We went over several of the new Dewalt hand tools that were first introduced a short time ago. Since them we have had the opportunity to test out several of the additional new tools which had some nice features that do make the new Dewalt tools stand out from what is currently available as well as from their sister company and the Stanley Fat Max line.
Dewalt 8 Piece MM Hex Key Set – These hex keys are in MM sizes (1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm) and a very heavy duty package. The bones of this tool are all metal but wrapped in a nice rubberized handle. The biggest innovation with this new hex key set is the locking positions in 90, 135 & 180 degrees, it seems so simple but this is a real benefit that has been overlooked in all the mainstream hex key sets. The torque pressure the keys can handle is rated to 630 in-lbs which we were told is more than the human hand can physically create. The SAE version will be available at launch as well.
Dewalt High Tension Hacksaw DWHT20547 – This hacksaw looks pretty strait forward, nice rubberized handles in the front and rear as well very sturdy construction but it also has several surprises. For starters the blade release lever is very simple to operate, inside is the tensioner which can be adjusted with two fingers, up to 330 lbs, so blade changes are a snap.
The transformer like structure of this saw reveals a lot more trickery with the front end piece coming off this saw easily becomes a low profile hacksaw. The front handle then can also double as a jab saw that uses any standard reciprocating saw blade.
To top it all off there is on board storage in the top for additional hacksaw blades as well as reciprocating saw blades. Not that this would re a replacement for all those tools but in a jam it always nice to know those options are available.
These are two pretty good examples of the Dewalt team and Stanley team working together to add innovative new features to this new line of hand tools launching as we speak. Will some of these features also go to their Stanley & Bostitch Hand Tool lines eventually, certainly if they are successful. Regardless of which package the tools come in as long as they keep making better tools so we can do our jobs better we’ll be happy.
