
I just returned home from a two-day trip to Stanley Black & Decker University in Towson, Maryland. I was invited there by DeWalt to tour its research and design facilities, meet with engineers and product managers, and—best of all—test a bunch of new tools. For a tool fool like me, it was pure heaven!
I’ve been a big fan of DeWalt since the introduction of its very first line of portable power tools nearly 20 years ago. Prior to that, the company was renown for its radial-arm saws, a tool invented in 1936 by Raymond DeWalt. Black & Decker (B&D) bought DeWalt in 1960, divested itself of radial-arm saw manufacturing in the late-1980s, but—in a most brilliant move—retained the DeWalt brand name.
We spoke briefly, then they opened the cases and took out these bright yellow and black tools. I had never seen anything like them before. They looked like giant, mechanical yellow-jacket hornets. You have to remember, back then all tools were either gray or black, or gray and black. Now here was DeWalt, introducing sun-bright yellow tools! Little did I know that these tools would, in a remarkably short period of time, become the most popular portable power tools ever produced. But I digress. . . .
The main reason I was invited to Towson was to witness one of the most significant announcements in DeWalt’s 19-year history: The company was introducing its first-ever line of hand tools. And as with DeWalt power tools, these ultra-heavy-duty hand tools are specifically designed and built for professional contractors.

The initial 2011 offering will include about 130 tools in 10 different categories, including: cutting tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers and pry bars, marking and layout tools, tool storage and work support, and pliers and snips. Nearly 100 of the tools are available now, or will be very soon, and the remainder should be in stores by the end of the year.
During an extensive hands-on period in the DeWalt workshop, I got to try many of the tools, including the MIG Weld Framing Hammer, a lightweight 15-ounce, solid-steel hammer that delivers the nailing-pounding power of a 28-ounce hammer; and the Folding Retractable Utility Knife, a full-size, heavy-duty knife that folds in half and features a string-cutting slot, push-button blade-change mechanism, and on-board blade storage. I also got to play with an amazing new sliding compound-miter saw, five-in-one hacksaw, and a 100-foot auto-retract tape measure, the world’s longest retractable measuring tape.
I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. DeWalt does hold the Number One market share in cordless tools and has more than 63 million 18-volt batteries in use today. And it didn’t earn that enviable position by being complacent.
Looking back, I feel fortunate to have had front-row seats for the historic launch and subsequent exponential growth of DeWalt over the past two decades. And I’m looking forward to the next call, which usually starts with, “Hey Joe, I’m calling about DeWalt. Got a minute?” My response: “You betcha!”
Hi Joe,
I want to get a cordless drill with some good torque and reliability – what would you recommend by Dewalt? I have owned some ‘bargain’ brands in the past and they have not lasted very long – I’m ready for a real quality tool, even if it costs more.
Thanks!
Hey trimtab21, There are many fine cordless drill/drivers on the market today, and many are very fairly priced, including the DeWalt and Ridgid. I love the Makita and Bosch d/d, too, but they’re a bit more expensive. With that said, you can’t go wrong with a DeWalt. It’s a pro-grade tool, so if you’re a DIYer, it’ll likely be the last d/d you’ll ever buy. Regardless of which drill you buy,get one with lithium-ion batteries, they’re lighter and hold a charge longer than nicads or nickel-metal hydride. And note that some manufacturers offer two sizes of lithium-ion batteries: 1.5 amp-hour, and 3.0 amp-hour. The 1.5 is half the size and weight of the 3.0, and cheaper, but the 3.0 lasts longer between charges. For most DIYers, the 1.5 battery is sufficient. One more suggestion: Be sure the drill comes with two batteries, so you can always have one in the drill and one fully charged. Thanks for writing and good luck!–Joe T.
I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years and I always bought DeWalt, I would love to try all there products, DeWalt has been helping me put food on my table for a long time .now I am trying to get in to the motor cycle indersty and would love to see what DeWalt tools could help me there
I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years and I always bought DeWalt, DeWalt has been helping me put food on my table for a long time .now I am trying to get in to the motor cycle indersty and would love to see what DeWalt tools could help me there
I’m the owner of a drywall company in Oakland county mi I want to try your drywall router to see how it holds up to every day use
Hi, Dan,
TodaysHomeowner.com features home improvement advice from the nationally syndicated TV show “Today’s Homeowner” and its experts.
We don’t sell construction products on this website, but we encourage checking your local The Home Depot for these materials.
Good luck!
I have been working construction for many year. Dewalt has become my reliable tool. I enjoy useing them.
We know folks love their DeWalt tools. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jerry!