10 Small But Highly Useful DeWalt Tools To Consider In 2026

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DeWalt has long been known as one of the best and most reliable power tool brands, its equipment commanding premium prices that, for the most part, customers are happy to pay. And while perhaps best known for its cordless, jobsite-ready products, DeWalt also has a surprising line-up of small but useful tools that seem to largely deliver on the brand's "Guaranteed Tough" promise. 

Below, you'll discover 11 pint-sized tools with DeWalt's signature black and yellow jacket. Some are useful to have handy in your pocket regardless of your DIY to-do list. Others are more niche, but should make short work of jobs like drilling into masonry or cutting back small branches. And while some do indeed fetch those premium price tags that we mentioned earlier, you'll also find a few highly-rated DeWalt home renovation tools for less than $50. As explained in more detail in the methodology at the end of this article, each product is rated at least 4.1 stars overall, with at least 60 reviews to date.

Whether you need a tool to make building your fence easier or you're laying a new run of flooring, a laser level is a superbly convenient gadget to have on hand. DeWalt's 165-foot Red Self-Leveling Cross-Line and Plumb Spot Laser Level can handle larger jobs across floors and walls much more effectively than a regular spirit level. It's priced at $264.35, which is, admittedly, much more than you'd spend on a standard hand tool. However, it helps to find the level on surfaces up to 165 feet, which ought to be more than enough for most homes. It's accurate to within ⅛-inch at 30 feet, too. And since it features a plumb spot feature, you can also use it to transfer reference points from your floor to the ceiling — ideal for DIY pot light installations.

In other words, the benefits of owning a laser level like this one from DeWalt are many, and to date, buyers at Home Depot are happy with this model. It's rated 4.3 stars overall, with over 120 reviews. Almost 70% of those awarded the level 5 stars. Customers note that it can either be mounted on a tripod, or positioned magnetically on metal tracks. It's also highly favored for being lightweight and, importantly, very accurate. It does receive some negative feedback for visibility in bright sunlight, however, if you're working indoors on interior walls and floors, then that shouldn't really become a problem. Overall, said one 5-star reviewer, it "does exactly what it's supposed to do."

A tape measure is something that every DIYer should have in their toolbox. They're useful for quick, speedy measurements, and with a few clever tape measure hacks, it's amazing how much you can actually do with such a simple tool. DeWalt's 25-foot Tape Measure with Rechargeable LED Light is, for all intents and purposes, no different to any other tape measure. At least, not in terms of its primary functionality. It features a double-sided printed tape with 6 inches of rip-shield coating and 17 feet of rigid blade reach (helpful when you're working solo). But it also features an LED light, which allows you to see what you're doing in the dark. That makes it handy in lofts, basements, and even simply when working at night.

At $39.97, this tape measure is pricey, but the built-in light (with a 3-hour battery life) could make the extra cost worth it. To date, it has been reviewed by more than 260 buyers. Of those, 73% gave it top marks, lending to an overall 4.5-star rating. The majority of users agree that it's a great overall tape measure, and that the inclusion of a light is super handy in dim conditions. As one user said, "Why, why did it take so long to make this. Best tape measure ever. I work often in low light situations and this is just what I needed." It should be noted that, if you have very regular use for a tape measure — like on a jobsite — some contractors have cited issues with the blade's long-term durability. With that being said, light-duty weekend work is less likely to cause issues with tears. And if this does occur, be aware that the tool is covered by DeWalt's limited lifetime warranty.

If you don't have the need for a full-sized chainsaw but still have to deal with chunky branches from time to time, then a mini chainsaw is a handy "middle ground" tool. DeWalt's 20V MAX 8-inch Brushless Cordless Pruning Mini Chainsaw, currently priced at $179, is designed to be both lightweight (4.6 pounds without the battery) and easy to control. It can be used for trimming branches up to 6 inches in diameter. It could also be useful for cutting up firewood and thinning out thick shrubs. And since it's so compact, this mini chainsaw could prove useful in tight corners of the garden where larger tools would be impractical.

Overall, this mini chainsaw is rated 4.5 stars at Home Depot, where 1,170 users to date have taken the time to review it. Of those, 74% awarded it 5 stars, and as for why, most agree that the saw is as compact as it is powerful. "Great chainsaw," said one user, who added, "It cuts through 5-inch stems like butter." Another buyer, who described it as an absolute workhorse, said that it cut through a small tree with ease. They added that, before buying the saw, they received quotes of between $400 and $800 to have the tree professionally removed. "Not only did it save me hundreds of dollars, but now I have a high-quality tool that I'll be able to use year-round." One caveat reviewers note is that this saw is designed for right-handed use. 

If you're short on storage space, then a ratcheting screwdriver is one of the most useful types of screwdriver you can buy. They comprise of a single hand tool that's usually compatible with various drill-driver bits, and the ratcheting mechanism saves time and reduces strain. DeWalt's Max Fit Telescoping Ratcheting Multi-Bit Combination Screwdriver comes with a variety of bits, including slotted, Phillips, and two square heads. The telescoping bar allows you to reach awkward places while also making storage easier. And back to those bits, DeWalt's patented Max Fit design promises to deliver better head contact and less stripping when applying lots of torque.

All in, the set costs $19.97 at Home Depot, and at present, it's rated 4.5 stars overall with more than 380 reviews to date. Over 75% of buyers have awarded it top marks, with many explaining how much easier it is to use than regular drivers thanks to the useful ratcheting mechanism. It's praised by one buyer for making life easier on their arthritic hands, and another said that it's superior to equivalent tools from other big-box brands. One common complaint is that it lacks onboard bit storage, which is often included with other similar tools. But overall, said one user, "This product is amazing. It is very handy for any type of screw that you need to place. I really like it."

DeWalt's Push and Flip Folding Lock-Back Utility Knife is one of the most affordable DeWalt tools you can add to your collection. It's priced at $12.97, which is certainly at the lower end of what you'd expect to pay for a tool with a black-and-yellow badge. It's very useful, too. It can help with cutting things like drywall, scoring tiles, and even breaking down boxes and packaging. It's designed for one-handed operation, with a lock that keeps the blade in position without annoying accidental releases. It also includes a tethering hole, so you can avoid dropping it when you're working at heights.

Overall, customers at Home Depot seem to love this particular DeWalt tool. It's rated 4.8 stars overall, and of the almost 380 users who've reviewed it so far, 81% gave it 5 stars, and 97% recommend the tool. One buyer, who has used utility knives from several brands, said, "I find this one to be the most convenient." Others praised the blade's strong build and ease of use, saying that it's comfortable to hold, sturdy in the hand, and generally feels durable and built to last. In one reviewer's words, it's "the last utility knife you will need."

Chalk reels can come in handy for various home improvement projects. They're one of the essential tools to have on hand when installing new pavers, and are equally useful when setting floor and tile guides, and marking timber for cutting. Their primary function is to mark long, straight lines for accurate laying and cutting, and in the case of DeWalt's 100-foot Chalk Reel Kit with Red Chalk, you can mark lines up to 100 feet in length. A lock holds the line taut during use, while a 1.0mm diameter braid ensures a fine-but-visible chalk line. It's also designed with a 4:1 gear ratio, which makes rewinding the line both smooth and fast.

The DeWalt chalk reel currently costs $15.97 at Home Depot, and comes with a bottle of red chalk. It's rated 4.1 stars overall across 64 user reviews. Almost 60% of those gave it top marks, but it's worth noting that some users have had issues with broken strings. Generally, though, customers find that this DeWalt chalk reel is a useful addition to their toolboxes. One buyer, who mentioned that it takes a little effort to pull the string out, nevertheless said that this particular tool is well designed. As they put it, "Generally happy and would buy it again. Good value."

Part of DeWalt's powerful "Atomic" line of tools, which the brand says is "where size meets power," the 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw is small. Ideal for one-handed operation, it can be used, like other reciprocating saws, for a variety of cutting jobs around the house. It also weighs 37% less than the brand's DCS367 model, so you can expect less fatigue on longer jobs. This nimble saw delivers up to 2,800 strokes per minute, and has a variable speed trigger.

To date, more than 2,920 users have reviewed this particular tool, and the consensus is good across the board. Over 82% of buyers have awarded the tool 5 stars, and right now, it's sitting pretty with an overall rating of 4.7 stars. "This DeWalt saw is great for the small jobs I use it for," said one user, who highlighted tasks like cutting trim boards and PVC pipes. They added that it feels very balanced, even when using one-handed, and that it's compact but powerful enough for cutting branches where a chainsaw won't fit. In the words of another buyer, "Finally! All I can say is thank you DeWalt for making it happen. Awesome saw, compact yet powerful, I am a plumber and it will fit perfectly for me."

Whether you've just climbed onto the first rung of the property ladder or are starting your toolkit from scratch, a cordless drill is one of the top must-buy power tools for first-time owners. You can use them for a myriad of tasks, from hanging shelves and assembling furniture to installing fences and decks. And nowadays, you can get highly compact models that still pack a good amount of power under the hood. As the smallest 20V drill in their lineup, DeWalt's Atomic 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact ½-inch Drill/Driver Kit is just 5.88 inches from front to back, and weighs a mere 2.75 pounds. It is, per DeWalt, designed to help you "unlock power in a compact size," and yields up to 1,650 RPM for demanding jobs in tight spaces.

This cordless DeWalt drill is priced at $179 at Home Depot, which buys the tool along with a cordless battery and charger. You also get the assurance that out of 6,050 reviews and counting, 84% have awarded the drill 5 stars. It's rated 4.7 stars overall, with users praising its punchy power, compact size, and surprisingly lightweight build. This small DeWalt drill is also complimented for its versatility. "This drill is very impressive for its size," said one buyer. "Do not let the compact size fool you. Great buy for the price of this combo."

If you're unsure whether you need an impact driver or a hammer drill, consider the material you're trying to drill through. If it's something like concrete or cement, then a hammer drill is usually the best tool for the job. They come in various sizes depending on the scale of your project, but as we've seen already, bigger doesn't necessarily mean more power. In the case of DeWalt's Atomic 20V Max Cordless Brushless Ultra-Compact ⅝-inch SDS Plus Hammer Drill, it weighs just 4 pounds. That makes it ideal for extended overhead applications. It pairs what DeWalt describes as "faster than corded speed" with 1.4 joules of impact energy to drill quickly through concrete. It also harnesses DeWalt's SHOCKS vibration control system for comfortable use.

As for how well it's received by customers, 75% of more than 660 buyers at Home Depot have awarded this compact hammer drill the full 5 stars. It's rated 4.5 overall, and buyers widely praise DeWalt for producing such a compact, yet powerful tool. "This tool can put a hole in anything," said one user. "Concrete? Yup. Brick? Yup. Wood? Why not? If you've got 20V batteries, this is what you need."

Accurate measurements are one of the cornerstones of stress-free home improvement. And for longer surfaces, a laser distance measurer is sure to be much more accurate than trying to measure them in stages with a standard tape. DeWalt's 55-foot Pocket Laser Distance Measurer handles lengths of up to 55 feet, which will be ample for most rooms, or even a lot of exterior façades. The laser measurer is rechargeable, includes a back-lit LED for indoor readability, and is accurate to a ¼-inch at 50 feet. It's the sort of tool that's worth having for larger home improvement projects, ensuring you only ever order the correct amount of materials.

Diving into the reviews, more than 410 buyers have offered their feedback at Home Depot, and almost 70% awarded it 5 stars. Rated 4.4 stars overall, most buyers agree that this gadget is a useful measurement tool to have in their arsenal. Some users said that it's difficult to read when used outside, but this shouldn't be a problem if you're measuring, say, a kitchen or bathroom. And overall, buyers love the compactness and ease of use. "Don't be fooled by its size," said one reviewer, who added that you could easily keep it in your pocket as you work. "I'm a contractor," said another happy buyer, "and I have a huge collection of measuring tapes. This laser is incredibly convenient and precise; I give it 6 stars."

To create this guide, we searched Home Depot for the most compact, strongly recommended DeWalt tools. We featured both hand tools and compact-sized versions of regular power tools that can stand DIYers and homeowners in good stead across different projects. We focused on those with a minimum rating of 4.1 stars and at least 60 real user reviews to date.