DeWalt 20V MAX* Tool Connect Corded/Cordless All-Purpose Light

The DeWalt 20V MAX* Tool Connect Corded/Cordless All-Purpose Light, model DCL073, is a versatile and powerful task light that has quickly become an essential part of my toolkit. From its robust build to its impressive brightness and flexibility, this light addresses many of the common issues faced on job sites or during DIY projects. Here's my detailed experience with this tool.

Versatility and Design

One of the standout features of this light is its versatility. It can be used in various positions, thanks to its freestanding design, tripod mounting options, and ability to be hung using a bungee cord or similar. The handle rotates a full 360 degrees, which means you can adjust the light to any angle necessary to eliminate shadows and illuminate your work area effectively.

The light also has two threaded holes in the handle (1/4-20 and 5/8-11), allowing it to be mounted on a tripod or pole, providing even more flexibility in how you use it. This came in particularly handy during a recent project where I needed overhead lighting in a cramped attic space. The ability to set the light on a tripod made the job significantly easier and safer.

Brightness and Light Quality

The light output is where this tool truly shines. With over 5000 lumens, the DeWalt task light provides ample illumination for large areas. It has three brightness settings, which you can cycle through by pressing the power button. This feature is particularly useful when you need to conserve battery life for extended tasks. The highest setting provides a powerful, natural white light that enhances color visibility, making it easier to see fine details.

I found the light to be slightly on the yellow side compared to other LED lights I’ve used, but this didn’t detract from its effectiveness. The diffused lens and reflector do an excellent job of spreading the light over a wide area, rather than focusing it into a single beam, which is ideal for most work environments.

Battery Life and Compatibility

One of the most convenient aspects of this light is its compatibility with DeWalt’s 12V, 20V, and 60V Max batteries. This universality means you can use the same batteries you already have for other DeWalt tools, making it a cost-effective addition to your toolkit.

In terms of battery life, I tested the light with a 5Ah 20V battery and was impressed by its performance. On the highest setting, it lasted for about 5 hours, with the battery only losing one bar of power. This suggests an approximate runtime of 1 hour per amp-hour (Ah) of battery capacity on the highest setting, which is quite efficient. The light also includes an integrated battery charger and AC pass-through, which means you can keep working even if your batteries run out.

Durability and Build Quality

The DeWalt task light is built to withstand the rigors of job sites. It has an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust and water. While it’s not waterproof, it can handle being rained on, making it suitable for outdoor use in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The light also feels sturdy and well-constructed, with a rugged design that can handle occasional drops and bumps without any issues.

I did notice that the lens is made of plastic, which could be prone to scratching over time. However, this hasn’t affected the light output in my experience so far. The handle’s detents are tight and effective at holding the light in position, adding to its overall durability.

Practical Applications

This light has proven to be incredibly useful in a variety of settings. Whether it's lighting up a dark crawl space, providing illumination for painting a room, or serving as a reliable light source during a power outage, the DeWalt task light has performed admirably. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport and store, while its powerful light output ensures that you can see what you’re doing, no matter the task.

Areas for Improvement

While the DeWalt task light is an excellent tool, there are a few areas where it could be improved. For instance, the handle could be a bit taller to allow for full rotation when using larger batteries like the 9Ah FlexVolt. Additionally, while the light is bright, having a lower brightness setting closer to a lantern-like glow could make it more versatile for different applications, such as during power outages.

Another potential improvement could be the addition of more protective elements around the lens to prevent scratches and extend the light’s longevity.

Conclusion

Overall, the DeWalt 20V MAX* Tool Connect Corded/Cordless All-Purpose Light is a robust, versatile, and powerful lighting solution that lives up to the DeWalt name. Its compatibility with a wide range of DeWalt batteries, along with its impressive brightness and flexibility, make it a valuable addition to any toolkit. While there are a few minor areas for improvement, they do not significantly detract from the light’s overall performance and utility.

I highly recommend this tool for both professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. Its combination of durability, versatility, and powerful light output ensures that it can handle a wide range of tasks and environments, making it a reliable and practical investment.