hand tools from power tool companies, to be most valuable as advertising the brand name rather than actually being great versions of the tool. There’s not some untapped section of the screwdriver market to be catered to, just like there’s no real way to revolutionize the tool itself. Just a “thing” that says DeWalt to catch brand loyalists, average consumers who know the name, and whatever random screwdriver purchases they wouldn’t pick up if they didn’t offer one.
Clinton
Before you instantly dismiss them, did you actually try them?
Joe
Dewalt should’ve kept those USA screwdrivers they had awhile back that resembled the Proto Duratek’s. Those looked really nice.
These new screwdrivers are “Meh”, at best. No thanks.
Stuart
I agree! But, the predecessor of these screwdrivers likely sold 100x better.
Nathan
yeah I can get tekton USA made drivers in nearly any tip style I need. Likwise there are MAC tool offerings of similar that while very expensive are also USA made by SBD.
so where then is the SBD USA made hand tools – some future craftsman piece.
PW
This is where I’m at. If I want the best, I’ll go German/Japanese. If I want middling quality, I’ll get some USA Tektons. Why on earth would I want to pay USA prices for Chinese screwdrivers with DeWalt’s stamped on them? Plus I really like Tekton’s hard handles. Hard pass.
I keep doing this same calculation with lots of DeWalt branded hand tools. I don’t get it – but they’re everywhere, someone must be buying them.
Gary T.
I’ve have all the different handle styles of the Dewalt screwdrivers and I found I like the MaxFit ones the best. I was so disappointed with the last style ones. I bought a set and at first the handles felt OK, but as i used them more, I realized the MaxFit ones were better for me. Also the phillips tips were more like a low end screwdriver tip and I ended up replacing the Dewalt tips with Gearwrench phillips tips.
schill
The Dewalt Maxfit screwdrivers were my “go to” for a while. They were easy to pick up at HD, quality was pretty good, and inexpensive enough to buy multiple sets for different locations. The garage screwdrivers are Milwaukee because I wanted to see what they were like.
I have pretty much switched to Wera for most things these days, but still use the Dewalts in the office (where anyone can borrow them – and I don’t use them because I’m working from home anyway).
I’ve recently picked up a couple Vessel drivers that I like too. And some hard-handled Tektons that aren’t too bad at $5 or so apiece.
I don’t think there’s much that would make me try the new Dewalts – although I don’t see anything really standing in the way. I’m just happy with what I have now.
PARKAXMAD
I want to give the demolition screwdriver drives a try. I don’t like the current dewalt demolition screwdriver. The best one I’ve used so far is the klein one. The only bad thing about the klein is after many uses the grip becomes kinda lose. Hopefully these new dewalt take the crown 👑
Joseph Elsbernd
Any word on when these will be out? I couldn’t find anything on the dewalt website.
Stuart
There’s no official ETA yet, but I’d be willing to bet November.
Joseph Elsbernd
Thanks Stuart! I’m hoping Home Depot will carry them!