FLEX has announced that they will be expanding their 24V cordless power tool system with 8 new tools.
All of the new tools discussed below are expected to launch in April 2023, except for the charger, which will be available starting this month.
- 4-Port Simultaneous Rapid Charger
- Trim Router Stacked-Lithium Kit
- 2-1/2″ Compact Band Saw
- 5″ Deep Cut Band Saw
- Compact Drill Driver Kit
- Compact Hammer Drill Kit
- Compact Impact Driver Kit
- 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Stacked Lithium Kit
Following is a quick overview of the new Flex 24V cordless power tools, with more details (such as pricing) to come.
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Flex 1120W 4-Port Simultaneous Rapid Charger (FX0451-Z)
The new Flex charger, FX0451-Z, is a simultaneous charger capable of recharging up to (4) batteries at the same time.
It can charge Flex 24V cordless power tool batteries with a rate of 280W per port (1120W total), and fully charge 2.5Ah and 5Ah batteries in 30 minutes.
The charger can be latched to Flex Stack Pack tool boxes, and features a battery locking system to help prevent accidental disconnection during recharging.
Flex Trim Router Stacked-Lithium Kit (FX4221-1F)
The new Flex 24V cordless trim router, FX4221-1F, features a 1.5 HP Max brushless motor,
Flex says their router delivers best-in-class runtime, with an average of 275 feet per charge when using a 3/8″ roundover on red oak and powered with a 5Ah battery.
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The router has a variable speed dial, with 6 settings from 15,000 to 31,000 RPM.
It will be available as a bare tool, and in a kit with a 3.5Ah Stacked Lithium battery and 160W fast charger.
Flex 2-1/2″ Compact Band Saw (FX2331-Z)
The compact band saw, FX2331-Z, has a 2-1/2″ cutting capacity and is designed for cutting through conduit, rod, pipes, strut, and other such materials.
It is 27% more compact and 43% lighter than their 5″ deep-cutting band saw, making it more ideal for working overhead, in tighter spaces, or while on a ladder.
Features include a brushless motor, variable speed trigger, quick-release tool-free blade cover, LED light, and rafter hook.
Flex 5″ Deep Cut Band Saw (FX2351-Z)
The new Flex cordless 5″ deep-cutting band saw, FX2351-Z, can cut through large PVC pipe, angle iron, up to 4″ black iron pipe, and other such materials.
It features a brushless motor, tool-free quick-adjustment shoe, variable speed trigger, LED light, and rafter hook.
Additionally, the housing is made from magnesium for durability and lower weight.
Flex Compact Drill Driver Kit (FX1131-1A)
The new Flex 24V cordless compact drill/driver, FX1131, is 17% more compact and 22% lighter than the Flex FX1151, helping to reduce user fatigue.
It features a 1/2″ full-metal ratcheting chuck, and delivers up to 650 in-lbs max torque. Flex says the compact drill can make up to (80) 1″ holes in 2×4 lumber when powered with a 2.5Ah battery.
The kit comes with a 2.5Ah battery and 160W fast charger.
Flex Compact Hammer Drill Kit (FX1231-1A)
The new Flex 24V cordless compact hammer drill, FX1231, is 9% more compact and 19% lighter compared to the Flex FX1251 hammer drill.
Like the drill/driver, the new compact hammer drill can deliver up to 650 in-lbs of max torque.
It can drill up to (85) 5/16″ holes in concrete when powered with a 2.5Ah battery.
The kit comes with a 2.5Ah battery and 160W fast charger.
Flex Compact Impact Driver Kit (FX1331-1A)
The new Flex cordless impact driver, FX1331, is 17% lighter than Flex’s FX1351 impact driver. It features 2 speed modes, and a self-tapping screw mode to help avoid damage to fasteners or materials.
Flex says the impact can drive up to (350) 3″ screws into 2×4 lumber when powered with a 2.5Ah battery.
The kit comes with a 2.5Ah battery and 160W fast charger.
Flex 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench Stacked Lithium Kit (FX1451-1F)
Lastly, there will be a new Flex cordless impact wrench, FX1451, a mid-torque 1/2″ drive tool that can deliver up to 600 ft-lbs of fastening torque and 750 ft-lbs of nutbusting torque.
For automotive applications, the Bolt Auto Stop Mode prevents over-tightening, breaking, or stripping of lug nuts. A Bolt Removal Mode stops the tool when it senses a lug nut is loosened.
The new impact wrench also features vibration suppression for more comfortable extended use.
It features 3 speed modes, and the 2 auto control modes.
The impact wrench will be kitted with a 5Ah Stacked Lithium battery and 160W fast charger, and will also be available as a bare tool.
Jared
Interesting to see two bandsaws added to the lineup.
What’s the in/lbs rating on the impact?
Just FYI, I’m not sure what the last word in this sentence was supposed to be: “A Bolt Removal Mode stops the tool when it senses a lug nut is liisened.”
You know what I would like? If someone would come out with a “portable” cordless band saw that could also be used as a benchtop or vice-mounted tool. I would buy that and ditch my lousy benchtop bandsaw. I realize there are aftermarket tables and mounts for corded bandsaws, but I don’t think the same exists for cordless.
Stuart
Impact tech specs aren’t available yet.
Sorry – “loosened.”
The way it works, the impact will put full speed and effort into loosening a nut from a fastener or stud, and then quickly dial it back to avoid the nut spinning off and away.
Bonnie
Swag Offroad advertises their portable bandsaw table as being compatible with a bunch of corded and cordless models from pretty much everybody. I don’t have one though and can’t speak to the quality.
Jared
Thanks! I knew about that table, but didn’t realize it could fit cordless models too.
It’s prohibitively expensive to ship one to me in Canada, but maybe if I do a trip across the border sometime…
Addicted2Red
I have one on my M18 fuel bandsaw
It’s a beast. The swag table is very heavy gauge steel, well put together and superbly finished even without the powder coat.
Jason Moses
Northern tool 3/8 Milwaukee sae metric set for 99.99
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200791734_200791734
Collin
Nice, Flex finally putting the money where its mouth is and expanding its tool lineup, nearly 3 years after the initial brand relaunch in the US.
It’s worth noting that Flex has once again extended its “lifetime founder’s warranty” to cover all Flex tool purchases in 2023. It was supposed to end last year, but it’s been extended. Any Flex tool purchased in 2023 will still be eligible for the lifetime warranty.
At this point, Flex might as well make the lifetime warranty a permanent feature. Not like I see many field failures wrt Flex tools. Actually, I don’t think I’ve seen a single field failure reported yet.
Ryan
Rigid is not number 1 so I don’t see Flex displacing Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita.
ed
i can strongly say that as of last year i have replaced all my milwaukee drill combos and dewalt for flex brand. i no longer am buying replacement batteries that burn out after 3mos of use(dewalt) or waiting a lifetime for my batteries to charge(milwaukee) for those who are curious, by all means try the flex brand.you will surely displace milwaukee and dewalt. actual tool user not advisor. yeeeah!
Frustrated
I’ve had a field failure and had a hell of a time getting a replacement because the tool was a gift and I didn’t have the receipt when I registered it with their “no receipt gift” option. Tool failed 8 months after purchase and registering, tool was registered not only within 30 days of getting it but was actually registered 2 weeks after it was released.
After hours on the phone over several days, multiple managers and escalation someone finally took care of it and fixed the other gifts I had received without receipt as well.
Collin
Which tool failed?
Jim Felt
Maybe they were hoping no one would actually register?
I personally know Bosch, Dewalt and Milwaukee simply check the serial number wholesale ship dates if you’ve mostly registered your tools and forgot to register a rando tool or two. AKA no big deal.
Steve
Interesting – Flex must be growing or they wouldn’t potentially come out with all these tools. I’m a Milwaukee guy, but 24V and stacked lithium have to be more capable than the M18 line. Not sure why Milwaukee hasn’t come out with stacked lithium yet, but Chevron (Flex) folks are doing some interesting things…
Greg
I’ve been waiting for months for this alleged release of new tools and my local Lowe’s has a nearly bare Flex aisle. I foolishly invested in them 3 years ago and I’m still kicking myself for it. I’m just about ready to pull the trigger on purchasing a set of Dewalt tools because they’re available everywhere and have every tool imaginable.
MM
Nice! I’m happy to see more tools being added to the Flex line, and I’m really liking the deep-cut bandsaw. I very nearly bought into Flex during the Black Friday sales but I held off because most of the deals were a free 5h battery. Extra batteries are nice and all, but I feel one of the major strengths of the Flex platform is their Stacked packs, so it seemed a bit silly to me to start out with a bunch of the standard packs instead.
Stuart, is there any word of any promos or anything in the future, perhaps involving these new tools?
NoDak Farming
This is intriguing news to me. I’m currently vested into Metabo HPT’s lineup, going back to when it was Hitachi. The decision was based in large part on the Triple Hammer’s rave reviews. And at one time, Hitachi offered a 3 amp hour battery for $40, regularly priced. I’m starting to get into their 36 volt tool, and multi volt battery system. I’m pleased with everything. No complaints.
But I really want Flex’s in-line, belt drive circular saw. That thing has at least 3 different features that fall in line with the way I use a saw. But other than their barrel grip jig saw, I wasn’t sure if I would ever want more of their tools. So it didn’t seem like it would be worth it to start handling two different cordless tool systems, on my end of things.
These new offerings will change things for me though. And I think I will now be very comfortable with two different tool systems. I’m already impressed with Chevron’s Ego lineup. Which I have some of, and use every summer. I’m expecting Flex’s tools and batteries to impress me the same way.
Saulac
The omission of the in-line circular saw is curious.
MM
I’m curious what you mean. Are you wondering why the existing model wasn’t included in this list of new tools for Spring 2023? Or are there rumors/news about a new model?
Stuart
The inline circular saw (FX2131A) came out 2 years ago.
There’s no replacement or similar model coming out, at least not that I’ve seen or heard about.
Jack
Really am digging the new compact series but WHY are we putting the light back in an annoying spot that gets blocked right as the screw tip meets the head of the screw. C’mon FLEX.
Dan
Interested to hear why this changes things for you with this launch? Metabo HPT already has all of these tools in their platform. I see the inline circular saw point, but aside from that, routers, bandsaws, impact wrenches, and 4 port chargers are all currently available on M-HPT. Now that Ego, is some baller stuff!
Mark M.
Flex is really making me eat my words…I thought the market was hyper-saturated between Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, Kobalt, Ridgid, Craftsman, Bauer, etc etc etc. And here they are making a splash and I say good for them. I have zero desire to get into yet another battery platform but never say never, I guess.
Also, and I don’t mean for this to sound snarky or flame anyone, but the parent company is Chervon (CheRvon), not Chevron. I think folks just flip the R and the V but for anyone that thinks it’s the energy/petroleum company, it’s not.
Munklepunk
The question is, what big company is going to go away first? Someone is eventually going to break because there can only be a finite amount of time before prices get to high and the market gets over saturated. How many impact drivers do we need?
Ben
That router looks interesting – very similar to the DeWalt DCW600 and corded equivalent. The speed adjustment knob is in the same place, but larger. Very similar depth adjustment ring, very similar measurement ring, similar locking latch placement, similar base shape (and I bet size), and it looks like there’s some kind of locking window guard on the bottom of the hand grip (black plastic, lock/unlock icons molded in). I’d be interested to see how that one turns out.
Joshua Morris
I thought something very similar the south adjustment setup I was like hmm that looks like dewalt cordless router in grey
Franco
Right around Black Friday, I found a deal on the inline circ saw, half price ($149 USD / $199CDN), with the battery (5 ah?), so I got it. I haven’t tried it yet as with the cold weather, I haven’t done much outside work where I would use it.
Overall, having too many platforms already, I got this anyway because it was different, great price (hard to steer away from a great price price), and because in general, Flex tools have had excellent reviews. I have heard very little in the way of negative reviews for Flex tools.
I am glad they are adding new tools and hopefully continue to do so.
Franco
I know they have have the red/burgundy colored tools originating from Germany(?), especially their grinders which I had read they invented? I bought one of their duct collectors from Acme about 7-8 years ago, excellent machine (Nilfisk OEM and looks identical to the Milwaukee)
Am I mistaken or are their recent entry into the North American market strictly off of cordless tools.
Stuart
The big push in North America has mainly involved cordless power tools, but has been expanding such as with the Stack Pack tool box system.
Franco
Yes, I know of the SP, I saw it here on your forum and few months back. And I know the have many accessories for tools also. But power tool wise, they have been pretty successful with just cordless, or do they have any grey corded power tools?
Stuart
No corded tools that I have seen here.
Robr
I really really really hope that the brands (Hilti, Bosch, Panasonic, Kobalt Canadian Tire, Menards, etc) that order the same 00’s era crapola compact bandsaw from Chervon start rebadging this newer Flex one instead. They literally made the cheaper Stout and then sat on their design for…over 15 years.
Collin
There is a new Flex random orbital sander that this article appears to have left out
Stuart
If there are additional new tools I left out of this post, it’s either because I didn’t know about them, or because they’re covered under a media embargo.
Collin
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnS6hzfLzeT/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
Maybe they broke an embargo.
MM
Now this sounds interesting. Do you happen to know if this is more of a carpentry oriented model like most RO’s or if this will be more like the Autobody type?
I would *love* it if someone would come out with a cordless dual-action sander.
Collin
I agree. Sadly, it appears to be a standard 5″ RO sander for woodworkers.
A 6″ DA cordless sander for body shops… I’d think that Milwaukee would have gone whole hog on that by now given their years long automotive focus…
MM
That’s a bummer. I had a sliver of hope because Flex does make DA sanders already, they’re just either corded or they’re on an older 18v platform.
Collin
My biggest problem is the utter lack of higher grit sandpaper for 5″ ROS and basically any sander you can get at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
I require 600+ grit sandpaper and the only way to get it is through Amazon or specialty shops.
I know auto body guys need 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 3000+ grit sandpaper and this seems to be a niche that Milwaukee would fill well. Too bad their new M12 detail sander, which is EXCELLENT for my uses, didn’t debut with anything over 320 grit.
I know Flex is chasing after woodworkers not auto techs with this sander but I think that SOMEONE needs to start looking into sanders and sandpaper for non-woodworkers.
Lee Bachman
At the job I work at most of my guys were DeWalt fans. And now I have a few of them veering toward the flex brand because of the power, the rapid charging of the batteries and how long they last on the job site. I even had one tell me that the 7 1/4 in circular saw went through a 12×12 footer beam and didn’t bulk once. His DeWalt tools couldn’t even do that. And I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again with my heart the flex tools are going to be the ones to have because they are amazing tools.
Collin
I agree. The rapid charging is a plus. Bundling slow chargers with tools in 2023 reeks of penny pinching corporate accountants. Glad that Flex realized that time is money for pros and only bundles fast chargers and offers even faster chargers for sale separately.
N
I have the flex impact and drywall gun . Both are better than the competition. Only two gripes are impact hurts hand if gripped wrong and the big one BATTERIES are hell of expensive. Never see any deals.
MM
Stuart, any word on if there will be any FLEX deals coming up? I came across a flyer from Fasteners Inc that had some pretty good deals for this month but they were only good in-store and they do not sell any FLEX tools via mail-order.