I wanted to do a full roundup of all of 2015’s new tools that we covered, but the list is huge. You could probably spend a couple of hours checking out all of the new tools we wrote about these 12 months.
Hmm, so how about the top 5? After 15 minutes, I was stuck with a long list of tools that I couldn’t narrow down. There were a lot of great new tools announced and released this year.
So how about the top 10 most talked about tools? That sounds like an objective way to sum up the year.
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Here are the 10 most talked about tools, based on the number of reader comments. What’s not very surprising is that all but one of these are cordless power tools or accessories.
First Look: Dewalt 20V Max 18V Battery Adapter!
Ah, finally! Dewalt finally announced a Dewalt 20V Max Li-ion battery that lets you use their latest and greatest slide-pack batteries with your 18V XRP power tools!
Oh, but it’s not out yet. The current ETA is January 2016.
And there are some battery and tool compatibility issues that readers have heard from Dewalt reps and dealers. We’re still waiting to hear back from Dewalt about this.
Nonetheless, a lot of Dewalt users are excited about this adapter, and we totally get it.
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Milwaukee One-Key – Here is Everything You Want to Know
Milwaukee’s One-Key tools are packed with a Bluetooth radio and smarts that allow them to do things other cordless power tools can only dream of.
The new drills and drivers, based on Milwaukee’s latest generation M18 Fuel drills and impact tools, will allow for customized tool control.
Do you want to work with a desired speed range? Torque ceiling? Application-specific speed and torque profile? Milwaukee One-Key can potentially make your tool your own, customized to your work, needs, and wants, in almost any way you can imagine.
But do a lot of users need or want a customized tool? Or would you be just fine with the one-size-fits-most programming you get with current power tools?
Also check out all of our other Milwaukee 2015 new tool coverage, there’s plenty!
Leatherman Tread Multi-Tool Bracelet – and a Watch Too!
Ah, the Leatherman Tread, a wearable multi-tool.
Leatherman sent me one for testing and review, and I did hammer out an initial review of the stainless steel Leatherman Tread. I intended to follow up with a more detailed review, but the truth is that I barely wore it after that.
The tread is a fine multi-tool, but it’s not an everyday wearable multi-tool, at least not for me. I barely wear a watch anymore, with the Tread being larger and heavier than my largest and heaviest metal-banded watch.
I was very optimistic about the Tread.
But, and I can’t see my opinion swaying very much, I think that the consensus is right – it’s more jewelry than anything else.
It IS useful as a multi-tool, but I just don’t like wearing it.
Sneak Peek of New Dewalt Cordless Tools for 2015
Dewalt’s showed off lots of new tools at their brief media event this past June, with their new cordless offerings grabbing your attention (and mine) the most.
My favorite of the batch? The Dewalt brushless impact wrench. I’ll start testing of the new cordless nailer after the New Year.
New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Circular Saw (YES!)
Was there any doubt that Milwaukee’s first M12 circular saw would be a Fuel brushless model?
It takes a 5-3/8″ blade and has ample power and application speed for most trim needs. It can cut boards and sheet goods up to 1-5/8″ thick.
Dewalt Cordless Miter Saw is Finally Here!
Dewalt’s new 20V Max cordless miter saw was another much-anticipated release.
I’ve been delayed in pushing out the review, but based on my limited experience with it, I think it deserves a solid definitely buy this recommendation.
No, it’s not brushless, but it also doesn’t need to be.
I Spy Some New Ryobi 18V One+ Tools for 2015…
Ryobi came out with a couple of new tools at the beginning of the year, and then even more new tools for the 2015 holiday season. There are some other new tools coming in 2016.
While Ryobi serves DIYers and homeowners, there are plenty of professional users who own, use, and like Ryobi power tools.
New Ridgid Gen5X 18V Cordless Power Tools
Ridgid launched a new generation of 18V cordless power tools at the beginning of the year, and expanded it since then with a brushless drill and impact driver combo, Stealth Force impulse driver, brushless circular saw, and other new tools.
And although I don’t think they share Ridgid’s Gen5X branding, there’s also a pair of new Ridgid air-like brushless nailers.
This was a big year for Ridgid, and 2016 will likely hold its fair share of announcements and releases as well.
New Makita XWT08 Brushless Impact Wrench
Makita is coming out with a beefy new brushless impact wrench, model XWT08, and while it won’t be officially released in the USA until maybe the first quarter of 2016, there’s already plenty of hype among Makita 18V users and fans.
Dewalt 40V Max Cordless Lawn & Garden Power Tools
Dewalt came out with a new line of 40V Max cordless lawn & garden power tools this year.
Is it proper to call this a line of tools? It’s certainly a new outdoor power tool platform, but the initial release only included a brushless blower, brushless string trimmer, and hedge trimmer.
Then again, that’s plenty. Maybe a cordless mower will help pull everything together into a complete line.
Update: Oh yea, there’s also the Dewalt 40V Max brushless chainsaw that’s coming out soon. 4 distinct tools, plus 2 battery sizes? I think that does make this a line or lineup. I wonder what’ll come next. (C’mon, how about a snow blower?)
User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
fred
I’m not sure what to read into this, but its interesting. If we exclude the Leatherman item – 4 out of 9 (44%)were comments on Dewalt offerings only 2 related to Milwaukee (but the 1 Ryobi and 1 Ridgid – sort of round it out for Techtronics Brands). Makita seems to have gotten only one top-ten spot for most comments. Considering all the new offerings from Milwaukee that you posted about in 2015 – I’m a bit surprised that Dewalt not Milwaukee dominated the most comments section – but maybe this says more about Dewalt’s continued position in worldwide sales.
fm2176
DeWalt’s dominance in the comments here could be attributed to their continued popularity as well as brand recognition. Up until I discovered the Garage Journal and this blog, I was ignorant of Milwaukee’s growing cordless lines. I wanted a Sawzall to replace one that was stolen and had a Milwaukee corded drill (also stolen), but considered DeWalt to be the standard for cordless as well as many corded tools.
I’m currently a hobbyist and DIY’er at best, but worked as a mechanic for a few years and also did some framing, gutter installation, and footer work prior to enlisting. Milwaukee releases a lot of innovative tools, but DeWalt’s offerings more than cover what I’m familiar with using. Their battery adapter appeals to me as a possible gift for family and friends heavily invested in the 18v tools as well as a way to build a fair selection of secondhand tools that may see little use until I retire. The cordless miter saw seems to fit my needs (wants?) well, and the 20v max yard tools add to the appeal for investing in that battery platform. The 40v line would be a natural step up if the 20v Max yard tools are suitably impressive.
I’m just one person, but DeWalt’s selection and recent additions have my attention more than their competitors right now. Then again, it’s probably ingrained bias–I was using DeWalt cordless tools twenty years ago.
Dave
The Dewalt 18 to 20v adapter (DCA1820) is available. I bought one back in November to give to a friend for Christmas. I haven’t heard from him yet regarding how well it’s working.
Mike
Where does one purchase tools six weeks before they are released?
Stuart
There might have been a limited run. Maybe something is being reworked? But I have yet to see the adapters in stock anywhere, and the latest ETA from Dewalt is Jan or Feb 2016.
Dave
Regarding the Dewalt adapter: Toolnut. I placed my order on November 23rd and they had them in stock for immediate shipment. Had it in hand on the 27th. Their site is now showing out-of-stock. I checked a few times on Amazon over the past couple months and never saw them show up there.
Also, the 40v Dewalt brushless chainsaw (DCCS690H1) appears to be available now too. It’s been sitting in my cart for a few weeks, just waiting to pull the trigger. Shows in stock from Amazon as the seller. Earliest review listing a verified purchase is back in October.
Dave
FWIW, I received an email from Toolnut today regarding the adapters: “Dewalt announced recently that they have delayed the nationwide release of these innovative Battery Adapters until the end of February.”
JMG
I certainly am hoping they find a way to adjust the adapter to work with the finish nailers. The adapter that I have currently is almost useless to me due to its inability to work with them.
Chris
I don’t have dewalt tools but I found the adaptor at this address………………. $40.58 http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/DWT-DCA1820.html
and the kit………….$145.95
http://www.ntxtools.com/network-tool-warehouse/DWT-DCA2203C.html?gclid=COaflb2DgMoCFcIjgQod0OMAXw
I didn’t try to add to cart but they appear to be in stock.