DieHard Power Tools Are Here: 8 Tools in the New Automotive-Focused Lineup

Introduction

DieHard has been a battery brand for decades, first under Sears and later under Advance Auto, which bought the brand from Sears for a reported $200 million. Now the name is expanding into a full power tool line, already appearing online and in some Advance Auto and CarQuest stores, since Advance Auto’s group owns both retailers.

The lineup leans clearly toward automotive DIY and weekend-warrior use rather than professional construction. Here is what is in the new line, what it costs, and who each tool makes sense for.

What the New DieHard Tool Line Includes

The launch range covers a 20V system with a half-inch drill driver, a half-inch cordless impact wrench, and a reciprocating saw, plus a 12V system with an impact driver, a 3/8” ratchet, and a work light. Rounding it out are two corded tools: a 4-1/2” grinder and a variable-speed corded impact driver/wrench.

Standalone 20V batteries are listed at $40 and chargers at $35, which gives you a sense of where the platform is priced. There is no official word yet on how large the 12V line will grow, and no confirmation of a broader tool range beyond the launch.

DieHard 20V 1/2” Drill Driver Kit

The flagship drill kit lands at $99 to $100 including a 2Ah battery and charger, which is a little steep for an entry-level tool at launch. The spec sheet shows a two-speed transmission, a half-inch chuck (a step up from the 3/8” chucks on cheaper drills), a claimed 21+ torque rating, and a high-performance brushed motor. Notably, there is no brushless badging anywhere, and the rubber chuck is a typical sign of a base-level tool.

That said, the kit includes an auxiliary handle and a real charging base, and the 2Ah battery is larger than the 1.3Ah packs some competitors ship with their base kits. This is a straightforward starter drill for home and automotive tasks.

DieHard 20V 1/2” Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

The half-inch cordless impact wrench kit sells for $130 with battery and charger. It is rated at 300 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque with a brushed motor, which is enough for most wheels and general car work on a sedan, though it is not intended for heavy machinery.

This tool is clearly aimed at the shade-tree mechanic rather than the professional shop. For brake jobs, tire rotations, and suspension work at home, the torque figure covers the basics comfortably.

DieHard 20V Reciprocating Saw Kit

The cordless reciprocating saw kit comes in at $100 with battery and charger. It completes the core 20V trio and gives the platform a demolition and general cutting option alongside the drill and impact wrench.

The 12V Line: Impact Driver, Ratchet, and Work Light

The 12V system is where the automotive focus becomes obvious. In-store photos show a compact 12V impact driver with charge indicator lights on top of the tool body, since the in-handle battery design leaves no room for indicators on the pack itself.

The 12V 3/8” ratchet shares a very familiar silhouette with comparable 3/8” cordless ratchets on the market, though the exact specifications have not been confirmed. A 12V work light rounds out the system. Together, these three tools form a sensible starter set for interior car work, fastener removal in tight spaces, and visibility in dim engine bays.

Corded Tools: DieHard 4-1/2” Grinder and Impact Driver/Wrench

The corded side of the launch includes a 4-1/2” angle grinder, a standard size for cutting discs and grinding wheels, and a variable-speed corded impact driver/wrench.

The corded impact tool is the more interesting of the two: its variable-speed trigger lets it run from 95 ft-lbs at the low end up to 295 ft-lbs, which puts it nearly on par with the 20V cordless impact wrench while never running out of charge. For a home garage with an outlet nearby, that is a compelling spec.

What to Know Before Buying

The tools appear to share design DNA with an existing 20V platform from a Chinese manufacturer whose products have also been sold under other tool brands. A side-by-side comparison shows the reciprocating saws are near-identical apart from color, the drills share the same body moldings through the handle, and the batteries and chargers match almost exactly. That manufacturer has a track record of well-reviewed tools generally regarded as solid high-end DIY quality, and its products are also used by established woodworking and tool brands.

The takeaway: these are not mystery tools from an unknown factory. They sit in the high-end DIY / weekend-warrior tier, not the professional prosumer tier, and the shared platform has a reasonable reputation.

Pricing and Buying Advice

Launch pricing is the main sticking point. At $100 for the drill kit and $130 for the impact wrench kit, these kits are priced at the high end for brushed, entry-level tools, and launch prices tend to be easier to lower than to raise.

If you need a tool today and want the convenience of buying it alongside car parts at Advance Auto or CarQuest, the lineup is functional and sensibly specified. If you can wait for a sale, patience will likely pay off, especially on the drill kit.

Conclusion

DieHard’s move into power tools is a credible one: a coherent 20V and 12V platform built on hardware with an established manufacturing pedigree, aimed squarely at DIY automotive work. The half-inch drill, the 300 ft-lbs impact wrench, and the 95 to 295 ft-lbs variable-speed corded impact tool are the standouts on paper. The main caution is launch pricing, which is a touch proud for the motor technology on offer. Wait for discounts if you can, and the line becomes an easy recommendation for home garage duty.