We just came back from Dewalt’s 2016 new tool media event, where they introduced a lot of new tools. I have been to numerous Dewalt and Stanley Black & Decker media events, and this was by far the largest one ever. It was amazing.
Dewalt FlexVolt was the star of the show, and there’s a lot more we’ll have to say about the new tools and tech. For example, there’s a new World’s First cordless table saw! Cordless 12″ miter saws! And they perform superbly too, or at least that’s what I’m told. Things were so busy that I never got to test either of these tools.
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While I’m working on expanded coverage of the event, I wanted to tell you about my 5 favorite new tools. Some of these I KNOW you’ll be just as excited about.
Dewalt FlexVolt 60V Max Brushless Cordless Circular Saw
This is the Dewalt brushless circular saw that you’ve been waiting for. I gave it a quick test, cutting through some wide board material, and it went through like butter.
What surprised me is that the FlexVolt saw looked and felt like a 20V Max saw. Don’t let the 60V Max part phase you – it’s compact and easily wielded.
Model: DCS575, will be available as a bare tool (DCS575B, $179) and FlexVolt kit (DCS575T1, $299).
Buy Now(Kit via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Amazon)
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Here’s a Dewalt promo video:
Dewalt Portable Power Station (PPS) DCB1800B
The new Dewalt Portable Power Station, PPS for short, can power any corded power tool. Your miter saw, your table saw, your dust extractor!
It charges 4 batteries in parallel, and outputs up to 15A. It can handle up to double that of inrush current, meaning it won’t be fried from normal power tool current spokes.
There was a demo showing how well Dewalt’s dust extractor worked with a new grinder when surface grinding a cement block. The grinder was plugged into the vac for automatic activation, and the vac into PPS. You wouldn’t be able to do the same with larger tools, such as a table saw or miter saw, since the power draw could peak above 15A, but you should be able to do this with a lot of handheld tools. Sanders, grinders, oscillating tools – things like that.
The PPS works with 20V Max battery packs, and FlexVolt packs too for extra charge capacity. It can mount on top of ToughSystem tool cases!
Price: $399, plus the cost of (4) batteries
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Dewalt ToughSystem Wall Mount Brackets!
Finally! A wall mounting system for Dewalt ToughSystem tool boxes and accessories!!
I know this is something a lot of you have asked for, and it’s something I am quite excited about as well. It’s never fun when I have to access the ToughSystem case at the bottom of a 6-box stack.
Dewalt Curved Handle Utility Knife
Dewalt’s new utility knife has a novel new blade change mechanism that works quickly and easily. And a carabiner clip for flexible carry options.
The blade change mechanism was impressive, but I was far more influenced by how comfortable the handle is, and how buttery-smooth the retraction mechanism is. This could be the smoothest utility knife on the market. I’m definitely going to need to test a retail model, just to be sure.
Dewalt 20V Max 6.0Ah and FlexVolt 9.0Ah Battery Packs
Dewalt is launching their FlexVolt tool and battery system with a 6.0Ah battery pack, but that’s just the start.
There’s a higher capacity 9.0Ah battery pack in the works, but it’s not just scaled up, it’s engineered with different battery cell technology.
Battery manufacturers have reached a limit as to how good they can build battery cells of the 18650 size most brands use in their 18V and 20V Max battery packs. In order to push towards the future, Dewalt has designed their new 9.0Ah pack using 20700 form factor cells, which are a little larger but also higher performing than 18650 cells of the same capacity.
The result is a slightly larger battery pack, but one that can deliver comparable performance as the FlexVolt 6.0Ah pack, and current high capacity 20V Max battery packs. So you get the same high performance, but longer runtime.
I’m thinking that there’s also the potential for even higher capacity cells, but that remains to be seen.
Also coming soon is a new 20V Max 6.0Ah battery pack, using the same 20700 form factor cells as the upcoming FlexVolt 9.0Ah pack.
The 6.0Ah battery pack will be slightly larger than current Dewalt high capacity 20V Max battery packs, but the alternative would be a same-sized pack of compromised performance. The shift in battery form factor is necessary.
Here too is the potential for greater charge capacities to feed more power-hungry tools.
Which of these tools will you be looking to buy?
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mizzourob
I think it is worth noting that the Flexvolt is not compatible with 40volt outdoor tools and that Dewalt is launching a new 60v trimmer, blower, and chainsaw. They claimed that they will still be supporting the 40v system. My takeaway on this after seeing so little OPE coverage is that the 40v will be fading away and that there will be some good sales coming later this year, just like the fading of the 18v line but probably faster. DeWalt and many bloggers (toolguyd included) seems to be skipping the OPE coverage for some reason. I just find it hard to believe that they will keep three line (2 of which are quasi- interchangeable) and not get rid of the 40v platform.
Brandon
I tend to agree here. I get the feeling that many early adopters of cordless lawn tools may get burned by short technology life cycles before this market stabilizes in 3-5 years (all brands, not just Dewalt). Of course, many people will have bought, used, and be ready to replace the first batch of cordless lawn tools they bought after that amount of time.
Stuart
They said they would continue with 40V Max line, for landscapers and other heavy users.
40V Max batteries are larger than 20V Max and FlexVolt batteries.
There’s a limited time at these things. I missed the OPE station, aside from initial introuble. I think Ben managed to fire up the blower.
As it was, I couldn’t fit time in to test the table saw or miter saw. I did carry the table saw around though.
abnormalist
Kind of a shame they didnt add a power adapter to the table saw. Battery when you need it, corded when you dont and all that. Ah well
mizzourob
Choosing to make the table saw 60V instead of 120V with a corded option seems to me to be a case of “planned obsolescence”
Brian Auerbach
120v DC battery isnt the same as 120V AC.
they could make an inverter to power it later either way
(theres already an aftermarket product to do it for 20VMax tools)
Stuart
It’s smaller, lighter, more portable, and less expensive than a 120V Max table saw would be.
abnormalist
@stuart,
I hear you, but cant you imagine the utility? Power it up off the battery for some quick cuts, run a line when you’re ripping siding, sub floor, or OSB for walls?
It makes the difference between “Neat” and “TAKE MY MONEY, TAKE MY MONEY NOW!” 🙂
Bremon
I really am quite impressed with DeWalt’s show. They seemed to be on autopilot the past few years but coming out guns blazing this year has put them right back neck-and-neck with the best of them, arguably this could put them ahead for a bit.
Stuart
Well, now we know what they’ve been working on these past 2 years. 🙂
They have also been expanding the 20V Max lineup like crazy.
John S
I am hoping we can say the same (“now we know wha they’ve been working on”…) about Bosch’s cordless lineup at some point… 🙁
Jim Felt
Preaching to the blue choir.
Frank D
Personally I am Milwaukee all the way, I like Bosch a lot and I can’t say anything bad about Makita. I am heavily invested in both Milwaukee and Makita and I would have more Bosch tools if they were more cutting edge; I haven’t been a fan of dewalt for a while. I have several of their tools, The dw621 plunge router is great and I have a couple grinders that I bought only because of the prices and have been happy with them no doubt. I also really like the ergonomics of the 12v Li-ion drill driver kit. Its a lot more comfortable than the m12 combo kit.
Needless to say I can’t say they would be my “goto” brand when looking for a new tool. However they have really changed the game with this new line up and I feel like they may be pushing to be a real contender again.
I feel like as though they have taken Bosch’s place in my favorites and Bosch has become the “slacker” pretty much due to the fact that I’m not impressed by much besides the glide miter, the impact driver/wrench combo <—– a must have tool in my opinion. As far as the reaxx goes I feel its way over priced and a product I have no interest in buying. I am a fan of the gts1031 but the new skil worm drive table saw is very nice and I may opt for that over the makita 2705
Anyways, Dewalt has deff stepped up their game and while they have taken over High Voltage I'd like to see more on the 12v side. I have a feeling m12 has that locked down for a while tho
Derek
Can’t wait for more info on the toughbox wall system. Really glad I’ve held off on committing to a storage solution now. Exactly what I’ve been looking for. Yes I know I can build my own, but I have other things I’d rather build.
Josh
As a Bosch/Sortimo Lboxx user, I’m quite jealous of the tough system’s waterproofing and durability. I’m not in the habit of keeping my tools in the rain but I’ve had to move toolboxes under shelter in a real hurry.
The wall system just makes it better.
Dylan
I don’t own any dewalt cordless tools, and I still prefer Makita, but this is exciting.
BigDan
I’m mostly Makita too with a few Dewalts that I started off with first. Makita has been dragging their feet lately. Hoping they have more than an expensive robovac coming up or I’ll be slowly moving back to Dewalt in the coming years.
Dylan
They made their newest batch of tools last year I believe, for their 100th anniversary. Fastest impact driver, strongest drill, fastest circ saw etc. Still waiting for their new reciprocating saws to come out, one is a 18v brushless and the other is a 36v brushless. I think they’re supposed to come out later this year.
Dylan
What I really want from them now is a better cordless nailer
Diplomatic Immunity
I think that power station is the real gem here especially if the price drops a little over time. Seems like a nice quick solution to an emergency situation a user might have. Just think of some of the corded tools that aren’t cordless yet or haven’t been made cordless that you can now use wherever you might need them when you don’t have access to an outlet.
Diplomatic Immunity
Oh here’s a question no one seems to have asked yet or I haven’t seen asked. Will Mac cordless tools be able to use these new Flexvolt batteries?
Cody
Yes the dewalt 20 volt max batteries can be used in the mac cordless tools so the dewalt flexvolt batteries will work in the mac tools
Nathan
I think the other follow on is more to the tune of
when will MAC introduce a 60V flex volt based impact wrench and ratchet?
BikerDad
Holy crappoli, that would be awesome. I don’t see a need for the ratchet to go Flex, but a honkin’ 3/4″ Flexvolt impact? Wicked!!
Steve
All this new tech is great! I’m curious as to the ergonomics of the the new flexvolt system and tools. With larger form batteries, I’m sure there is more weight in the back. How does this effect wrist strain and time on tool?
Thanks
Alex S
Well, that’s a trade-off consideration even now. Smaller 2.0Ah or the larger 4/5Ah? Given most of what has been shown is either tabletop or two-handed, that’s probably not a major factor. Sure, a circular saw is a one-handed tool, but the majority of the work is done when it’s being supported by the material it’s cutting.
BikerDad
For me, the circular saw and the wall system are most attractive. It’s almost a dead on certainty that I’ll get the saw, I’ll have to figure out whether or not I actually can use the wall system. While the powerbank is cool tech, it’s not something for which I have any use at this time. Oh, and I’ll probably snag one of those utility knives. One can never have too many utility knives kicking around.
Paul
Any word on if they are also looking at revamping their 12V line. I have 20V tools but there are some times that the 12V looks like it would just be better in smaller applications. Please don’t think I think they should have a 12V everything, but a powerful mini impact updated to use the latest brushless motors would be a nice thing sometimes.
BikerDad
Yup. I use my Bosch 12v Drill, Drivers and Impact more than I use my 20vMax XR drills and impact. Most of what I do though is woodworking.
I certainly wouldn’t mind at all if DeWalt came out with 12v brushless drill and impact, but the fact is I’m unlikely to jump platform. With 6 12v tools and a scad of batteries, the only reason I’d even consider it is Bosch’s glacial pace of bringing their brushless 12v’s to the American market. Mind you, I only want two, the drill and the impact. The drill is here, the impact? AWOL.
Adam
I have both the 12v drill and impact. I bought the kit about 5 years ago or so. Maybe 6 months later I bought the 20v hammerdrill and impact combo kit. Over the years I have used my 12v tools about 75% of the time. They get the jobs done I need done. I’ve only broken out my 20v tools when I’ve really needed the extra power. My 12v stuff is still kicking like a mule, but I would likely buy another set if they were updated, especially with time delay LED’s….It’s frustrating with the strobe effect when trying to drive fasteners.
Rami
How much larger is the flexvolt battery compared to lets say 20V max 5ah battery?
jtr165
refer to the portable power station pic. There is a 6.0ah flexvolt battery on the end, and 3 full size 20v max batteries next to it. That should give an idea, anyway. The 4.0ah and 5.0ah 20v max batteries are identical in box size iirc, so it doesn’t matter which capacity those are.
shorter answer: it looks to be significantly taller, but not awful. Would look crazy on compact drills and drivers, though.
Biff
They certainly look bigger than I would want on a drill or impact driver. On larger tools they seem manageable though.
BigDan
Wish Dewalt would steal this from their sister brand Bostitch. It looks sort of like the powerbank above doesn’t it?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQP43JE/ref=s9_simh_gw_g469_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=9JFNWEEK8N65AQ5YC6AH&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=cca70e28-a3b0-4f0d-b847-0ae9cb54558a&pf_rd_i=desktop
David
I don’t know if the Dewalt guy listening but make a tough case storage system for a pick up bed and I’m in.
Nathan
That power station is the biggest thing I’m interested in and number 2 is the mitre saw with a 3rd place being the grinder.
I could see where the 40V OPE system is going to go away only because they’ve been eclipsed by the Echo and EGO 56V systems that most pros have latched to
specifically the Echo – because it is also compatible with and sold by the stores that sell the Echo and Stihl power tools. However I know a guy that has the dewalt stuffs and he loves them – replaced all his gas equipment on the trucks with the dewalt electrics. I could see however where a 60V setup would have the power to do more still.
Adam
A 60V mower has to be the next move.
Diplomatic Immunity
That or they slap two 60v together for a 120v mower. THAT, I would imagine would have enough power to get people over from gas. What’s always been the problem with cordless outdoor equipment is having enough power and enough runtime for people to switch over from gas.
Something like this.
https://toolguyd.com/bosch-cordless-lawn-mower/
Big Poppa Pump
I agree. I would buy a 120v mower. No more ethanol issues to deal with and my two Lawn Boy Commercial mowers have seen their best days long ago.
Adam
I won’t disagree. I’d buy a 60V Dewalt mower in a heartbeat. I’d buy a 120V version in two heartbeats!
Diplomatic Immunity
This is the biggie. So many problems with the damn ethanol gas.
Biff
120v mower with two 9.0ah 60v batteries would probably mow damn near anything you would want to do with a gas push mower.
I’m sure that would be getting a bit pricey though.
Chris
I don’t think we’d see enough runtime. Now one on the 40 volt system with the 7.5ah batteries would be awesome… Would cut for hours I’d say
Neil
I don’t care what voltage, just come out with a damn lawn mower already!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris
For me and the size of the lawn I have here in town, the mower would be great for me and would probably purchase one as well…
jtr165
Yeah I’d be willing to bet if Dewalt makes an electric mower, it would be under the 40v line…and probably do something like the backpack blower with 2 7.5ah batteries mounted and a switch for when one empties.
FV stuff has the potential (no pun intended) for it, but the most they’re talking about is a 3.0ah 60v, which doesn’t a good mower option make…as even 120v variants are limited to the same capacity.
I’d say the same thing about the rumored cordless pressure washer, too. FV will get some OPE, but mostly as better options to replace the current 20v stuff. If they’re really continuing the 40v line like they said, that is probably where all the ‘real’ landscaping equipment comes from.
Matt J
If the grinder can live up to the claims of cutting 100+ sticks of 3/8 rebar I’ll be all over that like white on rice. Not a replacement of our stihl saws but sometimes you forget to fill gas cans or just don’t want to lug it around.
Chris
Not to mention that was done with the smaller battery, the bigger more advanced 3ah battery should do it no sweat and then some…
Jay
Good grief. You could get three Makita corded circ saws (model 5007F, 5800 rpm) for the price of one flexvolt circ saw kit. Makes you think a little bit.
BikerDad
Sure, you could get 2 Ryobi corded circular saws for EACH of those Makitas. And if you’re out in the boondocks without power, you can sit there with your 3 or 6 corded saws and twiddle your thumbs. If you’re up on the roof, you can trip over not one, not two, but 3 or 6 cords, actually, only 5, because some mook up there cut the 6th one already..
Cordless tools have their place. The big profit is in the batteries. But that’s also where the convenience is at… so we often pay it. I have the semi-legendary now discontinued Porter-Cable lefty sidewinder. And a shortage of outlets, plus I do almost all cutting using the circular saw out in the driveway. Cordless means I won’t have to drag out the extension cord, weave it through the tools in my shop, and avoid cutting the damn power cord while using the tool. So I’m seriously considering the Flexvolt circ saw kit, although I’ll probably hold out for the XR brushless 20v instead, if only to save some shekels. I don’t need the ability to rip a bazillion sheets of OSB on a charge.
What the heck, let’s take Max out the “good grief.” You can get a 26″ Stanley hand saw for $25, no cords to mess with, no charger needed, can cut thicker pieces than any of the circular saws mentioned. Makes those Makitas, even the Ryobis, look pretty darn expensive, doesn’t it?
Jay
If I were still framing houses everyday I’d most definitely give that flexvolt circ saw a long hard look as soon as it appeared at retail. Would have made sheathing roofs and installing lap siding up on a set of pump jacks a little easier. Would now be very nice to grab it for a few quick cuts, but therein lies the problem. In my case that’s a lot of loot for something that will see limited use. A circ saw is still an essential tool for my purposes however and convenience does come at price. As long as the tool receives strong reviews between now and the holidays and it checks out ok hands on, odds are good I’ll spring for one regardless.
Tiberious Johanson
Where is the Cordless Die Grinder?
Why are the newest 20v drills (2050 rpm) slower then the first 20v brushless drills (2500 rpm)
That new angle grinder looks great. But only spins a 9000 RPM. Corded run 11000 rpm many faster. All other CORDLESS brands spin at 9000-10000 RPM.
Nathan
I’ve not seen a cordless angle grinder that will use 6 inch wheel so that might have something to do with the RPM
Chad
Where the heck is my future Dewalt 20v Brad nailer! I’ve been dreaming of the thing for over a year now!
Stuart
They’re working on it!
I believe scale is the issue, You don’t want a brad nailer as large as a finish nailer.
Andrew
I didn’t realize they were going to a bigger cell for the 9.0 pack and 20v 6.0 pack. That’s a good move.
michael douglas
@ Stuart
can you give an unofficial view / listing of the 20v max tools to be released this year;
just list what you know or rumors heard; does not really have to be official
(eg. like calking gun, was already seen)
2)
what I can say for Europe for sure in Sept2016 is the release of the
18v (20v max) track saw
my fried is already testing it (don´t want to send picture yet)
cheers
Stuart
I’ll have to go through my notes, but I’ve seen the threaded rod cutter, metal shears, adhesive guns, the portable power station discussed above, a Bluetooth radio charger, an area worklight, and a higher capacity 20V Max sized battery. I’ll check my images and notes, but I don’t think the discussed much beyond that. There are tools on the roadmap that are being developed, but there’s no firm information about them.
Once everyone has had a chance to catch their breath, I’ll ask about a track saw.
BikerDad
Ask vigorously. Bring the track saw HERE. Oh, and while you’ve got their ear, suggest that they replace the 59″ track with a 64″ or so. Something that can be used to cut a sheet of 60″x60″ Baltic Birch yet isn’t 8 1/2 feet long.
Altan
Hi
We have been told by DeWALT UK representatives online that they will launch new cordless Caulking Gun, Concrete Vibrator and Shears using new batteries (20v for US and 18v for EU), they made a new line with Flexvolt batteries instead, already for the cordless planer they were delaying for 2 years since 2014, Why don’t we get the wall scanner in EU?! Why were they producing cordless biscuit joiner in 2002 and not now? they had long time to do that, they just keep producing ten different types of radios, what for?!!! Upgrade your previous tools first….
Zach
The radio’s needed work.. no doubt about that.
I don’t get why they don’t make the same cordless tools for ALL of the world.
Altan
Which one is better to have radio and no tools or to have tools and no radio?! Which one is first for you?
Altan
Hi
Makita 18v 6.0Ah batteries are available in Australia already, in the photo of Dewalt 20v XR 6Ah battery I noticed it looks like they put a sticker on a 4 or 5 Ah battery in rush (written 6 Ah on it) and I think it is just to say that we are not behind Makita!
Stuart
These are likely prototypes or pre-final-production samples.
The form factor is slightly larger than 3Ah/4Ah/5Ah battery packs, and so they didn’t simply slap a sticker on a lower capacity pack to call it a 6Ah pack.
Doresoom
Wow, most of these are already up on quite a few online retailer’s websites, but still listed as back ordered or unavailable.
HD has the run time for the circular saw listed as a “best in class 128 cuts per charge in 2×4 pine.” That seems pretty paltry, as the M18 Fuel saw claims a run time of 233 cuts using a 4Ah battery, and it debuted almost TWO YEARS AGO.
I hope the specs are currently listed incorrectly, or Dewalt really sacrificed run time for performance. Since the kit only comes with one battery, that’s going to be a lot of time spent waiting around for it to charge.
Lindsay
There will be a one battery kit (DCS575T1) and a two battery kit ( DCS575T2), as well as a bare tool option (DCS575B).
The specs do appear to be listed incorrectly on the DCS575T2 page. The other two options list runtime as 339 cuts per charge.
http://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products/power-tools/saws/circular-saws
BobbyD
The new Dewalt products are great. But Dewalt has a horrible consistency with battery technology. I got out of dewalt because the platforms always change and the user always gets left with products not supported by dewalt. 24v fan cooled battery, 28v, 36v to many platforms to talk about. Now probably the 40v which they just introduced last year and a blower pack just a few months ago.
Biff
Good thing the new batteries are backwards compatible so that’s a non-issue.
It’s not like having trouble finding decent batteries for older tools is exclusive to dewalt or something.
mw
will this battery work with my 28v dc9280 dewalt battery?
Stuart
No.
Altan
Is it DeWALT White Spirit on top Shelf of the Dewalt ToughSystem Wall Mount?!
David
Any talk of a ETA on the Dewalt ToughSystem Wall Mount Brackets?