Dewalt will be coming out with a new 12V Max 5Ah cordless power tool battery.
Dewalt officially announced their new Xtreme Compact cordless power tool line in mid-2019, but they have not added many new tools to the lineup since then.
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An early look provided to Stanley Black & Decker investors included cordless power tools that we have not yet seen, such as an inline cordless screwdriver and a compact oscillating multi-tool.
Dewalt Xtreme Compact 12V Max cordless power tools feature brushless motors and comfortable ergonomics that hold true to the branding.
But do we need a 5Ah battery?
At this time, Dewalt’s highest capacity 12V Max cordless power tool battery is the DCB124 3Ah battery, available at Amazon and other dealers.
A 12V Max 5Ah battery will be Dewalt’s first 6-cell battery, with all of their other past and present batteries being engineered with 3 Li-ion cells.
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A 6-cell battery provides for two things:
- Longer runtime
- More power
Simply put, the more cells you have delivering current to a motor, LED emitter, or other such electronic load, the easier it is on the batteries. More cells – in the parallel configuration used here – also means that a battery pack can deliver more power.
Dewalt recently came out with a 20V Max Atomic cordless band saw that’s designed for one-handed use.
Last year, Dewalt came out with a 12V Max Xtreme compact reciprocating saw that was very similar in design to their Atomic reciprocating saw.
Thus, a Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max cordless band saw could possibly be on the way in 2021.
What else might be on the way in 2021?
Consider this – Dewalt’s new 12V Max 5Ah provides longer runtime for their current 12V Max cordless power tools, but is it really needed for a compact tool lineup that is mainly centered around highly efficient fastening tools? A compact screwdriver, drill, or impact driver doesn’t quite need a 5Ah battery.
Sure, this might be a good option to have, but there is also significance in what the battery represents.
I am assuming that this new Dewalt battery signals that more tools are coming down the 12V Max Xtreme Compact pipeline – tools that might take advantage of the longer runtime and greater power capabilities made possible by a 6-cell 5Ah battery.
What if this assumption is wrong? Well, then that would mean there are users demanding a higher capacity battery pack for use with Dewalt’s current lineup of 12V Max and Xtreme Compact cordless tools, and that Dewalt is catering to those users’ needs and wants.
And, if Dewalt is granting their users’ wishes in providing a new higher capacity battery pack, then it is highly likely that they would seek to satisfy requests and demands for new 12V Max Xtreme Compact tools as well.
Basically, Dewalt is coming out with a new 12V Max 5Ah battery pack, and in my opinion this guarantees that new tools are on the way as well.
I’m liking this momentum, and hope that Dewalt keeps it up!
Price: $79
Lowe’s has a new listing up as well, for a 2-pack of these same batteries.
See More Dewalt 12V Max Cordless Power Tool News:
Dewalt Officially Announces New XTREME Subcompact Series of Cordless Power Tools
Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact Cordless Power Tool Line to Include an Impact Wrench and Bigger Battery
New Dewalt Xtreme Subcompact 12V Max Compact Reciprocating Saw (DCS312)
Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Cordless Screwdriver Deserves More Love
More Dewalt Xtreme Compact Tool News
Thank you Cody for the tip!
Big Richard
Barrel grip jig saw is probably my number one request.
Clay
That would be awesome. Especially if had a trigger like on the M12 version.
I feel like the accuracy of a barrel-grip with the convenience of a trigger would be the perfect combo.
Jeff
When are the batteries supposed to come out? I keep clicking the link every few days and it still says not available.
Stuart
Early 2021 is the latest ETA.
Lucky
I just went to my Lowe’s here in North Carolina and picked up the 12v 5amp battery and omg it’s a power house
ed ski
A compact sander, cutoff/grinder, multitool, ratchet, sawzall/drywall, router(1/4″bits), would be ideal suggestions!
I’ve the xtreme driver and love it! Matter of fact, haven’t touched it since October and the battery is STILL 3 bars! I like this model for its compact size, weight and I don’t want an impact for screws into certain materials (insulation clips into foam, install in crawspace).
If these work with my current 12v Xtreme driver, I might grab one.
Steve
They need to expand more into the 12V space as it’s growing fast and Milwaukee is eating everyone’s lunch. I wish Dewalt would do more pipeline events like Milwaukee as I’m in the Dewalt system myself. Dewalt needs some more investment this year in both 20V/60V and 12V as it seems like Milwaukee is introducing new stuff all the time and they aren’t keeping up. SBD has been giving their main focus to Craftsman for a few years now. Dewalt is off too a good start in 2021 however. Keep it up.
Note: I have nothing against Milwaukee or any other brands, I just don’t want to start up another battery platform.
Josh Walters
Definetly seems like Milwaukee has surged ahead in the last year or so. Dewalt keeps splitting its attention on flexvolt advantage and minor upgrades to great tools like the hole hawg and sidewinder 7 1/4 when they already have some of the best tools in those categories. That dosent move the needle much for a guy already invested in 20v and 60v tools.
Jared
I imagine the new releases will include a circular saw, the bandsaw Stuart mentioned, lights, cutoff tool and a vacuum.
Those would no-doubt be good and popular additions – but those are all predictable, not-quite-core-but-close-to-it tools. None of them get me excited (to be fair, that might be because I have those tools from other brands already – but I have Dewalt 20v and 12v stuff too).
What I would want, but probably won’t get is:
– ratchet
– glue gun
– rotary tool
– stapler
– random orbit sander
– inflator
– soldering station
Give me something unusual Dewalt and I’ll reward you with a purchase.
JoeM
Can’t help but think this as well. It’s Saws and Heating systems mostly. Has to be. Not a lot else needs 5Ah of power. That short list seems about right.
MIGHT include a plumbing snake of some sort? MAYBE enough power is what was needed for the 419 Wall Scanner? Full Thermal Camera? Power Supply similar to Milwaukee’s Power Block? (The Top-Off?)
I genuinely can’t think of a lot that would really use 5Ah at 12 Volts. But Saws, Thermal tools, and Electrical come to mind.
Aram
Offtopic, but Surebonder makes a cordless glue gun kit that uses DeWalt batteries (via adapter; you may find it listed as using Ryobi batteries but there’s a subtype that uses DeWalt) so you needn’t wait on that one if you need it.
Works pretty well for me, anyway.
JoeM
Backing up Aram here:
There’s two models: The 60 Watt, and the 120 Watt Hybrid. Both are compatible with battery adapters from DeWALT, Milwaukee, and Makita. But, they only work with the 20/18 Volt series batteries of those brands, and you have to get the right adapter for the right brand.
The Pro2-60:
https://surebonder.com/collections/cordless-glue-guns/products/pro2-60-60-watt-18-volt-cordless-professional-heavy-duty-full-size-hot-glue-gun-battery-not-included
The Pro2-120Kit:
https://surebonder.com/collections/cordless-glue-guns/products/120-watt-corded-18-volt-cordless-hybrid-batt-charg-inc
And the adapters, which all say they are compatible with the Surebonder Pro2 series glue guns, so that includes the Hybrid.
DeWALT 20V Max/XR:
https://surebonder.com/collections/glue-gun-accessories/products/dew-20v-ryobi%C2%AE-to-dewalt%C2%AE-battery-adapter
Milwaukee M18:
https://surebonder.com/collections/glue-gun-accessories/products/mil-18v-ryobi%C2%AE-to-milwaukee%C2%AE-battery-adapter
Makita 18V:
https://surebonder.com/collections/glue-gun-accessories/products/mak-18v-ryobi%C2%AE-to-makita%C2%AE-battery-adapter
Jared
I actually have the Ryobi cordless glue gun – and a Dewalt battery to Ryobi tool adapter too. It works well! I just wish Dewalt made a few extra cool tools like that.
I also have a Dewalt to Bosch adapter. When I use the adapters I am mindful not to deplete the batteries all the way empty since I’m not sure which brands have the battery protection tech in the batteries versus the tools, but otherwise they work great.
If I could find reasonably-priced adapters (say $20-40) for some of my other cordless brands, I’d be all over it. I have proper batteries for all of my tools, but sometimes its nice to have a backup or larger capacity option. I’m a bit of an aberration, no doubt, since I have so many different brands (Dewalt 12v, 20v & 60v, Bosch 12v & 18v, Porter Cable 20v, Black & Decker 20v, Worx 20v, Ryobi 18v, Ridgid 18v). Adapters make sense to me because it expands how many batteries I can plug into each brand.
Anyone know where to get a Dewalt battery to PC, Worx or Ridgid adapter? Those are the three I want next. Bosch to any of those three would also work.
Dave
I have the 20v inflator and I love it. Doesn’t use too much juice.
Javier A.
Very happy to see this news – I’ve got a good bit of the DeWalt Xtreme 12V tools (along with a ton of Milwaukee M12). I said it before, and I’ll say it again: the Xtreme screwdriver is the best I’ve ever used from any brand. The Xtreme 3/8″ impact wrench is my first grab for most jobs because of the superior ergonomics and how light it is. The ring of lights around the impact wrench, impact driver, and screwdriver are best in class in my opinion. The fact that the batteries also work with my MAC 12V stuff is an added bonus. Looking forward to more 12V stuff from DeWalt!
A-A-ron
Great to see. I have a few M12 but a lot of the Skip 12v brushless which are crazy reasonable during occasional amazon sales. Looks like you can’t go wrong with any of these brands!
ca
I think DeWalt screwed up not going with the stem style battery packs for their 12V tools like Milwaukee did since it allows ultra compact batteries that fit inside a tool handle.
I hope DeWalt is investing more on their 12V lineup after all these years and it will be interesting to see what they come out with, but given that their 12V packs are kind of the same size and form factor as their 20V packs, there isn’t a big incentive as far as I can see to get into their 12V tools.
alex
Lot of peoples hate these compact batteries because you are stuck with a fat handle that is really uncomfortable. That’s actually the main reason why I love Dewalt 12v drill.
JoeM
Agreed with Alex. Honestly, what DeWALT’s edge is with the Lithium Ion series is their Ergonomics. Having a battery in the stem messes with the ergonomics known so well.
I love my 8V Max tools, with the ONE battery that runs the Gyro Screwdriver and the Flashlight… but I will also admit the ergonomics aren’t as comfy as my 20 Volt system grips. In-Stem batteries do a lot of limiting of who can hold the tool.
Peter
Maybe I have big hands so I do not have any problems with stems battery tools far from it actually.
I really like the foot print of the 12v Bosch line I have and have no use for a 12v tool in a 18v’ish form factor.
I also do not see a general use for these high powered 12/18v batteries if they come with a considerable weight/size penalty for me.
JoeM
I, too, have large hands. Large enough that the DeWALT Atomic line don’t fit in them. But, therein lies the point, does it not? You have to use the tool best suited to your use, and can’t really push anyone into using something they can’t even hold.
The DeWALT 8V Max line, short-lived though it may be, is an in-stem battery system, and the ergonomics aren’t that different from the bigger systems. At least not to me. So, it really all depends.
Kizzle
Disagree. I used to think that was the superior way to go, but after getting the xtreme impact wrench and screwdriver, I am 100% on board with slide pack batteries. I cannot overstate how comfortable the dewalt 12v stuff is to hold.
Peter
@JoeM, you are absolutely right that we are all different and so while the dewalt form factor works for some it does not work for me or maybe more that the stem cell battery design fits me like a glove.
So it is great to see that we have options.
I work with these tools for a living so it is very important to me that feel good in my hand.
I doubt that I will ever leave the 12v Bosch line but in the 18v department there are some dewalt tools sneaking in. 😉
JoeM
Hey, nothing wrong with showing the Bosch love, Peter. If they’re as comfortable as my Dremel 8200 Rotary Tool, then it works for me, too. Like I said, I too have big hands. I have mostly DeWALT tools in general, at the 20 Volt Max level. The ergonomics on those are, I have to admit, more comfortable than I can deny. Long periods of time, quick retrieval, slip on/off a belt or holster… they have superior ergonomics, without a doubt. AT THAT LEVEL.
Now, I have… ZERO… 12 volt DeWALT tools. I’ve picked them up on the displays at the store a few times, and I can’t really tell much about them, aside from the ergonomic handle is the same design. Beyond that, I have the Stem-Battery line of the 8V Max Gyro Screwdriver, and the matching Flashlight. They HAVE that in-stem battery going, as does my Dremel 8200, and WITHIN REASON, they are not in any way UNCOMFORTABLE. I can see where people with smaller hands (which in my case is probably a large number of people.) might actually have to choose between them for comfort and use.
All of that said… That’s really the factor that matters here. If this 5Ah battery truly throws off the weight of the tool, then the tool is not right for you. Even THAT said, if they come out with a cut-off tool, or some kind of more powerful portable jigsaw… chances are good the whole tool is going to be balanced, heavy battery or not. We’ll have to wait and see. The Extreme Compact line… I don’t see needing this new battery. Some older 12 Volt Max tools… Well… maybe? The old 2-position recip saw they made for that line? Maybe this battery would work. The inspection tools… It’s probably overkill, but at least you wouldn’t have to charge it for a long time.
Then there’s the Heated Gear. Did we forget that the DeWALT heated gear ALSO runs on the 12 Volt Max system? Maybe this 5Ah 12 Volt battery will be a decent option for the heated gear? Longer runtime, slightly lighter battery? Dunno.
But, if your in-stem Bosch 12 Volt system is just… your go-to, day-in-day-out kind of thing… Then frankly you’ve found the right tools for you. If you step up and go with the 20 Volt Max DeWALT system, and THOSE are good for you too? As long as you can afford to buy the tools, and they’re not killing you, then all power to ya, man!
Lyle
I also have and love the Dewalt 12V line. I think their ergonomics are far superior.
Cr8on
This is very good news. I agree with Big Richard a small barrel grip jig saw would be very welcome.
Aaron
What advantage would this have over a 20v 3ah? If the pack isn’t more compact or lighter then why wouldn’t I go for the 20v system? M12 batteries in the stem allow for tighter tool designs. Dewalt 12v inline screwdriver with a big old rectangle on its butt just seems awkward.
JoeM
I think that’s going to depend on what tools get released in 12 Volt next. The ones shown, I agree, the bulky battery seems out of place. But if there’s some sort of Grinder, Die Grinder, or Circular Saw (even if it’s a small 4″ circular saw) then I don’t see the bigger battery taking all that much more out of the tool’s standard use.
As to why one wouldn’t just get the 20 Volt system… I pondered that when the system first launched, but I think there might be a new path being formed for the 12 volt line to justify it. I used to think the 12 Volt Line was best used for the Instruments, like the Inspection Cameras, Thermometer, and what was supposed to be the Radar/Wall scanner… But now they’ve released the 12 Volt Extreme Compact series, and I’m waiting to see if I still miss their attempt to make the DCT418/419 again.
Aaron
But since his a while new battery system, why even consider DeWalt 12v? Makita has crazily compact tools in their 18v line, which then open you up to a whole line of products! I don’t own a single one of them, but I’m amazed when I pick them up and AVE did a fairly flattering teardown.
JoeM
I am… Sadly… Very limited on budget… So… Although I could justify SOME expansion in tools in the DeWALT line, it’s only because I already HAVE 20 Volt Max original lineup tools already going strong. I don’t have the financial flexibility to explore new brands, regardless of their features.
At the time I invested, I bought the tools to get employment. That fell through due to some personal issues, and now I am more focused on getting the tools I can deem absolutely necessary. And an all-new brand’s lineup? I can’t justify. Maybe, just maybe, if this 5Ah 12 Volt battery is cheap enough, and small enough, I MIGHT get one for my heated jacket, or for powering devices on my Mother’s scooter, like her Cell Phone or whatever else.
I have to be very pragmatic when it comes to power tools. Unless something drastic happens, and I’m suddenly flush with more cash than I can deal with immediately… in which case I’ll dump money into whatever tools I want, period.
Nathan
dewalt branded MAC tool cordless ratchet that is cheaper and easier to get would be nice.
I’d like a compact drill driver that has the torque/power output of the lower tier 20V product.
I do like and will by the 12V screwdriver one of these days – I need batteries though.
Mike
Never understood DW’s 12V line since they abandoned UniVolt. The new 12V line is almost as large as the 20V. IMHO, MW is spot on with M12.
Chris
Nice to see some bigger batteries coming, I expect some tools that might need these batteries coming soon, hoping for some newer auto mechanic style offerings so I can rid myself of my Milwaukee m12s for good and their crappy ergonomics…I had the fuel drill and impact driver but sold them for the extreme lineup because of the dreadful ergonomics
Eugenio
I’m team Dewalt, I’ve got 16 20v/60v Dewalt power tools plus their top of the line shop vac, table saw, miter saw, and planner. Yet I have Milwaukee M12 for the compact tools and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Dewalt 12V battery form factor just doesn’t make sense to me when Milwaukee’s and Bosch’s systems exist.
JoeM
In a lot of ways I agree with a lot of you on the 12 Volt Max system. It’s kinda… a line without a real identity. I have trouble figuring it out myself, and I’m a DeWALT guy. I can see ONE way to integrate it with the rest of the Max line systems, but then they go and produce different tools for it, and it throws me off.
I don’t think DeWALT is ready to solidify the 12 Volt Max line as much of a difference from the bigger sibling line, the 20 Volt Max/XR/FlexVolt line. It’s a head scratcher, even for devotees like myself. You’re not alone there.
Nando
I tend to gravitate towards DW 20V Max myself, so I own a healthy line of their tools. However, all my sub compact tools are MW M12 Fuel lineup and bought their packout system to store them. I recently purchased the Toughsystem 2.0 for my DW power tools. I’m satisfied ATM as I have best of both worlds.
Jeremy Solsbery
I haven’t heard about the power output. As for cost consideration. If you are a premium/professional tool brand you should offer the best product you have access to. I personally will pay more if I know I am getting the best product available
Jeremy Solsbery
Why not make it a 6ah. They have the cells for it. I don’t understand why Dewalt keeps doing this
Stuart
2.5Ah cells are rated for higher power output? Cost considerations?
Stuart
Assuming your other reply was meant to go here, 2.5Ah cells deliver greater output while 3.0Ah deliver longer runtime under light loads.
An engineer at a power tool brand once confirmed to me that under heavy load, some brands’ 18650-based 6Ah batteries will overheat faster and deliver shorter runtime than the same brand’s 5Ah batteries.
If a brand has two batteries, both based of 18650 Li-ion cells, and one has 2.5Ah cells and the other 3.0Ah cells, I would go with the 2.5Ah, 5.0Ah, or 7.5Ah battery over the 3.0Ah, 6.0Ah, or 9.0Ah options.
In my opinion, this IS the better option.
Or there could be a cost consideration.
Dewalt might have tested to see whether a $79 5.0Ah battery was of greater demand or interest than say a $99 6.0Ah battery.
Jeremy Solsbery
I was not aware of the output. I have always just thought of Ah in terms of runtime
Jeremy Solsbery
Thank you for the info
Adam DeRoches
Will these fit the 12v lasers?
Stuart
Possibly not, since the lasers came out well before these batteries and the Xtreme series of tools came out. You could/should check with Dewalt for advisement, they can tell you for certain.
Big Richard
The first new additions to the 12v line:
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/pressreleases/dewalt-r-debuts-xtreme-subcompact-series-12v-max-star-impact-wrenches-for-tight-area-jobs-3071349
Jared
Thanks for posting!
“Each of the new 12V MAX* Impact Wrenches delivers up to 250 ft-lbs. of max tightening torque and up to 400 ft-lbs. of max breakaway torque”.
Sounds good to me! I just might have to get one for auto use when I don’t want to hold onto my heavy DCF898 20v 1/2″ impact.
Big Richard
I was pretty surprised by those numbers, even the mighty M12 Stubby is “only” rated at 250 ft-lbs. of breakaway, fastening is probably around 150-175 ft-lb. This is slightly bigger and heavier than the Stubby, though.
This also the first I’ve seen of their oil resistant packs since they announced them at NECA back in October.
https://www.necashow.org/NECA2020/public/eBooth.aspx?BoothID=115997&Task=Products&ProdID=1629
They also have 20v oil resistant packs coming as well, which leads me to believe we will be seeing some updated 20v impacts/ratchets geared (no pun intended) towards the automotive industry.
Rob
I wish Dewalt would step up thier tough system 2.0 game. Milwaukee’s pack out is killing Dewalt. I would love for them to come out with some bangers. lol the pack out draws are a game changer.