Stanley Black & Decker has recently announced some big news, the introduction of new Dewalt 12V Max Xtreme Sub-Compact Series of compact cordless power tools.
Thank you to Gary for the heads-up!
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Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tools are on the way. We don’t have much information just yet, but definitely enough to talk about.
Teaser imagery featuring Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tools show off:
- Brushless impact driver
- Brushless… inline screwdriver?
- Brushless hammer drill/driver (thank you Roger for the correction!)
- [Existing?] Inspection camera
- Brushless oscillating multi-tool
- Li-ion battery
Dewalt already has an existing 12V Max cordless power tool system. Based on how the branding and tools are being presented, it seems that Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact power tools will belong in a sub-class within their 12V Max cordless power tool system.
Thus, tools like their cordless inspection camera, shown in the above teaser image, might remain in the greater 12V Max cordless power tool system, while new brushless and modernized tools will receive Xtreme Sub-Compact branding.
We knew that new Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tools were coming, it was just a matter of when and what.
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Dewalt’s 12V Max cordless power tool platform has not been very competitive over the years. If you look at our archive of Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tool coverage, there have not been many recent updates, especially compared to competitive systems such as Milwaukee M12.
Craftsman’s new V20 battery charger is labeled V12/V20, and I took this as a strong indication that they were working on still-unannounced 12V-class cordless power tools. And if Stanley Black & Decker was working on new Craftsman 12V-class cordless power tools, the team must surely be working on new Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tools. While pure speculation, I could not think of any reasonable argument to counter my hopeful prediction.
We recently learned about a new Dewalt 12V Max brushless drill coming to Europe, which very strongly suggested that new 12V Max cordless power tools were on the way to North America as well.
There are very many questions. For instance, will current Dewalt 12V Max cordless power tools be replaced, or will they remain as lower-cost options, such as their cordless drill kit that was discounted during the winter holiday season? How expansive will the new lineup be? When will we know more? When will Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact tools launch? Are they actually extreme in performance or sizing, or is that just convenient branding?
I might be off-base, but the Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact cordless power tools teaser has me optimistic.
Stanley Black & Decker and Dewalt have not released any information about the new Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact tools to tool media outlets, or at least not to ToolGuyd. The divulgence was done by Stanley Black & Decker in a presentation to investors and potential investors. In investor materials, the Xtreme Sub-Compact Series branding appears next to 12V Max in the same manner as 20V Max and Atomic Compact Series are presented, and both are next to Dewalt FlexVolt imagery.
Dewalt FlexVolt has seen a lot of growth over the years, and the same is true for the Dewalt 20V Max system. Dewalt FlexVolt is often mentioned in investor presentations and materials, in the context of sales value, growth, and future potential. They’ve worked on it, and made it a valuable Dewalt cordless power tool system, with benefits to both end users and investors.
Dewalt has given their Atomic Compact Series its own name, and mentioned the tools in previous investor materials. With Xtreme Sub-Compact now known to investors, Dewalt is going to have to build, grow, and market that platform. Inclusion in investor materials suggests that they want to. There’s benefit to users, the brand, and investors for them to do so. To show sales growth to investors, beyond the initial year of offerings, Dewalt is going to have to drive those sales, and that means growing the cordless power tool system and user interest in the system.
What I hope this all means is that Dewalt is committed to developing a modern and competitive compact cordless power tool platform.
The Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact series teaser has the tagline Best Power:Weight Ratio, and I’m curious of they mean that in the context of Dewalt cordless systems, or overall and in regard to current competitors including Milwaukee, Bosch, and Makita.
Dewalt Xteme Sub-Compact cordless power tools! What are your thoughts? Hopes? Predictions?
John
Look at the colors of the racking in the background
Stuart
=)
Home Depot endcaps for FlexVolt and 20V Max/Atomic, and a Lowes 20V Max endcap for Xtreme Sub-Compact?
Altan
That is it, Finally something new…
Nathan
of what I see in your picture only the inline screwdriver has my interest. Now MAC tools has a 12V cordless ratchet – that I do lust for. MAC takes the dewalt battery. I have always said it needed to be 20V system and wish it was. Ihave those batteries.
but the inline screw driver has some of my attention. My current charger will work on either battery – so I really would only need a few of the 12V batteries.
I do like the inspection camera – but I really just want an inspection camera. Don’t care the battery platform it won’t get that sort of use.
That 12V OMT – unless it’s significantly smaller I see no reason for it over the current and awesome 20V model. Note I say significantly smaller like 30% or more.
The drill and the impact driver – not so much. I mean if that atomic 20 is roughly the same size then it would be the better choice. for me atleast. I still say a compact 20V (or 18) is a better overall tradeoff than moving down in voltage to a 12. Especially if you are going to have any 20V (18) tools. and that’s for anyone’s platform not just dewalt.
still interesting.
Will
The ratchet is great! Has to be 12v though. The 12v battery already makes it a tough fit sometimes. The drill and driver depend on use though. Theres minimal around the house/basic building that the 12v isnt great for because of weight but i have the 20v mac impacts for heavier use
Altan
More details on the screwdriver and oscillating tool please? And more photos…
Altan
I hope they will not kill 8V line with this new 12V tools, specially with inline screwdriver I got the feeling that they have decided to end 8V line.
Nathan
the 8v is sort of the odd duck now. I almost bought one last year but now I’m glad I didn’t.
Kizzle
I’d still buy the 8v screwdriver again today if the new 12v came out. The 8v one is compact and has a great clutch. Think of how large the 12v one will be with a slide in battery. The point of an electric screwdriver is to have a smaller alternative to your drill. Also, the gyroscopic feature works really well. Thought I would hate it, but it grew on me fast. I recommend buying one before they’re discontinued.
Bill
I love the little 8v max gyroscopic screwdriver. It’s great for a variety of small, light tasks. Other than the 8v flashlight and the screwdriver I don’t recall what else Dewalt makes in the 8v line.
Altan
Yes, they have three four different versions of the 8V Screwdriver and a Flashlight, I like the flashlight as it looks like the old style flashlights but with a rechargeable battery and it is small, but in this line a rotary tools like Dremel ones would be a good addition, they can not make a rotary tool with 12V batteries, the shape of the battery would be a problem, and the tool would be a bit big. Milwaukee and Bosch have rotary tool with 12V batteries but it suits their batteries as their batteries are round and small, Makita and DeWALT can make this tool with their 8V batteries, also they can make a cordless Window Vacuum Cleaner like Karcher ones.
Gordon
I don’t quite get the appeal of a 12v system that uses the same exact form factor battery as the 18/20v tools. It’s very limiting as far as how the tools can be designed. So you seem to get marginally smaller 12v tools, but now you’re spread across 2 battery platforms. What advantage does a 20v DeWalt user have to buy into a 12v DeWalt platform? Personally I wouldn’t buy into a 12v system where the tools are virtually identical to a tool I could get in a 18/20v flavor.
The M12 line brings a lot of unique tools to the lineup like a drain snake, rivet gun, ratchet, grease gun, caulking gun, underhood light, and more. So the question is, What else is DeWalt going to bring that will differentiate the 12v line from the Atomic?
Altan
I always try to go for 20V tools but 12V screwdriver is an amazing tool, if you just want to screw or do some light drilling in wood this tool is absolutely perfect, you ca use it to screw drywall/plaster board also. It is so light and you really don’t need a 20V tool for light work, in this line a 12V Cordless Tile saw similar to Makita CC301DZ would be perfect.
evadman
Your comment on battery style being a limiting factor is one of the reasons I am a Dewalt 20v, and Milwaukee 12v person. Milwaukee has a more robust 12v ecosystem.
I used to use Dewalt 9.6-14.4v pod style tools in addition to their 18v pod line, but when I upgraded to 20v Dewalt, I didn’t see the tools I wanted in Dewalt’s 12v line while Milwaukee had them, so Milwaukee it was.
PHILIP JOHN
Milwaukee is so far ahead with 12v tools… but the slide on bat rather than pole design maybe an advantage.
Milwaukee bats start to be loose in the tool after a while…. the plastic clips are not the best set up. Plus a fat hand grip is less comfortable.
Inline drivers and pistol grip drivers are nice addition … with a chuck adapter for die grinding and flap wheels…. they have decent rpm .
John
That’s interesting. The Bosch 12v batteries have very tight plastic clips that never loosen up even after many years and countless swapping.
Andrew
Bosch has a leg up, then. I love the M12 system, but those clips do get super sloppy, especially after the oscillating tool has its way with them, but it’s only really noticeable and unpleasant for me when removing from the tool or when off and trying to clunk into a charger. In the drill or driver before I bought the oscillating tool, they never had any chatter.
Kizzle
This. I do NOT get the appeal of having a 12v system with slide in batteries. You loose a lot of the compactness that you gain with a 12v tool. I was really disappointed that Makita went that route. It’s the reason Bosch has such a compact 12v lineup. You’re already giving up power with a 12v system…why also sacrifice size? THATS THE WHOLE POINT OF A 12V SYSTEM! SIZE!!! Bosch is King of compact 12v tools. Yes, Milwaukee fans, Milwaukee tools have more power, but their grips are large. Try a Bosch 12v and you soon forget the power difference thanks to the ergonomics and size. You don’t think half a pound or so of weight savings would be significant, but when you’re talking about a 3 pound tool overall; half a pound makes a HUGE difference.
Altan
12V flat batteries as much as I remember have been started by DeWALT, then Makita joined the club, and now Metabo. Milwaukee has done some sphinx version with their 12V 4Ah batteries, just Bosch has not done anything to their 12V batteries, 12V flat batteries are very light compared to 20V batteris, the reason I like them is that the tool can be left on standing position because of the flat batteries, but in others that is not the case. Flat batteries (sliding batteries) are good with the tools that makes heat like 20V heat guns and 12V soldering irons, if you use heat gun a lot you would like that option. I have seen lots of people buying Milwaukee’s 12V soldering iron with their 4Ah batteries which is not sliding but has a flat bottom because it is important for them to keep the tool in standing position. The only tool I would say I would prefer small round batteries with is a rotary tool which I think can be 8V instead of 12V.
Mike
I agree, I run DW XRP, but for 12V, I run M12, that battery form factor is great for smaller tools and heated clothing.
Altan
And also I can feel DeWALT has been pushed to hard to come up with new 12V tools to be able to compete with Makita’s or Milwaukee’s and that means soon you will see new 12V Jigsaw and Circular saw and I hope a Tile saw as well.
Altan
They have tried so hard to design a 12V inline screwdriver similar to the 8V one and that tells me that it is time to say goodbye to 8V line which I don’t like it, I want a 8V rotary tool and also a 8V Window Vacuum Cleaner.
Kizzle
Agreed. The 8v screwdriver is legit. Use it all the time.
Altan
Yes, it is clear that we will see 12V Craftsman tools.
Thanks Stuart.
PHILIP JOHN
I am glad to see black and yellow for all tool lines… rather than what makita did.
Blue black white. One colour scheme feels right… I dont mind some other colors for high lights… but mains have to identify the brand.
Andrew
As somebody with lots of money in Makita, man their colors are ugly. All well good thing they get dirty pretty quickly.
Gordon
Makita’s colors are not consistent across different countries. Canada has teal sub-compacts while the US has black. Japan and Australia have many colors like burgundy and lime green.
I think Makitas are more for people that don’t really care about the color.
Patrick
The only Makita sub compacts that I’ve seen here in Canada (and listed by Makita Canada) are black, not teal. I’m curious as to where you saw a teal sub compact.
Nichevo
It’s not that anyone cares about the color for the color sake, it’s that you don’t want to be cheated because you got one on sale so you thought and it was black and if you had known the black was lower-grade you wouldn’t have thought it was such a bargain.
Diplomatic Immunity
Glad they are making these but I absolutely LOATHE the whole “xtreme” tag on it. Is this the late 90s and are these sponsored by Xgames and Mountain Dew? That whole “extreme” era thankfully died out. No need to revive it.
Aaron
Right?
Inspection scope !! XTREME!! Gotta check for blocking while we fish through this wall cavity!
Inline driver !! XTREME!! Remove that switch plate without flipping the breaker!
Maybe we should have added a flashlight to the ecosystem? !! XTREME!!
The What?
XD12v or DX12v looks and sounds better than xtreme. What is so xtreme about these 12v tools? Max atomic and now xtreme. Maybe they’ll combine all 3 words for their next line of tools (god, i hope not). Enough with the marketing wank. It’s ridiculous and unnecessary and sounds as dumb as it looks.
Altan
As long as there is a battery compatibility between Atomic and Max tools I don’t care.
Altan
But I liked DX12V, sounds good and looks short.
PHILIP JOHN
I think the names are good idea. There are so many consumer buyers who have no idea what the difference is between a drill and a hammer drill. This type of buyer is everywhere at HD and the like… they have the money to step up… the names help them understand the difference. It’s kind of necessary like 18v and 20v max was… to differentiate.
Benny
All I see is DeWalt remaking stuff they already have. When are they going to come out with a cordless 23 gauge nailer???. stop making useless tools and get that cordless 23 gauge nailer and then maybe you’ll be able to talk about something!!!
Corey Moore
I’m sure they make what their research demonstrates to be most profitable. Easy to estimate that drills, impacts, and saws sell way more units than any of their nailers. I get bored with the rehashes, too, but I get why and value the options for upgrades from time to time.
PHILIP JOHN
And dewalt makes more nailers than anyone.
The What?
At the end of the day it’s the same stuff that they made under the 12v max name. Except that they have a real cheesy name and they’re smaller. And there’s less of them. Well whoopty doo. They look like a bunch of reinvented Johnny-come-lately’s.
Roger
Isn’t that a HAMMER DRILL???
Stuart
Good eye, it does look to be a hammer drill!
Eric
It is nice to see signs of life from the DeWalt 12v platform. It would have been a natural extension for me but the offerings when I went shopping were not interesting. I already went Bosch for 12v and I am completely happy and unlikely to change. I find myself using the PS22 all the time for things where I would have used a hand tool before, it is like an extension of my arm. I do not see anyone beating the PS22 or Flexiclick for speeding up delicate work (M12 seems to be the only choice if you wanted only a 12v platform).
The DeWalt 12v OMT and inline screwdriver shown look awesome. I have the Dewalt 20v and Bosch 12v OMT, and adding a light and quick tool change on the Bosch-size tool would be amazing. My guess is those will both be winners. I do not have a 12v impact and personally do not see the need. If I was going to get a small DeWalt drill, it would be the Atomic to use all of my existing batteries. Inspection scopes are disposable phone attachments for me now, I have multiple sizes. I think it will be telling if DeWalt offers bigger 12v batteries or not, which would create the possibility of a “complete” line.
I imagine at some point through some promo I will end up with an Atomic drill. I understand the monumental resources that must have gone into building Craftsman from nothing, but I am looking forward to 20v and FlexVolt getting some additional attention. I am standing by ready to purchase more FlexVolt outdoor tools.
Kizzle
Having difficulty figuring out what the goal is here? If they’re going to use slide in batteries, why do a 12v line? Just have the atomic line of compact 20v tools, or, have a 12v line and not have the atomic. I feel like there’s some corporate BS going on. Like the Atomic being an exclusive Home Depot product created just to quell objections to Lowe’s getting the 12v line? Seems superfluous to fill a spot that overlaps with other options. Wished they did an in-handle battery.
Stuart
Smaller, lighter, less expensive.
It seems that Atomic was exclusive to Home Depot for a short time and then released to additional retailers.
Altan
If you do some small jobs and maintenance 12V platform is good as you can use the 12V lasers and inspection cameras, with the same batteries you can use oscillating machine, screwdriver, drill, reciprocating saw also and you don’t need to have batteries from another platform like 20V, that would be a good platform if DeWALT comes up with 12V Circular saw, Jigsaw and Tile saw similar to Makita’s and also a 12V SDS+ and Grinder. Then I can see some people sticking just to 12V platform.
Atomic tools are made for the ones who are already in 20V platform and are looking for smaller tools but they want to use the batteries they already have. I think that is the logic behind it,
JoeM
There’s nothing more extreme about these new 12 Volt tools aside from… wait… brushless motors, and more powerful batteries…
Ladies and Gentlemen… I give you DeWALT’s excuse to finally release the 12V eXtReme sub-compact series… Or, as we’ll probably be calling them… the 12V XR line.
The 20 Volt line was upgraded to Brushless Motors and Long-Lasting Batteries under the eXtreme Runtime brand moniker… The Marketing Department, likely after a drug bender weekend… probably just thought it SOUNDED cooler if the 12 Volt line was still 12V XR, but because they’re… like… totally Sub-Compact Editions Man… Is that a line on the mirror? I smell disco balls! OOOH! Gummy Bears for Lunch! SQUIRREL!!!
Let’s just cut the crap, shall we? Welcome to the 48-month-OVERDUE-gestation party for the 12 Volt XR line of Lithium-Ion tools. That’s really all this is. The Atomic line is their Sub-Compact line. These are 12 Volt XR tools. Longer runtime, hence the claim “Best Power:Weight Ratio” rather than something like “They don’t get smaller than this.” They’re bigger than the Atomic, but smaller than the 20Volt XR line. They’re MiniXR. So now we have FlexVOLT, 20VoltXR, MiniXR (12V), and XT (Atomic-eXtra Tiny)… LAME Marketing department on drugs!
And yes, I have the DCE680 Gyro… I will cry very hard if they discontinue the 8V Line… it’s so very awesome. I’m ordering leather to make a holster for mine!
Altan
You should make it with buffalo leather then.
JoeM
Sadly, Altan, though I do love you and your sense of humour… I can’t play along with that suggestion. I’m not just Canadian, I have Native blood in me. Using Buffalo Leather is insulting to use on certain items. Knife sheaths, and holsters being among them.
But I appreciate the suggestion! I plan on some nice, durable, cowhide. My Leather Work tends to be extremely utilitarian, not very decorative. I know HOW to do the decorative stuff, but I prefer to make stuff work, rather than make stuff pretty. I want to be able to holster my Gyro next to a spare battery, or the flashlight, and a nice box sheath for a DeWALT tough case bit set. Basically mounting the entire holster to a flat plate, and having a loop/basket shape for the flashlight, a box for the bit set, and a simple fold holster for the screwdriver.
Maybe I’ll post pictures some day. Budgeting is really tight right now, and a cowhide of this type is a few hundred dollars Canadian, after shipping and taxes, etc.
But I’d TOTALLY love your opinion when it’s done, good sir! Good or bad, knowing what clever funny viewpoint you might have on it would make my day!
Altan
I loved you idea about making things work rather than making them pretty. I am also like that, I love to make things that last and also buy things that last, I would like to see your work when it is done, the reason I told you to use buffalo leather is that it is more durable compared to cowhide I believe, cowhide can get small cracks but buffalo leather looks a bit oily and does not crack, buffalo milk is twice more fatty compared to cow milk also.
I would love to make a kitchen one day just with granite (except the cabinet doors), floor, walls, cabinet units, splash back and the worktop all made of granite, a kitchen made for centuries. I like crazy ideas like this. Send me some photos of your projects I got curious a bit 🙂 then I would predict and tell you how that cowhide project would be.
JoeM
I think we MIGHT have a cultural misunderstanding here Altan… The European Water Buffalo is alive and well, in both Europe AND North America, thriving with the name Bison as well. But the Buffalo Hides here in Canada are illegal, for one, because they’re only called Buffalo Hide when they’re from the Endangered, Near-Extinct PLAINS Buffalo. An animal that white settlers were shooting from trains around 200 years ago. And an animal quite sacred to the Native People.
Out of respect for the sacred role of strength that the Plains Buffalo had to the Plains tribes, like the Sioux, Cree, and Blackfoot (I have a Blackfoot bloodline myself.) we do not work Buffalo into Leather products for knives, tools, or guns. Since the White Settlers (I’m being polite as I can be, and if I must be censored, I accept that, Stuart.) utterly destroyed a sacred animal, we Natives refuse to use that Animal’s hide for the tools of the White Man’s insulting ways. We are happy to use OUR sewing techniques (I use sewing and material techniques that go back thousands of years, even to the Ice Age in my products.) on animal hides BROUGHT IN by the White Man, like Cow, Lamb/Sheep, Goat Skin, etc… But we’ll only use THAT on our versions of Gun Holsters, Knife Sheaths, and other non-sacred uses. But the hides of Wolf, Bear, Buffalo (Plains), Fox, Rabbit, Deer… These are sacred animals to most tribes of North America, and what remains of the decimated numbers of our people have banded together to remember the broken treaties, abuse by the governments, and commission of genocide against our people, by holding certain animals as sacred to ALL tribes. Making it extremely taboo to put a weapon in the hide of a Plains Buffalo, who have suffered at the hands and tools of the White Man so much they barely exist anymore. We won’t make any kind of holster, tool holder, or metal holder, out of Buffalo Hide, out of respect. We will make hats, pants, bags, decorative bracelets/armbands/adornments, and loads of other things with their Hide to EXALT the Buffalo’s importance and respect in our lives. A tribute to a time when they were plentiful, and these common products could sustain entire tribes’ needs from a single hide. And, similarly, we’ll only use Deer, Beaver Pelt, or Rabbit Pelt for certain non-weapon-non-metal related projects, and traditional Native dance outfits are often made with components of Fox, Bear, Wolf, or other predator skins that have been found at the end of their lives naturally.
But you ARE correct… BISON Hide contains more of an oil in the tanning process, before it gets to the leather worker (like me) and are fantastic for ANYTHING in your repertoire that might need to be waterproofed, and thus last longer. It doesn’t dry out as much as most hides from non-waterlogged animals. But all I need for what I’m doing is a THICK hide. I can’t remember if it’s a 4-5Oz split, or a 6-8Oz split hide that I need. Cows, aside from having absolutely ADORABLE big, soulful eyes, and a lovable temperment… have REMARKABLY versatile Hide. Lamb hide is soft and stretchy, but if you get 1-2Oz split COW Hide, it has the same properties as the Lamb skin, at a quarter the price-per-square-foot of hide. (Also… Bigger hide, so they can actually be more at once. But, that just means more stock to work with… I digress.)
I KNOW the techniques for native style glass and mineral beading, and I used to teach Native Studies to Scouts and Guides with my Mother when I was young, but when I made a simple box sheath for my Multimeter… I just used complex stitching to give it structure. I didn’t decorate it, and I just re-used an old side-release clip for a closure. Plus, it was Lambtouch Cowhide, so it’s actually a very loose, delicate sheath. But I made it in a VERY White Man kind of way. It’s a box, and I used Native Sinew (Cow Sinew, or Deer, I think. Waxed thread.) to stitch it all together by hand. But I was using simple blanket stitches, and edge stitching, reverse stitching, and all sorts of Non-Native stitches, and knots. Not for some ceremonial, or traditional reason, but because I wanted a BOX, and I wanted it to have structure from the waxed thread hardening over time.
Truth be told, I’ve been trying for a couple years to work with a Leather supplier in Alberta to choose the right heavy hide for this Screwdriver holster… But they have policies about not allowing you to buy a hide, until they’ve sent you samples from their stock to be positive. And three or four times now, the samples have never arrived, or they arrived and I didn’t have the money for a hide of that type.
Altan, good sir, folks like you, Stuart, and fred are people on this site who I genuinely look up to. EVERY project I have, Leater, Jewellery, Construction, or otherwise… I would always welcome your collective input on them. That is how I learn best.
Altan
Joe, In my region Buffalo is a domestic animal like Cow, sheep and goat, maybe in Canada buffalo is seen as wild just, but not in my region, we love more fatty animals like Sheep and Buffalo, we are not too friendly with cow, goat and pig products. Buffalo has a very tasty white milk which is used for making yogurt, butter and cream and ewe’s milk is mostly used for cheese like Greek Feta, Here in England there is only one buffalo farm with only 2000 buffalos and buffalo is very new to English society, still English have not tasted buffalo cream or butter as they consume it as milk, yogurt and in ice cream :))
I think domestic buffalo has not been introduced to North American societies.
I would not just blame White for abusing the nature, I have read that native Americans were burning the forests in Southern parts of North America (today’s US) as they knew these burnt forests will turn to a grassland soon and that will attract buffalos more to the south where they wanted it, so basically most of the grassland in the US was forest before. I have read about all ethnics and their abuse of nature and I have come to the conclusion that human is the wildest animal!
I was studying for a project for three years which I called it self sufficient project, my aim was to make a farm (and a house in the farm) which you can produce organic food (as much as possible) for a family using modern technics and big amount of land with just two persons working on the farm, I had to study a lot and too many things, I loved reading about that project so much and I got addicted kind of, I could study since morning till night not thinking of any need for food for whole day!
I have made a 300 pages of document for that project.
That was the time that I learnt (learned) that there are fox farms also in some countries, my aim was to farm some rabbit and squirrel to use their skin and feed the foxes and then take the fox skin and feed my dogs (I know I can sound horrible), so I don’t waste anything, I am not against hunting animals, but we should not make them disappeared from the nature, if we love to have animal skin for clothes we better farm them instead of getting them from nature if it goes out of control easily.
Nowadays in Scotland they farm Deer, in Turkey they farm Fox.
Stuart
Honestly, I think it’s good marketing. I don’t know how I feel about the name, but I’m pretty sure that XR stands for Xtreme Runtime, and so the Xtreme was always there in hiding.
Dewalt FlexVolt has been doing well. The tools are great and the name stands-out.
Dewalt Atomic? Despite some critics, the name is distinct and it stands out. Dewalt Xtreme Sub-Compact? Well, you know which tools they’re talking about.
One thing to realize is that we are end users. Retailers, including online suppliers and brick & mortar home center stores, are their direct customers. Having branding like this helps those retailers advertise and sell these tools.
Let’s say you’re a home center and planning out your center aisle promo season offerings. What will catch more attention, a quarter pallet display of 20V Max cordless drills, or a display of Atomic 20V Max cordless drills?
The branding helps develop a familiarity and top-of-mind presence.
You might not like the name, but if it helps bring the tools to your attention, and potentially results in greater sales, it’ll work.
I like the new names, but that’s also because they make things easier for me.
Let’s say Dewalt updates their DCD777 cordless drill with a DCD779 model (there’s already a DCD778 hammer drill). If someone searches for a “Dewalt 20V cordless drill,” there are so many different pages and listings across so many sites. Even searching just on ToolGuyd, there are so many posts. Now, if they want the Atomic drill, the brand name makes things so much easier to search for.
Having sub-category branding for the new tools can benefit consumers in this way, even if it’s mainly a marketing tool.
It’s also possible that we won’t see much of the branding in actual product advertisements, and that it’s mostly there for distinct reference in investor materials, but I don’t think this is the case.
Think about Milwaukee M18 Fuel. Ridgid 18V Octane. Bosch Core18V. Get used to the idea of product family branding.
JoeM
No no… I do LIKE the tools… I don’t like the MARKETING. They’re 12 Volt XR! However they want to hide the XR, there’s no denying it. The 12 Volt Line FINALLY got their XR upgrades. We’ll probably be calling them XRs anyways. Or MiniXR to differentiate between 20V and 12V. ‘Cause we’ll probably never take the time to say Xtreme Sub-Compact before “Drill” or “OT” or “Screwdriver”
I’m happy the 12 Volt line finally GETS an XR upgrade. I wish they did a better job of focusing on completing the lineup, with more tools available at launch, to boost the SELECTABILITY of the tools, rather than assuming one specific group needs all of THESE tools, so those are the ones we’ll launch. Again… Drug Users in the Marketing Department. The sales numbers would be MUCH higher if the Plumber, the Framer, the Tile Guy, and the Drywall guy, all found everything they needed at launch. Instead of spending a Million to make the tools, and getting back a Million and a Half, and the statistics for just one avenue of tools, they’d have a direct survey of EVERY tool they need to make more of per day, AND have a huge profit on what they produce. Yes, I know it would mean 10 million instead of 1 million spent, but when you can turn that into 5 Billion in sales, rather than 1.5 Billion, the return on investment AT LAUNCH is far, FAR better.
Up until this moment, You, Stuart, Announcing they had started this upgrade, I was content leaving the 12 Volt part of the family down to just the inspection/setup/lighting tools. That they’ve got some nice, compact-oriented… well… STICK tools like the inline Screwdriver, and the no-frills style Oscillating Tool… I can see some potential in the line, now that it has an XR upgrade.
Stuart
It does not work that way.
It’s impossible and unfeasible to do everything at once, not to mention economically unwise.
Consider a big holiday meal. Does a home cook prepare everything at once, or in stages?
Take a look at what Dewalt did with their 12V and 20V Max launches. I was there for both. They started off with core tools, and expanded the systems over time. Look at the 20V Max system today.
With Craftsman… Stanley Black & Decker is going the “a whole lot at once” approach, but that’s because 1) a lot of Craftsman tools are based on existing SBD brands’ tools and technologies, and 2) they also have outside partners helping.
I think it’s unfair to say something like “drug users in the marketing department” because you disagree with or don’t understand their decisions. I have learned that decisions are made with intent, and agreeable or not, it is a better approach to try and understand why than to simply say “they’re wrong.”
Big brands are not always right. Sometimes they do make mistakes. But a lot of the time, the people making million and billion dollar decisions know better than you and I. Sometimes they make the wrong decisions in spite of it. But you can bet that right or not, these decisions are educated ones, and not willy-nilly. Before we can judge those decisions, an attempt must be made to understand the what, why, and how.
If you reread my last comment, you’ll see that I can see the benefit in how they’re branding these families of tools. I made an effort to understand the reasoning behind their approach, and unless I am way off base, I think it’s a good strategy whether I like the names or not.
Before I criticize a brand’s moves or tools, privately and especially publicly, I have to ask myself – what would I have done differently?
As for tool selection at launch, what we see so far is a quick banner image aimed at investors. Look at what is coming out into the Dewalt Atomic lineup – a drill and driver right now, and saws and an oscillating multi-tool to follow. I would expect for the 12V Xtreme Sub-Compact line to include a couple of “core” tools. After that, I’m sure they have a roadmap, with some launches set in stone and others being a little more fluid.
Altan
I like the Atomic name as it would probably make more monitoring work for intelligence related bodies :)))
Matt
Our tools have names now. Whether over the top flashy-gimmicky-adolescent monikers; See TTI*
– Fuel, Surge
– Quiet Strike
– Octane, Stealth etc
Or Bosch;
– Bulldog, Freak, Megawatt Crew
Or precise, more clean cut giveaway titles for classier appeal;
– Triple Hammer, FlexVolt, Multi-volt, Sub Compact, PowerCore, and so on….
That’s where we are now. It’s not just Dewalt, Bosch and Porter Cable now.
I see a ton of emphasis placed on the name in this article but we forget that it’s only a branding. Will the name effect performance? Most likely not. Is Dewalt late to the 12v game? Yes and no. The Brushless game yes. But theirs was the first 12v kit I bought. I believe they realize a 12v system will not compete with m12. I mean really, what will? Will that stop anyone from buying into the Dewalt 12v? Not at all.
So if you don’t want it. Don’t buy it. There are plenty of options to keep you drilling and driving. But let’s not complain about a name. If you’re curious like I am then let’s see what one of the most respected tool manufacturers has to offer
OhioHead
Stu – when is the MKE summer journalist release party? Have you reached out to DW to see if they will have a fall launch party for journalists?
Stuart
Next week, Thursday, June 6th.
Dewalt isn’t having anything yet, at least not anything ToolGuyd is aware of or have been invited to.
OhioHead
Awesome – safe travels & looking forward to your posts!
nathan
I’m still just wishing they made a 20v borescope, or one compatible with 20v batteries as well. I have a couple 1.5Ah batteries that are compact enough. Forcing me to purchase a separate line of batteries and chargers to get their borescope has prevented my purchase for a couple years now. I might as well buy any other brand out there as I don’t use 12v tools so sticking with one brand for compatible batteries is not necessary.
Corey Moore
Two things that will prevent me from readopting dewalt 12v; lack of a non hammer version of the drill driver, and/or lack of an updated recipe. Hammer drills are a waste of time for all but the smallest or occasional applications. I loved the old one, but it’s too long in the tooth for me to replace since it’s theft. I’m eager to get my hands on the atomic hackzall clone, as my flexvolt is a monster, and my brushed compact 20v vibrates way too hard for me to select it above just about anything. Looking forward to more details regarding atomic vs 12v as I will be rolling up one or the other sometime soon. As for the slide pack vs stem packs, I’m a fan of the slide. Makes for far better ergonomics, which is a primary point of 12v tools. Repeated form factors? That’s because that’s the best design for the tools lol and why every manufacturer uses the same form factors. Sorry, but that gripe seemed ridiculous to me. What do you want, indie form factor tool options? We’re getting repeats/upgrades of tools, because those are the tools.
Matthew
I’m intrigued. I may pick one of these up to see if I like them better than my Makita 12V I keep in my truck tools. If it’s as good or better I’ll likely switch over to consolidate chargers (I’m on the Dewalt 20V platform). I’ve loved the Makita’s performance and ergonomics so it’s no sure thing.
glenn
As someone that predominantly uses 12v tools, this a good thing. More competition in the 12v line can only result in a wider range of ever improving tools.
After four years of using Milwaukee M12, I have mostly swapped to Makita’s CXT line, which for the most part I find better to use. It will be interesting where Dewalt goes with these tools and if they expand the line as quickly as Makita has.
As for the slide pack versus stem pack, in my opinion only, the slide packs are better. They allow a nicer grip, the tools for the most part will stand up on the battery plus the batteries feel more stable in there slot.
I personally don’t find the extra height with slide packs an issue. In fact I only use the XC and 6.0ah batteries in my remaining M12 tools. And that includes the ratchet and rotary tool which I use most days.
Anyhow, each to their own choice and lets enjoy where the extra competition leads to in new tools and technology.
Marvin McConoughey
I concur Glenn on the slide pack battery superiority. I never have a problem removing them from the tool. Several of my Bosch 12 volt stem batteries have been very difficult to get out. Those with strong fingers may not have a problem but I have only average hand strength.
Linus
Hello i saw that there was one more tool in the new dewalt 12v range, the DCF902 impact wrench. There is also the suggested price in sweish crowns.
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/stanley-black-decker/pressreleases/mindre-and-starkare-dewalt-slaepper-ny-serie-kompakta-batteriverktyg-2876904
Stuart
Thank you!!
Moze
I will totally switch from my Milwaukee 12v platform to this IF they release tools with specs similar to milwaukee (ipm, rpm, bpm, etc.) and they release tools to replace those I have in the Milwaukee line (impact, hammer drill, recip, cut-off tool….and most of all, SDS rotary hammer…preferably with vacuum. I don’t have my hopes too high that that will happen anytime soon, but I hope they prove me wrong.
John yaroshevich
Dewalt if you are reading this upgrade your on the same pace as ryobi because they have a lot of practical tools that have really good uses but I don’t have there battery platform and I don’t intend to switch because of one tool. I know you guys more focused on the commercial market but there is huge market for residential and diyers such as myself. I was excited to finally see a router you guys came out with it would be nice to see if you can make pin nailer 20v or hot glue gun 20v or heat gun 20v thank you
mike
@STUART (or anybody that has potential release date)
any news on release dates?
in particular the
as shown in your original / picture / teaser
“inline” screwdriver
multi tools
thx
mike
Stuart
Nothing yet.
It’s also hard to ask about because the graphic came from SBD Investor information and not Dewalt. Brands usually can’t/won’t talk to us about products until they’re officially announced.
Big Richard
The 12v Xtreme OMT is finally coming, DCS353, but it has a different profile than the one originally pitched in the above promo materials. This is a EU model, but I assume it would be the same models number for the NA market.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dewalt/comments/pefo05/12v_multi_tool_looks_like_model_number_dcs353/
Edward Hermanns
Damn at first i thought that inline screwdriver was a die grinder. That would have been nice even tho i do like my 20v die grinder. A smaller one too would have made a lot of sense
Chase Powell
Please put that 12 Multi Tool out RIGHT NOWWWWW I’m needing a new one I’d love to replace my atomic with the multi see I’m a handyman and do simple small jobs that multi would be my most prized tool in the case!