DeWalt has been pushing into the automotive tool category for a couple of years now, first with the introduction of mechanics tools, more recently with a metal storage system, and now with five new air tools: a 1/2” Drive Heavy Duty Impact Wrench, 3/8” Drive Air Ratchet, 3/8” Reversible Drill, Angle Die Grinder, and Palm Sander.
That a brand so strongly associated with construction tools would expand into automotive is not as far-fetched as it may sound. DeWalt’s parent company, Stanley Black & Decker, owns several brands that cater to the automotive market, including MAC and Proto—both of which produce air tools. Presumably, DeWalt was able to tap into that knowledge base while developing its own line of automotive tools.
Intended to appeal to mechanics and industrial users, the new line of air tools produce high RPMs and have shock-resistant housings, aluminum bodies, and thickly molded grips. The directional switches on the impact driver and drill can be operated one-handed.
1/2” Impact Wrench (DWMT79773L)
Capable of delivering 650 ft-lbs of torque the DWMT79773L has the power to free frozen bolts and perform heavy-duty fastening. An adjustable power regulator allows the user to switch between full, medium, or low power settings. The high-impact composite body reduces the weight of the tool while protecting the user’s hand from cold air passing through the handle. Exhaust is directed away from the user by routing it through an exhaust port on the bottom of the handle.
Free speed: 7,500 RPM Max Torque: 650 ft-lbs
Blows/min: 1,100
Maximum air flow: 5.9 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air inlet: 1/4”
Weight: 4.63 lbs.
Country of origin: China
Price: $170
3/8”Drive Air Ratchet (DWMT70776L)
This air ratchet has a light-weight aluminum body and can deliver up to 65 ft-lbs of torque. Speed can be regulated by means of a continuous adjustable power regulator. Features include a rubber grip, 360-degree adjustable exhaust port, and a touch control trigger.
Free speed: 180 RPM Max Torque: 65 ft-lbs
Maximum air flow: unknown
Air inlet: 1/4”
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Country of origin: China
Price: $70
3/8” Reversible Drill (DWMT70786L)
This pneumatic drill has a keyless chuck, rubberized grip, and a one-touch forward/reverse switch. A variable-speed reversible tool, it can spin up to 2,100 RPM. An adjustable exhaust port directs air away from the user.
Free speed: 0-2,100 RPM Maximum air flow: 3.6 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air inlet: 1/4”
Weight: 2.6 lbs.
Country of origin: China
Price: $60
Angle Die Grinder (DWMT70782L)
This new die grinder has a touch control trigger and spins at up to 20,000 RPM. It has an adjustable exhaust port, an ergonomic rubberized handle, and comes with 1/4” and 1/8” collets that will accept a wide variety of bits.
Free speed: 0-20,000 RPM Maximum air flow: 3.0 CFM @ 90 PSI
Air inlet: 1/4”
Weight: 1.17 lbs.
Country of origin: China
Price: $70
Palm Sander (DWMT70781L)
DeWalt’s orbital palm sander produces 12,000 RPM at 90 PSI. It has a cushion grip housing and takes 6” diameter hook and loop paper.
Free speed: 0-20,000 RPM Maximum air flow: 2.2 CFM @ 90 PSI
Orbit diameter: 3/32”
Spindle diameter: 5/16”
Air inlet: 1/4”
Weight: 2.0 lbs.
Country of origin: China
Price: $95
