A reader wrote in, asking if recent rumors about the Dewalt FlexVolt cordless power tool system were true.
They wrote:
I see over on YouTube some folks are saying that DeWalt is doing away with the 60V FlexVolt line of tools and batteries. Their OPT line is strong and I can’t imagine DeWalt would go to the 20V platform for those outdoor items. Can you dig in and do a story on this “rumor”. The other interesting aspect of this rumor is that Lowes is going back to DeWalt OPT.
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I haven’t seen these rumors yet and would have chalked it up to sensationalism or maybe theories about limited observations.
Still, it seemed like a good idea to ask Dewalt to comment about the matter.
Dewalt replied, saying:
The DEWALT 60V and FLEXVOLT battery platform, including outdoor power equipment, continues to be a focus in our product lineup. We have multiple new product launches in the works and are showcasing a full range of 60V tools and FLEXVOLT batteries at WOC this week.
DEWALT outdoor power equipment is currently available at Home Depot, ACE, Tractor Supply, as well as many independent retailers.
There you have it – the Dewalt FlexVolt cordless power tool and battery platform is a continued focus for the brand, and more products are on the way.
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That seems like a pretty clear answer to me.
WOC: World of Concrete, an annual trade show involving many pro tool brands.
OPE: Outdoor Power Equipment
OPT: Outdoor Power Tools (similar used interchangeably with OPE)
Doug in PF
“Ace is the place” local to me and I was surprised to see mention Ace as DeWalt OPE dealer and part of that may happen because mine is also the Stihl dealer. I went to the website and checked a few items and they’re all ship to store. Are the DeWalt OPE tools on shelves elsewhere?
Stuart
That part of the answer addresses this question I asked: Are there any official updates regarding Dewalt product availability at Lowe’s stores, specifically with respect to 20V Max or FlexVolt OPE?
There are usually limits as to what can be disclosed regarding retail arrangements, and so they confirmed where you can find FlexVolt cordless OPE. They listed the retail dealers, but there are also independent dealers.
Maybe only some larger Ace stores have FlexVolt tools in-store, or maybe only seasonally. I don’t shop there enough to be able to say.
Big Richard
Lowes has historically not sold any DeWalt OPE (at least since DeWalt dropped 40v), but that appears to be no longer the case. They have had listings for OPE begin to pop up on their website. I think we will see more in the coming months.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20-Volt-MX-XR-Leaf-Blower-125-MPH-450-CFM/8000334
Stuart
“Sold and Shipped by Poolzilla”
Big Richard
Oof. Forgot Lowes started doing marketplace listings. What a mess.
Stuart
I missed it at first too. I looked at the reviews and saw they were all being syndicated from dewalt.com. The blower is out of stock, and there’s no indication Lowe’s sold any. And then I saw in teeny tiny font that it’s sold by a 3rd party company.
I find it highly amusing that folks are likely buying Dewalt cordless leaf blowers at Home Depot and trying to sell them on Lowe’s website.
Champs
Reading the room, they would want to make an official announcement elsewhere, and if anything is in the works, they would ignore the question or call you just to say “stay tuned.”
I don’t expect any news about Lowe’s.
Phil Kipnis
Our Ace hardware stores here in the greater San Jose, Santa Clara County area, the real silicone valley) and Santa Cruz county stock a great variety of Dewalt tools. Sadly the Dewalt selection at the Lowe’s closest to my home offers an anemicly poor selection of Dewalt tools. Not a whole lot better at the Home Depot. My guess is that the locally owned ACE’s management knows their markets better. They carry a whole lot more than the nationally promoted sale item. They also understand the products they sell. It’s worth the additional five or six percent more they charge.
Jason
In a previous career I worked with Ace quite a bit. They have plenty of planograms and certain items on national promo stores need to buy into but for a lot of product selections independent stores can make their own buying decisions.
That being said, if they’re a large Stihl dealer some get better pricing especially on parts and repair stuff if they don’t stock competitive OPE brands like Milwaukee/Dewalt
Zack
Ace is a co-op business model, most of their stores are independently owned. I also used to do a lot of work with Ace Stores and Ace Corporate, and Stihl has long history of working with Ace owners because they made it super easy to buy and deploy the Stihl planograms in 4 – 8 foot increments. Stihl was also well supported by the network of Ace RSC’s (regional warehouses). Broadly speaking, the mentality of Ace owners is “if its in the RSC, I’ll stock and sell it”. Because they get a resupply truck from the RSC multiple times a week, they can put inventory on auto-pilot with out ordering case-pack quantities. The RSC will happily sell you 1 of something, which ties up less space and cash in inventory.
If Dewalt OPE doesn’t have the same level of RSC inventory support and ease of planogram deployment, then they aren’t going to get the same kind of in-store treatment like the Stihl Wall.
Luke
In the midwest, Runnings has their outdoor power equipment and I think maybe Fleet Farm as well. I have bought both a Dewalt weed eater and chainsaw from Runnings off the shelf.
Bonnie
West Coast I see FlexVolt stuff at both Tractor Supply and Wilco.
Big Richard
Someone, perhaps the same individual, made a post on the DeWalt subreddit about it, too – https://www.reddit.com/r/Dewalt/comments/1qj2typ/60v_flexvolt/
They didn’t link the video, but I’m fairly confident they are referencing a recent toolswithsoalz video, which immediately discredits the claim. DeWalt just announced an entire new lineup of 60v Flexvolt OPE at EquipExpo in October. The claims are not only unfounded, but easily disprovable, really.
Will
I just watched the video. That guy is very confident with his misinformation. He speaks like it’s fact, but then says he doesn’t have any actual knowledge of this. He also manages to sneak in an insult to another YouTube channel. YouTube is almost unwatchable with the level of clickbait and misinformation.
Fm2176
I’ve watched some of his content. His channel is the typical, “let’s drive big screws into wood to ‘prove’ what’s best” stuff. Some isn’t bad, and I’ve even commented a few times, but he seems content with being Mr. Right on everything. If you disagree with him or leave a comment he doesn’t like, he’s quick to throw out an insult. I take it as just the persona he wants to project. Not saying it’s good, but not saying he’s got the worst channel either. Just [yet another] “I say it, it’s true” YT expert.
Will
Yeah, couldn’t handle twenty seconds of that db. Typical YouTuber, no substance and talking out the wrong end. Anything for clicks seems to be what makes these people money.
Nathan
I don’t recall Lowe’s ever having flexvolt. It was hd exclusive for a while
All the bigger ope moved to it.
Also glad to see ace getting a mention
Will
I don’t think Lowes sells any Dewalt OPE, not even 20v. Pretty sure you’re right about them never having flexvolt either. Good thing, considering they were the exclusive big store for dewalt 12v and look how that turned out.
Jared
I thought Dewalt might someday move towards Flexvolt advantage – or whatever that other line was that boosted tools when paired with >8ah packs. Power detect?
It seems like the progress in new battery pack tech sort of blurred the reason for Flexvolt’s existence. Of course, maybe they can use that tech in Flexvolt packs and achieve even higher energy outputs, but it didn’t seem necessary.
Nevertheless, my Flexvolt OPE is heads and tails better than the 20v line.
Big Richard
DeWalt has replaced both FlexVolt Advantage and XR Power Detect with the new rebranded XR line. From the press release from 2024:
“…In addition, DEWALT FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ and XR® POWER DETECT™ tools will be rebranded as XR®, including the following that are available now….”
Jared
That’s interesting because it sort does both things.
XR benefitting from higher-output packs suggests they don’t need to be Flexvolt packs to achieve Dewalt’s top-tier performance. Yet by removing any Flexvolt reference, it brightens the line between 20v and 60v.
XR isn’t really Flexvolt, but neither was Flexvolt Advantage/Power Detect. They’re all just drawing more heavily on packs that can support it. So if you need Flexvolt to power a REALLY high-draw tool, then that line still exists for a reason.
I don’t know if I’m explaining that well, but it makes me think that separation may itself be a signal of Flexvolt’s longevity. The older two versions of the branding could imply a transition away from Flexvolt as the lines blurred.
I might also be seeing shapes in the clouds.
Harrison
Lines have been blurred, but you’re right- The strategies that have improved the 20v tools have improved the 60v lineup as well.
I think Dewalt is going to drop the PowerDetect/ Flexvolt Advantage branded drills. Those tools never even used the battery packs in 60v mode, they were just high output 20v. Tabless 20v 8ah packs are more than adequate for a drill.
One thing to consider is that they have released their 12” miter saw in 20v, so it seams likely they are looking to build out a complete line of contractor tools that maintain a single voltage.
That said, there is no way Dewalt could sell a 20” 4hp chainsaw on the 20v platform without going dual-battery. Higher voltages will always have an advantage, technology being equal. If there is one range of tools where 60v has a clear justification, it would be OPE.
Big Richard
“I think Dewalt is going to drop the PowerDetect/ Flexvolt Advantage branded drills.”
They already have, all the FlexVolt Advantage and XR Power Detect tools have been rebranded as just XR.
JP454
I feel like the Flexvolt packs run cooler on the Advantage tools than the XR packs at the higher power output, but I have no actual facts for that.
If I know I’m doing something intensive I always reach for the Flexvolt batteries.
Will
Makes sense, flexvolt batteries have more cells, so the load and heat is spread out over more area.
Stuart
Yes, and no. There are more battery cells, so the load is spread among more cells, generating less heat.
But that’s compared to older 20V Max XR batteries. The newer ones have lower internal resistance, so they generate less heat for the same load.
Will
That is a good point Stuart. I haven’t noticed a powerpack getting hot. I have turned a few 12ah flexvolts into hot potatoes with the 60v angle grinder.
Shawn
In my experience a flexvolt only tool has substantially more power than the advantage line.
Chris
Thank you for addressing this! I had tried to comment something about the lack of flexvolt on your recent WOC post, but it never posted to the comments. It would have been really silly for Dewalt to end flexvolt.
JP454
I asked this question to my Dewalt Service Center a few weeks ago when I was having a drill rebuilt.
The guy (who seemed to care and actually stay informed) said they were definitely keeping FlexVolt.
He said the same thing that he thought they were going to be introducing some new things for the flexvolt platform and since they dropped the Advantage and confusing marketing they would be expanding now in a much clearer and more straightforward way.
I hope he’s right. certain tools really do make full use and need 60v even with how far the 20v system has progressed.
Bill
Stuart, do you have any insight into the new products Dewalt eluded to in their statement?
Stuart
I don’t. They only announced Powershift and 20V Max tools at the World of Concrete event https://toolguyd.com/new-tools-world-of-concrete-2026/ .
Cordless OPE tools might have been out of place at WOC; if there are new FlexVolt OPE tools for spring 2026, maybe we’ll hear about them in a month or so.
Big Richard
Most of it was at EquipExpo back in October. Here’s one video that shows some of it decently.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCoS_EpPXdk
The dual 16A charger will be good for any OPE user, but may be hinting at future dual battery tools, like the backpack blower. Their current snow thrower and mowers only operate on a single 60v battery, I’d love to see some more capable dual battery models.
Robm
Flexvolt will be a thing of the past in 18-24 months. Especially with industry shifts and the way battery tech will be changing soon. I’d be highly surprised to see may systems over 18v around in 2 years or less.
Will
You sound as sure as the guy claiming it on YouTube. Dewalt isn’t didcontinuing Flexvolt. With the push to ban gas powered OPE in many states, battery powered OPE is what’s going to replace gas. There are no 20v tools that are anywhere near gas engine power levels. There are many 60v tools that are. Dewalt has been releasing professional grade Flexvolt ope over the last year. They sure seem to be spending money on flexvolt development. What battery tech do you think will make 20v outperform 60v? That’s a hard one to argue, because any tech that makes 20v more powerful, will also make 60v way more powerful.
Robm
60v Flexvolt OPE isn’t that good. I’m sorry to burst your bubble. But ALL major power tool manufacturers will be in a massive race to get new tools to the market in 18-24 months. Sure Flexvolt might be coming out with new stuff, but look at the battery industry, look at the tech, look at battery cell manufacturers. It’s all lining up for what I’m hoping and many like me are hoping for, the largest battery cell generational leap yet. Btw who or whom ever is talking about the end of Flexvolt on YouTube may also be watching battery tech or perhaps has inside information.
Stuart
That all sounds very vague.
What “largest battery cell generational leap”??
FlexVolt continues to offer marketable advantages.
Will
This may be the they guy with the YouTube channel. Quick Google search says that guy’s name is Robert.
Has the same tone of “I have inside information”, but doesn’t back it up with any facts.
Robm
Very little advantage when compared to powershift. Flexvolt offers no advantage over for 90% of users, I’ve seen most concrete guys go back to 20v/ 18v systems for drilling and driving, gas systems for cutting(unless inside residential buildings) These tool companies are noticing the shift in the tools that professional users are wanting long before most YouTube’s and bloggers.
Will
I’ll ask again, what battery tech do you think will make 20v outperform 60v, but won’t also make 60v more powerful than 20v?
Robm
Voltage isn’t nearly as important as you’re lead to believe my man. But here I post a few types of new battery tech and PLEASE go do some research and reading, for me at least the technology coming soon (not just batteries) is absolutely fascinating, especially since it’s been such a long time in the making.
solid-state, sodium-ion, and silicon-anode battery designs are some of the few I know Dewalt and Milwaukee are bother currently interested in. I know that the field test version of the 1007 we had came with a certain new battery tech in the included battery.
Robm
Also fyi I don’t have a YouTube channel. Although I have thought about it, but it’s highly ironic that the person you are referring to on YouTube is named Robert, when I chose to use robm because of a typo. Because ya know autocorrect seems to be the true know it all.
Stuart
There are always research papers hyping up new and novel battery technologies, but I’d say that more than 99% prove to be unmarketable tech of purely academic interest.
Will
This while thing feels like talking to a kid with a turbo four cylinder, telling me it’s more powerful than my V8.
My V8 is a twin turbo 😏
Whatever new battery tech comes out, it will be much longer than two years for companies like Stanley Black and Decker to get it into production. Look how long it took to get two tabless batteries to market.
Even if some new battery went against the laws of physics and put out more power at lower voltage than at higher voltage, flexvolt would still be around for 8-10 years. They supported nicad for well over ten years after they switched to the current 20v system. Fact is, no matter what new tech comes out, flexvolt won’t be gone for many years.
Big Richard
@Robm,
We know voltage is not everything, it is only half of the equation when it comes to power. The other half is current, or Amps. The problem with higher current applications is more heat. You need heavier windings, heavier connectors, better heat dissipation, etc.. Milwaukee was champion of the “18v is enough” crowd, but even they switched to 2x18v (36v) for higher draw tools, notably OPE, because the increased voltage allows for lower current, which increases efficiency and runtime.
When the DeWalt DCD1007 was field tested, it was paired with their unreleased at the time PowerPack batteries, which are tabless cell batteries. It was new at the time, but they have since been released.
Simon
A while ago I asked Windows copilot if dewalt was discontinuing flex volt and it said yes. I looked it up online and many 3rd parties said so. Some vlogger also stated it’s because of their advancement in their stack batteries that they no longer require that voltage system . I assumed it was true. 🤷🏻♂️😅
Stuart
I have found that a lot of people are very confident about misinformation and baseless rumors.
Chuck
Completely off topic, I saw a video today that Dewalt is coming out with accessories for the construction jacks. One is a set of Non marring shoes that go under the base and over the lifting plate. The other is an extension the clips on foot and gives a full height of 27”. I bought a set from Acme on black Friday and they’re amazing. I’ll definitely get the extension. Sorry if you’ve mentioned this, Stuart
Stuart
Dewalt hasn’t sent me any media info about that, and I’ve only seen slim bits of info from influencer videos.
Viking Arm has something similar, and so it’s not too surprising to see similar from Dewalt.
Will
Been hoping for non marring shoes for these. I figured someone would make 3d printed ones, but haven’t seen anything yet. Will definitely get these when they come out.
Jeff
DeWalt said the same thing about their old 18v system months before they announced the 20v* system. I don’t believe anything they say.
Will
To their credit, they did continue to support nicad tools for a very long time. They were still selling legacy batteries for eleven or twelve years after the updated platform was released.
Stuart
Is there any observational evidence of big changes to FlexVolt? No.
There is nothing but wild guessing to contradict Dewalt’s assertion.
Brent
Gosh, you know, I own about a dozen of the 20v and 60v DeWalt tools, and I was very interested and informed by your article, but I couldn’t help but wonder what OPT and OPE stand for? (I’m guessing the latter is outdoor power equipment?) AND I also am very curious what WOC means…? Gee (cue heavy dose of sarcasm) I wonder if I should look it up and try to figure it out, or if the author shouldn’t consider how everything reads and sounds to the reader and possibly not make assumptions about what the reader knows?
Look, I really did enjoy the article, and I’m not trying to cause you grief, but these are things you should consider when writing this type of piece.
Stuart
Good point, thank you! I added a brief legend at the end of the post. I wrote out World of Concrete for WOC in every first instance in recent posts, forgot to do that here since it was within a quote. OPE and OPT refer to Outdoor Power Equipment or Tools, and are used interchangeably. OPE is more common, or you might see “cordless OPE.”
Jeff Nevrotski
If DeWalt were to dissolve it’s flexvolt line of tools it would be sticking its head in a noose along with a 50lb rock tied at the ankle. Example the 20v circ saw is junk while cutting a sheet of 3/4″ red oak plywood which is only 2mil veneer on each side with filler I would run 2 4hr batters straight to overheat before finish the 1st rip cut. 60v cheered it up and asked for more. My problem with DeWalt is that they are one time had 2 service centers in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. They closed the last one after covid and then tied telling me tool turn around time is better. The closest center is over 2 hrs away the reason it’s better us because less tools are brought in. They closed the store because it was doing more warranty work then billable work. To change that problem is simple, quit selling junk made in China. Re open a service center back in philly or make the service manuals available to the public. I brought my pressure washer to an authorized repair center and got back a train wreck as well as was told work was performed that wasn’t. Main issue was bypassing the pressure ready motherboard when he was told to fix it and was told it was fixed. I have been lied to about the touchscreen radio and was told it didn’t sell well. Not about it’s issues which mine clearly had and have never been offered any type of let’s make this right olive branch. I’m 54 and been using DeWalt all my life. I have so much money invested in DeWalt products I should have a standing discount and product tester. Instead I see myself holding back from the brand to see if manufacturing comes back here. Their quality will go back up and warranty work back down but if made in bangledesh stickers show up then it’s only a matter of time us suwhqrds had enough
timmy
I’m not saying you’re wrong here, but you did say exactly the same thing about their 40v line immediately before it got discontinued.
Stuart
I know. Frankly, I can present cogent arguments both ways. But observationally, there is no indication that Dewalt’s statement is anything other than 100% genuine and accurate for the long-term future. Thus, I’m taking it as fact right now.
Will
This seems like a logical position to take. It’s amazing how a rumor like this gets legs without any facts. I’m glad to see this article as well as the article about 12v dewalt. It’s getting rare to read factual info online. Remember when the internet was referred to as the “information superhighway”? Who would have thought it would become the misinformation superhighway.
Brian
Dewalt has problems in general. I broke free about two years ago when I noticed that out of all the tools in my shop, all the newer DeWalt stuff is having to be replaced every year or so. The final straw was when my $700 laser quit after one year. It seems whatever infected Porter cable has metastasized to yellow and black. So sad….
Will
Every now and then, I see a post like this and have to wonder if the person posting is very unlucky, very hard on tools or exaggerating for some reason. I’ve had very little issues with newer Dewalt tools. Also, these posts never seem to have many people agreeing or having similar problems.
Brad J
I got the FlexVolt worm-style circ saw and 5″ angle grinder a year ago. Total game changers. Being able to build crates and cut/grind heavy iron with no extension cord is so nice.