DeWalt Magnetic Power Strip

Why I wanted a magnetic power strip in the shop

Bench space is precious. I’m constantly plugging in a sander, a glue gun, a battery charger, and then hunting for a free outlet for my phone. I wanted a way to bring power up to where I work without committing to drilling holes or rerouting cords. That’s where this DeWalt strip earned a spot in my workflow: it mounts magnetically to steel surfaces, brings six outlets and two USB ports right to the tool zone, and moves wherever I need it.

Setup and mounting

Getting it into service took about 30 seconds. I wiped down the side of a steel tool cabinet, set the strip against it, and the two rubber-coated magnets grabbed with a reassuring snap. The rubber coating matters more than you’d think—it both protects painted surfaces and adds friction, so the strip doesn’t skate when you push plugs in or yank them out.

I tried the strip in a few positions:
- Vertical on the side of a tall chest, to keep cords tidy and off the floor.
- Horizontal under a steel shelf, to feed chargers on the shelf above.
- On a rolling cart, to power a laptop and a small soldering station during mobile repairs.

In each case, the magnets held firm. On glossy powder-coated cabinets, I could still nudge it with two hands if I really tried, but it didn’t creep during normal use. If your cabinets are thin-gauge steel or have a thick, slick paint, placing the strip so the cord pulls downward (not sideways) helps it stay put. The ability to flip it vertical or horizontal without fuss makes it easy to fit around drawer handles and cabinet lips.

The 6.5 ft cord is a practical length—long enough to reach a wall outlet behind the bench without becoming a trip hazard. It’s not so long that you’re wrapping coils around the body just to manage slack.

Power and charging performance

Six outlets is the sweet spot for a compact station like this. I routinely ran a random-orbit sander, a shop vac trigger module, and a bench light, while keeping three outlets open for chargers and test gear. The outlets are close enough that chunky wall-wart chargers can crowd each other, but I was still able to fit a handful of bulky plugs by alternating orientations. If you rely on multiple oversized bricks, adding a short pigtail extension or a flat plug adapter solves the spacing issue.

The two USB ports are convenient for phones, headlamps, and Bluetooth speakers. They’re not labeled with wattage and there’s no fast-charge indicator, so I treated them as standard-charge ports. They kept my phone topped up during a full day in the shop and handled small devices reliably. If you need USB-C PD for laptops or high-speed phone charging, plan to use a dedicated fast charger in one of the AC sockets.

I couldn’t find any mention of surge protection or a joule rating, and there’s no status light that typically accompanies surge strips. I use this as a power distribution strip rather than a surge suppressor. Sensitive electronics get plugged into a separate surge-protected unit, while the strip handles tools, lights, and everyday chargers.

Build and ergonomics

The housing is plastic and it’s what I’d call workshop-grade, not indestructible. Mine has shrugged off scuffs, a few knocks from a rogue clamp, and sawdust without issue. Plastic keeps the weight down, which helps the magnets hold, and it doesn’t get cold to the touch like metal housings. That said, I wouldn’t want to drop a steel mallet on it, and I keep it out of the direct line of flying stock or grinding debris.

Layout is straightforward and usable. With the strip mounted vertically, the outlets are easy to see and reach, and cords hang naturally. Mounted horizontally under a shelf, the faces are still accessible and the rubberized magnets keep it from twisting when you unplug something one-handed. There’s no onboard cord wrap, so I added a magnetic cable clip nearby to keep the main cord tidy when I move it from one station to another.

Dimensions are compact enough to tuck near drawer edges: roughly 13 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, and 2.75 inches deep. It never blocked drawers on my chests when placed thoughtfully. Weight is light enough to relocate with one hand while holding a handful of plugs in the other.

Day-to-day use in the shop

This has become my “bring power to the work” solution. For sanding and finish work, I stick it to a steel sawhorse or cart and keep the cord runs short. On assembly days, I mount it near the bench vise for glue guns, drills, and a task light. When I’m charging tool batteries, the magnets let me place the strip at the same height as the chargers on a steel shelf, which cleans up cord drape and keeps outlets visible.

Dust has not been a problem; I blow it off with compressed air every week. The USB ports are inset enough to stay clean, but if you work in heavy metal grind dust, I’d cap them when not in use. The rubberized magnet faces clean up with a damp rag and don’t pick up metal chips the way bare magnets sometimes do.

Safety and limitations

A few practical notes:
- I treat it as indoor-only. The housing and ports don’t appear weather-sealed, and there’s no GFCI. Keep it away from sinks and wet finishing areas.
- There’s no surge rating posted, so don’t count on it for surge protection. Use a proper surge suppressor for computers or sensitive test gear.
- Magnet mounting means it’s happiest on solid steel. Aluminum, wood, or thin wall paneling won’t work. If all you have is pegboard or plywood, this isn’t the right mounting method for you.
- As with any strip, mind your total load. High-draw tools running simultaneously on one circuit can trip a breaker upstream.

The warranty support is a nice safety net: 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s generous for a shop accessory and aligns with how I expect to buy and try workflow tools.

Who it’s for

• Great fit: users with steel tool cabinets, rolling carts, or metal shelving who want flexible, movable power at the point of use.
• Occasional fit: bench-only shops that can place metal plates where they want power; it’ll work, but you may be better served by a fixed outlet strip.
• Not ideal: outdoor or wet-area users, folks who need surge suppression built in, or anyone without metal surfaces for the magnets to grab.

What I’d change

• Add a clearly labeled surge-protection option in the lineup for those who want one unit for tools and electronics.
• Slightly more spacing between outlets or a rotated arrangement would make bulky chargers coexist more easily.
• An integrated cord clip or stow point would tidy transport between stations.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’d polish an already useful design.

Bottom line

This DeWalt strip hits the target it aims for: bring a sensible number of outlets and handy USB charging to wherever there’s steel in your shop, with magnets that feel secure and a cord long enough to be useful. The plastic housing keeps it light, the magnets protect surfaces and resist sliding, and the ability to go vertical or horizontal makes it easy to live with.

Recommendation: I recommend it for anyone who wants flexible, movable power distribution on metal cabinets, carts, or shelves. It’s reliable, quick to reposition, and thoughtfully executed for workshop use. If you need surge protection, GFCI, or non-magnetic mounting, pair it with the appropriate accessory or look to a fixed, hard-mounted power solution. For most shop environments with steel to stick to, this is a practical upgrade that cleans up cord chaos and brings power right to the work.