12v Li-ion tools are quickly gaining in popularity and sales. When you look at the chain of events, it’s not hard to see why. Here’s a brief and simplistic timeline:

• Several years ago nickel-based batteries gave way to lighter more powerful Li-ion technology. Suddenly toolmakers were able to pack 3x the voltage into the same size pack, with no weight penalty.

• Tools came in all over the voltage spectrum, but it was Bosch that pioneered the low-voltage end of the spectrum with their 10.8v driver.

• Bosch’s compact tool was a huge success, and opened up a new and attractive market segment. In the years that followed, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ridgid produced similar (damn near identical, if you ask me) 12v drivers.

Yesterday, nearly 4 years after the first tools in this category hit the streets, DeWalt unveiled their 12v Max line of drills, drivers, and inspection tools.

I know what you’re thinking…

“Oh great, now I have my choice of the same drill in blue, white, orange, red and yellow.”

I thought the same thing, but the DeWalt is a fresh take. It’s obvious just from looking at the shape of the tools…

I haven’t had the opportunity to drive more than a few screws with the new tools, but here’s my take based on what I know so far:

What they got right:

• Battery configuration – Rather than orienting the trio of 3.6v cells vertically and sliding the pack into the handle of the tools, DeWalt laid them horizontal. This means a flat-bottomed tool (read: it stands up) that feels more balanced (read: it ain’t top heavy).

• Comfort – Arranging the batteries horizontally allowed the DeWalt industrial designers to create a hand grip that was much skinner and more ergonomically suited for a human hand (read: it’s comfy to hold). Hitachi also took this approach, but because their batteries are stick-style (they have a post that slides into the handle of the tool) the handle is still fairly fat.

• One-handed chuck – DeWalt’s engineers figured out how to make a one-handed chuck, which allows bits to be chucked into the tool without pulling back on the knurled collar.

• Belt hook – The folks in the yellow shirts didn’t make too much fuss about the hooks, but I thought they were cool because they can be used to hang the tool from a regular belt, but they also have an angled section that allows the tool to hang from a screw or nailhead

What they got wrong:

• More than a little late – According to the last numbers I saw, DeWalt was the market leader in cordless tools. It’s not reassuring to see the company in 1st place take so long to come to market with a competitive 12v line of tools, especially when Bosch is already well into their 2nd generation.

• Price – I’m hesitant to say this was something that DeWalt got “wrong”, because price shouldn’t be judged before the tool is thoroughly tested, and a $10 difference between DeWalt and the nearest price competitor (Bosch) isn’t too big of a deal. Still, I would be remiss not to mention the dollar-difference in times like these.

Watch for a full review of these tools when we receive samples. For more on Li-Ion technology, read

What You Need to Know About Lithium-ion Batteries

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