If the yellow and black of DeWALT tools are familiar in your workshop, you’re not alone. DeWALT has earned its reputation as a trusted brand for everyone from casual DIYers to seasoned professionals. That reputation makes the annual DeWALT Experience a highly anticipated industry event.
The 2017 DeWALT Experience in Nashville—branded #ToughInTheSouth—was DeWALT’s platform to introduce roughly 200 new and updated products arriving in 2017–2018.
The event centered on four themes—Design, Build, Protect, and Connect—showing how DeWALT tools can support every stage of a project. Underneath those themes, the company clearly signaled a strategic shift: moving from being seen primarily as a homeowner-focused brand toward one that the professional trades and large jobsites rely on. In DeWALT’s words, the goal is to “lead the charge to the jobsite of the future.”
As a devoted DIYer and tool enthusiast, I was curious how this shift would affect hobbyists and homeowners. Would everyday users be priced out or left behind, or would improvements intended for the pro market benefit everyone?
Short answer: homeowners and hobbyists stand to gain from many of the advances DeWALT is making for professionals. While some products are clearly aimed at pros and large jobsites, many of the updates and innovations—especially in battery technology, ergonomics, and durability—translate into better tools for all users.
20V MAX
DeWALT continues to push cordless tools forward, prioritizing battery life and performance. Most of the new products showcased at the event are built on DeWALT’s lithium-ion battery platform. The 20V MAX line has seen capacity and efficiency improvements, and broad adoption of brushless motors has extended runtimes and increased power. The result is a highly flexible battery platform that performs across many tool categories.
Notable additions to the 20V MAX line include a family of seven cordless nailers—finish, framing, crown, and the industry’s first cordless flooring nailer. All of these nailers use brushless motors, compact designs, and ergonomics tailored to their tasks.
Hands-on testing showed these nailers are lightweight yet solid. Micro noses improve visibility on the workpiece, firing was consistent, and I didn’t notice significant marring even when applying pressure to the nose. The nailers will be offered as bare tools or in battery kits across several price tiers.
Also notable were a compact 20V reciprocating saw and a new two-in-one breakaway recip blade system. The compact recip delivers strong cutting power without becoming cumbersome.
Plumbing enthusiasts will appreciate the 20V PEX expander for tubing up to 1″. It performs well in tight spaces, features an integrated LED, and has a very low-profile design—useful for confined jobsites.
FlexVolt
DeWALT introduced FlexVolt at the 2016 event, and the system has rapidly become popular. Combined with the 20V MAX line, the two platforms now power around 130 tools. FlexVolt batteries switch configurations to provide longer runtime for 20V tools and the higher voltage needed for 60V and 120V cordless tools, effectively bringing corded power to cordless tools.
One standout was a lightweight, quiet 21.5 lb, 2.5 gallon FlexVolt air compressor. It’s highly portable, runs quietly, and sits in a protective chassis. Its size and capacity are ideal for molding, finish work, and light pneumatic tasks. DeWALT planned a fall 2017 release with battery and charger for $299.
The FlexVolt track saw generated a lot of excitement. Scheduled for summer release, it will be available as a bare tool or in kits with battery and track. In hands-on cuts through plywood, the plunge action was smooth and controlled, and I experienced no kickback even when testing aggressively.
The aluminum track provides a non-slip surface and clamps securely. It prevents splintering and is reversible, allowing cuts from either direction. Dust collection on the saw relied on a small port and bag, which wasn’t highly effective on its own; connecting a shop vac or extractor improves results significantly.
The biggest buzz at the show was the 60V FlexVolt rear-handle, left-blade framer’s saw. It’s a powerful, well-built tool that cut through multiple layers of plywood effortlessly. Attendees repeatedly tried it out and were impressed by its performance. DeWALT scheduled it for fall 2017 release in various kit and bare-tool options.
Cordless Components
DeWALT also expanded cordless offerings beyond traditional power tools, extending batteries into yard equipment and site lighting.
One notable product is a brushless 2x20V MAX lawnmower—the company’s first mower—shipping with two 20V MAX batteries and targeted for early 2018 at around $399. Battery-powered outdoor equipment extends cordless convenience to landscaping tasks.
DeWALT is also expanding its cordless lighting lineup. A new tripod light accepts both 20V and FlexVolt batteries, offers full articulation for versatile positioning, and collapses for portability. It was scheduled for fall 2017 availability in bare tool and battery kit configurations.
Hand Tools and Accessories
Beyond power tools, DeWALT introduced several hand tools and accessories worth noting. The XP tape measure, with a 13′ standout and improved durability, is already available in 25′ lengths; 35′ and 16′ versions are planned. A line of rechargeable laser distance measurers in small, medium, and large sizes also joined the lineup.
The Express work station folding table impressed with an extremely fast setup—advertised as three seconds—and a load capacity up to 1,000 pounds. Its work surface supports versatile through-clamping, making it a practical, portable shop solution. DeWALT planned to retail it for about $69.
New ergonomic metal-cutting snips feature narrower handles and improved leverage to reduce user fatigue while maintaining cutting power. They felt comfortable and efficient in hand.
DeWALT also redesigned sledge and axe handles by incorporating carbon fiber in both mini and full-size models. This reduces weight while concentrating mass in the head for more effective strikes, and it also helps dampen vibration and improve durability.
These highlights only scratch the surface; DeWALT also showcased advances in connected jobsite tech, safety features that respond to evolving OSHA requirements, and updates to tool components across the board. The company appears intent on closing gaps in its lineup and improving usability for all customers.
After significant hands-on time with the new tools and conversations with DeWALT’s product teams, the outlook is promising for both professionals and hobbyists. Focusing on the trades pushes improvements in battery technology, ergonomics, materials durability, and shared components—benefits that cascade down to everyone who uses DeWALT tools. The 2017 DeWALT Experience delivered meaningful updates and left many fans with new items on their must-have lists.