DeWalt Dominates: 5 Tools Craftsman Doesn’t Offer
Meta Description: Discover five innovative power tools DeWalt manufactures that Craftsman currently lacks, showcasing DeWalt’s expanding capabilities in woodworking, plumbing, and more.
When it comes to power tools, DeWalt has established itself as a leader, earning the trust of professionals, DIY enthusiasts, and casual users alike. The brand’s reputation stems from the consistent reliability and high quality of its products, coupled with a remarkably diverse catalog encompassing hand tools, accessories, and storage solutions. While Craftsman remains a significant player in the tool market, DeWalt consistently pushes boundaries with innovative devices and specialized tools that set it apart. Here are five examples of tools currently offered by DeWalt that are not available from Craftsman, spanning a range of trades from woodworking to masonry and plumbing.
Tackling Clogs with DeWalt’s Motorized Drain Snake
Clogged drains are a common and frustrating issue for homeowners, often leading to expensive plumbing bills. While numerous DIY solutions exist, a drain snake remains a reliable method for clearing blockages without dismantling pipes. However, plumbing isn’t a primary focus for Craftsman, and the brand doesn’t currently offer even a basic manual snake.
DeWalt addresses this gap with its 20V Max XR Drain Snake (model DCD200B), a motorized solution that significantly reduces the manual effort required to unclog sinks and tubs. This tool is compatible with DeWalt’s extensive 20V Max battery system, offering cordless convenience in areas lacking readily available power outlets.
Powered by a brushless motor, the drain snake features a pistol grip design and a variable speed trigger, allowing for precise control similar to a cordless drill. An inline forward-reverse button simplifies retraction of the cable and, ideally, the clog itself. The DeWalt 20V Max XR Drain Snake comes equipped with a 5/16-inch x 25-foot black oxide drain cable with a bulb head, but can also accommodate a 3/8-inch x 35-foot cable for wider pipes up to 3 inches in diameter. A quick-lock mechanism and integrated LED light further enhance usability.
Mixing Made Easy: DeWalt’s Handheld Mixers
Even dedicated Craftsman users will need to look elsewhere when it comes to mixing materials like cement, mortar, or drywall mud. Craftsman lacks both drum mixers and powered handheld mixers for smaller batches, a niche filled by brands like Ryobi and, notably, DeWalt.
DeWalt offers two solutions: the corded 9 Amp 1/2-inch Spade Handle Drill (model DW130V) and the cordless 60V Max Cordless Mixer/Drill (model DCD130B). The corded drill, weighing 7.5 pounds, features soft-grip handles and adjustable side and rear handles for optimal control during mixing. Its 9-amp, 120V motor and variable speed switch (up to 550 rpm) ensure efficient mixing, while its reversible function helps prevent air bubbles. The 1/2-inch chuck also accommodates various drill bits for other tasks.
For cordless convenience, the 60V Max Cordless Mixer/Drill boasts over twice the power of its corded counterpart, featuring an E-Clutch system for added safety. Paired with a DeWalt Flexvolt 6 Ah battery, this tool can reportedly mix up to 19 premixed drywall buckets, 17 five-gallon buckets of tile mortar, or nine 4.5-gallon buckets of concrete on a single charge. It also includes a 1/2-inch chuck for drilling applications.
Lifting Heavy Materials with the 20V Max Grabo Lifter
The DeWalt Grabo Lifter represents a truly innovative approach to material handling. Utilizing a powerful vacuum, this tool can securely grip and lift various materials – glass, stone, concrete – simplifying transport and placement on construction sites. Imagine effortlessly lifting a plate glass window without straining or risking injury. This is the benefit DeWalt’s Grabo Lifter provides, preventing the crushed fingers and scraped knuckles that often accompany heavy lifting. Few major tool brands offer a comparable device, making Craftsman’s absence in this category unsurprising.
The 20V Max Grabo Lifter (model DCE592B) integrates seamlessly with DeWalt’s existing 20V Max battery platform. It includes replacement dust filters, a foam-rubber seal for strong suction, a sunshade, and a seal guard. Capable of lifting up to 265 pounds, the tool utilizes an integrated pressure sensor to maintain a secure vacuum grip.
Controlled by a single handle and double-action button, the Grabo Lifter features a full-color LED screen displaying pressure, load capacity, and settings. An audio alarm alerts the user when the battery is low, preventing accidental drops.
Precision Woodworking with a Biscuit Joiner
For those who prefer the clean, invisible joints created by biscuits, DeWalt offers a dedicated solution. Craftsman currently lacks a biscuit joiner in its lineup, leaving users to seek alternatives. The DeWalt 20V Max XR Biscuit Joiner (model DCW682B) allows for quick and accurate cutting of common biscuit sizes.
This cordless, brushless tool features a dual rack and pinion fence with retractable anti-slip pins, and tool-free adjustments for depth, height, and bevel (0-90 degrees). A depth-selection knob simplifies switching between #0, #10, and #20 biscuits. The tool includes a 4-inch blade, spanner wrench, T20 wrench, dust bag, angled dust port, and a port compatible with 35 mm dust extractors. An electric brake and paddle switch accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
DeWalt also offers a corded 6.5-amp Plate Joiner Kit (model DW682K) with a 10,000 rpm motor for working with hardwoods. It shares many features with the cordless model, including pre-set depth stops and an adjustable fence.
The Future of Yard Work: DeWalt’s Battery-Powered Backpack Blower
While Craftsman is well-known for its outdoor and lawn equipment, including gas-powered backpack blowers, it currently lacks a battery-powered equivalent. DeWalt is poised to enter this market with the 60V Max Cordless Backpack Blower (model DCBL570B), slated for release in 2026.
This new tool allows users to carry a powerful motor and heavy-duty batteries on their backs, providing comfortable maneuverability and easier operation. It’s also ideal for clearing sawdust and debris in workshops. Being electric, it operates more quietly than gas-powered models, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Powered by a brushless motor and featuring a concentrator nozzle, the blower delivers powerful airspeed. It’s controlled by a lockable variable speed trigger and digital speed control with an LED dashboard displaying settings and data. Three performance modes – Turbo, Eco, and Performance – offer versatility. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a waist belt ensure user comfort. While it’s too early to assess its performance fully, DeWalt’s 60V Max Cordless Backpack Blower represents a significant step forward for those seeking to ditch gas-powered engines.
