Rami wrote in, asking about why it seems Dewalt is falling behind competing brands.
Do you guys at ToolGuyd have any idea on what DeWalt is doing right now with their product development? It looks like DeWalt is really falling behind in the competition against other big brands (Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee).
Bosch brings up new tools at a steady pace, Milwaukee brings something new consistently (at least according to what ToolGuyd is showing) and here in Finland / Europe Makita seems to bring new stuff on the market all the time.
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DeWalt is only bringing stuff like new lights etc. to market. It looks like DeWalt is giving up, since they lack many tools and features their competitors have (such as a reciprocating saw with anti-vibration technology, cordless metal shears, cordless planer etc. and a very small 10,8V [or 12V MAX] product line). Do you have any idea why DeWalt is not answering to the powertool- competition and focusing mainly on hand tools nowadays?
Here’s a list of the new tools Dewalt came out with in the second half of 2014, or at least the ones we posted about:
Lighted Backpack
20V Max LED Spotlight
New Tape Measures
Bluetooth Speaker
More Automotive Tools
A Mini Dust Extractor
Compact Recip Saw
New/Repackaged Mechanics Tool Sets
Updated Heated Hoodies and Jackets
Pull Saws
Auto Load Utility Knife
There’s not much in terms of 20V Max tools – and many of those that were announced still aren’t available yet. There’s nothing really in the 12V Max line either, aside from a couple of dual-platform tools.
Bosch, Milwaukee, and Makita have been coming out with new innovations, updated products, and game-changers left and right. Just because Dewalt’s product releases don’t seem to match up doesn’t mean they’re asleep at the wheel.
There were some nice Dewalt developments in 2014. And I’m sure they might have some notable releases planned for 2015.
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I think that the most common disappointment is that the 20V Max lineup hasn’t grown large enough or fast enough. Their 20V Max lineup launched 3-1/2 years ago, and their 12V Max lineup launched 4-1/2 years ago.
There has been a steady pace of new tools since then. Some look to be closely adapted from Dewalt’s 18V tools, such as the newish 20V Max band saw. But others are developed from the ground up.
I’d rather Dewalt take their time than rush tools to market only to replace them with a better model a year later.
Would you be happier if Dewalt converted all of their 18V tools to their 20V Max platform and then brought out new designs that were revamped from scratch? Of course not.
Anyway, I hear complaints all the time about every brand. Why doesn’t Bosch make a so-and-so. Why doesn’t Makita release their whatchamacallit in the USA? When will Milwaukee add a thingamajig to their cordless lineup?
I wrote a similar post a couple of months ago, asking about what users thought would be a good upgrade path for Dewalt 18V cordless tool users. But this time the question is different.
If you’re a Dewalt cordless power tool user, are you happy with the pace at which they’re coming out with new tools? Are you happy with the brand’s cordless lineup in general?
If you’re happy with Dewalt’s 20V Max progress, chime in. If you’re not, then is it because they’ve been slow to release 20V Max tools or are there other reasons?
jake
As an avid Milwaukee brand tool user, I am extremely happy with dewalts production and release rate. Why you may ask? Well, let me elaborate!
Not sure i simply just like red!
Dennis Bauser
I have quite a few DeWalt 20 volt max tools and they’ve worked great for me the past few years, the 20 volt max system has what I need.
Eric Hamilton
I’m very happy with the 20v max line. Last year I picked up several of the new 20v products, like the 5.0 battery packs and the dual port charger. While 2014 may have not seen a whole lot of product expansion from Dewalt, the things they did roll out we’re awesome, in my opinion. It’s also cool to see that they are investing more in other trades too, like automotive and lawn/landscape. I think 2015 will be a big year for Dewalt. Just because they are not running a race with Milwaukeee and Bosch does not mean they’ve given up. They may just be biding their time.
Greg
Im big into the Dewalt 20v line up. Upgrading from my 18V as my tools die. I currently have in 20V the following:
20V Reciprocating Saw.
20V Mini Vac
20V Oscilator
20V Impact
20V Small hammerdrill
20V Large Drill
20V Framing Nailer
20V 3 LED Light
I still have the 18V Circ saw and Jig saw. Circ saw is next for upgrade. But my most used stuff seems to be the smaller M12 line up. Of which I have 2 impact guns, Drill, hacksaw, jigsaw, and Dremel. I do construction from doors and windows to finished basements and additions. I only take the Dewalt stuff out on big jobs. Most of the time its the M12.
I feel Dewalt needs to step up the game and compete with M12 and even the new M12 circ saw has my attention for small framing jobs. I guess every situation and application is different but Milwalkee does have a nice line up of smaller tools that fit my line of work very well. If I did commercial construction I doubt I would reach for M12 stuff much.
John Blair
How do you like the vac? I considered it but didn’t pull the trigger.
Scott
I purchased the The DEWALT DCV581H 18/20v MAX* Cordless/Corded Wet-Dry Vacuum right when it was released in the US about 18 months ago. It is some of the best money I have ever spent on the 20v line. It’s power is very considerable for the size of the unit and it’s operation time using batteries is very adequate but I also like having the corded option as well. It’s construction is rock solid as I’ve been using it weekly if not daily on job sites for well over a year now with no issues!
Greg
Its probably the most used tool in my van. It is on every job and works like a champ. Power is amazing and runs great on a battery. I would buy it again in a heart beat if it ever quit on me.
Joe
I have all dewalt power tools and started with 20v tools as im only 25. I have most of them and am very pleased i kno they dont come out eith things super fast but everything they come out with works great and they spend the time to make sure they work right. Also all of their tools last a very long time. I thhink they release tools slowly bc so many ppl still have all their 18v dewalt tools and they still work great so they domt need new tools wih all their 18v stuff still working so well
Tom
Not happy at all. I’ve been waiting for a 20v brad nailer for a long time. Finally gave up and bought a Ryobi…even though I HATE having to keep track of multiple batteries and chargers.
David
I too can’t wait for the DeWalt 20v brad nailer. I also bought the Ryobi, but it really blows. It miss-fires half the time, and if its too cold it don’t even fire until it warms up.
But, it is Ryobi.
Matt
I have been waiting for the dewalt 20v brad nailer forever.. So I got the ryobi as well. I have had good luck with it but wish it was dewalt and 20v so it could go with every other tools I have…
Charles Gunderson
Not happy at all. Just finally gave up on DeWalt and am selling all DeWalt cordless 20v tools and buying Milwaukee. The reason is simple – only a few tools available compared to a wealth of Milwaukee tools. You have lost a customer that purchased DeWalt cordless power tools for the past 15 years. Shame on you.
Joe
Disappointed, I’ve been wanting that cordless framer forever but I won’t buy another brand of batteries for just one tool. Still hoping 20v trim nailers come soon. I was just talking about this the other day actually.
Chris
August from what I read they will be coming
Justin Guerrera
I am Happy and I am not happy. I’m very happy with what has been released. I have the cordless framing nailer that uses no gas and it is awesome. Highly considering of getting rid of my air nailer because of how well it works and the convenience. the main tools are solid. I made the jump to the dewalt 20v line because of the brushless impact that first came out and i have personally witness it kick the other brands butts. ( Milwaukee and Makita) I have 5ah batteries with zero problems while i here other brands are having issues.
I absolutely HATE how long it has taken them to come out with better stuff and new tools. No brushless framing saw or sawzall? after all this time. the drywall gun was posted 6 months ago and still hasn’t come out. Will we see new ideas on tools like a double battery saw like makita put out?
I have an acquaintance who works for black and decker who told me about 4 and 5 ahr battery packs long before anyone on the internet posted them including this site. he also told me they are building tools for 6 and 7ahr packs. He would not tell me what tools or when anything might come out. maybe the delay is for the fact that they are working out a new ratio of battery power and capacity. You really don’t need an impact gun to be any stronger but having one battery pack last all day would be cool.
Joe
“7ahr packs”
Holy moley!
Jason
I was unhappy enough to sell them all off. I rented sold all my Dewalt 12 and 20v max and switched to Milwaukee.
Not necessarily because they are slow to bring new and innovative tools to the market however. The decision was mostly due to the fact that i thoroughly enjoy buying new and exciting tools, and Milwaukee keeps me going. It also keeps my wallet open which my wife tends to disagree with 🙂
Nate W
They’re the only cordless framing nailer thus far right? But other than that I agree with this article.
Joe
Correct.
skfarmer
yup, i am the broken record. dewalt screwed the pooch on the 20 volt max. when they incorporate the 18v platform that they have bragged about and have been supporting for years. if there was some sort of bridge between the two or an adaptor to use 20 volt max batteries on 18 volt tools they would have sold and been selling a pile more tools. at the risk of offending some, those that say it is impossible are spewing nothing more than corporate bs. it was an excuse to upsell the new platform and it has not worked. if there was an adaptor sales would jump overnight and i would even bet money on it.
Jerry
I’m with you there. I have heard there needs to be circuitry to prevent battery overload. I would think that circuit could be in the adapter. A tool will only draw the power it needs, so all it should require would be some kind of maximum load limiter. I keep hearing how the 20V MAX batteries provide higher output so I can’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Crama
I’m involved with a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, where a contractor donated a load of older Ryobi tools, none with batteries. We found out that we could buy the newer lithium ion 4 amp-hr Ryobi battery which fits the old tools. Works really well. So far, so good.
Why can’t these top tier companies do the same? MONEY!
anthony coley
makita as a adaptor ‘ i have quite a lot of 18v xr rage but getting pissed of waiting for a cordles planer
N Gibson
They sell an adapter on EBay where you can use 20v batteries on 18v tools.
Landon
There is one and has been all along yet not many people seem to have gone that route.
Kent
I have used DeWalt 18v tools for quite a while, an have replaced/rebuilt more than a few battery packs. About the time that all my 18v batteries went dead, my line of work changed a bit, and I looked at my options. I didn’t see a reason to continue to use big (18v+) tools any more, especially since DeWalt didn’t offer a reasonable upgrade path.
I bought into Milwaukee M12 instead, since I don’t need brute force of 18v or the longevity of a large battery (job changes). I use them around the house, and am thrilled.
DeWalt could have kept me as a customer but didn’t have a decent upgrade path, like buying modern batteries for my existing tools.
Clayton M
I know it is somewhat off-topic, but I switched to Milwaukee 12v because of Dewalt’s slow releases in their 12v line, so I think the sentiment may relate to their cordless tools in general.
Mizzourob
Stanley/Black & Decker (the owner of the DeWalt brand) did something simmilar with the Porter Cable tool lineup. They had a great 18 volt lineup, then killed it off for a 20 volt max lineup with an incompatible battery. Both were slide pack designs; there was no reason to do this to the Porter Cable tools. If they wanted to update the tools, they could have kept the battery compatibility. I invested into the Porter Cable line thinking that it was more future proof than the 18 volt DeWalt, but I was wrong. SBD is all about greed these days. Unless someone give me a legit technical reason (and not marketing BS) I’ll be moving over to Milwaukee.
Luis Rios
Not happy way to slow, my dewalt cordless finish nailer and brad nailer, finally gave up, and no response about when they are coming with 20 volt replacements, I had to go with Senco, and honestly if Milwaukee had the nailers would have gone their way long ago as they seem to be coming out with more useful tools at a faster pace.
Chris
Nailers are coming in August from what I heard
JMG
What I would like to see from Dewalt is an adapter that allows me to use the 20v max (18v nominal) lithium batteries on my older Dewalt tools (i.e. finish nailers), so that I can ditch all the old batteries and maintain a single battery type for the brand.
Outside of the cordless nail guns, I have limited use for the Dewalt line of cordless tools.
Nathan
+1 to this. by moving from the post style inputs to the slide on battery in teh 18/20 volt they can make an adapter that will let you use the tool. but you’d have to have the 20V battery charger. which I’m OK with since the need to monitoring and volt bias/balance is so different.
but I’d like to buy some older style dewalt tools to use around the house, and use my newer 20V batteries.
KL
DeWalt does have cordless metal shears. They’re big though, look like a sawzall body almost. I saw them on HD’s site and in one of the Milwaukee videos for their new M18 shears they clearly have the DeWalt, painted gray, as an example of “a competitor.”
glenn
Again not specifically on topic but relates to the question.
Early last year, due to a change in jobs, I found myself in the somewhat enviable ( but costly) position of having to buy a heap of new cordless tools.
My initial thoughts were to buy into Dewalt 10.8v platform but after researching all the brands and the range available, I chose the M12 platform.
So glad I did.
Jason hale
I have been a dewalt user since the early 90’s and have always been happy with there tools but I must admit that I did get a little impatient with there 20v line. I think they pretty much covered all the main tools now but have lagged behind with some of the specialty tools. I’m also kind of scratching my head at the 12v line. The battery packs should have been the same style as milwakee and bosch in my opinion. There 12v line should have been compact? I went with bosch for 12v. There time table and tool releases just have not made a whole lot of since to me in the last 3 or 4 years. I am very happy to see that they seem to making more and more usa made products though. I also believe that 2015 will be a big year for them. All 4 of the big four make some great stuff though.
Stuart
Dewalt says that they designed the 12V Max tools and batteries such that the drills can stand up on a floor or level surface. I believe that they were already working on the 20V Max designs and saw potential for tools with a common battery connection, such as their heated jackets and dual-platform chargers.
I have heard that Dewalt 12V Max sales haven’t been very good, and if true, that is probably why they don’t want to funnel additional resources into the platform, at least not while the 20V Max line still needs work.
Tomas
I have to say, for my around the house stuff the 12v line from DeWalt has been great. My favorites have been the Screwdriver, mainly because it stands up & is compact as well the flashlight because it’s magnetic & the head is adjustable. I can see how it wouldn’t be enough power for contractors though.
Jerry
I might add, that with the battery sliding onto the bottom of the handle, instead of into it, DeWalt was free to make the grip area pretty much any shape they wanted to. While I have to say that Bosch and Milwaukee 12V tools look more streamlined With the battery tucked in the handle, the ‘feel’ of the DW is better, at least for me. I also like that the tool stands up by itself, but to be honest, rubber pads on the sides to protect the tool and surface you lay it on is a workable alternative, and you don’t have to worry about the tool falling over with a heavy or long bit or attachment.
Joe
“I have heard that Dewalt 12V Max sales haven’t been very good, and if true, that is probably why they don’t want to funnel additional resources into the platform, at least not while the 20V Max line still needs work.”
I would agree with this statement since I firmly believe that Milwaukee has the brushless motor technology down very well and that is what is hurting dewalt since I’m kind of expeculating that they are new to the brushless game. Although they seem to have found a balance on the big tools.
If I was a dewalt top caller, I would expend some money on trying to figure out the brushless technology available and then balance it out in to the 12v line and maybe beefing up the 20v line.
John Blair
Strangely I consider Dewalt to be the value brand on 20v tools. My collection includes the older brushless impact, the premium Drill/Driver, the Oscillating Multi-Tool, the Circular Saw, the compact Reciprocating saw and the area light. It all started with a great sale.
It seems like every Christmas Dewalt runs a $20 off $100 sale. Buy a $129 bare tool and boom, its pretty affordable. All of the tools work very well and really they are a fraction of the price of the Milwaukee alternatives.
For example: The Milwaukee M18 fuel Sawzall is an amazing tool. But the bare tool is $225 where the Dewalt compact is $124 (combine with $20 off and it was 104). Unless you make a living doing demolition, the Milwaukee isn’t twice as good.
Now on the 12v, Dewalt is a pathetic joke. Milwaukee’s M12 tools are the go to choice (especially if you do plumbing). If you want a low cost leader there, I like the Bosch 12V Max line. Not as many tools, but they are more compact and can often be found on sale.
Jacob Goettsche
I agree with you in that one should buy for their job and the conditions it calls for. For instance, I have been in commercial roofing for about eight years and this Dewalt 20 V line I am thoroughly impressed. Someone else on this site mentioned the power and durability of the brushless impacts that DeWalt sales and I have to agree. I have personally dropped my impact 10 feet onto concrete landed on the battery and not had it break, just yesterday watched a coworker drop his 6 feet onto concrete no problems and on the same day dropped my battery which rolled off the top deck, fell about 8′ on to 1″ thick plywood and then bounced and launched for about a 16′ drop and landed in 2″ of snow on concrete, no problems. DeWalt’s new radio and charger with dual plug-ins has been wonderful for my job because it works like a mini spider box. I personally don’t mind buying reconditioned tools since they have to be brought up to the same specs as new and pricewise it is very affordable. Mainly just wanted to agree that one needs to buy for their job, because if Dewalt didn’t have what I need I would have to take that into consideration. Personally, I am grateful to have found a tool that can finally endure my trade, weither it is yellow, red, or blue.
johnr
The wait for tool is the killer for me aswell as Dewalt reps have upset a lot of hardware stores in Australia or they have just forgot about us here in the south of the world.
Julian. Tracy
Lots of blind red lover’s here for whatever reason, but for me, makita is the only platform to buy into.
Without a doubt, they offer the widest range of 18 volt tools. Though I wish they offered a few nailers, they really do have just a about every other basic or even obscure tool offered in the platform.
Variety is key for me, have no interest in multiple batteries and chargers. Unless dewalt offered a xrp NiCad to slide in adapter, why would anyone buy into the new platform unless all you needed was a drill or saw? If they did offer the adapter, it’d be the biggest boost to the Li slide system they could hope for.
I do remodeling work professionally and appreciate all of the cordless options that makita has. I currently use:
Hammer drill
Brushless 3 speed impact
Right angle impact driver
Right angle drill
6.5″ circ saw
5 3/8″ metal cutting circular saw
Multi tool
350 foot pound impact wrench
Blower
5.5″ sander
Grinder
Stick vac
LED broad area work light
LED flashlight
Most of the above tools have been out for years, and non of the other tool brands can even match that lineup.
I was a bosch 18volt NiCad user previously, and use my cordless planer, recip saw, cordless 10″ miter saw and jigsaw with my makita batteries via a battery Adapter I made with a spare makita flashlight.
I also adapted the slick Milwaukee portable shopvac (toolbox style) to be used with my makita batts by way of ripping out the Milwaukee battery mount and fabricating a makita slide mount.
That’s a lot of tools that take just one style battery….
If you’re a dewalt user that’s NOT upset with their LI lineup, you’re in denial or maybe a single purpose trades user….
Certainly, if not Makita, I’d go with Milwaukee.
Julian
rx9
I own 3 cordless Dewalt tools: a 20v max premium (full size) drill, a 12v max screwdriver that came with it as a bonus, and a 12v max inspection camera. I got all of them because they were on sale, and each one has been a great experience to use. The drill is powerful and durable. The screwdriver has great lighting, ergonomics, compact size and surprising power. The inspection camera works very well and its ability to add/extend camera cables and separate monitor from camera makes it better than every other camera on the market. That said, I now own 10 Milwaukee m12 tools, and 4 m18 tools (2 of them m18 fuel). I love Dewalt’s quality, durability, and design, but their product selection is so paltry, I have almost completely abandoned them. I’ve considered ebaying my 20v max drill several times, but it’s so good, I have trouble letting it go. The only advantage 20v max has over other brands’ selection right now is the nailer, and I expect a fantastic model arriving soon from Bosch, Makita and of course, Milwaukee. Dewalt lost me in the garage, having no cordless ratchet at the time and impact wrenches that were considerably weaker than their m18 fuel counterparts. Once I got the ratchet and impacts, I committed to Milwaukee and never looked back. What kills me is that as a property of industry titan Stanley Black and Decker, they probably had the resources to churn out a bigger selection than even Makita. Why they decided to waste their time on extending the brand into hand tools (by the way, excessive brand extension is a cardinal sin in marketing, due to the dilution it causes) is anyone’s guess, but I bet they lost a lot more customers than just me.
Chris
From everything I have read, dewalt has a big year planned with a lot of tools coming and we’re unveiled at stfada… Tools in action have said lots are coming but are sworn to secrecy…. The new nailers in 20v are coming though and have been confirmed by many people
Jason
I have seen leaked photo’s of A trim nailer and brushless impact wrench. None of the tool websites can touch it because of the extreme Non Disclosure Agreements tool companies have with them. If you piss a company off you won’t be invited to events, or get review samples.
I bought into the Dewalt 20v max system at first, but I dropped the brand really quick as the expansion was so slow after the release. The amount of tools is decent now, but they should have had some major tools out sooner the trim nailer is a big one that took way too long.
Troy
I’m disappointed. I was part of the post a few months ago about an upgrade path for DeWalt 18V tool users and the lack of 20V tools has made the decision that much more difficult. I’ve been a DeWalt lifer so far, but I’m far more impressed with the other brands offerings.
Taking the content of the two posts together, my brother and I (remodelers) keep one big bag of DeWalt 18V saws (jig, circular,recip) and another bag with 20v hammer drill and impact gun. The two bag system helps keep the batteries, chargers, and relevant accessories together and easily portable.
Chad
My thoughts are that Dewalt made a mistake in trying to prop up too many battery types. They invested in 18v, added 20V and now have to replace many of the 20v with 20v Brushless.
I have three types in my shop. 12v Bosch (4 tools) 18v Dewalt 4 tools left) and 20v (6 tools). I am completely happy with all the 20v tools. They work great and have plenty of power and runtime. I consider there 20v brushless osc. multitool to be near perfect and a cut above the rest. I use my tools doing light construction of all types and they fill my needs.
I’d like to see dewalt focus more on 20v and even 40v or 20vX2 in brushless. As they release tools in this flavor I will be adding or replacing. Until then… I see no need to worry about those tools that Red or Green have come out with first.
V8 powered
I am honestly jealous of the Makita guys, for the 18V X2 lineup available to them. I wish the other manufacturers would throw a few double battery applications into their product mix as well.
Jerry
Right now I still run DeWalt 18 Volt XRP tools. While I like the power and performance, I also was looking to something smaller and lighter, for times when maximum performance wasn’t needed, and heavy tools would be a burdeon. I looked around, and wound up getting a Porter Cable compact 20V drill and impact driver. Both impress me, and they are a perfect compliment to the DeWalt 18V tools I own. The drill is powerful enough for the vast majority of my uses, while being compact and WAY lighter than the DW. The impact driver is really impressive. Granted, my DW driver is an older 18V model, but it was the premium version, and not the compact, and the PC one actually puts out more power, while being significantly lighter. Yes, most of the weight savings is probably battery, but the lighter weight makes it easier to use. However, they both share the same parent company, and I cannot figure out what they are trying to do. The 18V DW is a platform that is not getting updated, so it will die a slow death. However, the 20V line is incomplete, so one can’t just switch over. I thought I’d fill the gaps with PC, and they are good basic tools, but since I bought mine, it seems that they jacked up the price of the PC 20V batteries so they are more expensive than the DW, and the DW batteries have the built in battery guage. So, what I see, is an 18V line with no future, a 20V line that is incomplete, and a value brand that has costlier batteries than the premium brand. If they don’t get things figured out by the time more of my 18V tools start getting sick, I might just jump ship. I’m doing less construction than I used to, so my uses won’t be as demanding, so I am thinking I might go Ryobi, for their incredible selection of tools, or perhaps Craftsman, because I can get those locally, and they seem to be putting out the tools I like lately.
Nathan
great timing. I just got into the dewalt 20V tools, by way of shopping for a new drill and driver combo to replace my older (15years) milwaukee 14.4 drill. that still works by the way but I need 2 new batteries and etc etc. so shopping I was looking at them all, and I try to always look for something american made or owned in all my purchases. ALL, and it’s hard today. So I have to say I loved Milwaukee tools, still have some corded items – and wanted their 18V stuff until I read that they are owned by a chinese holding company – and that dulled the luster. so to that end I looked into and got to liking the dewalt flavor of items. now where I work you’ll see mostly makita out of brand loyalty, or milwaukee or bosch – taking off aircraft panels etc you see them everywhere. very few dewalts,. Construction side I notice mostly the opposite. anywho the problem we solved for me since I was given a dewalt 20V setup for christmas and I was leaning that way anyway. so now that I have it – you tend to want to stay in the family so shazam I want other dewalt 20V tools – namely I want a 3/8 ratchet in 20V. I’d love to see them expand quicker – but I like to think they are taking their time in some clean sheet redesigns. which they should to take advantage of the lithium batteries. I do love that they didn’t waste time bringing out larger capacity packs. OH and with just 3 uses under my belt I have to say I really like the dewalt DCF895 impact driver.
Nathan
in terms of compactness I do believe Dewalt/Stanley shot themselves in the foot on the 12V battery. as everyone else moved to the super compact – they will be limited eventually on capacity and aren’t compatible with their 18/20 volt offerings. but dewalts will be – just not sure how useful that will be.
Dave E
I switched to the 20v from the 18v stem. I use my tools seven days a week. Purchased all tools new from lowes/hd. Sold with what was told was an excellent warranty. About 12.5-13 months now after purchase, I have a sawsall that won’t hold blades, an impact driver that wont hold bits, a battery that’s useless and of course the tools are out on the one year warranty for “non-functional” components. Be very sure if your warranty before purchasing,and that’s on top if one of the worst tool line selections.
Chris
http://www.dewalt.com/Warranty-Information.aspx
First time I heard of that… Call dewalt
Chris
Battery has 3 year warranty along with the whole tool
David
I had a 20v 1/4″ impactor that would not hold bits. I took it into a DeWalt authorized service center without a receipt or proof of purchase of any kind. (It was well over a year old, and used daily) They repaired it free of charge plus gave me 40% off anything DeWalt in the store that I wanted to purchase just for my inconvenience. Picked up a few new tools, and got a 2-pack 5amp hour batteries for $85. (1 usually goes for about $130)
Can’t beat that kind of warranty. I’ll patiently wait for the tools to come out.
cal
I’m very satisfied but I just switched from the porter cable 18v system. I tried the Milwaukee 18v but I dispised my drill and took it back. I have the compact reciprocating saw, hammerdrill, 1/4 impact, 1/2 impact, circular saw, and the led worklight. The only thing I would change is to make the circular saw brushless.
mike
Please tell me what tools milwaukee has that you use on a jobsite that dewalt doesn;t have lets see impact driver,drills hammer and regular,sawsaw,jigsaw,and circular saw cordless nailers what else do you need and the brushless thing so overrated,
just drop one of those brushless tools off a ladder good luck if it works. The brushed tool will still work, sounds like a bunch of dewalt haters.Oh keep buying that red china crap not saying there tools aren’t good but they are owned by the chinese and dewalt is starting to make more and more tools in the usa
Nathan
well as mentioned what’s your jobsite. for the construction arena I suspect there’s little more to offer and honestly that’s always been Dewalt’s main arena.
out here in the aircraft hanger – makita and bosch are the most common – with milwaukee as a third and dewalt a very distant 4th.
at the autoshop – I do see some milwaukee products – namely their 3/8 ratchet and their 1/2 impact wrenches. Dewalt does have a pretty nice 1/2 impact wrench, but it’s not a highly advertised items. dewalt does seem to make a 3/8 drive ratchet – for the MAC TOOL name but it’s new and it’s a 12v. I and most anyone else want it in 18/20 – for the torque.
at home – well people buy all kinds of stuff but many home DIY’ers I know don’t even shop dewalt today. Which is unfortunate in my opinion.
and you have to ask – why the smurf is Dewalt making outdoor electric power equipment? Yes I know because Black and Decker – sure. but that’s not a good reason to me.
V8 powered
Milwaukee may be owned by Hong Kong based TTi, but Milwaukee headquarters are in the US – Brookfield, Wisconsin to be exact. I suspect they employ a large number of Americans as well paid design engineers, rather than poorly paid factory workers.
There are numerous tools in both the Dewalt and Milwaukee lineups made in China or outside the US.
There are numerous tools in both the Dewalt and Milwaukee lineups made in the US.
That said, I think most of the posts on this thread are not from “DeWalt haters” but avid DeWalt fans who love their tools’ impeccable quality, but are let down by their poor selection in DeWalt’s lineup.
DeWalt has great quality, but if you need a tool that they haven’t made yet, you’re going to have buy it from someone else, as most of us here have done.
Jason
If TTi didn’t buy Milwaukee there is a good possibility the brand and jobs wouldn’t be around Milwaukee does make their consumables in the USA still. Milwaukee was in bad shape after being owned by Atlas Copco. The V18 product line was kind of a failure with bad battery packs and issues with the connection points. I know some people were done with Milwaukee after that debacle with the short run of that product line.
Lenny
What Milwaukee products are made in the USA? I try to buy domestic made when possible. If they have some US made product I would like to try it out.
rx9
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yCyX78UhsJc
rx9
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-step-drill-bits/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
glenn
HVAC, every day, every job, i use the M12 rotary hammer, rotary tool and 3/8 ratchet.
glenn
Should add that being one of the 6.7 billion living outside the USA, I could not care less where tools are manufactured. All I am interested in is a decent product at a decent price.So sick of the China bashing,
Nathan
I recognized that every drill, driver, and battery I picked up said made in China on it. regardless of color – but since Milwaukee is owned by TTI – then any profit made on the sale will end up in a chinese economy base. where as the profit from the dewalt device stays to some degree in the US.
as far as accessories made in america – yes but I’ not going to be buying milwaukee or dewalt or _______ accessories without shopping all other options too. and there again – I lot at features I want, then I look at where it’s made, then I look at the price.
Glenn have to ask where are you? and how is your countries economy going? what your unemployment rate and is it on the increase in the last decade or so?
glenn
Nathan, I live in Australia. Our economy has had its ups and downs but overall we are doing reasonably well.
The unemployment rate has only varied by a few points over the decade. We are at @ 6.0% now and were @ 5.8 in 2004.
I suppose we are fortunate in having a strong mining sector as well as strong food export sales
We too have lost a major chunk of tool manufacturing to off shore. It is sad to lose that, but with these companies facing the choice of continuing to make profit or closing the doors, its decision most would make.
Offshore manufacturing is here to stay. Some people cant seem to grasp that fact and unfairly bash the foreign manufacturers.
There are many fine tools that originate from Asia which would simply be just too expensive if we manufactured them here.
Chris
I’m disappointed in the slow progress of the 20v max line and nearly nonexistent 12v line however I am not ready to abandon my trusty yellow and black just yet. It’s odd that a cordless 7 1/4″ circular saw, 15/16ga cordless nailer, or expanded 12v line has not yet surfaced. The technology is there so whats the hold up? Some may point out Dewalt introduced innovative products of 2014 such as tough stack system, LED work lights, radios, lawn equipment (40v max), etc. That being said don’t be fooled by their mechanics tools and hand tools. They are not as innovative as they are rebranding (proto/ mac). 2014 seemed to be a strategic year for Dewalt (Stanley Black and Decker). While 2014 didn’t bring much in the way of innovation it did so some renaming. I’m patiently awaiting to see what they do for 2015.
BikerDad
First, a comment regarding the lack of upgrade path from 18v to 20v, i.e. from the NiCads to the Lithium Ion. Some folks are grumbling about it, saying that DeWalt didn’t do an upgrade path because they’re essentially greedy. Sorry, but the evidence in front of us says that’s not the reason. AFAIK, no manufacturer offers an upgrade path. Not Makita. Not Milwaukee. Not Bosch. Not Metabo, Fein, Festool, Hitachi, Snap-On, etc. Not even Panasonic, who is the only one that makes their own batteries. If it were economically feasible, somebody would do it. Now, perhaps I’m wrong and somebody is doing it, if so, it’s clearly not resulting in the world beating a path to their door.
Moving on, I am somewhat disappointed with the slowness of their move into the brushless realm. And even more disappointed with their turpitude on expanding their 12v Lithium-Ion platform. The reason I don’t have their 12v platform is they took wayyy to long to jump into the space. After waiting better than 2 years until my 12v DeWalt Ni-cads died, I went with the Bosch. They’re doing the same idiotic thing with the brushless. Yes, it can be a good thing to let somebody else jump into a market space first and make the mistakes, then you can come along and one up them. Wait too long though, and you’re no longer “one upping”, you’re Johnny Come Late and stuck playing second fiddle, or worse.
DeWalt has a big advantage in being able to use a single charger for both their 12v and 20v platforms. The advantage only matters if they’ve got a decent selection of tools on both platforms. They need to get a brushless 12v combo out, a brushless 12v “hacksaw/reciprocating saw”, brushless brad, finish and framing nailers, and a brushless 7 1/4″ circular saw and/or brushless track saw. Oh, and a brushless brute 1/2″ Impact Wrench, either as a DeWalt tool or as a Mac/Proto tool. Upping their game on a brushless sawzall wouldn’t hurt either, although that’s not one that’s really on my radar, same as a brushless jigsaw.
I haven’t jumped into a 12v brushless platform yet. My preference will be either Bosch (because I have their 12v brushed) or DeWalt, for the charger compatibility and because DeWalt is my favorite portable power tool brand. Just because. Team Bumblebee. Go Team. If DeWalt gets some good 12v brushless action going before the new Bosch 12v EC stuff gets here from Europe (note: a brushless drill/driver and 1/4″ screwdriver aren’t enough), then that’s the direction I’ll likely go. If not, Bosch. Were I starting from scratch with no brand preferences at all, I’d almost certainly go with 12v Fuel. C’mon tool companies, the core tools are a drill/driver and an impact driver. 12v Brushless doesn’t seem to be that hard, yet only Milwaukee has done it so far? (Yes, I know Bosch is bringing an impact to market, “soon”, and “maybe the US”.)
Jerry
Didn’t Ryobi and Craftsman go to lithium batteries, with the same connection as their NiCads had?
glenn
Yes indeed. Ryobi did not change their battery layout when switching to lithium.
I still have some of the old blue tools which I now run on the lithium packs.
Brandon
Yep…
BikerDad
Interesting… so only those two did it, with some of their tools. None of the professional level brands did so. One wonders why…
glenn
No, Ryobi did it with ALL OF THEIR 18V TOOLS. The Original 18v tools ALL work with the old nicads and they ALL work with the new lithium batteries.
Bag Ryobi all you want .But the fact remains they are well made,functional tools.
Elitist?
.
I
Jason
Ridigid 18v tools are backwards compatible you can run either nicad or lithium on them as long as you have a lithium compatible charger. This whole issue comes down companies changing from post style connectors on the battery pack to slide packs. It hurts more for Dewalt uses as how popular the brand was and how long the 18v xrp product line lasted other companies switched in the mid 2000’s to slide packs
skfarmer
sorry biker dad but but i disagree with your statement.
because nobody else did it is exactly the reason dewalt should have done it. look at all of the technology in your smartphone. you can’t tell me that dewalt could not find a way to make the technology work,updating the batteries and tools to be compatable or at the very least make an adapter to allow them to work together. it can be done, the choice was made not to do it.
the guy who makes an adapter to convert a 20 volt max battery to work on an 18 volt tool will sell 10’s of thousands of them. i would buy the first one and ten more and have them gone by the end of the day.
mnoswad
“Would you be happier if Dewalt converted all of their 18V tools to their 20V Max platform……….”
Yes. thats what we all wanted.
Robb
I have to say that I am disappointed with the amount of time it is taking Dewalt to role out 20v brushless tools. Milwaukee has released a brushless recip, right angle joist drill and a few different brushless circular saws in the last year and a half or so. While Dewalt has released a few brushless items in that timeframe, it just seems they are dragging their feet to some extent. The only thing holding me back from getting some of the 18v Fuel tools is the fact that I’m already invested in the Dewalt 20v and Makita 18v platforms.
DragonLord
I’m just a DIYer who went with DeWalt 20V MAX because of local availability, but I must say I’m disappointed by their very limited tool lineup. While I have no intention of switching and the 20V MAX system does include the most essential tools, a lot of the more specialized tools are missing. I really feel Milwaukee M12 and M18 are better, but I simply don’t want to deal with multiple battery systems and incompatible chargers. At least DeWalt’s current tools are nice to work with. I’ll just have to wait and see what comes up later this year…
Rami
I wrote this question to Toolguyd and here is what I meant:
I think DeWalt is a great brand, I have 13 DeWalt tools, more than any other brand. DeWalt has all the basic tools, and they are absolutely great. But it really seems that DeWalt is losing the battle because they don´t have special tools in their 18V XR platform like all the others have( for example a cordless planer, a cordless mitre saw, a cordless string trimmer [ DeWalt just announced one, but why did they made it 36V and not 2x18V like some Makita tools?] etc). DeWalt has nice tools in their older 18V line-up, but who buys them anymore? Why isn´t DeWalt updating their older 18V tools into 18V XR tools? DeWalt`s XR line-up is decent, but their 10,8V line-up is just depressive. I mean the existing tools are great, but the line-up needs to grow and evolve fast, especially since Milwaukee is pushing the boundaries in 10,8V performance. I guess we all have our special needs in our tool collections, but DeWalt can only provide the basics. And as long as DeWalt is just making more hand tools like new hammers and screwdrivers, it is going to lose the battle in cordless tools. (why don´t they leave hand tools to Stanley and concentrate on power tools?)
Then corded tools: DeWalt has a nice variety of corded tools, but some of them miss special features you can find in any else quality tool. For example a reciprocating saw with anti- vibration. In general, I think DeWalt is in a decent situation with their corded tools. It is the cordless ones they really need to speed up.
Last, a little out of topic but I have seen how a lot people commenting in Toolguyd complain about high tool prices. Just come to Finland and you`ll see what tools can really cost: DeWalt DCD790 with 2-amp batteries costs about 300 euros (347 USD), same tool is 199 USD in Home depot webshop. So tools in USA are actually pretty cheap 🙂
Nathan
+1 to that comment about double battery tools.
I don’t really like the idea of dewalt outdoor equipment – since I think it’s brand dilutions. but since they are going down that road I would like to see some of their items have a dual battery connection. I know it’s slightly less efficient, but it’d be nice to slap 2 20V max tool batteries on one and use it. it’d be a good marketing move that would make me consider a electric trimmer or something along those lines.
Joe M
I both Am and Am Not happy with DeWalt’s release schedule for the 20 Volt Max line. Do I wish it was better? Yes. Is it slow? Yes. Is it worth the wait? Yes.
Pros:
What they release of the 20 Volt Max line, is real quality, low on gimmicks, and I can clearly decide what I do or do not want of the line. There are no “Well, that’s different, I wonder what that does for me” moments with DeWalt. I do attribute some of this to the errors made with the 12 Volt Max line, like the Radar Scanner. They have a new one, the DCT419 Wall Scanner, and some of the failures with the Radar Scanner, I would imagine, cost them dearly in the long run. So, if the rest of the 20 Volt Max line take a while to come out so they don’t end up with another DCT418 on their hands, I’m okay with that. DeWalt is taking the time to get it right, and I appreciate that. They are also taking the time now, while they have the chance to take things slow, to offer the foundation for the rest of the line. Such as the bigger 5.0 Ah Batteries, and yes the Lighting solutions. These might get lost in the shuffle if they just dropped the rest of the lineup on us all at once. I can see this being why the little stuff is happening now. It’s being released so we know it’s there when the bigger, more important stuff gets released. We can just say “Hey, that’ll require I get some of those Batteries/That one Light so I can work with that more easily.”
Cons:
Yeah… They’re messing up the release schedule. There are some of these 20 Volt Max/XR tools that should have been released simultaneously. Like the Framing Nailer, for example. We got the Framing Nailer, then the 2-speed Framing Nailer later, and then nothing. It’s a Nailer. They should’ve released the Framing Nailer at the same time as a Brad/Finish Nailer, and then came out with the multi-speed versions later, and kits with bigger batteries as time went on. But, we got a Framing Nailer of all things. Same goes for the Lights. This new Floodlight with the Red and 3-white LEDs really should have been released at the same time as the last 2 worklight solutions. In groups. Their grouping of like-products in their release schedule just sucks. So does their marketing release cycle outside the US. Now, I can see the delay of specialty tools, like Cutout Tools, Drywall Screwguns, Shears, Pencil Vibrators, and Glue/Calk Guns. They’re not the bread-and-butter of a cordless line. But, the delay of things like Nailers, Brushless Tools, and various Impact/Drill/Hammerdrill/Rotary Hammer products that should have been a part of the initial release is just plain weird. Same goes for the XR line. They should have released a wider spread of products in the line at the same time. Instead we started with an Impact Driver, then a Compact and a Premium Drill and Hammerdrills. Then we went into the oddly specific tools like the Oscillating Tool (Not complaining, good tool, just odd that it came first before other Brushless tools.) and Framing Nailer. All in all, a very strange set of choices for the lineup.
Regardless:
I still love my tools in the line already. And I look forward to adding to it when they are released. I have a limited budget, so some of the delays do benefit me in my capacity to buy them when released, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. DeWalt needs to release more at once of related products. It would increase the likelihood of larger purchases and investment purchases for those who DO have the budget for it. That would keep them going while the rest of us with smaller budgets make the same purchases over time.
Chris
I seen tonight reading around the net a caulk gun is coming this year as well
So rumours so far are
Miter saw, caulk gun, finishing nailer plus the drywall screw gun that’s already been posted due this spring
There are others too but nothing mentioned specially
Joe M
Rumours for now. We can look forward to when Stuart here at ToolGuyd brings us some previews. I look forward to it, at least.
Phil
DeWalt lost me as a faithful user when they introduced the 20V lineup. In the past I invested heavily in the 18V line with about two dozen tools. The 20V lineup came out and it was essentially the same exact tools with a different and incompatible battery pack. DeWalt threw us a bone with the 18V LiIon conversion pack which really worked well, but now has become difficult and expensive to find. DeWalt’s problem is they make very rugged, durable tools. I’ve only had one tool give out on me, a hammerdrill, where the electronic trigger switch lost the magic smoke. The rest work as well as the day I bought them, but the XRP packs die off at an alarming rate. The LiIon packs are still going strong, the first one I got when they first became available shows really no signs of deteriorating. I did buy into some of the 12VMax line, those are all good tools and instruments, but I was left with a bad taste in my mouth when I realized most of the initial 20V tools were simply rehashes of what I already have. I had moved to Bosch 12 and 18V tools by then, and also Milwaukee 12 and 18V as well. I was a diehard Milwaukee corded tool user/buyer since my teens, and I found Makita and B&D Professional had the best cordless tools. B&D Pro became DeWalt, and I liked those tools better than the early Milwaukee offerings. My nearly all-red tool cabinet interior started to shift to yellow. Now it’s shifting to the blue and red of Bosch and Milwaukee. Milwaukee is eating everyone else’s lunch these days with product innovation and breadth. I wish Bosch would kick it in gear a bit too. DeWalt seems to be left in the dust behind most top brands, and there are a lot like me who are still using the old yellow 18V tools. It’s not that they make inferior tools, in fact, they are as good or better than most of the old lineup. For someone just getting started, the 20V line offers a solid lineup of high quality tools. Once you have the basics, it seems that it’s the other brands that have more innovations and an extended lineup. Most of the contractors in homebuilding still tend toward DeWalt, I still see yellow on most jobsites, both 18 and 20V (that moniker alone pissed me off, as it is no different whatsoever than the 18V line, aside from marketing speak, but it had to be done to prevent even more confusion between lines I guess). But after the carpenters are done, you’ll find more and more red stuff with the plumbers, electricians and such, plus there’s a lot of Milwaukee happening in industrial settings.
In short, I still like DeWalt, but it’s mostly the love of my old 18 and 36v tools. Nothing they did in the years when the 20V stuff came out made me want to switch, it was all the same stuff.
Joe M
Well, in a lot of ways, you have to expect them to make “All the same stuff”… I mean… what are you expecting, exactly? A reciprocating saw that gets up and dances a jig when you unlock it? Everything you loved about the 18 Volt lineup is in the 20 Volt Max lineup tools that are the same. The reciprocating saw, Circular, Jigsaw, Compact and Premium drills… If it was an 18 Volt tool, the 20 Volt tool is just as good. It’s one of those “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” situations. It worked so well as an 18 Volt system, there’s no reason to change all of those features and functions when you go with the new battery system. It’s the batteries, really, that are the core of this changeover. More power solutions, different size solutions, depending on what you need the tool for.
I get what you’re saying, DeWalt doesn’t do a lot of experimenting. I agree there, but I am actually more GLAD they don’t. I see a lot of Milwaukee, Bosch, and Makita tools that I scratch my head at, and see all sorts of gimmicky features that I don’t see any need to get into. DeWalt makes a Reciprocating Saw that is a Reciprocating Saw, that has a quick release to put the blade in 4 different directions. A Circular Saw that rotates a circular blade, they’re all tough, efficient tools. And not a one of them does something that strays from the job it’s meant to do, or from the most successful and powerful tools they’ve made in the past. They’ve continued doing what I’ve always trusted them to do reliably.
If I may make a suggestion? Don’t abandon DeWalt. Just, buy the tool-only kits in the 20 Volt Max line as that particular 18 Volt tool might die. Pool your remaining 18 Volt batteries together, and as they die to the point where you can’t support your 18 volt tools anymore, THEN invest heavily in the 20 Volt Max line, but not before. Only when one of those 18 volt tools dies, replace it with a 20 Volt Max tool and some batteries. The Lithium-Ion standard has benefits beyond the 18 Volt line’s Li-Ion XRP batteries. But, they’re only going to benefit you in a longer-term investment situation. They won’t make you buy a new tool every year or season, and not all at once either. But, they are worth it. And they’re not 20+ years old like the 18 Volt line, they’re only just under 4 years old. The lineup is still expanding, albeit slowly.
Chris
Damn, I wish my tools could dance a jig lol Dewalt makes quality tools period, simple effective tools without the gimmicky features. they may take awhile but many of the tools are well thought out, well designed and worth the wait. I love all my Dewalt tools and all work great
Phil
That’s just it, when DeWalt introduced the 20V series, the initial lineup was nothing different than what I was already using and very happy with. I had no reason to pop for the 20V version of a drill (for example) I already had. Were my tools wearing out, sure, I might’ve gotten one of the new line, but at the same time, the 18V items were going strong as well, so had I wanted a particular replacement, I would’ve just picked up a tool-only version to use with my existing batteries. In fact, even while the 20V line had been out for a while, I had picked up a couple more of the old faithful 18V tools quite cheap (three grinders, and another work light) to add to the arsenal. I’m actually glad that DeWalt is still supporting the old lineup in an unusually healthy fashion compared to most other manufacturers that wouldn’t bother offering overlapping product lines. Most would’ve canceled the previous line in short order. DeWalt knows there are millions in the installed base and they knew dropping the old one would piss off a hell of a lot of people. For those mostly starting out, it would be silly for them to buy into the 18V line, as it mostly has no future.
I began investing in the Bosch 10.8/12V line when the first driver came out. I liked the small size and amazing power, then began to build a set of small drills and drivers to use for small jobs and tight spaces. It was there that I discovered just how versatile a small impact driver could be. I then bought the Bosch 18V impactors and had to make sure people I gave them to try them out gave them back. I should’ve gotten a commission from Bosch! The things were a hit with everyone I let try them. Most of these people never used an impacting driver for things like wood screws and such, and at first thought the idea was silly, everyone would use a drill with a bit holder for driving screws. It took DeWalt a little while to jump on the impact driver bandwagon, but at the time I was more interested in the smaller tools which DeWalt wasn’t offering at the time. On the other side of the coin, I wanted an absolute beast of a cordless drill and bought the 36V DeWalt hammerdrill as well as the rotary hammer, both of which are still working perfectly for those jobs. Bosch took care of the small tools at the time, DeWalt, the big (and bigger) stuff.
By then DeWalt had introduced their own compact line, and I ended up with a few of those that weren’t covered by Bosch (a 3/8″ impact, plus a “snake camera” and a couple other things that had no other overlap). Well, didn’t Milwaukee finally come out withe very nice 18 and 12 volt lineup during all that which finally made up for my disappointment over all those years past when their cordless offerings were so lackluster. Milwaukee were my go-to brand for corded tools for 30+ years, and when the Fuel series hit, I bit. I was able to also fill out my cordless needs (and wants) with Milwaukee, who offered tools that none of the other of my favorite brands offered. So Milwaukee seems to have filled mostly my garage/metalworking needs (I got the cordless ratchets, two different grease guns, a couple impact wrenches (my 1/2″ is still a Bosch though), a 12V polisher (I love that thing), and an upgrade to the corded 4-1/2″ deep cut bandsaw I’ve been using for all these years that is even larger (full 5″) and faster/more powerful than the corded beast. Bosch did, however, get their foot in my garage door with their small 18V bandsaw first. The last DeWalt tool I bought recently? The new corded/cordless portable wet-dry vac. I had the previous version, and I needed another one for “cleaner” work. The beauty in that vac? It takes both the 20V AND the 18V battery packs. This made economic sense to me, since if I ever move into the new 20V stuff, it works with that as well. It also proved that some tools can be made with dual power options. While it wouldn’t be practical for something like a drill (the combination battery holder would make for an awkwardly big bottom end for that sort of a tool, and, at least as it’s implemented in the vac, the 18V pack would be backwards, and the amount of electronics would be a tough fit too), it shows the goodwill that DeWalt still has toward the “early adopters.”
I’ve been accused of having more tools than Norm Abram. I guess that might be true to a point, but I do so many different types of work, and I’ve been increasingly happy to be able to find niche tools with increasing frequency to make those jobs go faster. Milwaukee more than any other brand has really been putting red splashes of color into my tool collections because of this. Most of those old DeWalt tools might outlast me as long as I can keep them supplied with batteries (I’ve begun rebuilding some older packs now rather than getting new ones). The big problem with cordless tools is eventually a new battery tech might come out to replace the current ones, and the tools will undergo another change of standards. Then the grumbling will begin again. As it stands now, the newer, longer lasting battery technology is an evolution of what’s already in use, so making a tool run for close to five times longer than it did when new is only a matter of getting the newest battery and popping it into the tool. Milwaukee has proven that the 18V (same as the 20V of other brands) line is capable of an amazing amount of power. A full size 7-1/4″ saw was unheard of with anything less than 36 volts or a cord.
As for reciprocating saws that “dance a jig”, every brand already has one. It happens every time the blade gets pinched during a cut. 😉
garrett
Almost all of my corded and cordless tools are still Dewalt, but that started changing a year or so ago when it became apparent Milwaukee was investing more fully into the brushless tech. Plus, I’m still miffed about the not-really-20-volt marketing ploy.
Patrick Ellis
“Plus, I’m still miffed about the not-really-20-volt marketing ploy.”
Well, I was as at first until I reminded myself that the ’12 volt’ moniker used by all here in North America is the same marketing ploy – 12 volt max, 10.8 volt nominal. As long as the max and actual voltage are stated, I no longer see an issue.
Nathan
to keep kicking the can down the road. other than a dual battery setup for a device, anyone think dewalt might replace the 36V stuffs with 40V max LI? with interchangeable batteries with that outdoor power equipment? I’d really like the Black and decker stuff to be fully compatible with Dewalt. I suppose there is an adapter
JD291
Yes! I am extremely happy I invested in the 20V line up. I get to see announcement about new Dewalt tools all the time “New Dewalt Pliers”. Great…. I have a quite a few 20v tools. My brushed impacted smelled terrible the whole year I used it. I thought the China smell would wear off, but instead it turned into burning China smell(set harbor freight on fire, kind of stuff). If Milwaukee wasn’t China owned, I would be on team red. I have a couple 12v tools as well, but I wish Bosch would step up a little so I could just take them home. Stanley needs to pull its head out of its you know where and make some competitive tools besides construction only based tools. I have the Mac 1/4 ratchet(12v). I like it, but its not as nice as a tool as Snap-on’s. Milwaukee’s is not near the quality of either but the price difference makes it understandable at least. I had to buy a snap on 3/8 impact because Mac/Stanely/Dewalt cant make one. I really only wanted to have the 12v/20v battery platforms with the one charger in my box, but now I have 2 others.
JD291
Oh, this “Built in USA” B.S. I am 110% for them assembling tools in the USA, but I think marketing it “Built in the USA” is a little on the fridge of false advertising. My mind thinks Made in USA but obviously that’s not the truth.
glenn
Another one that bleats and moans about country of origin……….
JD291
Yes, that’s a terrible thing to be concerned about.
Patrick
Overall, I’m somewhat in the middle between happy and less than excited.
Started investing in the 20 volt Max line a couple of years back with the brushless compact hammer drill and impact driver. Less expensive than the Milwaukee equivalents at the time and extremely functional – a purchase I do not regret. Picked up the DCS391 circular saw and have made great use of it though it chews through batteries more quickly than I expected. I wish it were brushless. The corded/cordless shop vac has been a nice addition.
The oscillating tool looks nice but the price is relatively high (for my needs anyway). Had DeWalt included the depth cutting guide with the bare tool, it would be more attractive but unfortunately they didn’t so I’ll be sticking with my old Ryobi for the time being. The compact recip saw looks impressive – and had it been brushless it would been more so – so it may find a home here in the near future. Their 20 volt radio is okay but sound quality and style pushed me towards Bosch. The framing nailer looks amazing but I need a brad/finish nailer more and sooner… Ryobi might get the call on that one if DeWalt moves too slowly…
Milwaukee’s continual advancement caught my eye and has attracted me to their 12 volt line. I did have a small investment in DeWalt’s 12 volt but given their apparent indifference to it, I’ve since given them away. DeWalt 20 volt MAX will remain my big boy line for the immediate future but Milwaukee’s 12 volt tools with their constant evolution and capabilities are making future investments in Black and Yellow more difficult. I hope DeWalt shines more brightly in 2015!
BroWalt
Don’t forget the grease gun!
CanadianStig
I’m very pleased with the Dewalt line up, in fact I think I’ve got the complete line. I noticed working in front of customers we are in the image business. Showing up with a pale full of tool all miss matched won’t work. Plus having different batteries and chargers actually slowed productivity. It looks so much more professional as per the customers point of view when everything is uniformed.
I picked DeWalt because I had Dewalt drills for years and the brands never let me down. I also love the Tough System to move my tool about, it shows professionalism and its a secure place where tools song walk off , we’ve all had tools that’s grown legs and walked off.
80% of my tools are DeWalt I do have some Milwaukee and Triton
20/18 Volt MAX
——————-
DCS355 oscillating multi tool
DCD795 hammerdrll compact
DCD785 hammerdrll compact
DCD995 premium hammer drill
DCD985 premium hammer drill
DFC886 impact X2
DFC885 impact
DCD740right angle drill
DCF889 1/2″ impact wrench
DCS331 jig saw
DCH253 SDS Hammer
DCS380 Reciprocating saw
DCN690 Framing Nailer
DCS391 Circular saw
DCG412 Grinder
DCR015 Radio
DCL040 Worklight
12/10.8 Volt MAX
———————–
DCT414 Thermometer
DCT410 inspection camera
DCD710 drill
DCT418 Radar scanner
DCB090 USB charger
DCL510 Worklight
Wayne
What many may be unaware of is that the DeWalt product marketing and engineering teams lost a lot (60 or more) of personnel about seven years ago to TTI who produces Milwaukee, Ryobi, Rigid etc. They left due to managerial issues that started before the takeover by Stanley. What this means is they have lost quite a bit of experience and planning around platforms that has now been utilized for product growth primarily by Milwaukee.
It takes time to develop strategies and submit budgets for designs. Also materials, engineering concepts and associated testing is years in the making. At this point they are trying to recapture some of the momentum they had but appear to be treading water still. They lost some very key people were some of the brightest in their respective fields. In addition the culture under Stanley is very different and Stanley does not understand marketing as well as they were normally not selling direct via events and promotions for distributors.
They may recover but the rest of the field has accelerated past them and it may be too late to gain the top spot again.
JohnZ
I’m disappointed with the slow pace of new brushless 20v tools. Dewalt really needs to get moving in 2015 and release a finish and brad nailer, circular saw and reciprocating saw.
With that said, the brushless tools they have come out, such as the framing nailer and drywall screwgun are innovative and useful.
They produce good tools but are seriously lagging the competition. I hope Dewalt wakes up before more long time users jump ship.
Dave
It’s way past time for the brad nailer, I bought most of their 20 volt line up and am upset that I will be resorting to a ryobi brad nailer, I mean its been three years of dragging a compressor and nailer.
Wake up dewalt there are a lot of customers waiting
David
Don’t resort to the Ryobi. I did that, but found I still have to drag the compressor around as the Ryobi nailer miss fires 50% or more of the time, and leaves scars on the material when it does fire.
Denny
I would love to see dewalt come out with a right handed circular saw for there 20 volt line. Milwaukee just introduced one and it is very nice. Would hate to have to change brands just to get a saw that i am used to using.
vics
When do you guys think they will bring out a Brushless Vacuum. The reason I am holding to buy DEWALT DCV581H 18 is, they might come out with brushless version very soon.
Mark S.
Though this is a bit of thread necromancy, now we know what Dewalt’s been working towards over the past year or two:
Flexvolt!
Es
Dewalt is not reccommended. Not happy with their cordless lines. Very unreliable batteries, chargers. Not trusted.
AlexD
I am not any avid tools collector; I buy what I need and if the price is right and if I can interchange my batteries. I have now a power drill and a power impact wrench from DeWalt – I bought the power wrench because it used the 20v battery pack that came with my power drill – sure it’s less power on the battery but I use it sparingly so it does the job.
Now I’m looking into a 20v nailer and not liking what I’m seeing price-wise – I think it is way overpriced, period.
Answering your question, I’d rather have tools that last at an honest price as I don’t care for extra light and other gimmics: just give me a tool that does the job.
Don
Why does Dewalt sell a 20V portable band saw (DCS371B) that needs a 32 7/8″ long blade (DW3984C) that is not sold through the retailer that sells the saw. The replacement blades are special order through Home Depot and the customer pays the shipping.
The only retailer in San Diego County that “appears” to stock this part number is the Dewalt Factory store which according to their website is not open on weekends.
Total waste of my time. The blade broke after 5 minutes and I have spent 2 hours on the internet trying to find replacement blades that I can get today.
I don’t really even know if the saw is a valuable addition to our companies tool collection. No value if we can’t buy blades.
Stuart
Amazon has it for the same $16
Home Depot cannot stock everything.
You’re not going to have much luck on a Saturday, but building supply shops, maybe welding shops, or industrial suppliers might have what you need. If not Dewalt-branded, then maybe Makita. Makita seems to sell a similarly sized blade.
While it sucks to break a blade and not be able to find a quick replacement, it’s sometimes hard to avoid.