Almost every day, I see posts on social media claiming that Dewalt has discontinued their Xtreme 12V Max cordless power tool system.
They claim that Dewalt has or will be “dropping” the product line.
NO, there is ZERO supporting evidence. From what I can tell, the rumors are FALSE.
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Months ago, a Dewalt product manager was recorded at a trade show saying that the company was no longer developing any more 12V Max Xtreme cordless power tools.
See: No Good News for Dewalt Xtreme Cordless Power Tool Fans
They said things such as:
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.
Since then, we’ve seen clearance-like prices at Lowe’s, where Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max tools are being heavily discounted.
Frequent Lowe’s shoppers might have seen that a price tag ending in “7” typically denotes that the tool or product is being cleared out. Sometimes clearance items have other price digits, and perhaps a “7” digit doesn’t always mean an item isn’t on clearance.
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It is unusual that Lowe’s is selling a Dewalt Xtreme cordless tool for $80.57 when it sells for $199 and up elsewhere. Perhaps they had overstock for this and a couple of other tools.
I asked Dewalt whether it’s true what their product manager and people on social media have been saying, and they couldn’t or wouldn’t provide a clear answer.
Still, there is zero indication that the Xtreme 12V Max system is being discontinued.
Dewalt launched the 12V Max cordless power tool system in 2010. See More Dewalt 12V Max Tool News.
They launched a few new tools in 2012 and 2013, and that was pretty much it until 2019 when they launched updated “Xtreme” tools with brushless motors. Dewalt introduced a couple more tools in 2021, and then one more at the start of 2022. Unless I missed any, that was it.
Dewalt has been introducing 20V Max versions of tools that were unique to their FlexVolt 60V Max and 12V Max Xtreme cordless power tool systems. This could be interpreted in different ways.
There hasn’t been any new additions to the Dewalt 12V line that I’ve seen.
But there’s a difference between Dewalt discontinuing efforts towards 12V Max Xtreme cordless power tool expansion – which does seem to be true – and Dewalt discontinuing the platform – which seems unsupported.
Dewalt is NOT discontinuing the platform.
I though the same about Dewalt’s 40V Max cordless power tool system, and then the Craftsman V60 cordless outdoor power tool system (Stanley Black & Decker owns both brands). However, Dewalt has demonstrated cyclic interest in the 12V Max cordless system before, lessening my concerns about potentially being wrong here too.
Understanding the Situation
I like to think that I understand contexts surrounding this product family. If you’re going to argue with me about this topic, let’s talk about a couple more things first.
Lowe’s seems to be the biggest retail customer for Dewalt’s 12V Max and Xtreme cordless power tools, and I assume that has something to do with things.
Dewalt, and Stanley Black & Decker in general, has shown a sensitivity to retail interest. Consider the Dewalt ToughSystem music player.
Dewalt launched the ToughSystem music player at Home Depot stores. I’d say they did a good job with it, although I ultimately liked the TStak version better. Then the ToughSystem 2.0 music player launched, also at Home Depot stores. After the new model received many negative reviews, the product disappeared. See New Dewalt ToughSystem 2.0 Music Player is Getting a Lot of Negative User Reviews .
There was no revised or replacement model. Why? I have a couple of ideas, with all of them pointing towards a lack of retail interest by Home Depot.
Numerous times now, Dewalt has cancelled products because of insufficient retail interest. This isn’t good or bad, it just seems to be in the nature of the brand and their parent company. It’s not just SBD or Dewalt. Milwaukee, for example, launched work boots in Europe, and there are no signs that they’ll try to break into the USA safety footwear market.
Is there interest in 12V-class cordless power tools? Yes. Enough to encourage Dewalt to expand their Xtreme cordless power tool system? I’d say no.
Generally speaking, most pros and consumers prefer 18V-class cordless power tools (XGT and MultiVolt included as they’re like-sized) over 12V-class. To my knowledge, Milwaukee M12 is the only notable exception this, with that compact tool platform being far more popular than their competitors’.
Comparatively speaking, there is not a lot of interest in Dewalt’s 12V cordless power tool system, both in terms of retail interest (mainly at Lowe’s) and among tool users.
It makes sense that Dewalt is not actively developing new Xtreme 12V cordless power tools.
Presumably due to sales volume, the pricing of their Xtreme tools has been higher and less compelling than for similar 20V max tools.
There are many obstacles in the way of growing the 12V Max system, with respect to expansion and market share.
Discontinuation is permanent.
Dewalt has discontinued cordless power tool systems before, but I doubt they will do that with the Xtreme 12V Max line.
See: Dewalt 40V Max Cordless Outdoor Power Tool System has Been Discontinued
You can still buy some of the 12V Max tools that Dewalt launched in 2010.
There is no reason for Dewalt to discontinue the Xtreme 12V Max line. They’ll keep making and shipping the tools as long as there’s a market for them.
Craftsman’s V20 battery chargers continue to say “V12 | V20.” If interest in 12V-class cordless power tools increases, we might finally see such tools launch at Lowe’s.
But unless we see a dramatic decrease in interest for Dewalt 12V Max tools, they will likely remain available.
Maybe after a few years we’ll see another refresh.
Milwaukee launched their M4 cordless screwdriver in 2012, and has not added a single tool to the platform since then. They launched their RedLithium USB line of compact cordless products in 2017. 8 years later, and they still don’t have a RedLithium USB screwdriver.
Users buy into cordless power tool systems like Dewalt 12V Max, Milwaukee RedLithium USB, or M4 – if you can even call that a system – or others because the products meet their needs, and not because of hypothetical future products that might never materialize.
This isn’t the first time Dewalt seems to have stopped developing for the 12V max platform.
Even if you ignore what was said by a Dewalt product manager at a trade show, how many 12V Max system-exclusive products as Dewalt introduced over the past few years? But can you still buy them today? Are retailers still running promotional offers?
I am convinced that Dewalt discontinued their 12V Max development efforts (again), but that there’s very low risk of the entire platform disappearing.
I guess you could say that they’re just taking a break right now. This is a murky grey area, and so we need to simplify things. Can you buy Dewalt 12V Max tools today? Next month? Next year? Unless that changes – as it did with Dewalt 18V (legacy) and 40V Max, then no, the system hasn’t been discontinued.
JMJR
I am a hobbyist and DIYer that’s mostly invested in Dewalt 20V tools, but ~5 years ago I bought in to M12 because of the unique offerings they had that Dewalt didn’t, plus the fact that the old Dewalt 12V tools were pathetic.
When Dewalt came out with 12V Xtreme, I started switching over some of my M12 tools in hopes to get everything yellow and black so I would only need one charger, plus the 12V alternatives were much cheaper than M12. I bought the 12V 5.375″ circular saw, 5-in-1 drill, extended reach 3/8″ ratchet and one-handed recip saw.
Then I noticed my local tool store, Atlas Machinery, wasn’t having enticing promos on 12V tools anymore. Then I heard Dewalt might be discontinuing expanding the line, effectively making it an evolutionary dead end. I haven’t purchased any more 12V or M12 in the past year, because I was hoping for a definitive answer on the future of the 12V lineup.
If Dewalt won’t be honest with their customers and tell us that they’re either commited to the platform or don’t care to expand it, then I’ll spend my money on a 12 volt tool platform that’s innovating and growing.
alex
I think their interest in 12v tools vanished when the first power stack battery came out. I remember watching the event and thinking I don’t see a reason for 12v tools anymore (unless they have a 12v power stack battery coming out too).
This 1.7 power stack battery coupled with a 20v atomic tool is close enough in size for most people. I think and that’s one of the reason 12v aren’t selling.
Big Adam
This.
fred
It makes sense for manufacturers to put their efforts into what sells and is profitable for them. They get feedback from consumers – usually not directly – from their wholesalers and retail outlets. If, as you say, Lowes (IMO a seemingly fickle entity) is the major outlet for Dewalt’s Xtreme 12V line – I can see their hesitation for investing a lot of development money into extending the line.
Why Milwaukee has been successful in the 12V arena is probably a many-factored affair. I’m sure contributing to their success was how fast they entered the arena and expanded the breadth of their offerings to include both general and trade-specific tools. Their form-factor (stick batteries) for the 12V line make these tools distinctive from the slide-connection battery 18V line. Despite some suggestion that handles on slide-battery Dewalt and Makita 12V offerings may be more ergonomic in some hands – it apparently has not been a deciding factor in market share. Bosch decided on the same form-factor as Milwaukee for their 12V line – and some think their hand feel is slightly better. But Bosch seems to treat the NA market as a second cousin – so is never likely to compete with Milwaukee’s dominance.
All of this considered, would I go out and buy a Dewalt 12V tool? Sure, if the price was right and I had a need that would pay for the tool in short order. But I would not consider Dewalt if I were looking to start a collection of 12V tools.
Stuart
With Milwaukee M12, speed was not an advantage. M12 stands apart because of the brand’s constant investment towards expansion over time, and not because the system appeared earlier.
Consider the breadth and popularity of Milwaukee Packout vs Dewalt ToughSystem. Dewalt entered the modular tool box years before Packout.
Not every product is going to see high demand, but each contributes towards unparalleled breadth. The same is as true for Packout as it is for M12.
Stanley Black Decker describes themselves as taking a “modular yet customizable” approach towards “product platforms.” Several Xtreme 12V Max tools are very similar to Atomic series 20V Max tools.
I think customer interests – by this I mean end users and retailers – and SBD/Dewalt’s nature are all that stands in the way of Xtreme 12V expansion. Again, it’s not good or bad, just the reality I see.
With brands like Bosch and Makita, it’s very expensive to gain (or regain) market share in the USA. Milwaukee and Dewalt have become the market leaders – to my understanding in that order.
Bosch seems to be putting more global effort towards 18V expansion, presumably to balance considerably challenges in the automotive sector. They recently announced another 13,000 job cuts out of 418,000 global employees. By comparison, Stanley Black & Decker says they have 50,000 employees worldwide.
Makita has been changing their business strategy in the USA, and it seems to have improved their bottom line. They’re no longer trying to compete with Milwaukee or Dewalt aggressive promotional strategies, and are better for it.
Do I wish that Dewalt launched more 12V Max tools. Yes. But I understand their reluctance and it aligns with how SBD is known to operate.
Dewalt had USA-made screwdrivers, and then almost as abruptly as they appeared they were gone. SBD’s strategies became clear over time, and the same can be said for other brands. It will take competitors maybe 10 years or an extreme sum of money – or a mix of both – to match up against Milwaukee M12. In these days of pouch batteries and brushless motors, there’s slimmer appeal and advantages in 12V-class tools.
Also, to correct what you said about “Bosch deciding on the same form factor as Milwaukee,” I have a 12V timeline in this post: https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-20v-max-vs-18v-2023/
Bosch launched their first 12V tool – the PS20 pocket driver under 10.8V branding – in May of 2006. Milwaukee launched their first 12V sub-compact driver in October of 2007. Makita launched their first 10.8V tools in 2008, and then Dewalt launched theirs in 2010. Bosch’s design launched around 17 months before Milwaukee’s.
TomD
Lowe’s is so strange with their product selection and clearance that I take nothing they do as indicative of anything.
They may have thrown in with another supplier or decided to discontinue it at their stores.
Jason
The Dewalt 40v line was an easy disco with the addition of the Flexvolt/60 volt OPE because it was part of a system.
Craftsman 60 maybe would have had more success if it was also Flexvolt or somehow compatible with their 20v line.
What makes the 12v line different is that it doesn’t require a second charger you can put those batteries, 20v, and 60v all on the same charge port. Seems to me it’s easier than to keep that line alive.
Always surprised me they didn’t do more mixed kits outside of a couple special buys with say a 12v ratchet and a 20v impact. IMO the greatest draw to that line would be the compatibility where Milwaukee if you have say the multi port charger you might typically have 3 bays sitting empty for m12 slots.
Matt
Ah, the old there’s no demand because there aren’t enough competitive products because there isn’t enough demand argument.
I almost bought dewalt 12V. But they looked stagnant, so I bought M12. It isn’t any cheaper than my dewalt 20V tools, and yet I’ve bought more m12 than 20v in the last two years. There’s a market out there, but it may not be worth it to them to have very similar 20 and 12 tools. Especially with batteries as good as they are – the smaller 12V tools are good enough for a great many users now.
Agreed with others that the lack of clarity on the platform’s future cannibalizes sales. A lot of us do consider future needs.
Buddy
Lame that they won’t add to it
JoeM
I am more of the mindset that the 12V Max/Xtreme Sub-Compact lineup is in a holding pattern. I can’t get the feeling out of my system that they are just going to change the Name of their entire 12V Linuep. I think the new labelling of the 12V Max lineup is going to be 12V Max for the original, and XT for their brushless tools.
They changed many hand tools to being nearly identical under the Tough System name. I can’t help feeling they’re about to do this for the 12V system as a whole. Giving it the original series of 20V equivalent names. 12V Max/12V Max XT. And I think, on Stuart’s end of things, he’ll have to be told whether the Pouch or Tabless cells will become the new battery standard for this revision of the 12V lineup.
I am very disappointed that they never got their Radar/Wall scanner to work properly. that would have been a game changer for me, finding wall studs and avoiding in-wall cabling where needed. Had they kept the 12V Max line to instruments, and kept line level lasers and stud finders in the 12V Max line, without moving to 20V or FlexVolt for these, then there would be a far more integrated use for the 12V Lineup. I know they made a serious effort to make the short-lived heated jackets/clothing both 12V and 20V compatible. To this day, the DCB094(095?) On-Battery Charger works for both 12V and 20V batteries. Just as the DCB090 and its in-heated-gear adaptor sibling the DCB091 were compatible with both lines. I just don’t see DeWALT giving up on the 12V Line so extremely. And no, that was not a knock against the Xtreme line. I genuinely believe a rebrand of the name is where they’re going with it. And with it, new batteries to maximize the lightweight nature of the 12V lineup, that has always been there.
Stuart
Pouch and tabless batteries – at least given what’s presently available – are not well-suited for 12V class cordless power tools.
TB
I’m a journeyman carpenter and contractor—I really like my 12v Xtreme tools and use them for awkward reach spots and installs.
I much prefer them to the m12 equivalents I own, mostly due to ergonomics and quality. I also find them to have a better build quality and feel than like Atomic models.
Disappointing that Dewalt has chosen not to continue to expand, but competing with m12 while trying to play catch up with tool options is quite a financial investment/commitment that doesn’t make sense I guess.
MattW.
Yet they get rid of the 8v gyro which has always had a great following. It seems every month someone says hey where did you get that and now I can say you cant. 120 plus on a electric screwdriver yep people were willing to pay that. Now its not but it is replaced by a tepid 70ish dollar 3.6v/4v with a funky switch. You could see also based on thr trade show why someone would think 12v extreme was going away.