By now you have probably already seen my teaser of Dewalt’s new tools, although it’s buried under a lot of tool news and deals in that post, and my very lengthy sneak peek of Dewalt’s new cordless tools for 2015. If not, definitely check those posts out too.
Here, I’ll be discussing all of the noteworthy mechanics tools and hand tools that will be coming out. The only one missing is the new carbon fiber level, as I never even saw it. It wasn’t until I was at the airport chatting it up with Tools in Action and Workshop Addict that I even found out there was a carbon fiber level!
I’m going to ask the same question at the end of this post as in the new cordless tool post: which of these new tools are you most excited about? If you can’t think of an answer, think about which tools you would like to see Dewalt come out with next.
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Ball Bearing Tool Storage Combo
If there is one thing I am desperately in need of, it’s more efficient tool storage solution. Right now I don’t have the space for wide units, but once we move in coming months, I plan to have a place for every single tool I own. Right now, I’m short on tool drawers and there’s way too much overflow.
It’s difficult to evaluate a tool box that isn’t loaded, but on the surface I think that Dewalt’s new box has a strong design.
For one, it’s not yellow like Dewalt’s 2014 ball bearing release. I don’t mind the mostly-yellow look of last year’s combo, but it’s too loud for a lot of users.
Small details hinted at a thorough attention to detail.
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From beefy air pistons for holding up the lid.
To a contoured top compartment lid that’s easy to grab and open.
The drawers open smoothly and close with a snap. Once the drawers are loaded, the self-closing drawers should dampen out.
Plastic caps on the drawer pulls are a nice touch I wish Craftsman would consider. The small aluminum pulls of my Craftsman 16-inch deep chest have been marking my arms up lately.
And ooh… stylized casters. I’m not one for flashy-looking caster wheels, but I can at least tell you that the box glided on the cement floor.
Expanded Open Stock Wrenches, Sockets, and Mechanics Tool Stacking Sets
That’s right, Dewalt will be offering open stock selection of their wrenches and sockets.
I tried to do my usual 11/32″ test, where I check to see how complete a wrench or socket arrangement is, and saw mixed answers. The Dewalt rep said that this wasn’t the full offering, and so maybe there will be 11/32″ wrench and socket sizes.
I use 11/32″ tools on #8 machine nuts and some other hardware. Most mechanics tool sets don’t include that size, except maybe as a 1/4″ drive socket, but brands with more complete wrench and socket offerings often sell it separately. If a brand doesn’t make 11/32″ tools, then there’s a chance I will later on come across another size of wrench or socket that they don’t offer.
I was told that the wrenches and sockets were redesigned, but I didn’t really see any difference between the new tools and the older ones I’ve tested and used.
The sockets looked to be decent samples.
Good chrome on the outside, and the inside, rounded corners, crisp broaching.
I’ll be taking a closer look at these new tools, but I think they’re recommendable. If you’re the type that gripes about how Dewalt wrenches and sockets aren’t made in the USA, keep in mind that you can always upgrade to Stanley Black & Decker’s Proto and Mac tool brands. If Dewalt’s mechanics tools were made in the USA, they would command much higher prices and overlap too much with SBD’s highest hand tool tiers.
One more thing – the mechanics tools are all kitted in stacking boxes that lock together for easy carrying. There aren’t any handles, as John from Workshop Addict pointed out while we were chatting at the airport, and so “easy carrying” could be made easier. They are also sized for easy storage in a tool cart or drawer.
MaxFit Screwdrivers
Say hello to the new line of Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers.
All of the new Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers are designed with tips similar to the ones on their FlexTorq impact-rated bits and MaxFit screwdriving bits, and they even sport hex shanks as well. And yes, there will be magnetic accessories as with the FlexTorq system that hold screws to the driver tips for easier installation.
Dewalt MaxFit screwdrivers have quad-lobed handles that are over-molded with a rubber grip. No, these screwdrivers are not based on the Proto Duratek screwdriver design, and yes I asked. They look mighty similar to me, but I guess that’s probably just wishful thinking.
To be honest, I was a little ho-hum about the screwdrivers. They seemed nice and all, but weren’t spectacular, if you know what I mean. Are the handle materials Santoprene? No, they’re whatever Stanley and Dewalt use on their bimaterial tool grips. Hex? Torx? Robertson? I only saw Phillips and slotted.
Oh, but what’s this? Hollow ground slotted screwdrivers? Nice. And even the corners are eased a little to help prevent fastener damage of any kind. Nice.
Once these hit the market I’ll be sure to take a closer look.
Adjustable Pliers
Adjustable pliers? Booooring. I hate to sound like a jerk, but what’s so special about a product that Dewalt already offered when they first got into the hand tool market. So many other brands are way ahead in this category. C’mon, where are the compound leverage pliers that Stanley came out with overseas?
Hmm… one-handed adjustment, you say? I’m listening.
And they open wider than the competition? Okay, I’ll give them a second look-over once they hit the market.
The Dewalt rep was showing off how the smaller size opened greater than the Irwin Vise Grips larger size. But if I recall correctly and an unpublished photo shows, the jaws are shorter. And the shorter handle size also means less leverage.
If you buy these, it should probably be fore the easier one-handed adjustments.
One-Piece Hammers
One-piece hammers? Sweet!
I liked the 16 ounce the best, but there was one thing I was unhappy about – it only comes with a ripping claw.
Seriously? C’mon, where’s the curved nail claw option?
That niggle about the claw aside, these hammers are nice. They have thinner handle shafts that help to create a higher velocity swing, similar to the pricier Dewalt MIG-welded hammers that kicked-off a fierce competition for market share.
There are other steel high velocity options from Vaughan (Stealth), Estwing (Ultra), and Kobalt.
The hammers swung nicely and had a nice balance, They also had large nail-starting notches that worked, and a side-puller for removing nails.
These hammers suck at pulling up nails. I tried to remove a ~16d nail that I mangled, and I couldn’t. The side puller worked a little, but the rip claw couldn’t get that nail out easily. I got the nail out eventually, and wouldn’t pack these hammers in a bag without a separate nail puller.
Earplugs
These aren’t new licensed offerings, but I hadn’t seem them before. My typical ear plugs don’t have that flat mushroom shape at the end – I wonder if these work better. I’ll definitely keep in mind to try them later on.
Random NASCAR Decal Work Photo
These guys were re-skinning the NASCAR car FAST. I don’t know why they were applying the new Built in the USA decal in the factory, but it was impressive to watch them work. If that was me, I would have been slow and sweaty, worried that I’d be the one to screw up with a bubble, wrinkle, or miscut.
iPad Case
I’ve seen the new Dewalt iPad case ($27 via Amazon) a couple of times, but were reluctant to post about it. How many of you would be interested in something like this?
Still, looked like a solid case for those who want to sport a Dewalt-themed iPad case at jobsites. Smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, and so it makes sense for Dewalt and their licensing partners to look to address such needs.
LED Lighted Tool Bag
I wrote about the new Dewalt lighted tool backpack, and their lighted roller bag, but there’s also a new lighted technician’s tool bag ($60 via Amazon).
The LED still seems a little silly, but after seeing it in person, it makes more sense.
Overall Impressions
Overall, I like what I saw. I wasn’t shocked to see any of these developments, at least nothing like my utter surprise upon seeing the ToughSystem Bluetooth radio system, but I was happy to find that Dewalt’s not sitting still. There’s more work to be done if they have any hope of capturing sizable market share, but from what I can tell they’re moving in the right direction.
Actually, there was one big surprise – the hollow ground slotted screwdrivers. That’s a level of precision I didn’t expect Dewalt to be concerned about.
A lot of these tools are ones that I would actually buy if given the need. I can’t always say this about some of their previous offerings. For example, finally offering open stock sockets and wrenches is going to win over a lot more users. Previously, the only option was to buy full sets.
I also think that designing mechanics tool sets around a common case size could lead to some potential user-unfriendliness, and the many options might complicate purchasing decisions, although I like that they’re durable and how they stack together.
POLL: WHICH TOOL ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
Hopefully this question is easier to answer than trying to determine which new Dewalt cordless tool you might be drooling over. So how about it – Which of Dewalt’s new mechanics tools and hand tools are you most excited about?
Don’t have a favorite? What kind of tool would you want to see Dewalt come out with next?
For me, I think I am most excited about the ball bearing tool box combo. If there was just one related tool I could wish for, it would be a modular Dewalt workstation, similar to what Lista offers. Maybe an extra-long ball bearing storage box as the base, and some cordless tool docking attachments for the top.
My second pick would be those screwdrivers. I really like quad-lobed screwdrivers, and hope that Dewalt expands the line to include more than just Phillips and slotted tip sizes and styles.
As a reminder, go check out the new Dewalt cordless tools sneak peek as well!
fred
Ho Hum
I guess more competition is good – but the market is pretty crowded for these tools and I see nothing so compelling to want to buy most of these.
As you say – If Dewalt were offering some mass-market Lista look-alikes then that might expand their market.
David Funk
It’s called Stanley Vidmar on the cabinets and yes they are very nice.
jeff
Like you I like that screw driver, I very likely will pick up a set of those for my detached garage. detached=wood, attached = metal
Adabhael
Meh. l guess I don’t see anything particularly innovative here. I sometimes feel like the DeWalt hand tools are meant to provide me-too options for people who really like the brand and and want every tool to be coordinated black and yellow. That is in contrast to my sense (possibly false) that Milwaukee being quite strategic as they roll out their hand tools: designing each line to cleverly solve specific problems for specific trades, or at least be differentiated from what exists elsewhere.
That said, the plastic end caps on the drawer grips for the tool chest are a nice touch.
Paul
Ironic that Dewalt was quickly wrapping a Japanese car with Built in the USA lol. I suspect that all of these companies coming to the market with tool storage must have done their homework, but it seems that an affordable deep (>24″) drawered system would be unique and hugely popular. Curious if you could inquire why all of these entry level brands have ignored one of the fundamental differences which continue to make Lista, Vidmar, Epic, KRL etc sought after.
Joey
Considering Toyota/Nissan/Hyundai produces a large amount of their cars for the US in US factories… it fits
Tomas Gringogrande
The Toyota Camry is 100% made in USA.
Rascally
I bought one of the yellow DeWalt tool box combo’s when they were clearance priced. Yes…it’s a lot of yellow, but I don’t mind.
My only complaint is that it doesn’t have a handle on the top lid! You have to slide your fingers under the lid to make it open. I can’t tell for sure, if the new box has a handle or not. I’m going to get a black handle and install on mine eventually. I just don’t have a round tuit that’s needed. I had one somewhere…
Stuart
It’s got a full-length handle.
JoeM
I’d LIKE the Tool Storage solution, if I had room for it. It’s very nice, and I hope it is available in Canada at some point.
The MaxFit Screwdrivers… Meh? I like them, they’re very well designed, and if they work as well as the MaxFit BITS that I own, then I think they’re great… but… that said… I DO have MaxFit Bits… I… Have trouble justifying having both… but I WOULD say they’re looking good.
The one-piece hammers… I have a Stanley Anti-Vibe 20 oz. If the DeWalts came in a set of all three of the above, I’d consider it. $50-$70 for the set sounds about right, to me. (Canadian, don’t yell at me if the price seems not-quite-US-Standard Prices to you.)
I don’t know why I like the fact that DeWalt is making Earplugs, but I do. I don’t particularly need them, nor would I buy them, but I do like the idea.
I DON’T like the idea that DeWalt favours Apple so much. Android is more common in their demographic, and all these releases for Apple products annoys me. I’m an Android person myself, so some of that anger is due to that. Take that as you will.
As to the open-stock DeWalt Sockets and Wrenches… Canadian Tire has been selling those for a couple years now. I guess it’s time for me to look into it. Thanks for the reminder!
fred
Not sure about these earplugs – but other Dewalt earplugs, Dewalt work gloves and eye protection goggles are actually made by Radians. The UPC prefix (674326) is the giveaway.
JoeM
Does it really matter? The English language is relatively limited here. I don’t think DeWalt LITERALLY makes Earplugs, but they are branded DeWalt, and will be sold under that name, but by third party retailers…
So… A word that means “From DeWalt”, but doesn’t directly mean “Sold By” due to third party vendors doing the selling. And it doesn’t necessarily need to mean “Manufactured By”… oh, and it has to be within the COMMON dialect of the target audience… So… It’s not “Sold By”, and it’s not “Stolen By”, and it’s not even “Rebranded To”, since they’re supplied through DeWalt.
That leaves, as strange as it seems… “Made By DeWalt”… It just happens it’s short form for “Made AVAILABLE By DeWalt.”
Unfortunately, this kind of long-form explanation of the supply chain for the product doesn’t fit well on the packaging. So…I ask again… Does it matter? Considering we’re talking earplugs, not power tools?
Steve
Were there any new T-Stak boxes or accessories on display? I saw the new tough system radio, was there a similar one for the T-stak line, or any other new variations of the boxes themselves?
Stuart
Nope, sorry. Nothing new in the T-Stak line.
Nathan
so Dewalt hand tools aren’t made in america? I’ve never looked at any in person.
that sucks they might as well not even bother.
logan
They’re under Proto and Mac on Stanley hand tool tiering, so USA made would hurt margins too much. They’d be cannibalizing.
Stan
There was a time, long, long ago when most, if not all products from Dewalt were proudly made in USA. Then Black and Decker bought them out and sometime later Black and Decker merged with Stanley.
Built in USA of global components to me doesn’t seem this would imply any of the actual components are USA made. Sure that is better than nothing i.e. 100% made overseas and I do commend whoever had enough of a conscience to create employment at these Dewalt factories as well.
I am not bashing Stuart or anyone for this matter, but pretty much every product listed in this column has a USA made alternative. In some cases made in USA of global components. But modern Dewalt’s main demographic probably doesn’t care about country of origin as much as they do about price and features. At the end of the day the CEO of Black and Decker Stanley likely only cares about the shareholders and profit. Nothing else matters, not even having the unique power to be able to create employment in industries that have long sent work overseas.
These corporations aren’t our friends and as much as they claim to have the consumer’s best interests in mind all that matters is money and how much is earned and lost.
Mike B in Sheecaago
I assume ‘USA made’ generally means assembly, forming, maybe a little forging. Cuz aluminum and copper and lots of ores, petrol for plastics/polymers, tungsten, cadmium, lots of things are likely imported. Even steel is near impossible for USA to compete on price, and with most USA mills gone, China produces about one out of every two pounds of new steel in the world today. In fact deindustrialization of the US has advanced so far that scrap metal is like our 5th or 6th biggest export, with China being the #1 buyer.
My question here is this: is there a power tool brand that is USA branded or assembled or anything? Are there saws or grinders still being assembled in the USA? I am not aware of any at all.
Mike B in Sheecaago
Don’t want to hog the space here but I encounter lots and lots of frustration about COO and outsourcing and that sort of thing and would like to hopefully clear up some small confusion if I’m able: Ina company like Stanley/B&D I don’t think the CEO has much room to maneuver as far as domestic jobs and such. Cuz the CEO gets voted in to the job by a board that basically represents only the interests of the owners/shareholders. In fact it’s even worse really…public traded companies in the USA are often subjected to a new type of ‘hostile takeover’ where an investing interest acquires a large enough percentage of the total stock to give them certain voting power at the shareholder meetings so that even if a CEO tries to be fair or ethical or whatever, the powerful shareholder bloc can force a company into the ground or outsource or degrade quality or whatever is profitable in that particular case. Interestingly, German corporations don’t really suffer from this problem like USA corporations, because Germany has laws that require about half of the members on the Directing Board to be representatives of the companies workers and their various unions, rather than only shareholders representatives.
Tom
How are the earplugs made in the USA by global components? Aren’t they just one piece?
Stan
I’ve been wondering that for years. Those are likely re-branded for 3M, but this must be a very, very closely guarded secret as I’ve called them on 5 different instances and every person skirts around this issue.
Maybe someone with industry connections that is at least willing to explain this and ideally tell what is imported and what isn’t that would be great. I can’t imagine these being only assembled here as the FTC is pretty strict about that.
Out of all these products, those ear plugs are the only product that interests me. Then again, these are probably the only product that would give me the chance to support any American jobs. Even partially I suppose.
fred
Check the UPC prefix – if its 674326 then the OEM is probably Radians
Stan
Thank you Fred. Never heard of Radians, but turns out their ear plugs according to their website are also USA made. Likely made in USA of global and imported goods, but that isn’t mentioned on their site of course.
Here is a link to their site just in case anyone is interested. http://www.radians.com/radsite/index.php/industrial/industrial-safety-products/item/radians-custom-molded-earplugs
logan
Imported chemical ingredients? The plugs are molded, and some ingredients might not be available from US mfrs.
Stuart
The foam might be made elsewhere, or its sub-components. Maybe it’s a 2-part polymer and one part is made elsewhere. If any part of the composition is made outside of the USA, it’s a Global Material.
Take New Zealand beef, for example. It can be grilled in the USA. Grilled in the USA with foreign meat. Makes sense?
J Rhoads
The dewalt tool box. I seen it in rednot chriftsmen,and have seen this under 4 or 5 other names. It seems Dewalt could come up with a style all their own and not jump on with another competitor who is using the same style and features. I do like it no matter whos name is in it and the way they did the paint, it looks good.
Dewalt hand tools need to be tested in the real world. It would be nice if another company made a full line of mechanics tools to compete with craftsmen, now that no one carries the full line in their stores and sears stores are far and few.