FlexVolt was the big "world's first" announcement that had been a mystery for many us before the event. With 60V Max capacity (54V under load), it also automatically coverts to 20V Max (18V under load) when inserted into a 20V Max tool. These new batteries power some impressive new tools, which you'll see on the following slides. Cost for a Flexvolt battery pack: $149 (DCB606); $199 for a two-pack (DCB606-2)
The 60V MAX* 7-1/4” circular saw (DCS575) with brushless motor was one of the first tools demonstrated at the event. It has the power and functionality of a corded sidewinder (is a wormdrive model on the horizon? not sure). According to DeWalt this saw can make up to 339 cuts in 2x4 SPF on a single charge. It has a , LED light, 2 9/16” depth of cut, 57° bevel capacity, aluminum base. $179 (bare) and $299 (kit includes 1 battery).
Also new to the cordless Flexvolt tool line is a 60V Max VSR stud and joist drill (DCD460). It made easy work of boring 2"-plus diameter holes in 2x material. DeWalt says it can be used in two, three, four, and five layers of 2x and engineered lumber. It has a mechanical clutch that locks out if it the tool binds, so it won't snap your wrist or throw you across the room. It has 2-speeds and is variable speed reversible. The bail handle is adjustable, has onboard chuck key storage, and LED light. $279 (bare) $399 (kit)
To aide in the efficiency and runtime of the Flexvolt tools, DeWalt designed a new line of accessories for them. The hole saws shown here are built to maximize performance of the Flexvolt VSR drill shown here. The hole saws include a pilot bit that pulls through the material as it cuts. Recip blades, abrasives, and circular saw blades will also be available. The accessories will come as part of the kits in their respective tools.
Here's contributing editor David Frane making a couple of cuts with the new 120V cordless sliding compound miter saw. It cut this 2x10 at 45 and 90 with no problem. Note the dual battery packs on top of the saw. When I gave this saw a try it seemed quite clear that it has some serious power - no noticeable difference from the AC version.
Another look at the cordless sliding compound miter saw. The back side shows a pack attached to a cord where the batteries normally go. That pack/cord attachment converts the cordless tool into a corded one for AC power. It will be available with just the power adapter for $649, so you can add batteries later if you want. Or you'll be able to purchase the kit which will include this power adapter, two batteries, and a charger for $799. Keep in mind that batteries are $149 each.
Here's the fixed-head 12" model showing some nested crown. This too will come with a power adapter and sell for $499. For the kit, which will include the power adapter, two Flexvolt batteries, and fast charger you'll pay $649.
There's a lot going on here. This is DeWalt's new 1800 Watt portable power station (DCB1800) clipped ontop of a tough box. The power station serves as a charging station for 20V Max and 60V Max batteries. To charge your batteries you'll need to power the station with an extension cord because it doesn't have a cord. It doesn't have a cord because it also serves as portable power. Yes, it's charging an iPhone in the picture, but that single outlet will also run a power tool. Run times vary depending upon batteries (the lowest Ah battery sets the power pack's fuel allotment). Cost: $399 for the bare tool; (DCB1800B) and $599 for a kit (DCB1800M3T1; three 20V Max DCB204 batteries and one 60V Max FlexFuel DCB606). Needs 4 batteries to have AC power.
Here's a look at DeWalt's 20V Max and 60V Max battery lineup. The color variations indicate their standard (all black) and premium packs (yellow and black). The premium batteries are said to provide 33% more runtime than the standard version
Among the accessories being demonstrated was this DWASHRIR 18 Ga. shear cutter attachment. DeWalt announced this tool last fall, but it doesn't seem to have been readily available so we expect it will be released soon. It has a 1/4-in. socket attachement and mounts to drills and impact drivers. The head swivels 360 degrees, so you can get your knuckles out of the way easily enough. It will run about $60.
The cordless positive placement metal connector nailer was on display and being demonstrated (DCN693M1). It can handle 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" fasteners and has sequential and rapid fire modes. It runs on a 20V Max battery. The kit comes with a charger and one 4Ah battery. It's available now and costs $449.
DeWalt says that the nailer in the previous photo will drive enough nails on a single charge to install 75 2x6 joist hangers.
DeWalt was showing off their previously released jobsite tool storage boxes. Unlike their previous jobsite storage which were licensed, these were designed, developed, and built by DeWalt from the ground up. They include compatibility with its accessories, including ToughSystem toolboxes. The ToughBox will come in 36", 42", 48" and 60" sizes and will be available July 2016.
A new line of cordless outdoor power equipment is on its way in Spring of 2017, including this chainsaw.
A cordless string trimmer and hedge trimmer will also be released.
A cordless blower is going to be released in the Spring 2017. It will run on the Flexvolt 60V Max battery platform. I missed the pricing info on this so stay tuned closer to the release date for more specifics.
DeWalt will be adding new cordless rotary lasers to its laser level line, one green and two red. They run on 20V Battery platform. Model DW074LR is a red beam with interior range 150 ft. and exterior range of 1500 ft. with a detector; it is accurate /- 1/8" in 100 ft. The DW079LR is a red beam with dual slope capacity and IP67 durability rating. Its interior range is 250 ft., 2000 ft. exterior with a detector and accuracy of /- 1/16" at 100 ft. The DW079LG has the same specs as the DW079LR, though with a green beam. The lasers will run $649, $1000, and $1250 respectively.
Three new knives were present at the event, including this folding retractable utility knife (DWHT10296). It stores 3 blades in the handle, safe from weather and weighs less than .5 lbs. Cost: $20 Release is expected this summer or fall.
This is DeWalt's carbon fiber pocket knife, DWHT10314. It's made with a heavy-duty steel blade that's reported to stay sharp for a long time and be easy to sharpen. Cost: $40. Release date still unclear.
The DWHT10295 has some cool features included tool-free quick blade change, blade storage that's protected from the weather, 3 blade locking positions, and integrated carabineer clip. Cost: $14. Release date still unclear, but likely this summer or early fall.
The DCR025 is a new jobsite radio that features Bluetooth capability. It also includes two AC outlets so it can function as a power supply when the unit is plugged in. It charges 12V Max, 20V Max and Flexvolt batteries at 3AMPs. There's a device storage compartment on the bottom that includes a USB port for charging your phone. You can control the device from the radio so you can keep your phone in your pocket when you want to change the station. Cost $199. Expect to see this late summer/early fall of this year.
These saw horses aren't new, they actually came out recenlty. But we got to see how quickly they set up and, perhaps the coolest thing about these is that they clip together so you can carry two at a time using one handle. Together a pair will cold up to 2000 lbs. Cost for one sawhorse: $40.
Here's a wrecking bar with some serious heft. The DWHT55051 is called a "form lifter" - made for masons, concrete workers, and GCs. It's got an extra wide claw and the shaft is oval-shaped so you can grip it comfortably. The orientation of the shaft and design were done for added strength. It's 60" long and costs $100. Look for it this fall.
Here's DeWalt's version of the Wobble Light, though this one is cordless. It will run on either AC or a battery. When plugged into AC it provides 7000 lumens, which was far too bright too look at directly. If the power goes out, the light will stay on if a battery is installed but it will bump down to 3500 lumbs. There's left, right, and 360 degree modes, it's also a charger (20V Max or Flexvolt), and it has a dimmer on the control panel. It weighs 27 lbs, and is hollow so these can be stacked onto one another (as shown here). 4 lights can be daisy chained together. The light can also be controlled via DeWalt's tool connect. It weighs 27 lbs w/o battery and has spots to mount four casters. Cost: $399 bare tool (DCL070); $499 for a kit (DCL070T1) which includes a 20V Max battery. Available this fall.