Dewalt has recently announced a whole bunch of new tools in many categories – there are new cordless tools, corded tools, pneumatic nailers, mechanics tools, power tool accessories, and the list goes on. You can check out our latest Dewalt tool coverage here.
There’s one more tool that I hadn’t discussed yet – a new Dewalt right angle flex shaft extension (model DWARAFS) that’s meant to be used with impact drivers.
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It’s not that I omitted this on purpose. Either I missed it at Dewalt’s June media event, or Dewalt is stealthily bringing it to market. Either way, I was oohing and ahhing when I saw it listed on Amazon just before, and figured some of you would share in the appeal.
The new Dewalt right angle flex shaft features a 12″ extension, “true 90°” right angle head, quick change bit chuck, and an embedded magnet for keeping fasteners aligned. It comes with a removable side handle for added leverage and support, and looks to screw into the bit holder housing.
Although depicted as an impact driver accessory, I cannot think of any reason why it couldn’t be used with a drill or cordless screwdriver as well.
This seems like just the thing to get you out of a bind when driving fasteners in tight spaces. It’s not inexpensive, but it is a lot cheaper than buying a right angle impact driver that you might only use on occasion.
Price: $30
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Need something a little shorter or simpler? Dewalt’s short right angle impact driver extension, which came out in 2013, might fit the bill.
mikeh says
AWESOME! it will be interesting to see how well it works but 30 for an impact rated driver that will get you into really tight places seems pretty reasonable
David Funk says
Take my money right now!
Szymon says
This looks promising.
I have seen a similar item from other Brands but they looks like they would only work for the first use.
I will be getting this for sure.
Kyle says
Seems like a great way to get into small spaces, but as for the use with an impact driver… I don’t doubt this thing can survive being used with an impact driver, but I’m skeptical that the torque spikes actually make it through this thing to the bit. I would think the blows just wind up the flexible shaft and if you do eventually see those blows at the bit they would be significantly attenuated. Of course, it’s still a nice way to get into small spaces with any drill driver.
Mike says
I had the same thought as well regarding the delivered torque. Even a small extension or adapter significantly reduces he delivered impact, how much is the cable windup going to allow through? For $30 it might be worth the risk, though.
Adam says
A lot smaller than carrying a dedicated right angle drill, and can reach many places their current right angle adapters won’t.
Any mention if this will handle hex shank drill bits or spade, or is more intended for driving fasteners? This might be where you end up with a real RA drill.
Matt E. says
I’d be worried about excess torque with Spade bits. Maybe with the handle attachment it would be manageable though.
Matt E. says
FWIW, I’ve actually used the aforementioned right angle adapter (the 2013 one) WITH a flex extension, and it did alright. It’s a very clunky setup though.
For $30, I’ll get one just for the ease of use.
Crit says
Beware if it torques up tight on something it will take and spin the flex part up and bite you hard took the skin off the webbing in my hand between my pointer finger and thumb.
Stuart says
I would think it’s more meant for use with screwdriver bits and not drill bits. I don’t think I would ever think to use this with a spade bit.
pete says
I currently use dewalt’s 1/4″ quick connect right angle adapter and it works well. I haven’t had any failures or problems. I of course only use it occasionally for those small space areas so once a month? I will say that the right angle adapter has a smaller On Center width to get the driver closer to a wall if you need to drill/drive very close to a wall and still want the fastener to be straight. I would be interested in this but my current dewalt right angle adapter works great.
pete says
This looks like it might have a smaller on center diameter head though. interesting doubtful that I’ll need it over my current one.
Yadda says
Neat! This one’s going on the Christmas want list.
Nathan says
want – I mean I don’t really know I want the flex shaft – but might as well. the picture shows it with a 895 driver (which is what I have) and it’s 3rd setting is rather strong (110+ ft lbs capable).
but I was about to buy a right angle 1/4 drive widget – so I’m glad I waited.
Awesome find.
fred says
It looks like “Toolguys” have bought Amazon out of stock
Stuart says
Nope! Look under “more buying options.” It’s not shipping yet, meaning Amazon didn’t get this in their warehouses yet. They only recently went live with the sales page.
It’s usually first come, first serve with Amazon’s newly listed tools, and so the adapter will likely be out of stock for a while, even after they start fulfilling and shipping out orders.
fred says
Thanks for the clarification – good to know a bit more about how amazon functions
Stuart says
Since ToolGuyd is partially supported through affiliate link purchases, I try to refrain from too much encouragement, lest my motive for posting about anything be misunderstood.
With new releases, it’s often best to buy right away, rather than to wait for an item to be brought up to stock, except when the price is expected to drop.
The Makita impact driver I posted about last week (https://toolguyd.com/makita-18v-impact-driver-kit-xdt042/) was initially listed at $119, but I was very confident that it would drop to $99. And it has – it’s now $99 and shipping.
With this adapter, the $29.99 price seems reasonable, and there’s a lower chance of it dropping. If I buy it now, even though it’s “temporarily out of stock,” I get added to the fulfillment list. If the list is quite long, Amazon will receive several shipments before ever listing the item as in-stock. Once they catch up, it’ll be listed as in-stock and orders will be fulfilled with immediate inventory.
I don’t like to say “don’t wait, order it now,” except for maybe when there’s a time-sensitive deal. If one waits too long to order this adapter, they’ll simply have to wait longer. There’s no real incentive to rushing to order one, unless they want it sooner.
There might be some incentive to wait. Come November, Amazon will likely have another $20 off $100 Dewalt promo, or similar, that this adapter might (should) be eligible for. That requires additional purchases of course, but maybe there will be a lower threshold discount ahead of the big promo, such as $10% off $50 accessories, or something to that effect.
What a betwixting choice. (After you used that word, I heard it 3 more times within 2 days. Now seemed like a fitting time to get some practice in with it.)
fred says
Betwixting aside, I once was accused of using “arcane technical argot”. I quipped back that if ever I heard “arcane technical argot” that 3 word phrase was it.
Stuart says
That guy was likely just jealous.
Whenever you use a word I’m not quite familiar with, I look it up, reread the phrase, and the context is always spot-on. Some people use higher-level vocabulary to be obnoxious and to show off, and maybe they assume others do the same, but your use is sparing and I’ve always found your choice of wording to be appropriate. Not just highly appropriate, but to the extent of being the best possible way to convey something.
JoeM says
…I Want This… I have a generic flex shaft for my Drill, this would be PERFECT for my Impact Driver. I’m afraid to use my flex shaft and right-angle attachments on my Impact Driver. This is perfect!
SiSiX says
Looks to be a lot more useful than the right angle adapter from 2013. The flex shaft especially, if you’ve ever had to actually use one of these is extremely useful.
One thing though: As far as using it for drilling purposes, if it’s at all like the one from 2013, I’d only use it very sparingly for drilling or continuous/high speed use. I found that the two I’ve gone through do very well driving fasteners/removing them, but using it continuously (like you would drilling) tends to overheat the lubrication and the unit itself. I’ve had two that have ‘oozed’ around the front (both still work). I think it’s just the nature of this particular beast. Maybe if it was $100 and not $25.
Otherwise, I’m looking to get one.
Joe says
The fact that it is impact rated means it will not require that much force to hold it down. I’m in to buy one.
Brian says
This might be the best innovation of the year, thoroughly impressed if this thing hold up. First, “I have to have it” tool I’ve seen in a long time.
Jerry says
Looks like ToolGuyd is gonna cost me another $30, LOL
fred says
Me too. I preordered one from Amazon.
I’ve been using a straight flex drive for about 1 year now from a company called OEM Tools – replaced an Eazypower 73611 that wore out – but this Dewalt adds more functionality. Here’s a link to the OEM Tools one that I use now.
http://www.oempta.com/12-Magnetic-Flex-Extension-MFQC-12.htm
John says
That is definitely worth $30.
Michael says
It might well have it’s uses but I can’t see me ever using one.
Richard Shaddinger says
Added to my Xmas list!
Jim S says
I’m in for one!
Tyler says
I noticed that a 3rd party reseller is Acme Tools so I stopped by their local store on my lunch break and saved the $9.99 shipping. FYI – You can save a couple bucks on shipping from Acme directly from their website versus them as a reseller on Amazon.
I haven’t taken it out of the package yet, but it looks well built and the included screw in handle will help… some. The handle sticks out to the side, which means you can’t really get a good grab on it, the head of the attachment and the drill at the same time. I might try to 3d print a handle/case that slides over the top of the gearbox and down the flex shaft a little. It will give a greater holding area and be a little more ergonomic. I imagine it to look similar, but smaller profiled than Dewalt’s existing right angle adapter.
I have some small holes to drill in some small bins and shelving over the next couple days. I was debating on a dedicated right angle drill or one of the adapters. This post came in perfect time as I was about to pull the trigger on the other adapters.
fred says
I’ve noticed the same thing about Amazon and some of its resellers. It seems that you may pay a bit less if you buy directly – so you have to figure out if the added convenience or security of buying through Amazon is worth what they add on to the price. Living in the east – I don’t have the luxury of a nearby Acme , Menards etc.
Larson says
I’m a bit behind on my “toolguyding” so this was an awesome find! It’s funny a few months ago I found myself using an angle adapter with a ryobi flexible extension. It worked, but this in 1 unit is way better. If I remember correctly $30 is cheaper than my setup too
Toolpig says
This looks like a good piece to have in your box.
Hegemony Cricket says
Who installs trim *before* drywall?
Eric says
Ok, I must have this. And I have/use angle impact drivers all the time. This looks like it could pay for itself easily in time save on the right job for $30. Looks like it could get to nuts bolts and screws that even the right angle driver can’t get to. I can think of many past jobs it could have sped up enormously.
Hilton says
Ok so did anyone buy this and can report back please?
James says
I got one and was excited to use it and knew i could use it almost daily but the first time i used it it broke. I took it back and got the cheaper irwin one and have had it for some time now and works well
Jason S. says
Me too. I was even pre-drilling the holes and mine also exploded. I’ll check out the Irwin option.
Jason S. says
Mine has been sitting in my shop for almost a year. I just broke it out for some tight spots where I was installing deck posts (3″ screws into decking and blocking). I got through about 30 screws before this attachment exploded. There are consistent reviews on Amazon of this same problem, along with several injuries as a result of this failure. This accessory is junk, and I’m a big fan of Dewalt. I cannot recommend this item.