5 Lesser-Known DeWalt Tools That Can Come In Handy Around Your Home
Dewalt is an iconic tool brand and household name, thanks to an interesting history and commitment to quality that began in the 1920s. Founded by the inventor Raymond DeWalt, the company became a global success by 1930, the same year it was selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Labor's Committee on Safety Code. Within a decade, the company was ramping up production to meet wartime demands, while its founder was teaching next generation builders through various vocational programs.
In 1960 the company was acquired by Black & Decker, who went on to display both company's tools at the 1964 World's Fair. In the decades that followed, Dewalt continued to prioritize safety and innovation as it released portable and cordless power tools designed with construction professionals in mind. The company's power drills, screwdrivers, and saws continued to grow in popularity with pros and DIYers alike. Today, Dewalt sells more power tools than any other brand.
From snowblowers to cordless vacuums, there are excellent lesser-known Dewalt tools that can come in handy around your home. With over 200 power tools and 800 accessories to choose from, we picked tools that work well in a variety of households, have little to no significant safety risks, and that are easy to use even if you're relatively new to DIY.
This snowblower clears paths and driveways without the risks associated with shoveling
Whether you know there will be several feet of snow in your driveway this year, or you're worried that extreme weather events across the country mean they may bring a winter wonderland to you for the first time, consider having a Dewalt 60V MAX Single-Stage Snow Blower on hand. Powered by two 12Ah batteries, the powerful machine is capable of throwing snow up to 40 feet. A steel auger breaks apart extremely wet or heavy snow, making it easy to clear driveways or paths in a matter of minutes. With less daylight hours in winter, the onboard LED light is another helpful feature.
Along with keeping you out of the cold for longer than absolutely necessary, using a snow blower instead of a shovel may save your life. The chance of a heart attack after snowfall rises dramatically. Experts attribute the phenomenon to a combination of cold temperatures simultaneously increasing blood pressure while constricting the arteries, and higher heart rates from the exertion manual shoveling requires. Using a snow blower instead doesn't entirely remove the health risk, but may reduce it.
Reviewers love that this Dewalt snow blower is powerful yet much lighter weight than gas-powered options. Many found it to be an excellent height that saved them from back pain both during and after use. The blower also gets high marks for the powered directional chute that is easily moved left or right, depending on where you want snow to go.
Users love this versatile and portable battery-powered work light
Have you ever been working on a home improvement project like fixing a leaky pipe under a sink or giving your closet a facelift with an affordable system you can install yourself, and there just wasn't enough light to get the job done right? Or are you a crafter who still loves to do intricate work, even if your eyesight isn't what it used to be? If so, shed some light on your workspace with the Dewalt 20V MAX LED Magnetic and Clip-On Work Light.
This innovative and portable tool brightens up work areas with a bright, 160 lumens light head that pivots 360 degrees. Powered by Dewalt's 20V batteries (sold separately), the work light can be used in a variety of hands-free ways, thanks to a built-in kickstand, belt hook, magnet, and hanger. But the way we think you'll use it most is by clipping the work light onto a shirt collar with the simple metal clip. Weighing just 11.2 ounces, you'll hardly notice it.
Over 2,300 users have given the Dewalt work light a five-star rating, appreciating the versatility and brightness it provides at a reasonable price point under $50. The durability is frequently highlighted by happy customers, and the strong magnet also gets high marks from people who use the light in a wide variety of places, from the kitchen to the garage. An added bonus? It makes a terrific gift.
A cordless drywall sander can help you get a super smooth finish prior to painting
When you want to paint your home like a professional, before you crack the first can or dip your brush, it's important to make sure your drywall is as smooth as possible. If your drywall is relatively new, or you've only had to spackle a few tiny holes, a little sandpaper may do the trick. But when you've had to install new sheets or make major repairs, the Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Drywall Sander can make all the difference.
Equipped with a telescoping shaft for hard-to-reach areas, and compatible with Dewalt's dust extractors, this tool's brushless motor and variable speed make quick work of sanding even the largest rooms. Sandpaper discs (sold separately) easily attach to an articulating head that pivots around corners and angles without the tool losing contact.
The cordless drywall sander has hundreds of five-star reviews from users who say the tool is lightweight and easy to use. One home remodeler calls it "a game changer", while another said, "I should have purchased this a year ago and saved myself a ton of work." Very few buyers were dissatisfied, with only a couple of comments about trouble with suction and wobbling that caused arm fatigue.
Dewalt's handheld vacuum works as well around the house as it does on a job site
Are you plagued by cobwebs in every corner of your house? Or maybe you're looking for an efficient way to collect dust or debris from a workbench in the garage? The Dewalt 20V Cordless Dry Handheld Vacuum is a versatile tool that offers extremely powerful performance. Capable of picking up small screws or nails, and equipped with a HEPA filter that will keep even the finest drywall dust contained in an easily emptied waste canister, this hand vacuum works as well around the home as it does on a construction job site.
Although you'll need to purchase a battery pack separately, the vacuum comes with six different accessories including a flexible hose, crevice nozzle, and assorted brushes. For attacking those cobwebs, or other hard-to-reach areas, the extension tube, and belt hook that can make the device hand's free while climbing a ladder, will come in handy. So will the bright LED light, which illuminates dark corners or tight areas.
Over 3,000 users have given this Dewalt handheld vacuum a five-star rating. Customers like the excellent suction and appreciate the high quality design that can withstand everyday use. At just over 11 pounds, while the device isn't exactly lightweight, its compact size makes the vacuum easier to carry and store than an upright model. From deep cleaning cars to combating dog fur, reviewers report excellent results from various attachments, which can be stored in the included drawstring accessory bag.
Customers say this is oscillating saw is the tool you didn't know you needed
Although not as commonly known as a hammer, level, or screwdriver, a multi-tool is on the list of tools every homeowner should have, especially if you're looking to replace a basic utility knife, or need to trim, cut, or sand in a tight area. The Dewalt ATOMIC 20V Max Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool is an extremely compatible device thanks to a quick-change accessory system that lets you easily swap out blades or other accessories. A variable speed trigger allows you to select from three different speeds, depending on the needs of your project.
Like other Dewalt tools on our list, this device includes an LED light that illuminates whatever you're working on. Sold as part of a kit that also includes a battery, charger, and bag, this oscillating tool has a brushless motor the company says can deliver over 50% more runtime than brushed models.
With over 8,500 five-star reviews, long battery life is just one of the benefits users agree on. Customers also appreciate the tool's versatility, with one explaining that it can handle "a wide range of tasks, from delicate detail work to more demanding cutting and sanding jobs." Another wrote, "From wood to nails to cement to drywall to plastic, and so much more – you can cut it with this!"