Flex Expands Its 24V Platform with Four New Tools for the Trades

Introduction

Flex launched its 24 volt cordless platform in North America on April 12, 2021, and in a short time it has grown into one of the more technologically advanced and popular tool brands in the industry. Tradespeople have been won over by the class-leading performance and durability of the tools, and Flex is the first company to build a platform from the ground up around stacked lithium battery technology. That matters for the future, because as larger equipment such as 14-inch demo saws and jackhammers join the platform, smaller batteries can be used to run bigger tools.

Early adopters of the platform were even rewarded with a lifetime warranty for being among the first to put their trust in the company. The most common complaint so far has been the number of tools available on the platform. That complaint just got weaker, because Flex has dropped four new tools, and they are aimed squarely at filling the gaps, especially for the mechanical trades.

Flex 24V 1120W 4-Port Simultaneous Rapid Charger

A fast charger is the foundation of any platform expansion, and the Flex 24V 1120 watt four-port simultaneous rapid charger is a multitasking powerhouse that fully charges up to four batteries at the same time, delivering 280 watts per port in as little as 30 minutes. That timing is based on charging Flex 2.5Ah and 5.5Ah batteries, and Flex claims it charges in half the time compared to a competitor’s standard 150 watt charger.

The smart charge gauge indicator light makes it easy to monitor charging levels, and the durable battery lock system prevents accidental disconnection during recharging, so once a battery is on the bay it is essentially guaranteed to charge. It is also compatible with Flex Stack Pack storage solutions for easy organization and transport to and from the job, which is a smart detail: there is no separate Stack Pack compatible model to buy later.

Flex 24V 1/4-Inch Hex Compact Impact Driver

HVAC techs, plumbers, and electricians have been asking for more compact Flex tools to fit into tight spaces, and the 24V 1/4-inch hex compact impact driver answers that request. It packs big power into a compact size and is 17 percent lighter than its larger counterpart, the FXA1351, making it ideal for driving tech screws in metal framing.

It includes two speed modes for more control while fastening screws, plus a self-tapping screw mode optimized to avoid over-tightening, breaking, or stripping. Flex claims up to 353 inch screws into 2x4 lumber with the included 2.5Ah lithium battery, and exceptional runtime for powering through the day with less fatigue.

The kit ships with the 24V 2.5Ah battery and a 160 watt fast charger, which would count as a rapid charger from most other manufacturers. Flex is clearly offering more value to entice new users onto the platform.

Flex 24V 1/2-Inch Two-Speed Compact Drill Driver

The 24V 1/2-inch two-speed compact drill driver follows the same recipe: big power in a compact body. It is 17 percent more compact and 22 percent lighter than its larger counterpart, the FXA1151, which makes it ideal for reaching up to work between king studs and far less fatiguing overhead.

Despite its size, it packs 650 pound-inches of torque along with exceptional runtime from the included 2.5Ah lithium battery, and it features a full metal ratcheting chuck. Flex claims up to 81 inch holes in 2x lumber with the 2.5Ah battery.

Like the impact driver, it is offered as a kit with the 24V 2.5Ah lithium battery and a 160 watt fast charger. So far these compact tools are kit-only offerings, with bare tool options hopefully following later.

Flex 24V 5-Inch Deep Cut Bandsaw

This tool arguably shows Flex’s commitment to serving the trades more than anything else in the announcement. The 24V 5-inch deep cut bandsaw powers through large PVC pipe, angle iron, and up to 4-inch black iron pipe, making it a genuinely useful addition for plumbers and mechanical contractors.

It features a high-power brushless motor that provides fast cutting speeds, along with a lightweight magnesium housing for maximum durability. The tool-free quick adjustment shoe allows fast setup for flush cuts, and a speed dial with a variable speed trigger puts multiple speed options at your fingertips.

Thoughtful details round it out: an LED light illuminates dark work areas, and a rafter hook allows quick storage from ladders, struts, and rails between cuts.

Buying Advice

If you are already invested in the Flex 24V platform, the four-port rapid charger is an easy recommendation, since it cuts charging downtime and integrates with the Stack Pack system from day one. If you are a mechanical trades worker considering the platform for the first time, the compact drill and impact driver kits, each bundled with a fast charger and battery, are a compelling entry point. And if your day involves cutting pipe, the deep cut bandsaw is the tool in this announcement most likely to earn its place on the truck.

Conclusion

These four releases do exactly what a growing platform needs: they remove the biggest objections holding people back. With a seriously fast multi-bay charger, compact drill and impact solutions for tight spaces, and a capable bandsaw for the mechanical trades, Flex’s 24V platform has become a much more sensible choice for working professionals.