Cordless power tools have made tremendous strides over the last decade. Nearly every brand has its own 18V or 20V battery system. Workers can now bring tremendous power with them to a variety of worksites without the need to plug-in. However, as powerful as these tools are, the batteries die and the workday comes to a halt. The DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box attempts to solve this problem as a way to recharge and store batteries, plus a few other tricks.
Let’s take a look, see how the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box works, and see if it can help your workday.
DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box Overview
The DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box (DWST08050) is a new addition to the DeWALT ToughSystem 2.0, DeWALT’s modular toolbox system. However, instead of storing tools it allows you to charge and store batteries. It’s designed to charge DeWALT 20V MAX* and DeWALT 20V/60V MAX* FLEXVOLT® batteries with a carrying capacity of up to 12 DeWALT 20V MAX* batteries. This is a corded charger. As long you have an outlet your battery-powered tools can have an endless power supply.
DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box Features
Starting with the outside, the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box has a nice, strong exterior. All DeWALT ToughSystem 2.0 boxes are made from a dust and water-resistant IP55 rated plastic. It would take a lot of force to dent or damage this box in a way that could impact the batteries. It also makes it harder to break into when locked.
Speaking of locked, right front and center on the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box is a hole to secure the charger closed with a padlock.
The front features two metal latches with hard plastic locks. Both locks have a nice and easy glide when opening yet have a very secure hold when closed and locked. The top one-touch easy-open also opens and closes effortlessly.
On top of the box is a big, sturdy handle that folds in on itself. It opens and closes easily and has a comfortable, grooved grip.
The DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box is a corded device. The 2-prong, 120V cord is located on the back where you can tuck it away and store it when not in use. Unlike power tools, a battery charger will primarily be stationary when in use so the 6-ft. cord should be sufficient for most scenarios.
The inside of the lid features two built-in DeWALT 20V Lithium-Ion battery chargers. As mentioned, this case charges both DeWALT 20V MAX* and DeWALT 20V/60V MAX* FLEXVOLT® batteries. When fully open the lid rests at a slight angle forward and there is a locking mechanism to keep it open. Even without any batteries or tools in the bottom of the box, the lid stays open and the box doesn’t become top-heavy and fall backward.
The DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box features two sets of lights, one set on the outside and one on the inside for monitoring battery charging status. The inside also features a reference guide for how to read the charger.
The underside of the lid offers a USB charging port, and a USB-C charging port is on the back just above the cord storage. In addition to charging DeWALT batteries, this charger allows you to charge phones, tablets, and other devices.
Power tool batteries and chargers are expensive in general. The idea of losing a box full of batteries while moving from jobsite to jobsite is enough to upset anyone. Fortunately, this charger has TOOL CONNECT™ capabilities (sold separately). TOOL CONNECT™ is DeWALT’s TRACK AND LOCATE APP, which would help you retrieve the case whether it got lost or stolen.
DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box Performance
We tested out the charger. As mentioned, the batteries slid into place, the lid distributed the weight well. Because batteries vary in size each battery will recharge at varying rates. However, the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box should recharge most batteries within 75 minutes.
Overheating is always a concern, and especially since the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box can be closed when in use. The built-in internal fan maintains airflow to mitigate overheating.
We tested out the storage capacity. As you can see we had a variety of DeWALT batteries. The case clearly has ample space and we had room to spare. Obviously, bigger batteries take up more space. However, bigger batteries also last longer, plus you have the charger. So, no matter what size battery you go with, this case allows you to bring plenty of power to a jobsite with the ability to endlessly charge batteries.
DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box Value
DeWALT did something new with the Dual Port Charger Box. They created a product that charges, stores, and protects batteries from weather, impact, and loss or theft. While this is a great addition to the DeWALT ToughSystem 2.0, it also stands up well on its own. Honestly, all bonus features aside, at $219 (at The Home Depot) it’s not even a bad price for a charger considering DeWALT sells single 20V chargers with no bells and whistles for $189. This is an innovative product for modular tool storage systems and it gives competing brands something to think about.
Final Thoughts on The DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box
The great thing about the DeWALT Dual Port Charger Box is that you don’t have to be invested in the DeWALT ToughSystem 2.0 to use it. Yes, it’s built for it. But its size, weight, and simple functionality make it a great choice for any faithful user of DeWALT power tools. This is a cool product that is great for keeping you and your crews supplied with a steady stream of power.
