New Dewalt Hand Tools First Impression

[Stuey]

I wrote a bit about some of Dewalt's new hand tools over at ToolGuyd, but had the first chance to try them on earlier today at B&D/Dewalt's training facility. I have a TON of work ahead of trying to sort out all the photos I took and notes I made, but wanted to share some info and my impression with you guys first.

First, the tools are NOT simple B&D repaints. Some of the tools are designed from the ground up, some are heavily tweaked, and very few are only subtley different (e.g. the demo drivers).

Dewalt is very confident that the hand tools will be "jobsite tough" and provide absolute satisfaction.

My favorites were the welded hammer, full-handled adjustable wrench, and OMG the new jobboxes are $#%^&* awesome!! Seriously, the boxes put all other kit boxes to shame.

Welded hammer: lighter weight, but it does swing faster. No arm fatigue at all after sinking in 4 framing nails. $60 is a bit high, but not bad at all compared to a Ti hammer.

Adjustable wrench: smooth as butter mechanism. The handle is full-thickness, not I-beam. It's a little hefty, but I liked it. Dewalt says it's stronger than the competition, and I think I'll grab a hammer or cheater bar to put those claims to the test.

Tough Cases modular storage - my first impression is high - these are PHENOMENAL! I don't think even the photos show how great they are. But I do have video of me jumping up and down on one of them!

15oz MIG welded framing hammer:

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bryk3-pBg2w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[robertwhite]

Are they made here or overseas?

 

[matthew]

So are the adjustable wrenches as good as the Irega/Channellocks?

 

[strnjss]

That DeWalt prybar in the picture looks exactly like the Stanley Fatmax prybars. I bet it's just a re-badge (stanley owns B&D and DeWalt I believe).

 

[Stuey]

Are they made here or overseas?

Most overseas, some, like the utility knives & blades, are made in the USA with global materials.

So are the adjustable wrenches as good as the Irega/Channellocks?

They had the demo station setup with Crescents. After everyone else left I chatted it up with the Dewalt guys, and kind of chided them for the comparison. I asked how they compare with the Irega-made Channellocks, and either they think the Dewalts will be compatible, or they're great at BSing on the fly.

Personally, I think it's going to be a close one. I absolutely LOVE Irega-made Channellock adjustbales. I'm not completely in love with the Dewalt's handles, but I only handled them briefly thus far.

What I can say for sure is that the mechanism feels extremely robust. And as mentioned, it adjusts smooth as butter.

That DeWalt prybar in the picture looks exactly like the Stanley Fatmax prybars. I bet it's just a re-badge (stanley owns B&D and DeWalt I believe).

They didn't really discuss the prybar at all, so I'm assuming that's one of the tools that saw little to not substantial redesign.

 

[Stuey]

Added link to video of the framing nailer in the first post. And yes, I know I look goofy, cannot really help that.

 

[tonydanzah]

arent the new dewalt kit boxes just the same as the boxes that come with power tools in europe? the stackle kind.

 

[Stuey]

arent the new dewalt kit boxes just the same as the boxes that come with power tools in europe? the stackle kind.

No. Bosch's new premium kit boxes are L-boxxes, comparable to Festool/Tanos Systainers.

I haven't seen the L-boxxes in person yet, but recently received a Systainer with tool purchase. There's little comparison. The Dewalt cases look like 10x as overbuilt. I was VERY impressed with them.

The L-Boxxes and Systainers are designed or transport and storage, but the ToughCases look to be designed to go through hell and back.

 

[bchee]

 

[domain]

Nice video, looks like a decent hammer design. Im going searching for these tough boxes now...

 

[Stuey]

I won't have a chance to report on those just yet, but I'll try to put up another video on YouTube.

 

[wise]

long time since the last post... but i've been using a 15" dewalt brand adjustable for quite a while. I have used it as a makeshift strike wrench on many occasions using a 12lb sledge and it held up fine. The jaws arent sloppy and it is still smooth.

 

[Stuey]

In the past while since I started this thread, I only formally reviewed their folding utility knife, adjustable wrench, and ToughSystem tool boxes.

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-tough-system-small-tool-box-review/
http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-folding-retractable-utility-knife-video-review/
http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-adjustable-wrench-review/

I really like some of their hand tools, and REALLY like the Tough System tool boxes. The hammers are superb, the newer pliers are decent (although bested by Channellock imho), and the other general purpose tools seem to hold up well.

What I don't get is why Dewalt hasn't been marketing their hand tools as much as they could. They selection isn't very thorough, but it's complete enough for most construction tradesmen.

A 12 lb sledge on a 15" adjustable won't break the adjustable unless the fastener doesn't yield. In any case, I would agree that the adjustables are rock-solid. The largest I use is a 10" though.

 

[Rebelphotog]

The only DeWalt hand tools I own, or have used for that matter, are the chisels. I bought them a couple of months ago and I'm very pleased. Great ergonomics and seem to be well made. I used them to cut 3 interior slab doors, as well as a few other little projects and they have been very comfortable to use and did their job very well.

 

[jake00]

Farm and fleet carries a lot of the hand tools. I've owned the folding utility knife for a couple months and love it.