DeWalt Announces Their 20V Max (18 Volt) Line of Tools

I predicted DeWalt would be announcing their 20 Volt line of tools in June, and here we are, I was right, and I am still not a fan of calling 18V tools 20V Max, but this is a battle I cannot win.

I always say that if you are going to buy a cordless tool, you are really buying into the whole manufacturers cordless system. Once you own one tool from a manufacturer you are more likely to stick with the same battery and charger, so you buy other tools. So when a manufacturers comes out with a new line of tools, it is always best to come out with a whole lot of tools for the same system. Thankfully for us, DeWalt is on the same page; their new line of 20V Max tools launched with a total of 11 new tools, which includes a compact drill/driver (DCD780C2), premium drill/driver (DCD980L2), two impact drivers (DCF885C2 and DCF885L2), compact hammer drill (DCD785C2), premium hammer drill (DCD985L2), reciprocating saw (DCS380L1), circular saw (DCS391L1), SDS rotary hammer (DCH213L2), right angle drill (DCD740C1) and work light (DCL040).

The new 20V Max line uses a slide style battery that is similar to the other 18V lithium-ion batteries on the market today, and similar to the DeWalt 12 Max batteries. In fact, the new charger for the 20V Max batteries can also charge the 12V Max batteries; this is a huge advantage that DeWalt has versus their competition. The 20VM tools can use either a compact 1.5Ah battery or the the regular 3.0Ah battery, and kits will be sold that offer both.

The tools in the 20VM system have been designed from the ground up and offer the same ergonomic features that DeWalt implemented in their 12VM line. The most notable changes are to the grip area and weight distribution. The 20VM system also has some great electronic features that helps to maintain consistent power throughout tool use, maximize battery life, and prevent overheating.

There is so much information on all of these new tools, that I have not even had a chance to go through it all. So in an effort to speed thigs up, I have posted the press releases for on the next pages. Happy reading.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – Today, DEWALT meets the growing demand for impact drivers on professional jobsites with the introduction of two new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion impact drivers, available with both 1.5 Amp Hour (Ah) (DCF885C2) and 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries (DCF885L2). Features of the new impact drivers such as speed, compact size and a one-handed loading chuck deliver improved performance, ergonomics and innovation when compared to other impact drivers on the market.

The small, lightweight design of these tools are ideal for cabinetmakers and HVAC professionals in addition to steel stud framers, electrical, mechanical and general contractors who frequently perform drilling and fastening applications overhead or in tight spaces.

"There is an increased demand for impact drivers globally because these tools offer the versatility and durability professionals need in a compact yet very powerful package," said Jeremy Torok, senior product manger, DEWALT. "Due to hundreds of hours of jobsite research around the world, we know that professionals are using impact drivers more frequently.

"We have optimized our 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion models so they can handle a variety of applications and withstand daily jobsite wear and tear while giving users features that allow them to work more productively."

With a durable motor that delivers 2,800 RPM, the DCF885C2 and DCF885L2 impact drivers are up to 43 percent faster than current impact drivers on the market. The only difference between the two units is in their battery power. The DCF885C2 features a 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery, and the DCF885L2 offers a 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery that provide longer runtime than its counterpart.

Research shows that the growing popularity of impact drivers is largely due to the fact that these tools are smaller and more compact than drills, and they eliminate reactionary torque (kickback) due to the impact mechanism within the tool. Knowing that size and weight are extremely important to impact driver users, the new DEWALT 1.5 Ah and 3.0 Ah 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion impact drivers are small in size and lightweight. Both units measure 5.55 inches from front to back, and they weigh 2.8 pounds and 3.4 pounds, respectively. Also, these tools feature the same slim handle design as the other products in DEWALT's new 20 Volt MAX* system, which contributes to the comfort users will experience when using these tools.

DEWALT is dedicated to improving and optimizing their products to meet contractors' needs. An example of how DEWALT continues to enhance their tools is the one-handed loading ¼-inch hex chuck that is featured on both 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion impact drivers.

This chuck accepts and holds one-inch bit tips for convenient fastening in tight spaces. Each impact driver also comes with an all-metal belt hook that can be attached to either side of the tool. Additionally, the innovative LED lights, which incorporate three LED lights around the chuck of the tool, help to provide visibility without shadows in dimly lit spaces. The lights remain on for 20 seconds after the trigger is released for added visibility.

"On the jobsite, interaction with end users was absolutely critical in designing these tools. The product development team responsible for these new impact drivers team is excited to be able to incorporate so many new features," Torok said.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. The charger for each of the tools in the 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion system has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion impact drivers will be available anywhere DEWALT products are sold in September 2011. The DCF885C2 is expected to retail for approximately $219.00, and the DCF885L2 is expected to retail for $269.00. The tools will be offered in a variety of combo kit options. Click here to view the complete 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion combo kit listing.

There are a number of DEWALT accessories, specifically the IMPACT READY Accessory line, that are rated for use with impact drivers. The impact drivers will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a two-year free service contract and the 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a three-year free service contract.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion premium hammerdrill (DCD985L2) and premium drill/driver (DCD980L2). Features of the new hammerdrill and drill/driver include a three-speed all metal transmission, ½-inch metal ratcheting chuck and all metal gear housing meet professionals' demands for extreme durability, performance and comfort. These two new drills are ideal for commercial and residential builders, electricians, plumbers, remodelers, carpenters, cabinetmakers and installers, and woodworkers.

"The goal of this drill project was to deliver the most versatile and robust cordless drill for contractors who rely on their tools everyday. At the same time we used our new 20 Volt MAX* platform to improve the grip and overall ergonomics of our premium drills," explains Joerg Zellerhoff, senior product manager, DEWALT.

For the performance contractors expect, each of the new premium drills offer an all-metal, three-speed transmission that delivers 0-600, 0-1,250, and 0-2,000 RPM, depending on the setting.

These three settings allow contractors to select the appropriate speed for the application at hand and provide the user with a significant advantage for applications that cannot be done in high speed due to the torque requirement. While other drills would have to be set to the slowest speed, each of DEWALT premium drills has a middle speed setting that is more than twice as fast for applications such as drilling larger ship auger bits. Also, each of the premium drills incorporate a slim handle design that provides comforts to professionals.

Each of the premium hammerdrill and drill/driver feature a ½-inch metal ratcheting chuck with carbide inserts that helps to reduce bit slippage during high torque applications and provides long life. Each tool also features a bright LED work light above the trigger, which provides a 20 second delay for use in dimly lit spaces.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. The charger for each of the tools in the system has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion premium drill/driver and hammerdrill will be available anywhere DEWALT products are sold in September 2011. The premium hammerdrill is expected to retail for $299.00, and the premium drill/driver is expected to retail for $279.00. Each of the drills will come standard with two 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries and a charger. They also will be offered in a variety of combo kit options. Click here to view the complete 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion combo kit listing.

The drills will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a three-year free service contract. For more information on available accessories for the 20 Volt MAX* drills, please visit www.dewalt.com.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion compact drill/driver (DCD780C2) and compact hammer drill (DCD785C2). Ideal for professionals including remodelers, carpenters, cabinetmakers and installers, woodworkers, electricians and plumbers, these two new products offer the performance, ergonomics and innovative features professionals expect from DEWALT power tools and accessories.

"Our extensive research on jobsites clearly showed a demand for a cordless drill solution in a light, compact package that delivers on performance," said Joerg Zellerhoff, senior product manager, DEWALT. "By focusing on light to medium drilling applications while maximizing the speed of the drill, we are able to meet the needs of professionals to ensure they have the right tool for their applications."

To deliver comfortable and ergonomic drill/drivers, the new DEWALT DCD780C2 and DCD785C2 units use a 1.5 Amp Hour (Ah) slide-on Lithium Ion battery pack, which allowed engineers to develop a slim handle design.

In addition to the contoured grip on the handle, the new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion drill/drivers are well balanced and compact enough to fit into tight areas.

The new compact drill/driver is 7-½ inches long, which is ½-inch shorter than current drill/drivers on the market. The new compact drill/driver and hammer drill are also lightweight, weighing 3.4 pounds and 3.5 pounds, respectively. This translates to comfort for contractors who use these drill/drivers and hammer drills throughout the day.

DEWALT also designed the new cordless compact drill/driver and hammer drill to alleviate the frustrations contractors often experience when using other drill/drivers. These specific frustrations include issues with performance and speed. For fast speed of application, the DCD780C2 and DCD785C2 deliver 2,000 RPM, which is up to 30 percent faster than current drill/drivers and hammer drills on the market. Also, for optimized drilling and fastening, the compact drill/driver and hammer drill feature a high-speed transmission, which includes two different speed settings that deliver 0-600/0-2,000 RPM. To provide professionals with a reliable solution, DEWALT designed the compact drill/driver to include a ½-inch ratcheting chuck that helps to reduce bit slippage during high torque applications. The compact drills also each include a belt hook and on-board bit storage on the battery of the tool to save time otherwise spent locating and holding bits.

Both the DCD780C2 and DCD785C2 offer a bright LED light positioned above the trigger, with a 20-second delay for extended use in dimly lit spaces. A 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery powers the compact drills, which is smaller in size to allow for a more compact solution. However, the drills will also work with the 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries that are available as replacement packs or come with the Premium drills or saws.

Additionally, DEWALT-designed electronic features are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. The charger for each of the items in the system has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion DEWALT batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion compact drill/driver and hammer drill will be available in September 2011 anywhere DEWALT products are sold. The compact drill/driver, sold with two 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion batteries and a charger, is expected to retail for approximately $219.00, and the compact hammer drill, is expected to retail for $239.00. They also will be offered in a variety of combo kit options. Click here to view the complete 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion combo kit listing.

The drills will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery, which is sold with the tools, will come with a two-year free service contract and the 3.0 Lithium Ion Ah battery, which can be bought separately, will come with a three-year free service contract. For more information on available accessories, please visit www.dewalt.com.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Right Angle Drill (DCD740C1), which includes a two-speed transmission and an ergonomic handle for performance and ease of use. The new right angle drill is ideal for remodelers, carpenters, cabinetmakers and installers, woodworkers, electricians, steel stud framers and plumbers.

"We know that professionals often need a right angle drill to fit in some of the tightest spaces, so we designed our new model to be as compact as possible while still powerful enough to get the job done," said Joerg Zellerhoff, senior product manager, DEWALT. "Although the 20 Volt MAX* right angle drill is small, we're confident it is powerful and durable enough to meet the needs of contractors."

For improved performance and increased productivity when compared to existing right angle drills, the DCD740C1 features a high-speed transmission that delivers 0-650/0-2,000 RPM.

To provide a right angle drill professionals can rely on for all-day use, DEWALT also designed the new DCD740CL to feature a 3/8-inch deep hex pocket, which allows a 2-inch hex bit to be installed almost all the way into the chuck. This feature further reduces overall length (including the bit) to 4 ½-inches and makes this cordless right angle drill ideal for getting into very tight spaces.

The new right angle drill weighs only 3.7 pounds and measures 4 ¼-inches in length from front to back, making it ideal for applications in tight spaces. Additionally, the product features the new, slim and ergonomic handle design that comes standard on other DEWALT 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion products to ensure the tools are as comfortable as possible in contractors' hands.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. The charger for each of the items in the line has dual voltage capabilities and is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion right angle drill will be available in September 2011 anywhere DEWALT products are sold. It is expected to retail for $199.00, and will come equipped with a 1.5 Amp Hours (Ah) Lithium Ion battery and charger. The right angle drill will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery, which will be included in the kit, comes with a two-year free service contract and the 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery, which can be purchased separately, will come with a three-year free service contract.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion SDS rotary hammer (DCH213L2), engineered to feature improved performance when compared to existing SDS rotary hammers on the market. The new cordless rotary hammer drills more holes per charge than existing DEWALT offerings and provides a chipping function and an LED light for increased visibility. In addition, the tool features active vibration control to improve productivity and comfort for contractors. The SDS rotary hammer is ideal for those tasked with applications related to mechanical, maintenance, electrical, commercial installation, concrete forming and HVAC systems.

"After talking to contractors about their needs in a cordless rotary hammer, it became clear that professionals who use these tools frequently on the jobsite require a lightweight and durable offering that is powerful enough to complete the applications at hand but also is ergonomic and compact," said Jeff Beck, product manager, DEWALT. "This new cordless rotary hammer has been designed based on these types of conversations with users, so we're confident that it will surpass contractors' expectations."

DEWALT is dedicated to providing products that stand up to the wear and tear of jobsite abuse. The new SDS rotary hammer was designed to demonstrate improved performance when compared to existing offerings on the market, and with a 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion battery, it can drill up to 20 percent more holes per charge.

The new SDS rotary hammer has three modes: drilling, hammerdrilling and chiseling. In addition to leading battery life and function, the tool delivers ample power to complete many applications where users would rely on a corded rotary hammer. With 0-1,000 RPM and 0-4,100 BPM, the DCH213L2 allows for maximum drilling speed and number of holes per battery charge.

To enhance contractors' experience with the tool, DEWALT added many features to improve safety and ergonomics. For example, the unit features DEWALT SHOCKS™ Active Vibration Control through an internal suspended mechanism, which reduces user fatigue for comfort and productivity. In addition, weighing 6.4 pounds and measuring 10½ inches front to back, the new rotary hammer is compact in size, which is ideal for overhead use and applications in tight spaces. To further address contractor comfort, the weight of the new rotary hammer is well balanced in the center of the tool, as opposed to the front-end. This feature, coupled with a new slide-on battery pack, allows for a slimmer, more ergonomic design.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. The charger for each of the items in the system has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion SDS rotary hammer will be available in September 2011 anywhere DEWALT products are sold. The tool is expected to retail for $489.00, and it will come with two 3.0 Amp Hour (Ah) Lithium Ion batteries and a charger. The rotary hammer will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, two-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries will come with a three-year free service contract.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Circular Saw (DCS391L1). The DCS391L1 features a lightweight magnesium shoe and optimized handle design for an ergonomic profile that is comfortable for contractors who use the tool regularly to complete tough jobsite applications. The new saw's powerful 460 Max Watts Out (MWO) motor delivers the power and speed needed to make demanding cuts. The circular saw is ideal for remodelers, carpenters and professionals tasked with framing, cross cutting, ripping, bevel cuts and plunge cuts.

"We know our users are making countless cuts on jobsites every day, and after speaking with professionals, the need for a circular saw with the power to make these difficult cuts with ease was obvious," said Sean Templeton, product manager, DEWALT. "With the new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion circular saw, we've increased the power of our unit and extended battery runtime to allow contractors to make more cuts quickly and efficiently."

Delivering 3,700 RPMs, the DCS391L1 is 10 percent more powerful than previous DEWALT 6-½ inch cordless circular saws. This, combined with a new 3.0 Amp Hour (Ah) Lithium Ion battery that provides up to 57 percent more runtime than other models on the market, leads to a faster speed of cut and the power needed to make the most demanding cuts with ease.

The DCS391L1 offers ergonomic benefits with a lightweight magnesium shoe and a rubber overmold handle grip that provides comfort and control. The comfortable handle and battery slide-pack also allow for improved balance compared to existing DEWALT offerings on the market. Additionally, the new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion circular saw provides bevel capacity of 0-50 degrees for a variety of applications. A 6-½ inch thin kerf carbide tooth blade provides users with the ability to cut completely through two-by framing lumber at a 45-degree bevel angle.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. In addition, the charger for each of the items in the system has dual voltage capabilities, and it is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Circular Saw will be available in September 2011 anywhere DEWALT products are sold. The saw is expected to retail for $249.00, and it will come standard with a 3.0 Ah lithium ion battery and charger. A steel-shoed version (DCS393) will be offered in a variety of combo kit options. Click here to view the complete 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion combo kit listing. The circular saw will come with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a three-year free service contract.

TOWSON, Md. (June 2, 2011) – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion LED Work Light (DCL040), which features added lumens for brighter visibility than current work lights on the market, a pivoting head, multiple light zones and hands-free capability for versatility on the jobsite. The LED bulb also creates less heat than conventional Xenon bulbs.

"We spent time on the jobsite with contractors to better understand how they work in small spaces with poor lighting, which gave us a first-hand look at the difficulties users face when handling and positioning work lights to allow for hand-free usage and multitasking," said Jim Watson, senior product manager, DEWALT. "In addition to engineering the new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Work Light to include LED technology, resulting in a clear and bright light, we incorporated features such as a pivoting head and hang hook to solve end user frustrations with light positioning.

The pivoting head rotates 120 degrees with 11 detent positions for a wide range of visibility and the ability to easily lock-in the light projection angle. The integrated hang hook allows for hands-free capability in that it can be hung in spaces where added visibility is required.

With 110 Lumens that deliver bright white LED light output to easily differentiate between colors and help reduce shadows, the DEWALT 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Work Light is an obvious choice for contractors. The new work light provides up to 11 hours of light output when paired with the 3.0 Amp Hour (Ah) 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion battery.

DEWALT-designed electronics are built into the switches of all 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion tools and lights. These electronics provide maximum life for the tools and batteries by helping to protect them from overheating, overloading and deep discharge during use. In addition, the charger for each of the items in the line has dual voltage capabilities and is compatible with 12 Volt MAX* and 20 Volt MAX* DEWALT Lithium Ion batteries.

The new 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion Work Light will be available in September 2011 anywhere DEWALT products are sold, and it is expected to retail for $49.00. It will be sold bare and is compatible with both the 20 Volt MAX* 1.5 Ah and 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion batteries. The light will be offered in a variety of combo kit options. Click here to view the complete 20 Volt MAX* Lithium Ion combo kit listing. The light will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee. The 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a two-year free service contract, and the 3.0 Ah Lithium Ion battery will come with a three-year free service contract. For more information on available accessories for the Work Light, please visit www.dewalt.com.