The great debate over corded versus cordless power tools wages on. Whether you’re tackling an outdoor deck project or building custom indoor furniture, you’ll want a tool that delivers the best results every time.
With lithium-ion battery technology, the new generation of cordless tools offers power that can withstand even the harshest conditions and will ensure every project comes out perfect.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of cordless power tools and find out how you can choose the best product for your project.
Battery basics
Most cordless power tools use either lithium-ion or nickel-based – nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) – batteries. Many manufacturers produce tools with both options available, and the benefits and disadvantages vary.
These days, lithium-ion batteries perform 50% better than older generation NiCd batteries. In fact, car manufacturers such as Tesla utilize lithium-ion cells to power their high-performance electric vehicles. These are the same types of cells that are used in our cordless power tools.
Lithium-ion batteries contain high energy density in a small form factor, which means they can achieve higher performance and run time versus the older NiCd batteries. Lithium-ion batteries also charge fast and provide constant power to the tool until the battery is depleted, which means that the user is not going to see the tool slow down as the battery is being depleted.
One disadvantage to Lithium-ion batteries, in general, is that they don’t perform well in extreme temperatures (hot or cold). This is true of all lithium-ion batteries.
While NiCd batteries perform better in colder temperatures, lithium-ion batteries are still lighter in weight and less likely to lose their charge when not in use. They can also be charged more quickly.
Cordless convenience
Cordless power tools don’t need to be plugged in, which is a great advantage when creating dynamic projects. No cord means no tripping, no water damage hazards, and more range of movement.
In many cases, new cordless tools are even outperforming older corded tools due to the combination of improved lithium-cell storage capacity and brushless motor technology.
When choosing a cordless power tool, it’s important to look for not only the right tool but also the right battery. Look for a smart system and take into consideration the battery options and performance, communication technology between the charger, battery and tool.
A power drill is still one of the most common cordless tools and a good place to start. However, consider future purchases as batteries may work only on tools from a specific product line.
Ready to buy?
With improved battery life and convenience, investing in cordless power tools is a great way to start your DIY career.
Some of our top-selling tool brands include Makita, whose revolutionary lithium-ion battery created one of the world’s most versatile cordless platforms on the market. With over 250 cordless tools available, Makita is a great place to start your journey.
Likewise, DeWalt offer 200+ cordless products and their batteries suit the needs of even the most demanding users. DeWalt’s Flexvolt platform is the world’s first battery that changes voltage when you change tools.
Visit your local Co-op Home Centre and ask one of our skilled associates to walk you through the product lines.
Happy creating!
