Maker & DIY Digest - February 7, 2026
Published
The big three power tool brands are all launching major 2026 lineups. Milwaukee is dropping 150+ new tools including an M18 FUEL 7¼" circular saw with One-Key and a 4-bay simultaneous charger. DeWalt is entering battery-powered landscaping with trimmer, edger, and chainsaw models. Makita is releasing February XGT tools including die grinders, an edger, and their most powerful hammer drill. In apparel tech, DuPont's powder-free DTF breakthrough shown at Impressions Expo 2026 continues to generate industry excitement.
Milwaukee Announces 150+ New Tools and Accessories for 2026
Milwaukee Tool has announced over 150 new tools and accessories for 2026, led by a revamped M18 FUEL 7¼-inch circular saw with One-Key technology delivering 6,000 RPM under load with autostop kickback protection. Other highlights include a 4-bay simultaneous M12/M18 charger (June), M12 FUEL 3/8" extended reach ratchet (70 ft-lbs), M18 FUEL SDS Max rotary hammer with One-Key, and an M18 Brushless Precision Blower.
150+ products in a single year is Milwaukee's largest launch ever. The standout is the M18 FUEL circular saw with One-Key—autostop kickback protection uses the tool's electronics to detect and halt blade within milliseconds of a kickback event. This is a genuine safety advancement, not just a feature checkbox. The 4-bay simultaneous charger solves a real pain point for contractors running multiple batteries. If you're in the Milwaukee ecosystem, 2026 is loaded.
💡What this means for you
M18 FUEL Circular Saw: 6,000 RPM no-load, autostop advanced kickback protection, One-Key bluetooth connectivity for tool tracking and performance customization. 4-Bay Charger (48-59-1818): Simultaneously charges M12 and M18 packs, Cool-cycle tech, 90-min full charge for 4x SURGE packs.
Market Position: Milwaukee continues to dominate the professional contractor market. The One-Key integration on the circular saw directly addresses the #1 safety concern in framing/joisting. Competes with DeWalt's FlexVolt circular saws and Makita's XGT equivalents.
- Per-tool pricing and release dates across the 150+ lineup
- Whether One-Key autostop works with all blade types
- Availability timeline for the 4-bay charger (confirmed June)
⏸️ Wait if: You're committed to DeWalt or Makita platforms—switching ecosystems is expensive
✅ Buy if: You're already on M18 and need a new circular saw—this is the best they've ever made, You manage a crew and need the 4-bay charger for fleet charging
DeWalt Launches Battery-Powered Landscaping Tools for 2026
DeWalt has entered the battery-powered landscaping category with three new 20V MAX tools: a string trimmer, straight edger, and curve-shaft edger. The electric motors are designed to deliver performance equivalent to a 28cc gas-powered engine. Additional 2026 releases include a 20V MAX 7-tool combo kit, 12" cordless chainsaw, and the ATOMIC 20V MAX right-angle die grinder.
DeWalt is late to the battery-powered OPE (outdoor power equipment) party compared to Milwaukee and Makita, but their 28cc-equivalent performance claim is interesting. For workshop makers who already have DeWalt 20V batteries, adding landscape tools to the same battery platform is a no-brainer—you're not buying new batteries. The 7-tool combo kit at the 20V MAX level is also worth watching for workshop newcomers who want a full tool kit on one platform.
💡What this means for you
20V MAX platform provides 20V nominal (18V actual) power. The 28cc gas-equivalent claim means torque output matching small gas trimmers, but with instant start, lower noise, and zero emissions. Expected runtime: 30-45 min per 5Ah battery for trimmer use.
Market Position: Enters a mature market where Milwaukee M18 FUEL, Makita XGT, and EGO dominate. DeWalt's advantage: millions of existing 20V MAX battery owners who can add landscaping tools without new battery investment.
- Runtime per battery charge for each tool
- Pricing vs. Milwaukee and Makita equivalents
- Whether FlexVolt (60V) landscaping tools will follow
Makita February XGT Releases: Die Grinders, Edger, Hammer Drill
Makita is releasing multiple new XGT (40V MAX) tools in February 2026, including two 1/4" die grinders, a new edging tool for professional landscapers, their most powerful XGT hammer driver drill, and a new XGT combo kit. These February releases continue Makita's aggressive 2026 lineup that also includes three new LXT cordless nailers.
Makita's XGT platform is growing rapidly. The 'most powerful hammer driver drill' designation is notable—it suggests a spec bump beyond what DeWalt and Milwaukee currently offer at 40V/20V. The cordless nailers (brad nailer, two finish nailers) are particularly interesting for woodworkers—2x faster nailing speeds and ultra-slim nose design for tight spaces. If you do trim work, cabinetry, or furniture building, these are worth your attention.
💡What this means for you
XGT platform delivers 40V nominal power (36V actual), roughly double the energy of 18V LXT tools. Die grinders are essential for metalwork finishing, deburring, and detail work. The hammer drill's 'most powerful' claim likely means 1,000+ in-lbs torque.
Market Position: Makita XGT directly competes with Milwaukee M18 FUEL and DeWalt FlexVolt at the professional level. Makita's advantage: dual-port chargers that handle both XGT and LXT batteries, protecting your existing battery investment.
- Specific RPM and torque specs for the die grinders
- Pricing for the February releases
- Cordless nailer availability date and pricing
DuPont's Powder-Free DTF Technology Continues to Generate Buzz
DuPont's powder-free DTF breakthrough, previewed at Impressions Expo 2026, continues to generate industry excitement. The technology could potentially eliminate the messy powder application step—the most complained-about part of the DTF workflow. Broader 2026 DTF trends include improved ink chemistry for softer hand-feel, AI-powered RIP software, and eco-friendly consumables.
If DuPont delivers on powder-free DTF, it removes the biggest friction point in the DTF workflow. Currently, you print → apply powder → shake off excess → cure. It's messy, inconsistent, and creates dust. Eliminating powder would make DTF cleaner, more consistent, and more production-friendly. The industry momentum behind DTF is unmistakable—the market is projected to grow from $2.7B to $3.9B by 2030. For apparel decorators considering DTF, the technology is maturing rapidly.
💡What this means for you
Powder-free DTF would integrate the adhesive layer directly into the ink system or film, eliminating the separate powder application and shake-off steps. This requires new ink formulations that bond directly to fabric without a separate adhesive layer.
Market Position: If production-ready, this would give DuPont ink customers a significant workflow advantage. Competing ink manufacturers (Procolored, Hanrun) would need to develop their own powder-free solutions. This could accelerate DTF adoption in commercial settings where powder mess is a dealbreaker.
- When will production-ready powder-free inks be available?
- Wash durability compared to traditional powder DTF
- Pricing premium vs. powder-based DTF inks
⏸️ Wait if: You're about to invest in a DTF setup—waiting 3-6 months for powder-free could be worth it
✅ Buy if: You already run DTF and can switch inks when powder-free launches, You need DTF capability now and can't wait
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new power tools for 2026?▼
All three major brands have major launches. Milwaukee's M18 FUEL circular saw with One-Key autostop is the safety standout. DeWalt's 7-tool combo kit offers best value for new buyers. Makita's XGT cordless nailers with 2x speed are ideal for woodworkers. The best pick depends on which battery platform you're already invested in.
Is powder-free DTF available yet?▼
Not yet for consumer purchase. DuPont previewed the technology at Impressions Expo 2026. Production-ready powder-free DTF inks and compatible printers are expected to become available later in 2026. Current DTF setups still require powder application.
Should I switch battery platforms for 2026 tools?▼
Almost never. The cost of replacing batteries ($100-200 each × multiple batteries) far outweighs any single tool advantage. All three platforms (Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V, Makita XGT) are excellent. Buy within your existing ecosystem unless you're starting fresh.