Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Dewalt). This thread is read-only.
I noticed my local lowes and home depot have removed all 12 volt tools and accessories from the shelves. I called Dewalt today and they confirmed the 12v cordless tools are being discontinued. They do not plan on producing a new/replacement line of 12 volt tools. They won’t even support existing users with batteries in the future like they still do with the 18v ni-cad tools. I guess I’ll be shopping for some red 12 volt tools real soon.
thanks for the info. I did not know this. I guess 18v subcompact is the future now.
I noticed the kit on sale at Lowes for $89, thats a shame the 12v screw driver is pretty nice, the rest of the line is lack luster
Anyone who didn’t see this coming was probably blinded by all the lasers they’ve been putting out (ie, the only 12v stuff they’ve been putting out).
Yea been years since they’ve done anything with the line, they added the 12v lasers than 6 months later 20v were out
What! No official spare battery support?!?! That is a little surprising.
No battery support sounds like a misunderstanding somewhere.
Bremon wrote:
Just now, Bremon said:No battery support sounds like a misunderstanding somewhere.
Yeah this seems bogus
Batteries are a huge profit maker and continuous one at that. I could get Dewalt killing the 36v line that wasn’t ever that popular. The 12v tools did sell some units.
Well that sucks I was actually interested in the lasers and 12v tools.
Proof my caution into the 12v lasers was for good reason.
I was honestly surprised Makita doubled down on 12v tools.
Bremon wrote:
42 minutes ago, Bremon said:No battery support sounds like a misunderstanding somewhere.
I asked the Dewalt employee that question twice because the stores removed batteries from the shelves as well as the tools. He said to buy some up online for future use.
Meh, no biggie, suprized 12v lasted this long…
Yeah, surprised they are not keeping them around for their lasers/stud finder/cameras.
Did anybody confirm this with Dewalt? Have they issued an official statement? I’m really surprised because of the lasers coming out but that wouldn’t be the first time a major company has done something like this. I’m curious if Dewalt has made an actual admission to this though.
I messaged Dan to see if his contacts can confirm that
Thanks Jason! I’d like to hear this one right from the horses mouth, especially with their history on our forum.
Ya. I can’t drink that ….I’d say the 12v batteries will be made but the “line of tools “ will die…..as @Bremon has always said………off topic but yo Bremen those diablo tracking point demo demen 7 1/4 “ blades are killer….the Best blade period…you were right , I WAS WRONG….I must of been drunk on koolaid..lol
No Press Release about this
JakeDewalt wrote:
1 hour ago, JakeDewalt said:No Press Release about this
If true, telling people they just wasted their money on a legacy platform is generally bad PR.
Lmao @Hugh Jass “we at Dewalt are proud to announce we didn’t literally steal your money, only figuratively, because you believed we’d support this platform. We’re proud to announce collusion…I mean… partnership with Milwaukee; you buy their 12v tools and they won’t make 60v tools. Everybody (who owns shares in our companies) wins!”
I own a bunch of 1.3Ah and 1.5Ah batteries I picked up for cheap at the PX for between $6 and $12. Besides the screwdriver and a couple of lights, though, I never invested in 12v Max tools. With the recent clearance prices, I was tempted, but the drill and impact just lacked…anything really over the 20v Max offerings.
Anyway, it looks like it’s a good thing I never got carried away with 12v Max tools. The screwdriver is fantastic – it drives stuff too big for the 8v driver but not in need of a 20v driver, and the light is pretty handy. Otherwise, the batteries run my Bluetooth speakers, ToughSystem radio, and USB charger.
JakeDewalt wrote:
12 hours ago, JakeDewalt said:No Press Release about this
Thanks dude.
fm2176 wrote:
1 hour ago, fm2176 said:I own a bunch of 1.3Ah and 1.5Ah batteries I picked up for cheap at the PX for between $6 and $12. Besides the screwdriver and a couple of lights, though, I never invested in 12v Max tools. With the recent clearance prices, I was tempted, but the drill and impact just lacked…anything really over the 20v Max offerings.
Anyway, it looks like it’s a good thing I never got carried away with 12v Max tools. The screwdriver is fantastic – it drives stuff too big for the 8v driver but not in need of a 20v driver, and the light is pretty handy. Otherwise, the batteries run my Bluetooth speakers, ToughSystem radio, and USB charger.
I got the Wounded Warrior drill and impact set and then the screwdriver later. If I am going up and down a ladder or crawling into or out of a cabinet, they are my go to tools. I wouldn’t mind it if they made a 20 volt version of the driver, I love the combination of bit holder chuck and the adjustable clutch. Even that little impact driver can split thin wood if you are not careful, the screwdriver clutch makes it far less likely.
You guys crack me up. As far as I know this is not true. Whoever you spoke with would likely not be in the know anyway. Especially if it’s this kind of news before.
Lowe’s is however revamping their power tool displays. Maybe they won’t keep them in store, doubtful. And Lowe’s no longer has department managers so it’s usually a cluster of things not getting done right.
At the DeWalt media event I spoke with managers about 12v. There was a huge interest in revamping the line. I’ll see if I can’t get some new info.
The.Handyman wrote:
10 hours ago, The.Handyman said:You guys crack me up. As far as I know this is not true. Whoever you spoke with would likely not be in the know anyway. Especially if it’s this kind of news before.
Lowe’s is however revamping their power tool displays. Maybe they won’t keep them in store, doubtful. And Lowe’s no longer has department managers so it’s usually a cluster of things not getting done right.
At the DeWalt media event I spoke with managers about 12v. There was a huge interest in revamping the line. I’ll see if I can’t get some new info.
A rational voice on an internet forum? Say it ain’t so! Just kidding, but it is funny how quickly we (myself included) take a random posting on the internet (by a new user, at that!) as gospel truth. DeWalt likely would not have spent the time and effort developing and marketing lasers and other 12v Max items in the past year or two if they were honestly looking at getting rid of them. Or maybe they made a spontaneous decision.
As I posted, the 12v Max drill and impact just don’t offer much over my 20v Max tools. They are actually a bit longer, and coupled with my lower Ah batteries and the tools brushed designs, run time probably pales in comparison to what I already own in 20v Max. Weight and height differences don’t matter that much to me. That said, I noticed the 12v combo at Lowe’s for $129 earlier. At that price or lower, I may pick one up to keep in the truck. While the Bosch PS31 I picked up a few days ago is nice, I prefer the smaller grip offered by slide-on pack designs.
I first noticed the 12v Max tools a few years before starting my DeWalt infatuation. A DirecTV installer had a drill which he used to install my dish, and he told me it was perfect for that line of work. Not too heavy, just the right amount of power, etc. With so much focus being placed on smaller and more lightweight 18v tools, I can see the two major b&m retailers (HD and Lowe’s) clearing out lesser selling lines like DeWalt 12v Max in favor of more shelf space. As we’ve recently learned, Lowe’s will need all the space it can make for Craftsman next year. There is still a niche market for 12v Max tools, especially if DeWalt does revamp the line. I’ve been interested in the pivoting reciprocating saw, especially since missing my chance to get the old 18v or 12v Porter Cable version.
fm2176 wrote:
3 hours ago, fm2176 said:As I posted, the 12v Max drill and impact just don’t offer much over my 20v Max tools. They are actually a bit longer, and coupled with my lower Ah batteries and the tools brushed designs, run time probably pales in comparison to what I already own in 20v Max. Weight and height differences don’t matter that much to me. That said, I noticed the 12v combo at Lowe’s for $129 earlier. At that price or lower, I may pick one up to keep in the truck. While the Bosch PS31 I picked up a few days ago is nice, I prefer the smaller grip offered by slide-on pack designs.
I first noticed the 12v Max tools a few years before starting my DeWalt infatuation. A DirecTV installer had a drill which he used to install my dish, and he told me it was perfect for that line of work. Not too heavy, just the right amount of power, etc. With so much focus being placed on smaller and more lightweight 18v tools, I can see the two major b&m retailers (HD and Lowe’s) clearing out lesser selling lines like DeWalt 12v Max in favor of more shelf space. As we’ve recently learned, Lowe’s will need all the space it can make for Craftsman next year. There is still a niche market for 12v Max tools, especially if DeWalt does revamp the line. I’ve been interested in the pivoting reciprocating saw, especially since missing my chance to get the old 18v or 12v Porter Cable version.
It may actually be individual stores being reset with keeping what sells and removing what doesn’t. Locally we have 3 Lowe’s that are within about 30 miles of each other, and some of their employees refer to them as A,B and C stores. They probably have 75-80% items in common, but that other 20-25% might only be in one or two of the stores. Home Depot does similar things, the two nearest stores are about 40 miles apart and only one has a rental center, only one has a big display of FlexVolt tools, while the other did a close out sale on them and right now they have the drill/ impact kits and screwdriver kits in the clearance/ bargain endcap area for $99 for the two piece kit. As long as either chain sells the infamous $99 drill kits 8 times a year, they won’t sell a ton of 12V MAX.
The.Handyman wrote:
19 hours ago, The.Handyman said:You guys crack me up. As far as I know this is not true. Whoever you spoke with would likely not be in the know anyway. Especially if it’s this kind of news before.
Lowe’s is however revamping their power tool displays. Maybe they won’t keep them in store, doubtful. And Lowe’s no longer has department managers so it’s usually a cluster of things not getting done right.
At the DeWalt media event I spoke with managers about 12v. There was a huge interest in revamping the line. I’ll see if I can’t get some new info.
“As far as you know”? What does this mean? Did you call Dewalt and ask them or are you just saying that to make me sound like a raving lunatic? Why would I post something that I had not confirmed with Dewalt if I actually said in the post that I called Dewalt to confirm it? How about you call them yourself before implying that I’m a liar? I posted this before lunch on Wednesday. If anyone cared enough to confirm it for themselves they could have called Dewalt by now.
…I’m fairly sure nobody actually cares either way. The only 12v platform worth a damn has a M in front of it. Dewalt has and always will half ass effort with just about everything that isn’t 20v/60v.
Yawn.
You don’t like Bosch 12v @Hugh Jass ? They have a pretty big line and some ..one off tools no one has
btharmy wrote:
3 hours ago, btharmy said:“As far as you know”? What does this mean? Did you call Dewalt and ask them or are you just saying that to make me sound like a raving lunatic? Why would I post something that I had not confirmed with Dewalt if I actually said in the post that I called Dewalt to confirm it? How about you call them yourself before implying that I’m a liar? I posted this before lunch on Wednesday. If anyone cared enough to confirm it for themselves they could have called Dewalt by now.
I am not calling you a raving lunatic, DeWALT has had some battery platforms that are for all intents and purposes are obsolete. That said, they continue to support them, even if they peaked in popularity more than a dozen years ago. the 14.4 and 12 volt NiCads are great examples. If you are relying on information from a typical box store employee, unless that person is a tool junkie like many of us here are, his or her knowledge comes from the company’s newest planogram. Chances are the box stores will be selling all of the tools off to use the space for something that sells better and when you look at the little battery area there will be one single battery hanging there next to the 12V XRP, which is hanging next to the 14.4 XRP, which might be hanging next to the Black and Decker 18 volt battery.
Their website continues to list them right there, next to other legacy batteries:
12v tools are less than useful in my work, the whole “12v does 80% of the work most tradesmen need” claim is just BS in my world. I’m NEEDING 100% of my work done all the time. There isn’t a 12v tool out there that has ever met my needs.
The.Handyman wrote:
On 27/10/2017 at 3:30 PM, The.Handyman said:You guys crack me up. As far as I know this is not true. Whoever you spoke with would likely not be in the know anyway. Especially if it’s this kind of news before.
Lowe’s is however revamping their power tool displays. Maybe they won’t keep them in store, doubtful. And Lowe’s no longer has department managers so it’s usually a cluster of things not getting done right.
At the DeWalt media event I spoke with managers about 12v. There was a huge interest in revamping the line. I’ll see if I can’t get some new info.
It’s common basic tool knowledge that dewalt is revamping the 12v line. The wheels are already rolling on new 12v tools. Next year will see some
Makita_2233 wrote:
8 hours ago, Makita_2233 said:It’s common basic tool knowledge that dewalt is revamping the 12v line. The wheels are already rolling on new 12v tools. Next year will see some
oh really? Sounds good for those guys who buy 12v stuff. I haven’t heard a peep about new 12v stuff apart from the lasers awhile back.
Hugh Jass wrote:
15 hours ago, Hugh Jass said:…I’m fairly sure nobody actually cares either way. The only 12v platform worth a damn has a M in front of it. Dewalt has and always will half ass effort with just about everything that isn’t 20v/60v.
Yawn.
Makita ? 😛 hahaha
Makita_2233 wrote:
12 hours ago, Makita_2233 said:It’s common basic tool knowledge that dewalt is revamping the 12v line. The wheels are already rolling on new 12v tools. Next year will see some
What is your source for this? I would like to find out more. You seem to be the only one on this entire forum with this “basic tool knowledge” about this new 12v line of tools from Dewalt.
About time. I never understood why Dewalt even came out with 12v.
Framer joe wrote:
On 10/27/2017 at 11:12 PM, Framer joe said:You don’t like Bosch 12v @Hugh Jass ? They have a pretty big line and some ..one off tools no one has
I’ve never seen any on a job I’ve ever been on, same for Makita. M12 is everywhere in comparison.
I’ve seen a bosch 12v drill in high school woods class but other than that none other than stores or online.
Hugh Jass wrote:
I’ve never seen any on a job I’ve ever been on, same for Makita. M12 is everywhere in comparison.
I think Bosch 12v is more of an in shop tool line, wood working, cabinetry, m12 stuff can go through hell and back
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@JimboS1ice I’m surprised you love m12…lol….
I’d take Bosch 12v over M12 any day in terms of quality, but they don’t have near the offerings available in the states that Milwaukee does. Just my opinion and I do have plenty of bias against Milwaukee.
Framer joe wrote:
[mention=51951]JimboS1ice[/mention] I’m surprised you love m12…lol….
Really? Why’s that
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I just got an update on the status and future of the 12v tools from Dewalt this morning. In an email I asked them 4 specific questions and they provided these line item answers:
“Hello,
1. Is the 12 volt max line of tools going away?
Most of our products are starting to convert to the 20, 40 and 60 volt lithium line therefore retailers are starting to move away from the older lines. We are still supporting the 12 volt NiCad line in terms of batteries and chargers as long as the demand still exist. In other words, the 12 volt line of tools are being discontinued but we still plan to provide the batteries/chargers for the tools that are still being used by our customers as long as the demand exist. The batteries/chargers can be purchased through our Parts department at 888-678-7278 or our Factory Service Centers.
2. Will I be able to walk into Lowe’s or Home Depot and buy batteries for my 12v max tools in the future? Most likely not because our tools are changing over to a different voltage and the retailers do not want to stock inventory for the voltages that are not in demand. The retailers are limited on what they can stock due to demand/space.
3. What will replace the 12v max line of tools in the future? Our tools are converting over to the 20, 40 and 60 volt lithium line so at this time, those are the voltages that are available.
4. Will I have to find another manufacturer if I want a set of 12v tools? Most likely yes because our tool line is converting over to the 20, 40 and 60 volt line.
I hope this answers your questions.
Peggy”
12V Nicad?
Think there’s still a lack of clarity here.
sounds promising for flex at lowes. It’s too bad 12v max is going away. I see subcompact 20v max tools replacing 12v max.
Big Adam wrote:
5 minutes ago, Big Adam said:12V Nicad?
Think there’s still a lack of clarity here.
both lines of 12v are going away.
It’s hard to believe if it’s true. They just released new 12v lasers. Great way to piss off customers…
Pouet wrote:
41 minutes ago, Pouet said:It’s hard to believe if it’s true. They just released new 12v lasers. Great way to piss off customers…
You can still get batteries online.