New Dewalt Multi-Tools

Dewalt is coming out with two new pocket multi-tools, a full-sized tool (DWHT71843), and a keychain-sized one (DWHT71842). The new multi-tools are said to have been designed for professionals and even avid outdoorsmen, and feature high-visibility handles.

This reminds me of Dewalt’s camouflage-motif heated jackets, and makes me wonder what else they have planned for the outdoorsy crowd.

Dewalt 16-in-1 Multi-Tool DWHT71843

Dewalt’s new 16-in-1 multi-tool looks Leatherman-esque, and features outside-opening tools. On one hand, this means quicker access to tools, but on the other hand it means a smaller knife and a greater potential for tool-clumpage during deployment.

• Spring-action needlenose and regular combination pliers
• Spring-action wire cutter
• Partially serrated knife blade
• Scissors
• Wood/metal file
• Wire stripper
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small, medium and large slotted screwdrivers
• Fold-out carabiner
• Ruler
• Bottle opener
• Can opener
• 3-1/2″ length (closed)

Approximate street price: $25
Available at: Home centers and independent channels
Made in China

First Impression

It looks like the tool’s handles fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, which doesn’t seem very comfortable to me. Having a bump (ridge?) at the top of one side and bottom of the other side might also cause pressure points when squeezing the pliers.

There is also no mention as to whether the knife blade or other tools lock into place. At this price point, I wouldn’t expect it.

One last concern – at 3-1/2″ long (closed), the handles might be too small to use comfortably with large or gloved handles.

At $25, the Dewalt multi-tool is priced in the same ballpark as Leatherman’s USA-made Wingman and Sidekick multi-tools (reviewed here).

See more of our full-size multi-tool reviews.

Dewalt 8-in-1 Keychain Multi-Tool DWHT71842

Dewalt’s new 8-in-1 keychain tool is small and compact, and built around a standard-looking bottle opener design. It features soft-touch grips and easy-access tools.

• Bottle opener
• Knife blade
• Medium screwdriver
• Scissors
• File
• Nail cleaner
• Nail file
• Key ring hole

Approximate street price: $15
Available at: Home centers and independent channels
Made in China

First Impression

I don’t think I could have predicted that one of Dewalt’s two first-ever pocket multi-tools would feature a nail file and cleaning tool. I see the file part, but where’s the nail cleaning tool or pick?

Dewalt marketing materials call this a keychain tool, but it seems a lot larger than that. If the knife blade and nail file are Swiss Army Classic keychain tool-sized, then the folded tool is going to have to be about 3″ long or so.

This looks to be a great mini-multi-tool for tailgating, keeping near the couch during football season get-togethers or parties, and keeping in or near beach-going coolers. But that all said, I don’t quite see how a bottle opener multi-tool will be of use to professionals or tradesmen – at least on the job.

I sometimes carry my Leatherman Style CS ($17 via Amazon), or one of several Victorinox keychain tools (such as the robot one I reviewed). Dewalt’s 8-in-1 bottle opener multi-tool, although appealing, appears to be a poor substitute. When I think keychain tool, I want to see something small and compact – something that can be carried on my keychain every day.

P.S.

I have learned something over the years. There are two types of multi-tools; generic-branded ones that are advertised as being 16-in-1, 12-in-1, 8-in-1, etc. tools. Then there are the name-brand multi-tools that are worth buying.

Even Leatherman’s $21 entry-level Wingman has a name. It’s not the Leatherman 14-in-1, it’s the Wingman. In case you’re thinking that this is because Leatherman currently produced a wide variety of multi-tools, keep in mind that their first-ever tool was the PST Pocket Survival Tool.

It confuses me that neither of the new multi-tools are named. Stanley and Black & Decker have come out with spectacularly named products in recent years, and Dewalt typically labels all of their new, unique, or proprietary product features with snazzy names. 16-in-1 multi-tool and 8-in-1 keychain multi-tool? C’mon Dewalt/Stanley Black & Decker, you can surely do better than that!