Connected tools are no longer just the domain of Milwaukee ONE-KEY. DeWalt is the second (and surely not the last) to push into the field of smart tools with user control and customization. But is using DeWalt Tool Connect as easy as they make it sound? And what can you actually do with it?
Those are great questions. I have three of the newly connected tools, a handful of connected batteries, and a Kyocera DuraForce Pro, so let’s see what kind of trouble we can stir up.
Also see our video review of DeWalt Tool Connect.
Table of contents
- Using DeWalt Tool Connect: What Can it Do?
- Using DeWalt Tool Connect: How difficult is it?
- Select Tool Connect Products
- DeWalt DCE081 Construction Asset Gateway
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Compact Hammerdrill
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Compact Drill/Driver
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Impact Driver
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Hammerdrill
- DeWalt Tool Connect Tag
- DeWalt Tool Connect Chip
- DeWalt 20V MAX Tool Connect Connector
- DeWalt Stackable Corded/Cordless LED Area Light with Tool Connect & Built-in Charger
- DeWalt Bluetooth Enabled 100 Foot Laser Distance Measure TLM99S
Using DeWalt Tool Connect: What Can it Do?
Let’s start with what you can actually do using DeWalt Tool Connect. The three tools I have are the DCD797 compact hammer drill, DCD997 premium hammer drill, and DCF888 impact driver. I also have four Tool Connect 5.0 aH batteries to go along with them.
DeWalt Tool Connect Battery Function
Diagnostics Tab
- Battery Charge Status: You get the same 3 LED light indicator that you find on the battery. It would be great if it were precise enough to give you a charge percentage. It’s still nice to quickly check your packs to see which ones are ready to go and which ones David used but didn’t put on the charger.
- Battery Temperature: The temperature displays in whole degrees Fahrenheit. For users outside the US, you should find it in Celcius.
- Battery Enable/Disable: With a quick tap, you can disable the battery if it’s in range.
- Last Seen: See the date and time the battery last connected to a DeWalt Tool Connect app is displayed by default. To view it on a map, you’ll need to login to the Tool Connect Inventory Manager.
- First Pairing Date/Firmware Version/Hardware Version: All of this information is static on the home screen.
- View Instruction Manual: If you’re in a bind, one tap takes you directly to the manual in the app. You can pinch to zoom and scroll around.
- Lending Details: A quick glance if or to whom you have lent the battery
Actions Tab
- Enable/Disable: Again, one tap can disable or enable the battery.
- Disable if Out of Range: One tap will disable the battery if it leaves the range of your phone.
- Lend: Allows you to set a date, time, and name of who you’re lending the battery to. You can also choose to get an alert at the end of the lending period. The battery shuts down at the time you select.
- Unpair: If you need to relinquish ownership of your battery, unpair it to give the next owner control through Tool Connect.
Alerts Tab
You can turn on or off alerts for the following conditions:
- Low Charge
- Charge Complete
- Out of Range
- High Temperature
On all three tabs, there’s also a button to identify the battery. When you hit it, the battery will blink blue on its front indicator.
DeWalt Tool Connect Tool Function
Diagnostic Tab
- Battery Charge Status
- Temperature
- Enable/Disable
- Last Seen
- Version Data
- Diagnostic Data
- Instruction Manual
- Lending Details
Most of the information here is identical to what you get with the batteries. The difference is your temperature is more subjective, using words like Excellent, rather than specific temperatures. Diagnostic Data gives you the first pairing date, backup cell charge status, total runtime, trigger pulls, and last shutdown.
Actions Tab
- Enable/Disable
- Disable if Out of Range
- Lend
- Unpair
Four of the settings in the actions tab are the same as the batteries when you’re using DeWalt Tool Connect for control. What most users are looking for is the Tool Settings menu. This takes you into the tool controls and is where you can customize your settings. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Four Modes: Home, 1, 2, and 3. Home is preset to maximum speed and LED light settings. 1, 2, and 3 are customizable.
- Speed Control: Set the speed for each mode with a 50 RPM interval.
- LED Brightness: Set the percentage of full LED light output with a 10% interval.
- LED Delay: Set how long you want the LED light to stay on after you release the trigger from 0 – 60 seconds (5-second interval) or 0 – 20 minutes (1-minute interval).
With the speed settings, you’re just telling the tool what the top end is for a full trigger pull. You can see what it will be in gears 1, 2, and 3 on the premium hammer drill (or 1 and 2 on the compact) as you slide the bar along. Each mode on the impact driver ties to a mode button without having a separate gear switch.
What’s noticeably missing are torque settings. Since you’re essentially setting positive stops with each mode, you’re limiting your torque to where it is at the same RPM when you feather the trigger. Is this a deal breaker? No, but it is a key difference between DeWalt and Milwaukee.
Alerts Tab
- Low Charge
- Out of Range
You’re missing a couple of alert options in charge complete (no need for it) and high temperature. I’m going to go out on a limb and say I’d like the high-temperature alert when I’m working on more power-hungry tasks. Realistically, the tool should shut itself off if it gets too hot, but I like having the option to be a bit more proactive.
Like the batteries, there’s an identify button on all three tabs. When you hit it, the mode lights will cycle blue. It works great for me as an individual, but tool crib managers might prefer it to trigger the tool’s LED lights instead.
DeWalt Tool Connect Inventory Manager
It’s possible to write a book on using DeWalt Tool Connect Inventory Manager, so I’m just going to hit the highlights here.
- Add any brand’s products to keep track of (no tracking data without the DeWalt Tool Connect Tag)
- Location data down to a specific address set (map point is pretty accurate) with address, city, and zip code along with last seen date and time
- Edit tool name, category, assignee, assignment end, product info (including purchase data), notes, and custom fields
- Select as many or as few data categories as you want to see on the homepage
- Create and divide tools into separate categories
- Location creation to assign tools with address and mapping information
- Create worker list to assign tools to with phone number for contact
- Export list data report
- Unpair tools
For the individual user and smaller crews, the biggest benefit comes in the form of mapping data so you can see where your tools are or Tool Connect last connected to them. For larger construction firms, it can be a very helpful tool for crib managers to keep track of tools and maintenance schedules more efficiently.
We also can’t neglect to mention the DeWalt DCE081 Construction Asset Gateway. With that, you can quickly have an overview of your tool inventory—whether located in a truck or van, in a jobsite toolbox, or in your tool crib. See below for more information on how this works, but it functions similarly to the Hilti ON!Track Gateway (AI G125) by providing real-time feedback—which DeWalt tackles via a prepaid cellular (LTE and global 2G) connection.
Using DeWalt Tool Connect: How difficult is it?
The most challenging part of using Dewalt Tool Connect is actually connecting the tools. It took a few tries before I got the first one to connect with the app. I shut off the Bluetooth on my phone then turned it back on and they all connected very smoothly. This is not unusual for my phone, so it’s more than likely on its end than DeWalt’s. The app gives you easy instructions along the way so you know what to do. It’s really just a matter of taking the time to do it.
The only issue I ran into for control was the impact driver. I kept getting a message saying I couldn’t change the setting while it was in precision driving mode. After switching modes to home and restarting the app, we started getting along again. Each of the menu items is easy to see, find, and change in my opinion. So on a scale of 1–10 with 10 being easy as pie, I’d give Tool Connect an 8 for overall ease of use experience so far.
Select Tool Connect Products
The original DeWalt Tool Connect batteries are still on the table along with the limits on their capability. However, new tools, connectors, and tags are joining the system to create this more comprehensive leap forward. We’ll take a look at each of the products in greater detail in the coming weeks, but until then, here’s the breakdown.
DeWalt DCE081 Construction Asset Gateway
Before going into the individual tools and products, we want to start with the DeWalt DCE081 Construction Asset Gateway. This battery-powered product provides a way to place a single $399 device into your job box, vehicle, or tool crib and instantly get a handle on your inventory.
The DeWalt DCE081 Construction Asset Gateway connects the Tool Connect system to Site Manager via a pre-paid LTE or global 2G cellular connection. It locates connected or tagged tools within the proximity of the unit’s Bluetooth and cellular range. The internal battery on the Gateway lasts for up to six months per charge. You can also power the DCE081 via its USB port. With this Tool COnnect accessory, you can perform automatic customizable audits and location data as needed.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Compact Hammerdrill
- DCD797B – $169 (bare)
- DCD797D2 – $249 (kitted with two 2Ah batteries)
- Chuck: 1/2 in.
- Clutch settings: 13
- Power: 460 UWO
- Speeds: 3
- Length: 7.4 in.
- Weight: 3.6 lbs.
Key Features
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where your compact hammer drill was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Easily and quickly assign tools to jobsites and users on the Tool Connect Inventory Manager software, increasing accountability and reducing lost tools
- Receive diagnostics on the tool like internal coin cell battery life, temperature, number of trigger pulls, and how long the tool has been running
- Set “Disable when out of range” alerts to help deter unauthorized use or theft
- Once you’ve downloaded the Tool Connect app, easily pair with the app by holding down the pair button on the tool foot for 3-5 seconds
- Program 3 customized RPM settings for precise speed of application
- Customize the brightness and delay of the integrated LED light
- Integrated blue LED light indicates when your hammer drill is paired with your Tool Connect app
- DEWALT brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- Ergonomic comfort grip handle provides ideal balance and comfort
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Compact Drill/Driver
- DCD792B – $159 Bare
- DCD792D2 – $239 (kitted with two 2Ah batteries)
- Chuck: 1/2 in.
- Clutch settings: 15
- Power: 460 UWO
- Speeds: 3
- Weight: 3.4 lbs.
Key Features
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where your compact drill/driver was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Easily and quickly assign tools to job sites and users on the Tool Connect Inventory Manager software, increasing accountability and reducing lost tools
- Receive diagnostics on your compact drill/driver like internal coin cell battery life, temperature, number of trigger pulls, and how long the tool has been running
- Set “Disable when out of range” alerts to help deter unauthorized use or theft
- Once you’ve downloaded the Tool Connect app, easily pair with the app by holding down the pair button on the tool foot for 3-5 seconds
- Program 3 customized RPM settings for precise speed of application
- Customize the brightness and delay of the integrated LED light
- DEWALT brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- Ergonomic comfort grip handle provides ideal balance and comfort
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Impact Driver
- DCF888B – $159 (bare)
- DCF888D2 – $229 (kitted with two 2Ah batteries)
- DCF888P2BT – $339 (kitted with two 5Ah batteries)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Anvil :1/4 in. quick-release hex shank
- Speed: 3250 RPM
- Max torque: 1825 in-lbs
- Length: 5.3 in.
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
Key Features
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where your impact driver was last in range of your Tool Connect enabled device
- Easily and quickly assign tools to jobsites and users on the Tool Connect Inventory Manager software, increasing accountability and reducing lost tools
- Receive diagnostics on your impact driver like internal coin cell battery life, temperature, number of trigger pulls, and how long the tool has been running
- Set “Disable when out of range” alerts to help deter unauthorized use or theft
- Once you’ve downloaded the Tool Connect™ app, easily pair with the app by holding down the pair button on the tool foot for 3-5 seconds
- Customize your impact driver from your Tool Connect app, including speed and torque, the Precision Drive control feature and LED light brightness and delay
- DEWALT brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- Compact (5.3″ front to back), lightweight (2.8 lbs without battery) design fits into tight areas
- Use Precision Drive in speed 1 for precise applications and added control
- One-handed loading 1/4″ hex chuck with easy grip sleeve, accepts 1″ bit tips
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Hammerdrill
- DCD997B – $179 (bare)
- DCD997P2BT – $369 (kitted with two 5Ah batteries)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Chuck: 1/2 in.
- Clutch settings: 11
- Power: 820 UWO
- Speed: 0-2000 RPM
- Speed settings: 3
- Length: 7.9 in.
- Weight: 4.6 lbs.
Key Features
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where your premium hammer drill was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Easily and quickly assign tools to job sites and users on the Tool Connect Inventory Manager software, increasing accountability and reducing lost tools
- Receive diagnostics on the tool like internal coin cell battery life, temperature, number of trigger pulls, and how long the tool has been running
- Set “Disable when out of range” alerts to help deter unauthorized use or theft
- Once you’ve downloaded the Tool Connect™ app, easily pair with the app by holding down the pair button on the tool foot for 3-5 seconds
- Program 3 customized RPM settings for precise speed of application
- Customize the brightness and delay of the integrated LED light
- Integrated blue LED light indicates when your hammer drill is paired with your Tool Connect app
- DEWALT brushless motor delivers up to 75% more runtime vs. 18V NiCad brushed motors
- Ergonomic comfort grip handle provides ideal balance and comfort
DeWalt Tool Connect Tag
- DCE041 – $29 (Single Tag)
- DCE041-4 – $99 (Tag 4-Pack)
- DCE041-10 – $199 (Tag 10-Pack)
- DCE041-25 – $449 (Tag 25-Pack)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Battery life: 3 years
- IP rating: IP68
- Dimensions (HxL): 0.45 x 2.2 in.
- Weight: 1.3 oz.
Key Features
- Track any job site asset including large tools, pallets, material, heavy equipment, job boxes and more – regardless of brand, make or model
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where the asset was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Increase job site asset security by getting out-of-range alerts sent right to your device, alerting you of possible theft or unauthorized use
- Fast and simple pairing process that makes it easy to re-assign tags when needed. Just hold the Tag near your device and press the pair button for 3-5 seconds.
- The Identify feature makes it easy to identify which Tag you are viewing on your app, ideal for a large site with hundreds of Tags
- The Tag is designed to be small and inconspicuous so it can be easily hidden on tools and equipment and therefore helps prevent tampering.
- IP68 rating means it’s dustproof and water-resistant and built to withstand job site conditions
- Connects up to 100 ft of a Tool Connect-enabled device
DeWalt Tool Connect Chip
The DeWalt Tool Connect Chip (DCE042) is a Bluetooth beacon add-on. It lets tools easily and wirelessly work with the Tool Connect System. You can install the DeWalt Tool Connect Chip in the designated pocket of any DeWalt Chip-Ready products. The pocket protects it from damage and a blue identification light helps locate and differentiate it among identical tools.
The DeWalt Tool Connect Chip currently works with the following products, but the company plans to expand to 15 additional power tools by mid-2022.
- DeWalt Atomic 20V Brushless Bandsaw (DCS377)
- DeWalt FlexVolt Advantage 20V Brushless Hammer Drill (DCD999)
- FlexVolt Advantage 20V Brushless 4.5–5 in. Cordless Grinder (DCG416)
- DeWalt 20V FlexVolt Advantage Brushless Reciprocating Saw (DCS386)
- DeWalt 20V FlexVolt Advantage Brushless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw (DCS573)
- Select units within the ToughSystem 2.0 Storage System
DeWalt 20V MAX Tool Connect Connector
- DCE040 adapter – $39
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Battery life: 3 years
- Length: 2.2 in.
- Weight: 4.1 oz.
Key Features
- Connect your existing DEWALT 20V MAX tools
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where your connected tool was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Easily and quickly assign tools to job sites and users on the Tool Connect Inventory Manager web portal increasing accountability and reducing lost tools
- Set “Disable when out of range” alerts to help deter unauthorized use or theft
- Internal rechargeable coin cell battery
- Blue LED indicator light that indicates pair mode and easily identifies the Connector, so you know which one you’re viewing in the app
- The rechargeable internal coin cell battery will charge once a 20V MAX battery is inserted into the Connector
- Can disable the tool if it is out of range of a device with the Tool Connect app, helping to deter theft
DeWalt Stackable Corded/Cordless LED Area Light with Tool Connect & Built-in Charger
- DCL070 – $359
- LED bulb
- Lumens: 5001-10,000
- Weight: 27 lbs.
Key Features
- LAST SEEN feature helps reduce wasted time and money by providing the street address of where the light was last in range of your Tool Connect-enabled device
- Remotely turn light on/off and program light with scheduled times using Tool Connect app
- Once you’ve downloaded the Tool Connect app, easily pair with the app by holding down the pair button for 3-5 seconds
- Compatible with any DEWALT 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT battery
- AC outlets provide flexibility and convenience to daisy chain lights or power for corded tools
- Stack lights for easy storage and convenience on the job
- On-board charger with door lock option for security
- Instant-on/off with no warm-up, dimming as low as 500 lumens
- Right and left sides can be used together or separately to illuminate specific areas
DeWalt Bluetooth Enabled 100 Foot Laser Distance Measure TLM99S
- DW099S – $72, including (2) AAA Batteries
