Features
- 3 inch adapter length
- Kevlar‑reinforced jacket for increased durability
- Reinforced strain relief to resist repeated bending
- Supports charging and data transfer
- Compatible with USB‑A and USB‑C devices
- Includes two adapters per pack
- Intended for low‑power devices (smartphones, power banks, wall and car chargers)
Specifications
Length | 3 in (approx. 7.6 cm) |
Pack Quantity | 2 adapters |
Connector Types | USB‑A and USB‑C |
Durability | Kevlar‑reinforced cable jacket; reinforced strain relief |
Supported Functions | Charging and data transfer (low‑power devices) |
Warranty | Lifetime Limited Warranty |
Compact adapter that enables a standard USB cable to connect to a USB Type‑C port. Supports both charging and data transfer for low‑power devices and is sized for portability in a toolbox or for everyday use.
DeWalt 3 in. USB Port to Type C Adapter Cable (2 Pk) Review
Why I picked up this short USB‑C adapter
I keep a couple of USB‑C–only chargers and a travel laptop that ditched Type‑A ports years ago. Yet my kit still includes a bunch of perfectly good USB‑A cables for older accessories, a shop flashlight, and a few loaner phones that refuse to retire. Rather than toss those cables, I tried DeWalt’s 3‑inch USB‑C adapter: a short, C‑male to A‑female pigtail designed to make a USB‑C port behave like a USB‑A port. The pack includes two, which is handy—one lives in my tool bag, the other stays on my desk.
Build and design
DeWalt leans hard on durability with this adapter. The cable jacket is Kevlar‑reinforced and braided, and the strain reliefs are thick and well‑formed on both ends. At 3 inches, the length strikes a balance: long enough to relieve stress from the port, short enough to avoid a whippy tail that catches on everything. The housings feel robust, and the USB‑C plug has the slightly firm insertion/extraction you want to see on a connector that may spend time dangling from a charger or power bank.
There’s a trade‑off to that toughness. The braided jacket and reinforcement make the adapter stiffer than a soft PVC pigtail. In a tight space—say, a crowded multi‑port charger—the cable can push other plugs around. On the upside, that rigidity reduces sharp bends and can actually keep the plug seated in a wall charger more reliably than a rigid, stubby dongle.
What it’s meant to do
This adapter is meant to let a USB‑C port accept the USB‑A cable you already own. Think:
- Using a USB‑C wall or car charger with an older USB‑A cable
- Plugging a USB‑A cable (or small flash drive) into a USB‑C–only laptop
- Charging and basic data sync for low‑power devices like phones, earbuds, and small accessories
It’s not a power‑delivery converter and it isn’t intended for high‑draw laptops or bus‑heavy peripherals. If your load expects full USB‑C Power Delivery negotiation or you plan to run something like a portable monitor, this isn’t the right tool.
Charging performance
Used with a couple of USB‑C wall bricks and a power bank, the adapter charged my phone and small devices at the same “normal” rates I get from those chargers when using a native USB‑A port. In other words, it preserves what your source provides to a typical USB‑A device. There’s no fast‑charge magic here—and none promised. For day‑to‑day top‑offs, headlamps, Bluetooth speakers, and travel gadgets, it’s perfectly serviceable.
One practical note: because the adapter is short and a bit stiff, the cable you plug into the female A port can end up bearing some weight. On a vertical wall outlet, that torque can stress the connection if the downstream cable is heavy. I had better luck when I routed the cable to the side or used an outlet that faced upward (power strips, bench power bars).
Data transfer
On the data side, I tested the adapter with a USB‑C–only laptop. Plugging the adapter into the laptop’s USB‑C port, I connected:
- A phone over a standard USB‑A to USB‑C cable for file transfers
- A small USB‑A flash drive for grabbing install files
Both worked without fuss. For basic syncing, firmware updates, and moving documents, this adapter gets you past the missing Type‑A port problem. If you’re moving very large files all day, you’ll want a dedicated high‑speed USB‑C solution, but for occasional transfers the adapter is fine.
Daily use and ergonomics
I appreciate the 3‑inch length more than I expected. Compared with a rigid C‑to‑A block, the short pigtail lowers the leverage on the USB‑C port. That’s a plus on delicate laptop jacks and compact chargers. The flip side is the stiffness I mentioned; it resists tight coils, so it doesn’t “disappear” into a pocket as gracefully as a softer cable. In a toolbox or organizer pouch, the rigidity is a non‑issue and even makes the adapter easier to fish out.
Because you get two in the pack, it’s easy to stage them where they’ll be most useful: one attached to a bench‑top charger, the other riding in a travel kit. That redundancy has saved me a few times.
Durability and fit
After several weeks of on‑and‑off use, both adapters still look new—no fraying, no split strain reliefs, and the USB‑C plug hasn’t loosened up. The braided jacket shrugs off abrasion and grime. That said, I did run into fit sensitivity at the USB‑A receptacle with one of my older cables. The A‑male from that cable felt just a touch loose, and a light tug could interrupt charging. Other A‑male plugs fit snugly and stayed put through normal movement.
This seems to be a tolerance stack‑up issue more than outright failure: not all A‑male plugs are identical, especially older or heavily worn ones. If you notice a loose fit, try a different cable. With a fresh, properly sized A plug, the connection held reliably for me.
Limitations to keep in mind
- Low‑power intent: It’s made for phones, earbuds, small accessories, and data sync—not for charging laptops or powering hungry peripherals.
- No fast‑charge promises: Expect standard USB‑A–style output from your source. If you rely on USB‑C Power Delivery or proprietary fast protocols, use native C‑to‑C gear.
- Stiffer than average: The Kevlar reinforcement is great for longevity but less flexible in cramped setups.
- Connector tolerance matters: Worn or out‑of‑spec A‑male plugs may feel sloppy in the A‑female receptacle.
Value
You’re getting two adapters and a Lifetime Limited Warranty. In practical terms, that means you can outfit both your bench charger and your travel kit, and you’ve got brand support if something fails. Compared to the cost of replacing a drawer full of perfectly good USB‑A cables, this is a small outlay that extends the life of your existing gear.
Who it’s for
- Tradespeople and DIYers who keep older USB‑A cables but have moved to USB‑C chargers and laptops
- Travelers wanting a compact way to bridge the C‑only world back to A‑cabled accessories
- Anyone who prefers a short, tough pigtail over a rigid C‑to‑A block
If you need high‑speed data for external SSDs, charge laptops, or run power‑hungry devices, look for a USB‑C hub or a cable specifically rated for those loads.
Recommendation
I recommend this DeWalt USB‑C adapter for anyone who needs a rugged, compact way to keep older USB‑A cables in service with newer USB‑C ports. It charges low‑power devices and handles basic data transfers reliably, the short pigtail reduces strain on ports compared with rigid adapters, and the two‑pack plus lifetime warranty add real value. Be aware of its limitations—no fast‑charge magic, stiffer feel, and sensitivity to worn A‑male plugs—and you’ll likely find it a dependable bridge between old cables and new ports. For a modest investment, it tidies up a common compatibility gap without adding bulk to your kit.
Project Ideas
Business
Legacy Cable Concierge Bar
Offer a pop‑up charging and connectivity desk at conferences or cafes where attendees can use their existing USB‑A cables with modern USB‑C phones and tablets via your adapters. Monetize via day passes, sponsorships, or branded adapters as giveaways. The short, durable adapters reduce loss and breakage, and the two‑pack makes it easy to keep a backup at each station.
Mobile Inventory Scanning
Equip USB‑C tablets with low‑power USB‑A barcode scanners through the adapters to run quick inventory counts for pop‑ups, food trucks, or small warehouses. Offer it as a service with a lightweight web app that syncs counts to spreadsheets. The compact 3 in. adapters keep the scanner connection tight and less prone to disconnection during rapid scans.
Event Photo Offload Booth
Set up a booth that ingests images from clients’ SD cards via a USB‑A reader into a USB‑C tablet or phone, performs quick edits, and exports to a client’s USB thumb drive or cloud link. Sell on‑the‑spot delivery packages for weddings, races, or conventions. The adapter’s low‑profile design is ideal for crowded tables and helps you support a wide mix of legacy accessories without bulky hubs.
USB‑C Transition Bundles
Bundle the adapters with refurbished or overstock USB‑A peripherals (keyboards, card readers, MIDI controllers) as "USB‑C Ready" kits for schools and startups moving off older laptops. Market the kits as budget‑friendly sustainability wins that extend the life of existing gear. The lifetime limited warranty reduces support headaches and boosts customer confidence.
Branded Retail Add‑On
Sell or include the two‑pack adapters as an impulse add‑on at phone and accessory shops to solve the common mismatch between customers’ USB‑A cables and their new USB‑C devices. Offer a small discount when purchased with chargers or cables, and print a QR code on packaging to a quick‑start page clarifying low‑power device compatibility. The rugged build minimizes returns and keeps your brand associated with reliability.
Creative
Pocket MIDI Studio
Turn a USB‑C phone or tablet into a mini music workstation by plugging in a low‑power USB‑A MIDI keyboard or pad controller through the adapter. Use mobile synth/DAW apps to compose on the go; the 3 in. length keeps the setup tidy on a café table or airplane tray. The Kevlar jacket and reinforced strain relief handle repeated practice sessions without fraying. Keep the second adapter in a gig bag as a spare.
Travel Photo Backup Kit
Pair the adapter with a compact USB‑A SD card reader to ingest photos from your camera straight into a USB‑C phone for quick culling and edits. Automate backups to cloud or an external low‑power USB thumb drive, freeing you from carrying a laptop. The short cable reduces strain on your phone port when working from tight spaces like buses and trails. Perfect for hikers and city travelers who want redundancy.
Retro Typing Dock
Give an old USB‑A mechanical keyboard new life by connecting it to a USB‑C tablet or phone for distraction‑free writing. Build a simple wooden or 3D‑printed stand with a channel to cradle the 3 in. adapter, keeping the setup compact and sturdy. Great for journaling, novel drafting, or coding sessions with a terminal app. The two‑pack lets you leave one at home and one at the office.
Universal Hotel Nightstand
Create a tiny bedside dock that converts any found USB‑A cable (hotel lamp, airplane seat, friend’s charger) into a USB‑C tip for your phone. The adapter’s short length keeps weight close to the port, reducing accidental tugs. Add a small adhesive clip to your nightstand or headboard so the adapter is always where you need it. Ideal for frequent travelers who encounter mixed cable ecosystems.
Field Microcontroller Console
Use the adapter to connect a low‑power USB‑A microcontroller or USB‑serial dongle to a USB‑C phone running a serial terminal app for diagnostics and quick firmware flashes. Perfect for makers, ham radio hobbyists, or robotics clubs doing in‑field tweaks without a laptop. The ruggedized jacket withstands toolbox life, and the short length avoids cable spaghetti around prototypes. Keep the spare adapter in your project bin.