The World of Concrete 2022 tradeshow took place last week, with tool brands showing off their latest and greatest concrete and masonry tools and accessories.
We did not attend, but were able to compile a list of the more notable announcements from press releases and consumer marketing efforts.
New Dewalt Cordless Power Tools
- FlexVolt 60V Max Cordless SDS MAX Chipping Hammers
- 22 lb (DCH892X1)
- 15 lb (DCH832X1)
- 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2-in. Hammer Drill (DCD805)
- 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2-in. Drill/Driver (DCD800)
- Made in the USA Critical Connection Undercut Anchors (CCU+)
Dewalt has announced new midweight and heavy duty FlexVolt 60V Max chipping hammers. The 15 lb hammer delivers up to 10.5 Joules of impact energy, and the 22 lb hammer 19.4 Joules. They both feature 7-positionm variable speed controla nd SHOCKS Active Vibration Control systems to minimize the vibrations felt at the handles. Each has Wireless Tool Control connectivity to remotely active the DCV585 dust extractor.
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The two new 20V Max brushless drills are Dewalt’s first compact cordless drill upgrades in nearly 6 years. Both will be available in March 2022. More details are forthcoming.
Dewalt is also launching a line of USA-made Critical Connection Undercut anchors (CCU+). The anchors are compliant with Buy American Act for USDA projects procurement requirements. They are said to be ideal for critical mechanical anchor connections, such as beam, column, and post anchorages, safety related attachments assemblies, industrial facilities and water treatment plants, critical overhead anchorages, and other such applications.
New Milwaukee Tool MX Fuel Concrete Vibrator
Milwaukee Tool previewed a new MX FUEL Concrete Vibrator, which is coming out in Summer 2022. The MX Fuel concrete vibrator has the power to push a 2-1/2″ head and accepts whips up to 21′.
Milwaukee says that the vibrator can consolidate 45 cubic yards of concrete per charge (w/ 2″ head, 14′ whip).
It comes with a wireless remote and is compatible with Oztec accessories. It is also One-Key compatible, for tracking and management services.
More details will be available in coming months.
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New Bosch 18V Drills
Bosch sent out an email newsletter to consumers teasing about new 18V Profactor and Brute cordless drills, both “Connected-Ready.” Bosch has not yet sent any press distributions, and their website has no details aside from “coming soon” badges.
- 18V Profactor Connected-Ready Drill/Driver – GSR18V-1330CN
- 18V Brushless Connected-Ready Brute Hammer Drill/Driver – HSB18V-975CN
Bosch also previewed the new 18V FREAK that launched a couple of months ago.
New Makita Cordless Duster
As seen in social media coverage, Makita previewed their new XGT40V Max cordless duster, confirming that it’s coming to the US market.
Metabo
Metabo sent out a general consumer invite to their concrete solution showcase, but hasn’t sent any press distributions about any new tools or developments yet.
From social media coverage, it looks like Metabo also previewed their new 18V track saw that we previously reported on.
MM
Nice to see those compact 20V Max drills, I’d love to hear more about them. It looks like they’re using similar motor tech to the compact impact wrenches they recently came out with. If so I expect these drills to be just as awesome and I will almost certainly buy the non-hammer model. I’ve been thinking about picking up a compact drill in the back of my mind, now this makes it easy! It would be a nice to see a combo kit with a couple of power stack batts….
Jared
They do look good! Makes me think perhaps it’s time to consider a new drill…
MM
I’m still using one of my old DCD990s as my main drill. I had two, the other was stolen. I’ve rode it hard and put it away wet for 9 years and it’s still kicking. Does everything I need. But there are times where I’d like a shorter, lighter, drill, and I’m also sure it’s just a matter of time before something goes out on the 990 and I’d like to have redundancy when that happens. When the 990 finally goes I will replace it with another full-size model; If I had to do it today I’d get the Flexvolt Advantage DCD999.
Though one thing I wish that Dewalt would do would be to add their kickback protection feature to full-size drills. Even the old DCD990 is powerful enough to be a wristbreaker if you aren’t careful and you hit an obstruction that stalls the bit. It can only be worse with a more powerful drill. Their larger stud-and-joist drills have excellent anti-kickback tech, they need to put that in drills like the DCD99X series, that would be a big safety upgrade in my opinion.
Jared
I’m rocking a Ridgid as my main drill. It’s a powerful monster – but pretty darn heavy to lug around when I don’t need the power. I have no reason to replace it from a performance perspective.
On the other hand, I also have a old brushed Bosch that I use at least as often – simply because its light and adequate for most things. That drill is getting pretty tired. If it gives up eventually, I don’t think I’d want the big Ridgid as my only option.
Then the decision would be:
Do I go with an ultralight (e.g. M12) or pick something compact but still reasonably powerful like these new Dewalts?
ca
I’m quite certain the DCD999 has anti-kickback protection. Don’t quote me though.
Big Richard
No, only the DCD997 with Tool Connect has that feature, they call it Bind-Up Control
MM
Thanks for that Big Richard. I didn’t think any of them had it. I know for a fact that the Flexvolt Advantage (DCD999) and the Power Detect (DCD998) do not have it, so I assumed the others didn’t either.
ca
I have a DCD999 and I seem to remember it shutting off when it bound up. The thing is an absolute monster so I certainly wouldn’t want to be attached to it if it did kick back.
Karl
Nice
Ron
Looks like these are largely based off the 12v Xtreme drills (DCD701 and DCD706), but with the light controls from the 790 and 990 series drills
It will be interesting to see how they compare to the 791 and 796.
Big Richard
I have seen Euro spec kits that come with the Powerstack battery (and DCF850 Atomic impact driver), I have to think they will offer them in the states, too.
As far as power goes, it has about 30% more power than its predecessor, the DCD791/DCD796 (90 Nm of torque vs 70Nm and/or 600UWO vs. 460UWO).
Philip Proctor
This is the kit I want.
Big Richard
It looks pretty slick, TSTAK case, too.
https://www.powertoolsuperstore.co.uk/product/dewalt-dck2050e2t/
Again, I cannot confirm if this kit will be offered in the States.
MM
Some pretty slick kits there. I like the kit with the 3″ multi-cutter tool packed with the Power Stacks as well.
If I remember right that DCS438 is supposed to hit the market in the US on the 31st of this month. I happen to have a lot of cement board to cut for a relative’s kitchen remodel so I think I’ll jump on it the moment it comes out, but I can wait around for a deal on the compact drill.
Ken
I have the dcf850, absolutely love it but a 1/2 compact drill would be nice! Got my dcf850 with 2-6a batteries during the holidays.
RJSwine
I picked up a “special buy” kit yesterday at the Home Depot in Woodbridge NJ. It consisted of the DCF850, DCD709 (atomic hammer drill), 2 power stack batts, DCB112 charger, and bag for $229. I haven’t seen that deal anywhere else nor was it advertised on the web site but at that price it’s a steal. I was in the market for just a 2 pack of batts but for $50 more it was a no brainer.
Big Richard
Lowes has a similar new combo kit, DCK276E2. Comes with the DCF840 impact, DCD778 hammer drill, 2 Powerstack batteries and charger for $279. Not as good of a deal, but I think you will see that price drop for sales.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-DW-20V-COMBO-KIT-W-POWERSTACK/5012899185
rob
There was a ton of space to shave off on the drills they are replacing. I opened up a DCD791 and the new atomic impact driver and set them side by side. From that perspective, I could see that the amount they could make it smaller was staggering. Didn’t get the impact wrench, but there’s no voodoo there, just a nicer version of the Milwaukee.
Shame to see that they’re keeping the faux metal paint over plastic aesthetic. Very tacky and does more harm, perception wise, than…well…it just does harm and no good.
Rehan
Only problem I have is that there is no way of making 20v batteries. Cells inside the battery are all 1.2v. Doesn’t ad up
Stuart
20V Max batteries are 18V nominal.
3.6V per Li-ion cell x 5 = 18V.
Higher capacity 18V and 20V Max batteries have multiple sets of 5 cells.
Steven B
DeWalt needs a compact cordless duster! I don’t want to buy batteries from Ryobi, HarborFreight, or Makita, but I am always having to clear dust from drilling, cutting, sanding. It would be nice to have something light duty and quick to just blow chips out of a drilled hole….especially if it was cheap like the HF/Ryobi models.
MM
Other glaring holes in their lineup: soldering iron, hot glue gun, bandfile sander.
Clay
And hydraulic impact driver.
Big Richard
SBD Craftsman has a V20 soldering iron and glue gun coming out, so it is possible SBD would offer them in yellow. I have not heard any plans to do so yet. I will just buy the Craftsman version for how little use I will give them.
https://www.ontheworkbench.com/2021/09/19/new-craftsman-v20-tools/
Stuart
I asked Craftsman a few times, but they still have no official info yet. There’s no indication if/when they’ll be released.
Big Richard
Same here. They were on the Lowe’s website for a short time this fall, was really hoping they would be on shelves for the holiday season, but no such luck. I was even scouring overstock racks at my Lowe’s hoping to come across some.
Jared
I wish Dewalt would delve into these niche categories too. On the other hand, Ryobi is an excellent second battery line to invest in!
I certainly don’t regret going that route. That way you can buy unique and cheap tools for those one-off needs and still buy “pro level” gear when you need it.
Patrick
Same. The drain auger paid for itself multiple times and the inflator gets used weekly instead of the bike pump. The yard tools are decent and the mini vacuum has the same specs as the ones costing 2x as much.
The Donald
What about the DCE100. Thats pretty compact. Especially if you use the short tube. Variable speed with lock on settings. I love mine!
fred
I got a batch of emails suggesting that I attend the World of Concrete this year. I concluded that I too old, retired too long and too concerned about COVID to do so.
But Makita’s January 14th. email did catch my attention – with their 80V (40V x 2) XGT 14-inch power cutter and 80V – 28 pound demo hammer. Neither one are as yet listed on the Makita website – but the email had this link:
https://www.makitatools.com/events/worldofconcrete
Big Richard
They had the power cutter at STAFDA, back in October. Paired with their new 8Ah batteries, it looks quite beastly.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/makita-80v-max-xgt-14-inch-power-cutter-gec01/
Nathan
I wish dewalt would make more of their tools in the US – assembled here anyway.
would be nicer to see
I’d like a few of the other things too. Curious on that compact drill how it will stack up to the current offereings. Looks like the motor box of the compact impact wrench and impact driver with a drill gear box on the end. a bit.
Maybe I’m missing something here do you need such a large concrete vibrator? seems like in that realm you’d want a gas motor. as I figure time duration is an issue.
fred
Re concrete vibrators:
You can get away with a lot on small jobs or forms that don’t have lots of odd places or corners that might prevent good distribution of the mix. On a job that requires high strength concrete (low slump) – greater vibratory power might well be needed.
Hoov
Made, yes. Assembled, no. No different than buying a made in mexico unassembled model personally. Q
Bob
On the dewalt drills I hope they beefed up the shaft the chuck attaches to. Both my large hammer drill and compact wobble a little now. After the third time returning the hammer drill I realize that they were just gonna bend and I was just gonna have to live with it.
Visually it’s annoying but you can’t really notice it unless you’re drilling a deep hole in steel. Then it vibrates the drill like crazy. Not really a dealbreaker but I would like to see it beefed up in that area.
Ton
I just got back and was VERY impressed with Hilti’s new cordless platform. Same connection end and charger for every cordless too in the platform. This industry has been begging for this. In addition they are rolling out 100 plus tools thru out the year. Definitely worth a look
rob
Hilti was the star of the show. However, there is nothing novel about having everything on one battery platform.
Ton
True. But the ability to track your tool use, condition of the battery and where and when the last time the tool was used IS revolutionary. I tested their biggest battery operated breaker and it was more powerful than their corded one. Good stuff!
Rastafari
My friend… I have pretty much all tools RIGID.COM… Have u tried the sub compact drill/ driver and battery set, yet?? 2/3 the weight… all o da POWER!!!… LUV Dem Thangs, for climbing/hanging off ladders, keeps tool belt a lil lighter
Dave
Dewalt drills look like they use the same cheap plastic like their 12v extreme instead of the metal housing like the old 20v XR models. Assembled in America using cheap Chinese plastic. Thanks Dewalt….
Big Richard
No, these have metal chucks like all the previous 20v XR drills. I know it is hard to discern from the picture, but they are indeed metal.
rob
Everyone uses plastic gear housings inside of their drills. Only Dewalt spray paints the plastic outer housing with fake metal buffoonery. Milwaukee is the runner-up with their grey plastic tom foolery. What can I say? Home store tools.
12v lineup indeed uses glass filled polypropylene on the housing. I pooped myself when I found out that the MAC versions using nylon instead of polypropylene was used in their ad copy as a “premium” feature. Then again the Dewalt 12v stuff is dirt cheap and, honestly, built better than what you pay for.
Dave
Other then Snap On maybe Mac tools not sure what you mean by home store tools… Hilti, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Metabo, Bosch, and all the other major players are available at Lowes and Homedepot… its not like John Deere or Stihl…. where your only option is junk at those markets.
CoBlue
The Bosch Profactor drill looks excellent. It’s got the high torque and anti-kickback that are the minimum table stakes for a high end drill these days. Hopefully it retains the excellent and responsive feel from the Bosch 18v drill that makes it my favorite when I don’t need either a tiny drill or a powerful monster.
The built in programmable angle guide looks like a really nice feature. That would have saved me a bunch of trouble with several oddly angled deep holes I’ve had to drill recently.
rob
Bosch 18v drills really are nice.
Andrew Drozd
I’m surprised there was no mention of the two M18 pencil vibrators. The Fuel one is definitely going to be nice for professional concrete installers, but for someone doing smaller concrete jobs like I do, a handheld unit has always been satisfactory. I’ll just be happy to get rid of that Dewalt finally and have one less battery platform to pack around.
Javier A.
LOL why is the Makita cordless duster on the 40V platform?
MM
To make it effective they need the power. And from the videos I’ve seen of it being reviewed in Japan, it seems pretty weak even on its highest power setting (which, according to the reviewer, only gets 13 min run time on a 4ah battery) so even 40V platform may not be enough…
Big Richard
So 13 minutes on 144Wh = 0.09 minutes per Wh. Their largest 18v pack is only 108 Wh (6Ah), so that would only give you 9.72 minutes. I’m sure they could get the needed power from 18v (there are 18v leaf/shop blowers with much more power albeit bigger motors and fans), but runtime may be the bigger reason for putting it on 40v XGT. Not that it’s going to be a huge difference, unless you strap the 8Ah XGT battery on there.
Also, it could help attract people to the new XGT lineup?
MM
Agreed all around, especially on the last point. I think any tool company who wants users to consider jumping into a new line of tools really needs to focus on the breadth of that line. It’s all well and good if a new platform has a drill, circ saw, and an impact driver–everyone has those–but what about the rest of it? Offering a handy new product that’s of use to many different trades but is unique to your new tool line seems like a great way to attract customers to your platform.