DCA officially introduced its Hand Tools range to the Philippine market this afternoon at Seda North Vertis in Quezon City. Our team was grateful to be invited, and we spent the event going through the lineup piece by piece so we could share it with the contractors, electricians, and hobbyists who shop with us.

Here's our same-day edit from the launch, followed by a category-by-category look at what's in the range.

What's in the DCA Hand Tools range

The catalogue shown at the launch is broad. Rather than list every item, we've grouped it by the kind of work each tool is made for, with a few model numbers so you can ask for them by code.

Screwdrivers, bits and key sets

Individual slotted and Phillips screwdrivers come in sizes from PH0 to PH3 and SL3 to SL8, all with magnetic tips. For heavier work there are go-through screwdrivers with a hex shank that can take a hammer strike. Sets run from 2-in-1 interchangeable handles up to a 100-piece stand set, alongside 21, 24, and 55-piece bit sets, hex and Torx key sets in standard, long, and extra-long arm, folding key sets, and T-handle sets on a display shelf.

• A09A0401
• A09A0301
• A09A0620
• A09R0115
• A09C0101
• A09E0301
• A09F0101

Testers and electrical tools

This was one of the most complete parts of the range. It starts with basic neon test pencils and LCD digital test pencils rated 12–220V AC/DC, then moves to non-contact AC voltage detectors (A15B0301 covers 90–1000V AC). There are three digital multimeters: A15A0119 (1999 counts, CAT III 600V), A15A0139 (3999 counts), and A15A0159 (5999 counts, true RMS, CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V). Two clamp meters round it out, A15A0239 for AC and A15A0259 for both AC and DC.

For wiring work, you'll also find wire strippers, an automatic stripper that also cuts and crimps (A15C0201), a modular plug crimper (A15E0102), hydraulic crimping tools for copper lugs from 6 to 300mm², and soldering irons from 60W to 90W, including digital temperature-adjustable models.

• A15B0201
• A15B0301
• A15A0159
• A15A0259
• A15C0201
• A29C0320
• A16A0309

Tool bags

DCA brought a full set of carrying options: open-mouth bags in 13" and 16", wide-mouth bags in 16" and 18" with 16 pockets, and three waist pouches for keeping your most-used tools on your belt.

• A17A1701
• A17A1702
• A17A0601
• A17A0602
• A17A0701
• A17A0702
• A17A0303

Measuring and layout

Steel measuring tapes from 3m to 10m with metric and inch markings, in auto-lock and double-lock versions. Magnetic spirit levels from 300mm to 1200mm. Vernier calipers in 6" and 8", digital calipers with metric and inch conversion, and two infrared thermometers (−32 to 400°C and −50 to 680°C).

• A13A0205
• A13A1004
• A13A1106
• A13B2302
• A13G3702

Wrenches and socket sets

Adjustable wrenches from 6" to 12" in two styles: a full chrome finish and a version with a grip handle. Socket sets come in 1/4" and 1/2" drive from 10 to 25 pieces, plus 1/2" impact socket sets (standard and deep) and an impact socket adaptor set for drivers.

• A05A3710
• A05B4210
• A03E3903
• A03F6102
• A03F6401

Hammers and striking tools

Claw hammers, ball pein hammers (8oz to 32oz), machinist hammers, sledge hammers (2 to 4 lb), stoning hammers, and an axe, all with two-colour fiberglass handles.

Cutting tools and saws

Cable cutters from 6" up to 36" (rated up to 450mm² cutting area), bolt cutters from 8" to 36", left, straight, and right-cut aviation snips, tin snips, snap-off and utility knives with spare blades, PVC pipe cutters with auto-open, a metal pipe cutter for 4–32mm pipe, hacksaw frames, hand saws, folding and pruning saws, and T12 steel files sold singly or in sets.

• A11B4036
• A11B5024
• A11B2202
• A11A7042
• A11C1905

Lifting, workholding and pullers

Hydraulic bottle jacks from 2 to 50 tonnes, each with a safety valve. Bench vices from 4" to 8" (1200 to 2500kg max force), quick bar clamps, spring clamps, and two-jaw and three-jaw pullers from 2" to 12".

• A29A0110
• A29A0150
• A07B0180
• A19G2210

Fastening, sealing and the rest of the kit

Staple guns (including 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 models) with matching staples and brad nails, hand riveters, a nut riveter in a carry case, caulking guns, suction holders rated 40 to 130kg for glass and tile, plastic tube welding tools for PPR pipe, welding electrode holders and helmets, air pumps, a tire pressure gauge, a grease gun, and garden tools such as pruning shears, hedge shears, and loppers.

Safety gear

Safety goggles with UV400-rated lenses, and work gloves for different jobs: knitted PVC dot gloves, nitrile, PU-coated gloves for light oily work, latex for heavy handling, and cut-resistant gloves for glass and timber.

A preview of DCA's upgraded cordless tools

Alongside the hand tools, DCA displayed its latest and upgraded cordless lineup, including compact drills, an impact wrench, an impact driver, and a trim router. We'll share more once full details and availability are confirmed.

Frequently asked questions

Thank you to DCA and LDR Events Solution for the invitation and a well-run launch.