DEWALT Power Tools are Getting Expensive: What You Need to Know about Tariffs

Published May 9, 2025

If you’ve been shopping for DEWALT tools lately and noticed that your favorite drill or saw now costs more than it did a few weeks ago, you’re not imagining things. Prices have indeed gone up—and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to explain why.

What’s Behind DEWALT Jumps in Price?

In early April 2025, the U.S. government implemented a new 10% baseline tariff on imported goods, including many components used in power tools. Just days later, that rate skyrocketed to 104% on goods from China, a major supplier of parts like lithium-ion batteries and electronic components . These tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, and manufacturers are now passing those costs along to consumers.

Stanley Black & Decker, the parent company of DEWALT, responded quickly. They rolled out a “high-single digit” price increase on tools and outdoor gear in April and have already announced another round of price hikes coming this summer . The company estimates these tariffs will cut into their earnings by about $0.75 per share this year, even after adjusting prices and tweaking their supply chain .

Why DEWALT Is Feeling the Heat?

DEWALT tools rely heavily on components sourced from China—especially power tool batteries, which are among the hardest hit by the new tariffs. According to the International Energy Agency, China produced 75% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries in 2023, and it also supplies up to 90% of the raw materials used in battery manufacturing. That makes DEWALT particularly vulnerable to these cost increases .

To mitigate the impact, Stanley Black & Decker is working to shift more of its production to North America, particularly Mexico. But that kind of supply chain overhaul takes time—12 to 24 months, according to company estimates . In the meantime, consumers are bearing the brunt of the increased costs.


Real-World Price Jumps

At retail stores like Home Depot, customers have already noticed significant price hikes. One shopper, as reported by Daily Dot, recently pointed out that a DEWALT cordless chainsaw kit jumped from $249 to $349 overnight—a $100 increase . And that’s just one example.

Evidence of DEWALT Price Increases

We don’t like to speculate on prices at Slice Hardware. Our mission is to ensure tool buyers know if they are getting a good price on tools, when the retail landscape is changing, and where they can find great deals. Finding a good deal right now, is the best bet for softening the blow of these price increases. ]

What tools should you wait to buy? It’s hard to say, since prices may continue to go up. However, the tools below are several of the DEWALT tools that just went up in price in the last few weeks (April 2025)

Product NameModel NumberPercent Change
20V MAX XR Brushless Drain SnakeDCD20046%
20V MAX XR Reciprocating SawDCS38215%
20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless JigsawDCS3349%
20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Circular SawDCS56513%
ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 23 Ga. Pin NailerDCN62320%
20V MAX XR 15 GA Cordless Angled Finish NailerDCN65017%
20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/DriverDCD80511%
20V MAX XR 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver KitDCD88713%
20V MAX XR 16 GA Cordless Straight Finish NailerDCN66221%
ATOMIC 20V MAX Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating SawDCS36918%
20V MAX Oscillating Multi-ToolDCS35420%
20V MAX XR Reciprocating SawDCS38215%
20V MAX XR Brushless 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. Cordless Paddle Switch Angle GrinderDCG41612%
20V MAX XR 18 GA Cordless Brad NailerDCN68017%

What It Means for You

If you’re a contractor, DIYer, or just someone who loves high-quality tools, this is a good time to be strategic. Keep an eye out for promotions, bundles, and clearance deals. DEWALT and other brands often run seasonal sales that can help offset these price increases. Also, consider stocking up on essentials now if you anticipate needing them in the near future.

Covering Up Price Increases with Promotions

Similar to the price increases on Milwaukee tools at Home Depot, many DEWALT tools are being offered with promotions, like the DCS382 Reciprocating Saw that is a part of a bundle promotion. There’s potential that these promotions will soften the impact of the price increases and not change customer demand, but the results will likely be temporary. Soon enough, when the promotions end, the true prices will reveal themselves and leave customers shocked.


Final Thoughts

The rising cost of DEWALT tools isn’t just about inflation or corporate decisions—it’s a ripple effect of global trade policies and supply chain challenges. While companies like Stanley Black & Decker are working to adapt, these changes take time. In the short term, being an informed and savvy shopper is your best defense against these price hikes.

Posts on Slice Hardware are for information purposes only and not advice for projects, tool use, or safety.