Understanding DEWALT Model Numbers: A Breakdown of Their Meaning
Published December 4, 2024If you’ve ever looked at a DEWALT tool’s serial number and felt a little lost, you’re not alone. Those seemingly random combinations of letters and numbers are actually a well-organized code that tells you a lot about the tool, its type, and what’s included in the package. In this guide, we’ll break down DEWALT’s prefixes and suffixes so you can easily decipher their serial numbers and choose the right tool for your needs.
DEWALT Prefixes: Tool Types at a Glance
DEWALT prefixes are the first letters in a tool’s model number. These letters tell you the type of tool and its power source. Here’s a quick reference:
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DC | DEWALT Cordless Tools |
| DW | DEWALT Wired (Corded) Tools |
| DCD | DEWALT Cordless Drills |
| DCE | DEWALT Equipment – This is a catchall for various tool types |
| DCED | DEWALT Cordless Edgers |
| DCF | DEWALT Cordless Fastening Tools (e.g., impact drivers, screwdrivers) |
| DCG | DEWALT Cordless Grinders |
| DCH | DEWALT Cordless Hammer / Breaker |
| DCK | DEWALT Cordless Kits or Combo Kits |
| DCL | DEWALT Cordless Work Lights |
| DCN | DEWALT Cordless Nailer |
| DCS | DEWALT Cordless Saws |
| DCST | DEWALT Cordless String Trimmers |
| DCV | DEWALT Cordless Vacuums |
For example, a DCD996 is a DEWALT cordless drill. A DCS570 is a DEWALT cordless circular saw. Understanding these prefixes allows you to immediately identify the type of tool you’re looking at.
DCE is a catchall prefix
Below are a couple example of DEWALT tools that have the DCE prefix in their serial number. As you’ll see, these product vary greatly in their use and likely wouldn’t be categorized in the same family of tools.
DEWALT 20V MAX Jobsite Fan (DCE512B)
The DEWALT job site fan is an example of one tool that is categorized by serial number with DCE as the prefix.
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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drywall Cut-Out Tool (DCE555B)
The DEWALT drywall cut-out tool is an odd one to fit into the DCE serial number category. Despite it's use for cutting, it doesn't share the DCS serial number with saws.
Buy on AmazonDEWALT Prefixes: Battery Types at a Glance
DEWALT prefixes are the first letters in a tool’s model number. These letters tell you the type of tool and its power source. Here’s a quick reference:
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DCB | DEWALT Batteries |
| DCBP | DEWALT POWERSTACK Batteries |
For example, DCB201 is a standard MAX DEWALT battery, while DCBP520 is a POWERSTACK battery.
It is curious that DEWALT doesn’t have a letter signifier for their FLEXVOLT line of batteries, like DCBF or DCFV. Instead, FLEXVOLT batteries follow the same naming convention as standard batteries, using DCB, but are given a six (6) as the first number in the serial number. The 12 Ah FLEXVOLT battery is DCB612, as an example.
DEWALT Battery Suffixes
DEWALT has a few specialty variations of their standard battery lines. The table below
| Prefix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| G | DEWALT Oil Resistant Batteries |
| BT | DEWALT Batteries with Bluetooth Connect |
These suffixes can be found in battery models like DCB205BT, the 20V MAX Tool Connect 5Ah Battery, and DCBP034G 20V POWERSTACK 1.7 Ah Oil Resistant Battery.
DEWALT Suffixes: What’s in the Box
Brad Pitt in Se7ven said it asked the million-dollar question. “WHAT’S IN THE BOX!?” The suffixes in DEWALT Tool model numbers describe the tool’s configuration, accessories, or battery setup. Here’s a breakdown:
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | Bare tool only; does not include batteries, charger, or additional accessories. |
| C | Includes a case for storage and transport. |
| D1 | Comes with one battery and a charger. |
| D2 | Comes with two batteries and a charger. |
| M1 | Includes one 4.0Ah battery and a charger. |
| P1 | Comes with one 5.0Ah battery and a charger. |
| P2 | Comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger. |
| XJ | Internal code indicating a bare unit; no difference in the actual tool. |
For instance, a DCD996B is a bare version of the DEWALT cordless drill—no batteries or charger included. Meanwhile, a DCD996P2 comes with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger, making it a complete kit.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit (DCD996P2)
Note that the contents of this kit can be identified by the serial number. DCD996 is the model of the hammer drill included, while the P2 indicates that it comes with two 5Ah batteries and a charger.
Buy on AmazonPutting It All Together
Let’s decode a model number: DCS570P1
- DCS: Cordless Saw
- 570: Specific model in the saw category
- P1: Includes one 5.0Ah battery and a charger
With this system, you can quickly determine whether the tool is a bare unit, part of a kit, or includes certain accessories.
Why This Matters
Understanding DEWALT’s serial numbers can save you time and money. Whether you’re shopping for a specific tool or need to match a battery to your equipment, these codes make it easy to find what you’re looking for. No more guessing or ending up with the wrong configuration!
- If you’re unsure, check the product listing or consult DEWALT’s official website for a detailed description.
- Look out for the suffix to ensure you’re getting the right accessories, especially if you’re buying a cordless tool.
By learning how to decipher DEWALT’s serial numbers, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right tool for your projects—every time.
Posts on Slice Hardware are for information purposes only and not advice for projects, tool use, or safety.