Since 1924

For a century, our commitment to excellence has been unwavering. DEWALT® is more than a brand; it's a symbol of trust for world-builders. As we mark 100 years, we celebrate our history, standing strong with the pros who have relied on us since day one.

Strong foundations

Raymond DeWalt’s invention of the radial arm saw in the 1920s ushers in a new era of jobsite productivity, and the company begins distributing products internationally. DEWALT becomes a soaring success postwar, even influencing national safety policy. DEWALT’s start lays a strong foundation for the iconic brand.

1910

Raymond DeWalt learned the trades at his dad John’s wagon shop. Now the proprietor of Dewalt Wagon Works, Raymond emphasizes safety, highlighting his knowledge of jobsites in an ad.

1921 (Sep. 27)

Raymond sets to work on his first invention, filing his first of 10 patents and building the foundation for the iconic radial arm saw.

1923 (Jan. 27)

Raymond DeWalt files his second patent. This patent showcases an innovative woodworking machine—an adjustable radial arm saw.

1924 (Dec. 29)

DEWALT Products Co. is founded. After the success of his invention, the adjustable radial arm saw, Raymond DeWalt sells his company and the patents to Paul Gardner and Isaac Rutt. The founding invention, the radial arm saw, comes to be known as the “Wonder-Worker.”

1925–1926

Early adoption of DEWALT’s radial arm saw inspires pro testimonials.

We are doing all our fine interior finish with built-in work right on the job[site] with the [Wonder-Worker], and are doing a better grade of work than the average millwork shop turns out.”

As the pros from Miller & King, Longview, WA, state.1925-26

1930

DEWALT takes the world by storm. DEWALT cements its early global success as Benjamin F. Baker— DEWALT’s director of the foreign department—travels the globe, meeting with DEWALT’s national and international distributors.

1930 (Published in April)

DEWALT Products Co. is selected for its jobsite safety expertise to be among 21 organizations that serve on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Sectional Committee on Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery.

1941

DEWALT begins a period of rapid expansion to meet the demands of government orders in connection with national defense and wartime machinery requirements.

1942

Raymond DeWalt begins teaching the next generation of young pros the trades as a superintendent at the National Youth Administration’s shops in York, PA.

1945

Passionate about the future of the trades, Raymond DeWalt is one of the first instructors in Mechanicsburg High School’s vocational industrial arts program.

100 years in the making

Growing with the pros

Black & Decker acquires DEWALT in 1960. Competition for market share challenges DEWALT to reevaluate its business strategy.

1960 (May 10)

Black & Decker acquires DEWALT Inc.

1964–1965

DEWALT and Black & Decker tools are featured in the “House of Good Taste” exhibit at the World’s Fair. The exhibit’s aim is to “provide visitors with a yardstick of home and building decorating standards.

1973

DEWALT is selected for its safety expertise, and Robert R. Ruth serves as DEWALT’s representative on the Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers of America’s committee to draft new safety standards.

1992

Reintroducing DEWALT: DEWALT’s enduring legacy and positive reputation with the pros prompts Black & Decker to choose the DEWALT name for a new line of professional tools.
DEWALT introduces its first line of portable electric power tools and accessories designed specifically for residential contractors, remodelers and professional woodworkers.

1994-1995

DEWALT kickstarts a revolutionary system of more than 30 new cordless tools, including the most powerful cordless tools at the time, the 14.4 volt cordless drill/driver and the 5⅜” cordless saw. The DEWALT cordless system includes drill/drivers, screwdrivers, impact drivers, impact wrenches, saws, flashlights and the first combination drill/driver/hammerdrill.

DEWALT’s renewed dedication to the pros sparks further financial success for Black & Decker. The B&D Annual Report for 1995 states that “return to stockholders was over 50%” and “revenues from continuing operations set a new record, increasing 9% in 1995 over 1994.”

A name that means something

When you put your name on something, it’s more than a label. It’s a promise. A commitment to get the job done right. It’s the mark we’ve left over 100 years of helping world-builders build the modern world.

Since 1924, the DEWALT name has stood for the pros, and it still does—for doing work to the highest standards. As we celebrate 100 years, we’re honoring where we’ve been without losing sight of where we’re going—because the best is yet to come.

Our original pro

Raymond Dewalt invented and patented the Wonder-Worker, an adjustable radial arm electric saw. Saving the user from tedious, backbreaking labor, the tool could accomplish 29 different cutting operations without significantly changing the setup, thus revolutionizing productivity and profitability on the jobsite.

You see, in every shop or construction position I have ever had, the question of high costs had been dinned into my ears."

Raymond DeWalt

Wonder-Worker could do just about everything except a handspring or tie itself into a knot.”

Raymond DeWalt

As an inventor and machine shop educator, Raymond came up with solution after solution to improve the jobsite experience.

Raymond DeWalt

Dewalt: for the future

A DEWALT jobsite has always allowed pros to save time and money without compromising on safety, power, or quality. We’ll always innovate to change the world, but we’ll never change who we are.

In 2024, we electrified the concrete jobsite with the launch of the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ Cordless Equipment System, built for epic performance and runtime. The complete battery-powered lineup lets users TAKE CONTROL™ without waiting to start, stopping to refuel, or being limited by gas.

From revolutionizing the electric jobsite in 1924 to advancing cordless tools in 1994 and delivering a groundbreaking cordless system to the concrete industry in 2024, it’s clear we relentlessly charge ahead and have no intentions of slowing down.

100 years

As we look to tomorrow, we are committed to empowering pros with superior full trade solutions and a century’s worth of hard-won knowledge about performance and safety. As in our earliest days, we’re continuing to innovate products and solutions that meet even the most rigorous demands of today’s world builders. Our commitment includes supporting the next generation of pros through trade scholarships and Grow the Trades grants. Countless jobsites later, our belief in making you the best pro you can be is as strong as ever.

For 100 years, it’s been a name that is respected on every project and in every trade. A name that’s earned its place everywhere you see it.