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ToolGuyd > Power Tools > Cordless > No Good News for Dewalt Xtreme Cordless Power Tool Fans

No Good News for Dewalt Xtreme Cordless Power Tool Fans

Jun 27, 2025 Stuart 59 Comments

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Dewalt Xtreme 12V Cordless Power Tools End of Line Hero

It looks like the Dewalt XTREME 12V Max cordless power tool system has reached the end of its line.

Readers have been asking for some clarity about Dewalt’s most compact power tool system. Unfortunately, there’s no good news.

There have been rumors that sales reps are saying nothing new is coming to the 12V cordless platform.

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Looking deeper for the source, I found a recent video interview where a Dewalt product manager says things such as:

We’re done with 12 [Volt]

What’s out there with 12V, we’re just going to keep it afloat, but we’re not going to come out with anything [new] on it.

There’s really no point.

Dewalt launched their 12V Max cordless power tool system in 2010, and then things seemed to come to a halt. They eventually launched their modern Xtreme 12V Max cordless tools in 2019.

It has been a while since Dewalt added any new tools to their 12V Max Xtreme cordless power tool system, but many users have been expecting more if even at a slow pace.

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To sum things up:

I) It has been a few years since Dewalt launched any new Xtreme 12V Max cordless power tools or accessories.

II) There are rumors that Dewalt sales reps have been saying they’re not launching any more 12V Max tools.

III) A Dewalt manager confirmed in a video interview that the Xtreme 12V Max system won’t be getting any new tools.

Acme Tools Dewalt DCD777 Cordless Drill Kit Xtreme Branding

IV) Dewalt started using XTREME branding for select value-focused non-XR and non-Atomic 20V Max cordless power tools.

V) Dewalt has launched a 20V Max version of a 12V Max exclusive tool – see Dewalt is Launching their First 20V Multi-Head Drill Driver.

These are not good signs for the Xtreme 12V Max cordless system. I asked Dewalt for clarity.

Alongside other questions unrelated to the 12V Max line or Xtreme branding, I asked:

I’ve also seen 20V Max tools advertised as being Xtreme but not XR. Will we see more 20V Max Xtreme cordless tools?

Readers and people on social media keep reporting that Dewalt reps are saying that 12V Xtreme is no longer being developed with new tools. Is that true?

Dewalt replied:

At this time, we don’t have any updates to share but will keep you posted once we do.

I would say that there’s little risk of Dewalt completely discontinuing the line, but I’ve been wrong before. See also Dewalt 40V Max Cordless Outdoor Power Tool System has Been Discontinued.

With everything we’re seeing, and the complete lack of any reassurance to the contrary, it looks to me that the Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max cordless power tool system has reached the end of its line.

Is this a win for Milwaukee Tool, which has a vast and highly popular M12 cordless power tool system, or just a loss for Dewalt Xtreme tool fans?

Related posts:

Dewalt DCF923B Atomic Impact Wrench used on Car Truck WheelTeaser: New Dewalt ATOMIC 3/8″ Brushless Impact Wrench Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Impact and Wrench with Different PowerStack BatteriesDewalt PowerStack 5Ah – How Does it Size Up Against Other Batteries? Dewalt PowerStack Battery DCBP320Dewalt Launched Another PowerStack Battery – 3.5Ah

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59 Comments

  1. Jager

    Jun 27, 2025

    That’s a shame. I really like their 12v drill and impact wrenches and had high hopes for the lineup expanding into more mechanic tools or at least a 12v die grinder at some point. The slide packs hold better than the m12s stick packs on impact wrenches.

    Reply
    • Mopar

      Jun 27, 2025

      Pretty much took the words out of my mouth. I’ve become of huge fan of their 12v. line. They handle most of the jobs I use them for. Despite of how small the 1.7ah Powerstack battery is, there is still a fairly noticeable difference in overall size and weight between the 12v tools with a 2ah battery and the 20v version with the 1.7ah.

      I would really LOVE a 12v version of their barrel grip jigsaw. Seems like it would be a perfect fit since I don’t think most pros do a lot of long, heavy cuts with a jigsaw in the field.

      Reply
      • Badger12345

        Jun 27, 2025

        I too like and prefer the ergonomics of the 12v line, but Dewalt was never serious about it so I only bought one tool. Instead, I mostly invested in Milwaukee 12V. SBD is so unfocused in their brand strategy, product management, and product placement.

        Reply
      • dan85

        Jun 27, 2025

        mechanic here and love the 12v stuff. compact and lightweight. If I have a 20v of the same tool and don’t need extra torque I will grab the 12 every time. I’ve always looked for more tools in the 12 volt line up and hoped for years they would expand.

        Reply
    • Jb

      Jun 28, 2025

      There is a compact 20 volt die grinder coming so just hold tight

      Reply
  2. MM

    Jun 27, 2025

    I can’t say I’m surprised. It really comes down to battery geometry. Some of the newer 20V Max batteries like the 1.7 Powerstack are pretty darn small, making the 12V line have a minimal size advantage over the 20V. Milwaukee’s 12V line is in a much better position; not only do they have many more tools, but as battery tech improves the whole line will get better as tools that previously required batteries with a brick out the end of the handle will be able to run on compact packs that fit entirely *in* the handle.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 27, 2025

      It comes down to money.

      Dewalt never really invested much in their 12V line, even way before the 20V PowerStack battery came out.

      The system has been around for 15 years. How many M12 tools has Milwaukee launched in that time?

      Lower voltage power tool systems simply don’t sell as well as higher voltage systems. It’s also why Dewalt’s sibling Craftsman brand never followed through on their plans for a V12 cordless power tool system.

      SBD seems to have cancelled their Dewalt 8V Max system. They discontinued Dewalt 40V Max and Craftsman V60 cordless outdoor power tool system tool systems. Money is always the reason.

      Reply
      • S

        Jun 27, 2025

        I would be really curious to see the numbers on low voltage tools not selling as well. I generally always have more needs for the m12 line than I do for the m18 line. And my tools reflect that. I keep 8 m12 batteries in use, and only 5 m18 batteries.

        Personally, I invested in Milwaukee’s m12 over DeWalt’s 12v line 14 years ago because the Milwaukee versions are more compact, both in the tool and the battery. Importantly, I saw Milwaukee offering and promising more tools to use on the same platform, where DeWalt released the core products and just sort of stopped.

        I don’t require ALL THE HORSEPOWER all the time. Many times the m12 was used for cutting conduit and screwing setscrew connectors. I valued the overall lighter weight to carry them on my tool belt instead of a full sized 18v drill for the same purpose.

        Reply
      • Pablo

        Jun 28, 2025

        I for one, love the 8v gyroscopic tools for projects that don’t require high power. They were very light and ergonomic. It was such a shame they only had 3 screwdrivers and a flashlight.

        Reply
    • Jared

      Jun 27, 2025

      That’s what I was thinking too – the 12v line doesn’t make a lot of sense for Dewalt given the form factor they adopted. The 12v tools don’t end up being that much smaller.

      For example, I’m starting to replace my cordless tools after my garage fire. I had Bosch’s 3″ angle grinder but opted for Dewalt’s 20v version when I replaced it. It’s not that big of a tool (though larger than the Bosch), so I figured the extra power was worth it.

      On the other hand, I’m not sure what to replace my right-angle die grinder with. Dewalt doesn’t have one (and if they did, would it be HUGE like their straight die grinder?). I was actually pretty happy with the Bosch, but that might end up being the only 12v tool I need – seems weird to go back into the battery platform just for that.

      Reply
      • Corie McDaniel

        15 hours ago

        Milwaukee has one version of it and it works really extremely well I’ve been very happy with it

        Reply
    • Charles Smith

      Jun 28, 2025

      Every since the craftsman line debut i have seen more and more issues with dewalt. QC is down. Innovation is down. Always been a dewalt guy. 30years now. But it seems XR is the only line worthy of buying. And they are ridiculously overpriced. I once considered dewalt in a league of their own. With Milwaukee a close
      2nd. Now Milwaukee is the clear winner. With their 12 volt line a
      Close second. And the fuel line much like the XR is overpriced. I have all dewalt tools. From lawn tools to impacts and saws. I will make the trade to Milwaukee over the next 10 years. Maybe sooner if they all
      Go to one battery.

      Reply
  3. Hoser

    Jun 27, 2025

    The original 12V line was so bad that it ruined people on the whole idea of 12V tools. The new(est) tools are great, but just like with trucks and miter saws, everybody thinks they need the biggest, highest torque 20V tools even when the 12V would be way more tool than they would ever need.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 27, 2025

      They were not bad at all. They were competitive for the times and performed decently. Some were unique, and unfortunately they were the first to be discontinued long ago.

      Reply
    • Bonnie

      Jun 27, 2025

      Nah, they weren’t worse than the rest of the industry when everyone and their grandmother was launching a 10.8/12V sub-compact line. Ultimately a full 12V line is just a hard sell for anyone what isn’t Milwaukee, especially after battery and motor tech improved.

      Reply
      • Eric

        Jun 27, 2025

        Bosch is also a big player in the 12v market. They have a decent selection available US, and quite a bit more that’s available in Europe and other markets.

        Reply
      • Stuart

        Jun 27, 2025

        Milwaukee didn’t do anything special; all they did was launch tools users asked for, over and over again. Any brand could have captured the same market share if they did the same.

        Reply
  4. Jerry

    Jun 27, 2025

    I love my DeWalt 12V tools they are perfect for most everything you run into in HVACR up to 500 ton air cooled chillers. Young techs wonder why i have a pouch full of 3/8″ and 7/16″ screws in my backpack. Its for everyone with 18-20V tools slapping back in 5/16″ screws at high speed.

    Reply
  5. Peter

    Jun 27, 2025

    For me the drills are is just too big for a 12V tool.

    Bosch and Milwaukee have it down imho.

    If I want 12V tool I want it small and light.

    Reply
  6. eddiesky

    Jun 27, 2025

    Confusion.
    Atomic. XR. Xtreme. 8V Max (I have the Gyroscopic driver), 12V, 12Vmax, 20V Max, 60V Max, FlexVolt, Powerstack, Powershift, 20V with Tool Connect,

    Reply
    • SamR

      Jun 27, 2025

      Exactly!
      I never even tried to make sense of the Dewalt battery systems!!

      Reply
      • Big Richard

        6 days ago

        Wait until you see Milwaukee then. M12, M12 Fuel, M12 Fuel One-Key, M12 HO, M18, M18 Fuel, M18 Fuel OneKey, M18 HO, M18 Forge, 2xM18, M28, V18, MX Fuel, XC, CP, HD, etc., etc..

        For anyone that uses Milwaukee, they will know I made this look endlessly more complicated than it really is, just as they did above with DeWalt. Milwaukee has M12, M18, and MX Fuel. The rest of those are obsolete lines and different sublines/battery designations.

        Not too dissimilar from DeWalt. They have 12v Max, 20v Max, 60v Max, and PowerShift, the rest listed are obsolete lines and different sublines/battery designations.

        Granted I may have a bias as I have been deep in both for years so neither confuses me.

        Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 27, 2025

      8V Max doesn’t really exist anymore. I cannot find replacement batteries for any of the tools, and Dewalt did not provide any clarity or reassurance when asked about it.

      Reply
      • Bill

        6 days ago

        With the demise of Dewalt’s 12v Max line, I plan to purchase a few more 12v batteries to my current tools running a while longer. I recently purchased this 12v Starter Kit, DCB135C, from Lowe’s for $149.

        https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-DEWALT-12V-STARTER-KIT-3AH-And-5AH-BATTERY-W-CHARGER/5013145385

        It seems like a good price and I really like the 3Ah & 5ah batteries. Have you seen any other good deals on these batteries? I really don’t need more chargers, but I understand that bundles like this are usually the best deals for more batteries.
        Thanks for all your work on a great website.

        Reply
        • Mopar

          6 days ago

          Bill, Lowe’s is running a promo with two of the 2ah batteries, the charger and a choice of the more common 12v Max tool for $149 as well. Decent deal if there are still some 12v Max tools there you are interested in.

          Reply
  7. YoniPDX

    Jun 27, 2025

    Was into DeWalt 18V NiCD/LIoN than in 2011 added three 12V Dewalt tools impact/drill/led belt/mag light. Teo if three batteries work. Loved the superlight weight.of the impact perfect for around the house and tackles ±95% of jobs.

    But honestly my go.to is the Milwaukee 12V Fuel Impact with Red XC4.0 battery (I even epoxied a neobidium button magnet on top to hold bits (or sockets) to switch quickly and have a collar Neobidium magnet that slides over the lomger bits (its 1/2′ long).

    Its great alongside the 12V Milwaukie 3/8 socket wrench when working on our vehicles.

    Love Milwaukee (and Ryobi) fornthe innovation and plethora of tools (I know that they and Rigid are part of the TTI group).

    Just used a Ryobi 1 Gallon Electrostatic sprayer 30~50 microns (Woot $22 no battery) – to spray Crossbow with bkue marking dye on all our blackberries, Scottish thistles, bindweed as I’m preparing to reseed the back yard this fall.

    So I have a fondness for DeWalt 12V may give it to my daughter and future SIL (but I’m keeping the LED light one of my favortice work lights for tight areas with the angled swivel head (I have a larger Milwaukee 12v wedge and the 18V tripod light – great for power outages).

    Reply
  8. Jason

    Jun 27, 2025

    Their drills and impacts feel incredible in your hand, that’s the advantage of their form factor. Beyond that though the battery is a bit chunky when it comes to things like ratchets, nibble, die grinder etc. the form factor of the battery inside the tool is so much better.

    Like many have said at that point a 20v tool with a 1.3AH battery is barely bigger and much more capable and bigger user base.

    Since it uses the same charger it’s too bad they couldn’t have made a 20v/12v Flexvolt system

    Reply
    • Jason

      Jun 27, 2025

      Ignore that last part, all the voltage goofiness had me confused. 3 cells vs. 5 wouldn’t have worked.

      I guess Flex could do a 12v/24v multi volt but they’re on life support as is so that ain’t happening

      Reply
  9. Ryan

    Jun 27, 2025

    I can understand them giving up since they never put in a serious effort.
    The original drill sucked and the little saw is horrible. No decent lights, the ratchets came way too late. Bandfile and cutoff are 20v only and late to market. The only incentive to buy 12v is their battery chargers supposedly charges both 12v and 20v. Their newest chargers seem to be 20v only. I would have bought the overpriced dual charger in the box but it only does 20v.

    The xtreme drill, impact, and screw driver are really good and the 5ah battery great. I use these 3 as my daily tools. I prefer them over the 20v with the 1.7 powerstack.

    I get dewalt emails with new tools in specialized construction fields but I don’t think they regard automotive/fab work very highly. Milwaukee has an enormous catalog of 12v tools. I see people buying the unique m12 tools and then naturally buying into m18 stuff.

    I really dislike Milwaukee but if i was starting out today in my profession, they would be the easy choice over dewalt. I think dewalt is better but not by enough to overcome Milwaukee’s catalog. I already own equal amount of 12v tools at 7 each but many more dewalt batteries. Milwaukee m12 batteries are awful.

    Reply
  10. Alex

    Jun 27, 2025

    I have both atomic and 12v tools and with the 1.7ah powerstack battery, I don’t see the need for the 12v line anymore. The size difference is just not big enough so I understand why dewalt chose to end it.

    Reply
  11. Kevin D

    Jun 27, 2025

    Its a shame because I much prefer the Dewalt 12v form factor over Milwaukee’s. Better balance, smaller handle, the option to stand it up on the battery, etc etc. They certainly didnt do themselves any favors by making the Xtreme lineup exclusive to Lowes in the brick and mortar world either

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 27, 2025

      I believe that Xtreme was the Lowe’s exclusive to counter the Atomic exclusives at Hone Depot.

      Reply
  12. Matt_T

    Jun 27, 2025

    18V Compact is at the point now that I don’t see any reason for the 12V Dewalt/MAC battery form factor. If you’re gonna have a brick hanging off the end of the handle it might as well be an 18V one.

    Reply
  13. Nathan

    Jun 27, 2025

    I was always hesitant to get into 12v and while there are 2 items I’ve wanted it’s the only 2. The 5in1 and the 1/4 drive ratchet. But the 5n1 is now a 20v tool and my first question was size difference?

    Since the motor tech and battery tech changed the 20/18v compact stuff competes or is equal to the 12v stuff for most things. I do miss the 8v cordless screwdriver would like to see another removable battery screwdriver on the market.

    Reply
    • Reno Paddy

      Jun 27, 2025

      I still use my 8V screwdriver regularly as well as the 8V flashlight. The girlfriend has one of her own as well and it’s her regular go-to. For slightly more power, the 12V screwdriver fills that void perfectly.

      Reply
    • CK

      Jun 27, 2025

      For the longest time I avoided the 12volt while have a dozen plus 20v hell I grabbed the blower and the weed wacker in the 60v flex system. Then the 20v hedger. So lots of tools and batteries but I wanted that 1/4” ratchet and there was a sell one day so I broke down and bought. I still have a few of the old school stem style 18v battery tools and bought the adapter for those and then gave my boys any that I upgraded.

      Reply
  14. Ken

    Jun 27, 2025

    There is no equivalent for the DCF601, even if the 1.7PS is similar is size, there is no drill that’s light and small as a 601.

    Also the 1.7PS simply doesn’t have the runtime I need, I would gladly run a DCF601 with a 5ah .

    Reply
  15. Blocky

    Jun 27, 2025

    I was really hoping for them to bring their oil drive impact as a 12 V tool. That would’ve pulled a lot of people into the ecosystem, myself included.

    I held my breath for years for Makita to do the same.

    Reply
  16. Scott F

    Jun 27, 2025

    Wow, DeWalt is going to let Milwaukee run the show in the 12V category? That feels like a big misstep, but apparently it’s already been that way given their lack of attention to the 12V line. Didn’t realize it was a red headed stepchild to them – I love my Milwaukee 12V stuff.

    Makes the choice a lot easier for folks in the future if DW is not a consideration for somebody looking to get into a compact line.

    Reply
  17. Rog

    Jun 27, 2025

    I really wish there was a solid 12v competitor to Milwaukee here in the States. I hate the oversized grip that Milwaukee uses and they rarely feel balanced

    Reply
  18. Will

    Jun 28, 2025

    Anyone who says atomic and powerstack is the same size, hasn’t used 12v. A DCF601 is way smaller and lighter. Same with the 12v ratchets, they are substantially smaller than the 20v ratchets.

    Stanley Black and Decker seems to just be conceding to Milwaukee. Dewalt really blew it with 12v. They should have built the system out with more tools and they should have never given Lowes the exclusive. Most people that don’t have a Lowes nearby don’t even know 12v tools exist.

    Reply
  19. Patrick T

    Jun 28, 2025

    Based on the comments here and another recent post, there sure seems to be a lot of love for this latest round of DeWalt 12v tools. I include myself in that category. They are my go-to tools for sure.

    But, is this just another symptom of poor management at SBD? Right now, they kind of seem no better than a private equity firm, if not worse, as far as their nurturing of their brands. Looking at the list of brands on your “Who owns what” page, it’s like a who’s who of formerly great brands. Craftsman, porter cable, Irwin, Lennox…. Everyone on here is familiar with the craftsman plant debacle. Let’s not also forget about the V-Series tools. Poor execution and no follow-through.

    It’s easy to compare SBD to TTI in the mass-market tool space. SBD tried and failed to create a new factory to make craftsman hand tools (even though they already have other plants in the US doing that). Milwaukee seems to have successfully done that and, if I recall, is expanding those lines.

    According to Wikipedia, the current SBD CEO was their previous CFO. It’s never a good sign when you put the numbers guy in charge. IMO.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 28, 2025

      https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-cordless-screwdriver-review-dcf601f2/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      You can’t beat the ergonomics. And no, it’s not the same as putting a PowerStack battery on a 20V Max tool.

      Stanley Black & Decker tends to have a very corporate mindset. This isn’t good or bad, it’s just how they are. Halting work on the 12V Max line seems to be a B2B decision, rather than B2C.

      The same seems true for Craftsman V-Series and USA-made tools.

      Years ago, if I recall correctly, a lack of retail interest resulted in the 8V Max gyroscopic screwdrivers being temporarily unavailable.

      Years ago, Dewalt announced new locking pliers. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-locking-pliers/%3C/a%3E The new tools never materialized. Why? Lack of retail interest. A few months later Milwaukee launched new locking pliers that were carried at Home Depot.

      They had USA-made screwdrivers. And then they didn’t. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-industrial-usa-screwdrivers-discontinued/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      While waiting next to me in the food line at a media event years ago, Milwaukee Tool’s Steven Richman, then brand President and now CEO of TTI, remarked on how a particular tool sold better than they had expected. So why did they launch a product with low sales projections? It was something their users needed.

      Milwaukee’s approach to tool development has contributed to their success. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-tool-success-theory/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      But Stanley Black & Decker’s approach has also led to Dewalt’s success. It hasn’t worked out well for brands such as Porter Cable, but looking at the big picture their approach does work.

      With Craftsman, they didn’t need a USA factory, they needed a USA factory that could produce a high volume of tools at low consumer-friendly costs. From lawsuit filings, it seems retailers pulled their orders, and so SBD changed their plans.

      As an end user, I wish Dewalt gave their 12V cordless platform much more attention, or even any attention. But from a cold emotionless perspective, it seems they would have to throw a lot of cash into the system for a small chance at chipping away at Milwaukee’s market share. The marketing costs would be akin to lighting dumpsters full of cash on fire.

      Meanwhile, they have to do practically nothing to sell tens of thousands of their old brushed motor 20V Max cordless drill kit. https://www.amazon.com/Dewalt-DCD771C2-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-Compact/dp/B00ET5VMTU/?tag=toolguyd-20 and combo kit https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCK240C2-Lithium-Driver-Impact/dp/B00IJ0ALYS/?tag=toolguyd-20.

      If they were aggressive about Xtreme 12V expansion and promotion, they might only be cannibalizing their own sales.

      I greatly dislike many of Stanley Black & Decker’s decisions, but it seems to be part of their company culture to look at things from a corporate perspective. It seems to work out well for them over time.

      If I were an investor, I’d be cheering this news. And that’s probably why they make many of the decisions they make.

      Irwin? Lenox? Who? Frankly, these brands continue to exist so that SBD can dance at two weddings at the same time – Dewalt at Home Depot and Irwin and Lenox at Lowe’s. What will happen once that changes? There are multiple brands vying for greater shelf space at Lowe’s, and sooner or later they might get it, potentially weakening SBD’s presence in the process.

      Reply
  20. Kingsley

    Jun 28, 2025

    The DCF601 screwdriver is amazing and my most used Dewalt tool. It’s got a lot of grunt, it easily drives 4″ screws into stud work. Saving the need for a noisy impact driver.
    It’s also got a torque dial, so more precise.
    I’ve also got the 12v torch, impact driver, impact wrench, circular saw, hammer drill, drill driver, multi tool and reciprocating saw.
    They all fit in one tough system box, which is great if I do some work at a friend or family’s house.
    This is the main reason I bought all these visiting the USA (a lot cheaper than the UK).
    I’ve even just bought the 12V DAB+ digital radio

    I would like.to get the bandsaw (not sold in the UK) and the automotive wrench.
    I was hoping for a mini 12V angle grinder to be launched.

    Reply
  21. ColeTrain

    Jun 28, 2025

    Stuart, something interesting maybe you could shine light on. I noticed Lowe’s dumped all of the 20 volt Skil stuff and to my surprise focused only on their 12 volt which is nice because I have it. However I bought the misting fan kit that takes both batteries and since it came with a 20v battery and charger I’ve been eyeballing the crown stapler since it’s cheaper than the HPT counterpart but I was in floor and decor just yesterday and they clear installed the 20 volt so now there’s zero retailers in the Denver area. Is the plug getting pulled on Skil 20v?

    Reply
  22. JoeM

    Jun 28, 2025

    I wish they’d make up their minds with the 12V Max system as a whole. First it was a mini-20V Max sibling system, then it was devoted to Instruments (I’m still “Miffed” we never got the DCE 418/419 Radar/Wall Scanner to work.), then they bounced back to the Xtreme Compact family, now it’s unsure.

    There was never anything truly wrong with the 12V Max system, aside from the existence of the 20V Max system’s near-identical pricing. They kinda shot themselves in the foot on that. They never filled out the 8V Max system with more lighting and rotary options, and then quit that system. Now they are giving up on the 12V Max system too?

    Does DeWALT have commitment issues or something? Some really, really great systems have gone by the wayside because they can’t seem to decide where they’re going. It’s starting to confuse even me. I still want that DCE419 Wall Scanner, working, and I would genuinely welcome an expanded 8V Max battery lineup. Longer lasting using more powerful cells, instead of more cells. C’mon… They give up so easily!

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Jun 28, 2025

      Dewalt seems to have made up their minds, that the Xtreme 12V cordless power tool system is not worth investing in anymore.

      Regarding lack of commitment, see https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/craftsman-failed-usa-tool-factory/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

      I see these decisions as being tied to cost management. From a corporate sense, maybe it’s better for them to focus on what they’re good and popular at.

      Look at what happened with Malco. They persisted with opening a USA locking pliers factory. The new brand failed and not too long after Malco sold itself to a company owned by a private equity firm.

      Reply
  23. Charles Smith

    Jun 28, 2025

    I would almost like to add. Even thought milwakee is crushing it with the 12 volt fuel line. Those thick handles are a real deterant for me.

    Reply
  24. Will

    Jun 28, 2025

    The thing with Milwaukee or TTI in general, since Ryobi is excellent at this, as you say, “making tools that customers need”. This creates more brand loyalty. If you can get everything from dewalt, there’s less chance you stray into M12 tools. Then there’s less chance you like the red tools and get into M18 or Packout.

    Dewalt may pull market share from their budget, brushed 20v tools by marketing their 12v tools, but they may also get more long term tool buyers. The 20v old outdated brushed tools are disappointing to use. If this is a new tool owners first impression of the brand, there may be a higher likelihood of this person trying a different brand for their next tool.

    Instead of worrying about internal market share competition, SB&D should pay more attention to TTI. If they had competed more aggressively early on, TTI wouldn’t have grabbed so much of Dewalts market share years ago. Most Dewalt tool owners that also own Milwaukee say it’s because Dewalt doesn’t make the tool. Mostly the take off the M12 platform or Packout.

    Dewalt had Toughsystem way before Milwaukee had Packout. There’s no reason that Toughsystem wasn’t already built out more complete and saturating the market by the time Packout was released. All these years later, SB&D doesn’t seem to have much drive to expand toughsystem. Yes, they have released more components, but at a snails pace. It’s almost like the finance guys decided it’s not worth putting the money in because of the sales numbers, but that’s the cause of the sales numbers.

    Reply
  25. Roger

    Jun 28, 2025

    The X12 SDS drill is a great tool. It’s light and does well with making holes for 3/16 and 1/4 concrete screws. I’ve been waiting for more useful items in the line. I’m a bit disappointed. A small light drill and impact on a tall ladder is a very different experience.

    Reply
    • Bill

      Jun 29, 2025

      Thanks Roger.
      I was not aware of Dewalt’s 12v Max SDS+ drill until you mentioned it. Obviously I haven’t been paying attention, but this smallish size drill might now be my go to for concrete screws. I also see it for just under $72 (bare tool)at Lowe’s now. It sure beats hauling out my large, but more powerful M18 SDS+. Particularly when I just need to drill for a few Tapcons.

      Reply
      • Mopar

        7 days ago

        I would snatch up the $72 SDS+ in a heartbeat if Lowe’s wasn’t so inept.

        My closest store (which is about a 35-45 minute drive away) has it on sale, but won’t let me order it online. In store purchase only. That means driving 1.5hrs round trip, trying to find the tool, and trying to find someone to unlock the tool and walk me to the register… Or trying to find someone to NOT find the tool and go home empty handed.

        The next closest store is almost 1:30hrs away, and they show 5 in stock at that price, AND I can order it for pickup. But not for delivery. So I can drive three hours, but at least I know it won’t be in vain.

        Reply
        • Bill

          7 days ago

          Yes, yesterday I did get one at my local store at that price, but I can sympathize with the level of service issues. After looking for about ten minutes, I ran into their “tool guy”. Even after giving him the Lowes item number and the Dewalt model number, he asked me if I knew where it was. “No, that’s why I’m asking you.”
          He finally found it, sitting on the floor inside a locked cage.

          With the coming demise of Dewalt’s 12v Max tools, I’m now on the lookout for some deals on 12v batteries.

          Reply
          • Mopar

            7 days ago

            I actually had to run out to the dump today, and noticed I was down to a 1/2 tank of gas. So I used the rational that since I was already out I should get gas, and lowe’s is only 10 minutes past the gas station, so I should stop and see if they actually had it. They did, so I got one myself. I did notice that Lowe’s is still running the deal where you buy the 12v starter kit with (2) 2ah batteries, a charger, and a bag for $150, you also get a “free” tool.

  26. Blocky

    Jun 29, 2025

    Since its posting, every time I read the title “no good new for… power tool fans”, I think this will be an article specifically about electric fans.

    But it’s actually about Dewalts 12 V lineup. Every time.

    It’s a double let down.

    Reply
  27. Shaun Walters

    Jun 29, 2025

    All of my cordless power tools are dewalt. I honestly had no knowledge of the 12v series. I don’t remember ever seeing them in any stores.
    I have noticed the ever shrinking shelf space dewalt products occupy. Its like the red sea now in the cordless tool aisle. Milwaukee is overwhelmingly dominating the shelves.
    If your products aren’t available, how can anyone buy them? Not sure whats going on with dewalts marketing and sales but its not working.
    Get your shelf space back!

    Reply
    • Stuart

      7 days ago

      These products aren’t sold at Home Depot. Home Depot gets Dewalt Atomic 20V Max, Lowe’s gets Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max.

      Reply
  28. Les Krauss

    5 days ago

    My DeWalt radio does not turn on sometimes misteriusly turns on by itself withe the battery in it. Totally disgusting.only 3 years old.cant get a hold of anybody

    Reply
    • Stuart

      5 days ago

      Try Dewalt customer support?

      Reply

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