Yesterday afternoon at a DeWalt event in Orlando, Florida, the company announced several new tools that they will be launching this year—the most significant being their 20V brushless impact driver that is due to be released this April. It’s the first DeWalt tool to feature a brushless motor, adding them to a growing list of tool companies that manufacture a brushless motor impact driver. Considering the advantages of brushless motors, it’s safe to assume that there will likely be more tools incorporating brushless motors in the near future.

Here’s a rundown of the DeWalt 20V Brushless Impact Driver’s key features:

- DeWalt claims 57 percent longer runtime than their latest 20-volt impact drivers and up to 1-1/2 times more runtime than competitors’ latest impact drivers.

- Three speed-and-torque settings.
1. Low: 0-950 RPM/500 in.-lbs., good for controlled applications such as installing woodworking hardware
2. Medium: 0-1900RPM/900 in.-lbs., good for typical screw-driving applications such as deck screws
3. High: 0-2850 RPM/1500 in.-lbs., good for high-torque work such as driving lags

- A push-button 1/4-in. hex chuck that can be operated with one hand. The bits are released with a simple push button (that little yellow button just below the chuck).

- The body of the tool is only 5-1/4 in. long.

- Three LEDs surround the chuck to provide shadow-free work illumination. The lights also stay illuminated for a 20-second duration, making it a convenient makeshift flashlight when you need it.

The prices for this tool will be $169 (tool only), $279 (two 1.5Ah battery kit) and $349 (two 3.0Ah battery kit).

LEARN MORE: The basics of brushless motors

VIDEO: Take a closer at the new 20V DeWalt Brushless Impact Driver below: