Dewalt recently unveiled its new line of power tools, endeavouring to make job sites safer and more efficient.
The new line called Flexvolt, endowed with 60-volt batteries and, while cordless, power cord charge, is the company’s biggest launch in 30 years, branding the tool line “the job site of the future.” Users are afforded vastly more flexibility with where they can work, free from the constraints of short power cords, electrical outlets and generators.
Greg Weston, Director of Marketing for Stanley Black & Decker Canada Corp., Dewalt’s parent corporation, says the company “has relentlessly pursued the cordless job site,” and that Flexvolt should considerably reduce safety hazards on construction sites as well as in people’s homes. Its portability will also make outdoor work easier.
“This is our next logical evolution,” said Weston. “We want to go completely cordless to reduce the need for applications that required a corded or gas-powered product in the past. Cords are tripping hazards and disruption of power could also become a problem on-site. Cordless solves that problem.”
He also says that for many projects, including the DIY variety, standard 20-volt power tools are insufficient. Sixty-volt brushless tools, on the other hand, are faster and will increase efficiency. They have larger cells, longer life, and don’t overheat.
Flexvolt battery packs are backwards compatible, meaning they’ll work with the company’s 20-volt platforms that are already on the market. Dewalt has been working on going cordless for the last three or four years and has plans to release more cordless tools on the market in the coming months and year.
“It all boils down to power,” continued Weston. “If you see a tool that’s running on gas or extension cord, we’re trying to figure out a way to make a cordless option for them.”
Frank Mannarino, President of Professional Products Group for Dewalt, says the company is close to “unlocking the keys to the job site of the future.” Dewalt undertook an arduous research campaign and were repeatedly told on-site hazards were users’ biggest concern.
“We think the products we’re developing here are going to satisfy the pro user,” said Mannarino. “Cords are tripping hazards on job sites and users have told us if you 
eliminate the cord, you eliminate the tripping hazard, so in many of the products we’re eliminating the cord and they’ll inherently be safer on the job site.”
The battery charges are exceedingly efficient, too. The 60 Volt Bushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw, for example, gets roughly 56 4×4 cuts per charge, and is ideal for virtually any demolition work required before commencing a renovation project. It is also fitted for wood and metal blades.
Says Cindy Drnec, a Dewalt product associate on hand at the Flexvolt launch, “The great thing about this saw in particular is it has so much power that it can replace a corded saw for you. Anything you felt like you didn’t have power to cut through, you’re going to have the power with the 60-volt cordless saw.”
Many of the Flexvolt tools are also ergonomically sound, like the Carbon Fibre Hammer Tacker, which requires 40 per cent less force from the human arm.
Dewalt hopes it can improve safety on construction sites, as well as in people’s homes, and says it plans to release more tools on the market in the coming months. In doing so, it might outpace its competitors once and for all.
About the author: Neil Sharma is a freelance writer.
