DEWALT® Unveils New Tools
An impressive facility that truly gives DeWALT an edge when it comes to product development and training. This is where the DeWALT team sharpen their pencils and research, design and test their products as well as dissect the competition.
Below is a summary of some of the product I looked at:
DEWALT® New 12 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Cordless System
DeWALT’s new 12 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion platform should be arriving in stores in the Fall of 2010.
The 12 Volt MAX* tools and instruments are designed for a number of users including remodelers, electricians, cabinet installers, plumbers, service technicians, maintenance and woodworkers.
The platform boasts the following tools:
The screwdriver, drill and driver and impact driver all make a great secondary tool for contractors and an even better alternative primary tool for finish contractors, installers, woodworkers, service and repair services as well as electricians who want power but compact size, and light weight
1. 1/4” Screwdriver ( DCF610S2),
Lightweight tool at 2.2 pounds. Variable speed trigger and clutch allow perfect combination for controlled fastening applications. LED lights were located away from trigger area which allows for improved lighting.
A new 1/4-inch hex chuck on the impact driver and screwdriver allows users to simply push the bit in with one hand to lock it in place, and it accepts a 1-inch bit tip to fit into the tight spaces.
2. 3/8” Drill/Driver ( DCD710S2
Lightweight at 2.4 pounds. 15 clutch settings and two speeds ranging from 0-400 / 0-1,500 rpm. LED light.
3. 1/4” Impact Driver ( DCF815S2),
This tool is short front to back which allows it to get into tight spots. It also will accept a 1″ screw tip for tight fastening applications.
Two nice functions are the Non-reactionary torque which keeps the tool from twisting your wrist and the Cam-out impact mechanism to avoid stripping bits and fasteners.
The trigger profile on all of the drivers with LED lighting allows for the light to be used without engaging the tools motor.
4. 3/8” Impact Wrench ( DCF813S2),
Lightweight at 2.3 pounds and plenty of power with 1,150pounds of torque. 3-LED lights allow for improved visibility in tight dark areas.
5. LED Work Light ( DCL510),
Design allows this light to be placed on flat surfaces, clipped on a belt, hung off a nail or screw, or attached to metal via a strong magnet. Head rotates and pivots to provide light in any direction.
130 Lumen light pattern has a wide work light and an smaller inside spot which is useful for pointing and referring to components out of reach on the job site.
40 minute charger, No DC charger available at this time.
6. Inspection Camera ( DCT410S1),
Impressive tool. Features a removable wireless display with blue tooth technology. The removable display screen allows for accessing tight areas. Images can be saved onto an SDS card and then stored, printed or emailed.
The flexible cord is 36″ long with capabilities of adding additional 36″ sections to desired length. Also has an attachable hook and magnet for hooking wires or retrieving dropped metal objects.
7. Infrared Thermometer ( DCT414S1)
Great for scanning hot and cold spots. Measures temperatures from -20 degrees to 932 degrees Fahrenheit.
All products in the system feature a 12 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion battery that charges in 40 minutes. A change from the competition, DeWALT placed their battery at the bottom of the handle. This allows the tool to be better balanced and to be set down without tipping over.
Photo: Prototype handle
This configuration provides comfort and balance and allows contractors to easily stand the tool on its battery between uses.
Photo: ergonomic handle design
Each tool in the system incorporates features to improve overall performance on the job. For instance, three LED lights on the screwdriver, impact driver and impact wrench provide visibility without shadows.
Photo: 3-LED light system. Lights can be triggered without activating the tools motor
The products in the system are expected to retail from $139.00 to $299.00. The tools will come with a three-year limited warranty, one year free service contract and 90-day money back guarantee.
DEWALT® SDS-plus® ROTARY HAMMERS
While at this facility I also had the opportunity to play with DeWALT’s new line of heavy-duty SDS rotary hammers (D25223K, D25323K, and D25324K) that feature SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control®.
Photo: Hammer drill and chiseling station
The D25223K D-handle and D25323K L-shape 1” SDS rotary hammers are equipped with DEWALT’s SHOCKS Active Vibration Control® featuring a shock mounted rear handle system that reduces vibration up to 50 percent while increasing comfort and productivity.
These rotary hammers were designed with the professional contractor in mind. They provide plenty of power, job site durability, and increased comfort.
Photo: Me trying out the SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control®
The SHOCKS-Active Vibration Control® was noticeable when I compared it to a rotary without the SHOCK control ~ very impressive, especially if your using this tool all day or for an extended period of time.
These models include a 2-year free service agreement, 3-year limited warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee.
DEWALT® Launches A New Line of Abrasives
DEWALT launched a new line of abrasives by adding more than 900 new products to its existing platform.
This line was designed to address the demands of professional contractors, welders, and fabricators by cutting faster and lasting longer, which will result in increased productivity and profitability at the job site.
Photo: Brad Nohr, DeWALT Product Manager [abrasives]
“The development of this new line came as a result of widespread field testing and countless conversations with contractors,” said Brad Nohr, Product Manager, DEWALT. “With this new range, we are proud to offer professionals products that deliver innovative solutions and performance they have requested.”
Photo: Brad Nohr, DeWALT Product Manager demonstrating the Flex Flap wheels
The new line of abrasives offers professional contractors product innovation in six categories including: Metalworking Coated Abrasives, Wearable Backing Flap Discs, Wire Wheels, Hubbed Thin Wheels, Contaminant-Free Thin Wheels and Next Generation XP Grinding Wheels.
The most impressive innovation was the Wearable Backing Flap Discs, which feature a backing that automatically wears down at the same rate as the flaps to increase the life of the product and help reduce waste.
The full range of abrasives will be available now at construction and industrial distributors.
Stay tuned for future tool reviews on these tools…..
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