2013 Dewalt Media Event
DEWALT 2013 Media Event
I just got back from the 2013 DEWALT Media Event. Spending the day with my friends in yellow at the Black and Decker University in Towson, MD is always a worthwhile time.
The folks at DEWALT spent two days with Media editors showing us the latest and greatest in tool innovations.
Inside Peek At The DEWALT Media Event:
The Every Changing World Of Tools
In the world of tool reporting, attending these media events is critical because new tools and innovations are always changing and “tool model freshness” is always hard to 
keep up on.
In the world of job sites, contractor’s like me only look at tools when we need to replace one or when one shows up that solves a problem or saves time and money. DEWALT’s mission in this arena is to provide innovative application solutions for contractors on job sites.
That mission resonates just fine with me and my small residential construction company and my job is to help you find out about those new innovations as well as give you an insider look; contractor to contractor, on how the tool performs.
What I Liked At DEWALT’s Event!
I saw a lot over the two days in attendance and I am going to highlight just a few of my favorite tools and innovative solutions.
DEWALT Brushless Tools And XR Battery Line:
As a contractor and carpenter who also uses these tools in the field, my biggest concerns with cordless tools, are run-time, power and weight.
Have you ever considered what you’re concerns are?
If you’re in business for yourself you better figure that one out – you either work like a “guy that gets paid by the hour” or a “guy that owns the company or gets paid by the job.”
DEWALT makes tools for the later!
DEWALT brushless technology coupled with their XR higher capacity battery packs means that their cordless tools have 57% more run-time and 33% more battery capacity then their standard 20 volt Max cordless tools.
Think about what 57% means – to me that’s ½ the charge of the next battery but getting it in the first battery charge. That equates to 3 batteries for the price of two!!!!
Because brushless technology enables a tool to run more efficient, cooler and longer on-task, DEWALT has focused their brushless development efforts mostly on the drilling and fastening tools where run-time seems to matter the most to the end user.
20V MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless Drill/Driver DCD790D2
The team up of the DEWALT brushless motor and the 4.0Ah XR Lithium Ion batteries create a cordless contender that will not only hold up under difficult job site conditions but is going to be a major contender for other tool companies to compete with.
I like that DEWALT made this drill compact and light, measuring only 7.2″ front to back, and 3.5 pounds. For me this allows me to get the drill into tight quarters as well as reduces user fatigue.
The DCD790D2 has two speed settings (0- 600/0-2,000 RPM) to cover a range of fastening and drilling applications. Like the entire DEWALT cordless tool line the DCD790D2 sports a well designed and ergonomic grip handle and is an extremely well balanced tool.
A ½ inch ratcheting metal chuck and super bright LED light with 20 second trigger release delay increases visibility in those dark and scary places that we like to drill in!
DEWALT DCD790D2 Specifications
- 20 volt Max
- 2 Speed Settings
- 2,000 Max rpm
- 15 Clutch Settings
- ½” Chuck Size
- Chuck Type Metal Ratcheting
- No Load Speed 0-600/0-2,000 rpm
- Weight 3.5 lbs
- Tool Length 7.2 “
- Hammer Drill DCD795D2
20V MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless Compact Hammer Drill DCD795D2
The DCD795D2 enjoys all of the features as the DCD790DS above but has a hammer drill function and delivers 0- 34,000 BPM for masonry drilling applications.
Specifications:
- 20 Volt Max
- 2 Speed Settings
- 0-600/0-2,000 Max rpm
- 0-10,200/0-34,000 Max BPM
- 14 Clutch Settings
- ½ inch metal ratcheting chuck
- Weight 3.6 lbs
Impact Driver DCF886D2 20V Max XR Lithium Ion Brushless 1/4″ Impact Driver Kit
I used the DEWALT DCF886D2 to install 3/8” x 3” long lag bolts into PT 4×4 lumber and this baby kicked ass! It was fast, powerful, light and comfortable to use.
The DEWALT DCF886D2is a super compact driver measuring approximately 5 ½” front to back and weighing only 2.9 pounds. This tool fits into tight spaces and is super comfortable to operate.
DEWALT does a nice job with their LED placement on this tool. The three LED lights are spaced abound the working end ring of the tool and stay on 20 seconds after the trigger is released. The LED’s placement significantly reduces shadows often created by the tool or driver accessory.
Similar to previous model the DCF886D2 chuck accepts 1″ bit tips and you can insert them without operating a chuck release.
DCF886D2 Specifications:
- 20 vole Max
- ¼” Hex drive
- Anvil Type Quick Release
- 0 – 2,800 rpm No load speed
- 0 – 3,200 ipm Impacts / Minute
- 1,500 in-lbs Max torque.
- 125 ft-lbs Max torque
- Tool Length 5.55 “
- Tool Weight 2.9 lbs
DEWALT 12V/20V Max Work-site Charger Radio DCR015
I’ve reviewed this radio a few weeks ago [Read Review Here] but I gained a better appreciation for it after spending some time chatting with Product Manager Todd Plajzer.
Todd explained that the radio has a 2 AMP built in charger for 12V Max & 20V Max DEWALT batteries and will also run off them. A 4.0Ah battery will keep this radio rocking for approximately 15 hours.
Two 10 amp AC Power Outlets on one side of the radio provide a source to plug in.
The other side of this radio has a sturdy and locking storage compartment with Auxiliary & USB Ports for MP3, Portable Satellite Receivers, or cell phones. The USB port allows device can also charge smaller electronic devices when the radio is plugged into a wall outlet.
I’m not an audiophile but Todd explained that the radio has a Class D amplifier, woofers and tweeters provide full range of high and low sound for optimum sound quality.
I can just hear the country music cranking on the job site now….
DCR015 Specifications:
- 12V Max & 20V Max
- Charge Time 90 Min or less
- 13 pounds
Right Angle Attachment DWARA100
This NEW little accessory was by far the most innovative application solution for me. If you follow my site you know I also run a small residential construction business.
I use a right angle drill often in many different tight access situations. This little baby is great for both drilling and fastening it will work with fastener tips, drivers, drill bits, hole saws, etc.
I use a storage box to hold my cordless drill and impact driver and the DWARA100 would fit nicely in this box and be totally accessible.
The DWARA1000 allows me to be able to right angle fasten and drill without having to drag my right angle drill out of the trailer.
Not only can this accessory save you money from not having to but a right angle drill but this $30.00 accessory can be kept in your drill box all the time, every time! That saves travel time back and forth to the truck, searching for tools, etc. More time on task means more efficiency and productivity.
The DWARA1000 works with any ¼” hex impact driver or will chuck into a drill. I liked that it has a short profile [front to back] which will allow me to get into those tight drilling and fastening spots.
A few interesting facts on the DWARA1000 is that it takes 1” bits easily and has a better bit and floating magnetic fastener retention system. The “floating” part is kinda cool as not only grabs the bit but will project out and grab the screw as well.
The fastening system really gives this accessory outstanding control and fastener placement.
DEWALT Mechanics Tool Sets
DEWALT is also releasing a slew of mechanics tools from wrenches to socket sets. While not an everyday go-to tool for a carpenter I do have my fair share of mechanic sets. We mostly use them for demo work, repairing equipment / tools and installing mechanical fasteners requiring carriage bolt applications.
Let’s face it all trades carry mechanic sets!
DEWALT is designing their socket sets with crossed rings on the sockets help reduce slipping and deep laser etched markings to help identify socket sizes. A 5 Degree arc swing and slim head design is built into the ratchets for maneuverability in constricted areas and a 72 Tooth gear system provides high torque ratcheting.
These sets are going to be offered exclusively at SEARS and are designed to compete in the Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt mechanic sets and not Mac and Snap-On. Look for them online at the SEARS website May 1st and in stores June 1st.
DEWALT is offering a no hassle, “take your word” replacement policy and guarantee to have your tool replaced within 24-48 hours. Nice!!!
DEWALT Mechanic Sets:
- DWMT72163 118 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
- DWMT72164 156 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
- DWMT72165 204 pc. Mechanics Tool Set
DEWLAT 18V / 20V Max Wet/Dry 2 Gallon Vacuum DCV580 and DCV581H
This vacuum is by far a “must have tool” for anyone doing Res-Con work or working in the service trade. The portability and lightweight design of these vacuums make them a perfect service job clean up tool.
The two gallon capacity is great for clearing water from toilet tanks prior to removal during remodeling projects and plumbing repairs.
These vacuums are designed with a multi-port battery interface and an run off of the 18 volt NiCad tower style or the 20 volt lithium-ion slide packs.
I was impressed with the resiliency and strength of the hose and how far it stretched out. Another worthy point is the innovative and secure on-board storage of the accessories – they clip in securely and store out of the way.
DEWALT solved my biggest pet peeve with small vacuums – the cord wrap. They designed a dedicated cord reel wrap which eliminates the user from having to wrap the cord around the unit – which never worked!
DEWALT offers the DCV580 as a battery powered model and the DCV581H as an AC/DC model. I prefer the later!
These vacuums were dry tested and can suck up to 100 pounds of sand on one 4.0Ah battery charge. On a wet test the vacuum sucked 17 gallons of water a single 4.0Ah battery charge.
The vacuums accept cartridge style high efficiency style / H.E.P.A washable and reusable filters.
