Nipping at the heels of the recent release of their 12V MAX power ابزار رونیکس line, Dewalt is introducing another platform of remastered and streamlined cordless power tools. Releasing this September, the 20V MAX line is expected to make a considerable splash (for reasons both good and, perhaps, not so good) with the tool community.
Introducing seven innovated power tools and a worklight, Dewalt’s 20V MAX line is complete, comprehensive and focused on operator comfort and convenience. This is where the line is expected to make a positive splash. The tools are lightweight, completely ergonomic, and boast an overall impressive battery life. The redesign of the tools’ bodies, similar to that of the 12V MAX line, is totally streamlined and with the addition of a few more LED’s, operation remains accurate and precise despite less than ideal working conditions. The tool’s are well balanced, simple to use, and with some minor speed and power upgrades, the tools are nothing to shake a stick at.
The 20V MAX line, however, deviating from Dewalt’s former emphasis on backwards compatibility, is not compatible with their previous 18V platform. This move, despite the re-badging of the new line as 20 volts, has put more than a handful of users in a funk. They feel a little left behind, a little lost in the shuffle, and although Dewalt insists they will maintain the former 18V platform and continue enhancing it (within the limitations of its stem-style battery design), many Dewalt 18V users don’t feel as enthusiastic about the 20V platform.
Additionally, and as formerly indicated, the 20V MAX line does not actually produce 20V of working power. In fact, its power output is no different from Dewalt’s previous 18V line. The platform is tagged with 20V (rather than 18V) only to avoid compatibility confusion.
Now, after those technicalities are in the open, lets talk a little more about what, specifically, comes along with these tools.
The DRILL-DRIVER:
Beginning with certainly the most popular type of power tool, Dewalt’s 20V drill-driver comes in two slightly different versions. The DCD780C2 compact drill-driver kit (with a 1.5-Ah battery) and the DCD980L2 premium drill-driver kit (with a 3.0-Ah battery, slightly larger than the 1.5). Additionally, the hammerdrill-driver and impact driver also come in these slightly distinct versions, but, I (kind of) digress.
Anyhow, the DCD780C2 compact drill-driver kit boasts a super sleek and compact design ideal for working in tight spaces or for use during extended applications. The tool weighs just a measly 3.4-lbs but despite that compact design, the tool’s a high-speed, 2-speed transmission (0-600 / 0-2,000 RPM) ensures the drill-driver still packs a considerable punch. The tool is obviously comfortable to use and simple to operate, and with a heavy-duty 1/2″ ratcheting chuck it provides good bit gripping strength as well. The thing has 15 clutch settings and the kit includes two 20V MAX lithium ion batteries, a 30-minute fast charger, belt hook, on-board bit holder, a kit box, and a 3-year limited warranty (on the tool only).
On another hand, the DCD980L2 premium drill-driver kit weighs 5.2-lbs but still produces a surprising amount of power from a sleek and comfortable package. The 3.0-Ah battery life is impressive and the batteries themselves contribute to the overall well balance of the tool (of course, the same is true of the other tools in this line-up). The tool’s 3-speed all-metal transmission additionally enhances those long run-times and, through matching the tool’s output to each application, the general high-performance of the tool as well. With three integrated LED lights, the tool eliminates shadows while working and because the drill has a heavy-duty ratcheting chuck (with carbide inserts for improved gripping strength) and a high-efficiency motor, the driver’s power and performance are always reliable. Max RPM is 0-575 / 0-1,350 / 0-2,000 and the clutch has 22 individual settings. The kit includes a one-hour charger, two 20V MAX batteries, a 360-degree side handle, kit box, a 90-day money back guarantee, a 1-year free service contract, and a 3-year limited warranty (on both the battery and the tool).