DeWalt Mechanics Tools - Preview

DeWalt vs Craftsman Tools

Move over, Craftsman - there's a new sheriff in town, maybe. During the DeWalt/Sears Press Event at this year's National Hardware Show, we were told that DeWalt Mechanics Tools would find a new home at Sears - right next to the Craftsman brand. Can you say 'awkward'? I dunno, it just seems a little weird - like cats living with dogs, but we stayed and listened; here's what we found out (video below).

DeWalt Ratchets, Sockets, and Wrenches

The lineup will include all of the above and be available in sets, as well. The ratchets we were able to see and touch felt heavy-duty, but time will tell if the internal ratcheting mechanisms will hold up, of course. DeWalt claims they'll offer 3 times the life of standard ratchets.

DeWalt Socket Rails will run the SAE and Metric size range and have deep laser-etched markings that should last a lifetime of abuse.

I was impressed with the anti-slip design of the open-end wrenches. There's a small indentation on the leading jaw that offers up to 400% more gripping power and helps prevent those nasty slips. In the video, you'll see this wrench design suspending an engine block, so it's worth watching.

DeWalt Mechanics Tools Warranty

According to DeWalt, you'll be able to simply call an 800 number (TBA) if you experience tool failure and they'll send a replacement out. They also claim there will be no need to send the defective unit back, they just want a description of the fault. We wanted to know why you couldn't simply return them to Sears and make the exchange, as you can do with Craftsman hand tools. Their reply was murky at best, but I would imagine they're still formulating the warranty plan and it could be subject to change - stay tuned.

In the meantime, take a look at our video preview from the press event and hear what DeWalt Global Product Manager Rob Kamieniarz has to say.

DeWalt Mechanics Hand Tools

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