DeWalt TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 Cordless Adjustable Work Light

A modular jobsite light that finally “clicks” with the rest of the system

I’ve been using the ToughSystem light for a few weeks on punch-list work, mechanical rooms, and an after-hours drywall patch. It’s a compact, cordless area light built around DeWalt’s 20V battery platform, and the standout is how well it integrates with ToughSystem 2.0. It stacks, latches, and travels like any other module, then pops off and floods a space with up to 4,000 lumens from two independently pivoting LED heads. If you’re already shuttling ToughSystem boxes, this light fits right into that workflow.

Design and build

Physically, it’s a stout little unit: roughly 16 x 10 x 5 inches and a bit over 7 pounds. The footprint is wide enough to stay planted when the heads are tilted, and the folding carry handle makes quick moves one-handed. The housing feels like the familiar ToughSystem 2.0 polymer—rigid, thick, and jobsite-friendly. There’s no CE mark or IP rating listed, but it has the same “don’t baby it” vibe as DeWalt’s storage gear. The auto-connect latches are the key to its personality: click it onto a ToughSystem 2.0 box and it becomes the top module in your stack.

One note: when you stack it on top of a ToughSystem 2.0 box, the light can cover the lower box’s carry handle. It’s not a deal-breaker, but plan your stack if you’re frequently grabbing that handle.

Light output and beam pattern

With both heads on full blast, the light is legitimately bright. DeWalt rates it at 4,000 lumens total; in real use it fills a small room, stairwell, or the underside of a vehicle with a clean, even wash. It’s not a tight spotlight, and that’s the point—this is an area light. The dual-head setup is the real advantage: aim them wide to reduce harsh shadows, or angle both at a project to punch more light where you need it. I’ve been setting one head slightly off-axis so I can work without my own arms casting a shadow on the cut line or valve I’m trying to see.

The heads pivot smoothly and hold their position. You don’t get infinite rotation, but the range is generous enough to split the beam in different directions or stack both beams together. The output is flicker-free to my eyes, and the diffuser does a nice job softening the LED source without losing intensity.

Controls and brightness steps

There are seven brightness levels. That many steps actually matters; it’s easier to land on the “just right” setting for a hallway versus a basement, and you’re not stuck with a big jump between “too dim” and “too bright.” The interface is straightforward and glove-friendly—no tiny toggles—and I was able to cycle modes without looking after a day or two of use.

Power, runtime, and battery strategy

This is a cordless-only light. There’s no AC plug or hybrid option, so your batteries are the whole story. It runs on 20V MAX packs and is compatible with FLEXVOLT 20V/60V MAX. DeWalt lists up to 3 hours at maximum brightness on a 5Ah 20V MAX battery, and that lined up with my experience: roughly the length of a short evening job at full tilt. Drop the output a couple of steps and you can comfortably stretch a single 5Ah pack through a longer task.

If runtime is a priority:
- Keep a 5Ah as your minimum; smaller packs empty fast at high output.
- A FLEXVOLT 9Ah or 12Ah changes the game—on a mid-level setting I made it through an entire afternoon and cleanup without swapping batteries.
- Use the seven-step control to match the job. Lighting a room for taping and sanding doesn’t need the same punch as tracing wires in a dim panel closet.

Because there’s no corded fallback, I toss a spare battery in the stack whenever I bring the light. Battery and charger are sold separately, so factor that in if you’re new to the platform.

Mounting options and portability

The base is stable for floor use, and the low center of gravity helps when the heads are tilted high. The light also gives you options beyond the floor:
- Tripod mount for elevating light above head height (great for minimizing shadows).
- Folding wire hook for hanging from conduit, framing, or rafters when the floor is crowded.

The tripod option is worth using whenever you need overhead coverage; getting the emitters up and slightly forward does wonders for cutting glare and seeing texture on walls.

Everyday usability

What I appreciate most is how it handles tedium. Moving from one room to another? Fold the handle, latch it atop a ToughSystem box, and roll. The head pivots stay set where you left them, and the light remembers your last brightness. It’s one of those small quality-of-life tools you don’t think about until a space is better lit, dust is easier to see, and you’re not fighting your own shadows.

Noise is nonexistent (no fan roar), and heat is well-controlled. After extended runtime, the housing gets warm, not worrisome. The form factor makes it easy to park in a vehicle or shop without dedicating a whole shelf to a tower light.

Durability and service

This is a simple device with few points of failure: no adjustable legs to bend, no cord to snag, and a protected LED array. The hinges and latches feel robust. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, which matches the rest of their ToughSystem 2.0 gear.

Where it shines

• Modular transport: It stacks and latches with ToughSystem 2.0, so it actually goes to the job with you instead of staying in the shop.
• Flexible coverage: Two pivoting heads reduce shadows and let you tailor light direction to the task.
• Output-to-size ratio: 4,000 lumens in a compact, carryable package hits a sweet spot for small-to-medium spaces.
• Battery platform: If you’re already on 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT, you’re set—no new chargers or packs to buy.

What could be better

• No corded option: On long days, a hybrid AC mode would be welcome for set-and-forget scenarios.
• Handle interference when stacked: Mounted on top of certain ToughSystem 2.0 boxes, it can block the lower box’s carry handle.
• No stated ingress rating: It’s tough, but without a listed IP rating, I’m more careful around heavy spray or dust storms.

Who it’s for

• Trades who already roll with ToughSystem 2.0 and want a light that truly integrates.
• Remodelers, service techs, and mechanics who need a fast, shadow-minimizing area light rather than a tight spot.
• Anyone who values cordless convenience and modular transport over all-day corded operation.

Final thoughts

The ToughSystem light hits that practical middle ground: far more capable than a handheld or single-head work light, but much easier to carry and position than a large tower. Its real advantage is how seamlessly it becomes part of a ToughSystem stack, and the dual-head design genuinely improves visibility by cutting down on the shadows that slow you down.

Recommendation: I recommend it. If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT batteries and use ToughSystem 2.0, this light is a smart, portable way to get bright, adjustable area lighting with minimal hassle. You’ll give up a corded fallback, but in exchange you get a compact, stackable light that travels with your tools, sets up fast, and covers a surprising amount of space with clean, even illumination.