Are cordless power tools worth the money

Are Cordless Power Tools Worth It? (And The 7 Best Brands)

When I was replacing one of the light fixtures in my home with a manual screwdriver, I realized how difficult and inconvenient it was to use. After thinking about purchasing a cordless power tool instead, I started to wonder whether or not that purchase would be worth it. So, I did some research to find out the advantages and some of the best brands for power tools.

Are cordless power tools worth it? The answer to the question of whether or not cordless power tools are worth it will depend on your personal preference. Cordless power tools are generally used for shorter tasks, since they will frequently lose battery power. However, they do offer increased mobility for those quick jobs.

Some of the best brands for cordless power tools include Dewalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee, among others. The right cordless power tool for you will depend on your individual needs as well as the price range that you would like to stick to.

Power tools are a convenient way to get things done with little to no effort from the user. Instead of manually turning a screwdriver or moving a saw back and forth, you can compete the task with a simple push of a button and nothing more than guiding the tool along its way.

When it comes to power tools, there are two options: corded and cordless. To clear up the discrepancy between the two and which one is superior, we will be going over all of the details on cordless power tools, which seem to be the most preferable option. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to make your own decision.

Advantages Of Cordless Power Tools

It is no secret that power tools are increasingly convenient when you are trying to complete almost any kind of task. In addition, there is an automated power tool for almost any manual tool that you might have laying around in your garage.

After all, who would want to be chopping away with a giant tool all day and messing up their arm and back muscles when they could just flip a switch and stand there instead?

Power tools provide a lot of solutions to everyday problems, and are a part of many people’s homes and workplaces. Whether you are a hobbyist, a frequent DIYer, a professional, or just an inexperienced homeowner, you might find yourself in need of some kind of power tool at one point or another.

When it comes to purchasing a power tool, you are faced with two options, of which you must pick one. These options are corded and cordless power tools. Each of these are exactly what they sound like: one has a cord and the other one does not.

While this might seem like a very minuscule difference between the two, it actually makes all the difference in the world. By default, the cordless models of these tools are generally considered to be superior to their corded counterparts.

This is due to a variety of reasons, which we will get into here in this section. Since cordless power tools seem to be the way to go, I’ve done all the research to break down whether this is true or not.

To begin the discussion where we will analyze if cordless power tools are worth it or not, we will explore the advantages that come with these types of tools. There is, of course, a reason why you were brought to this page, and it is probably because you are seriously considering the purchase of a cordless power tool.

Whether you were in a similar situation where you found the manual tools to be inconvenient, or you are just trying to expand your tool palette in general, the idea of a power tool sounds appealing to you in some way.

In this section, we will highlight some of the main advantages that come with using cordless power tools. In the list down below, you will find a few reasons why you yourself would want to get one of these tools.

Advantages Of Cordless Power Tools:

  • No cords, freedom of movement
  • Less equipment required to use (only batteries and cartridges needed usually)
  • More lightweight tool (in absence of cord)

First, and most obviously, cordless power tools do not have a power cord attached to them. With the regular corded model, there will usually be a thick cord that protrudes from the bottom of the tool and extends outward, all the way to the power outlet across the room.

Cordless models, on the other hand, are operated by a battery inside of the device, meaning that there is no need for plugging in and tripping over any cords.

As a result, all you will need to bring with you when you are using your cordless power tool is most likely an extra cartridge and a few batteries in case it dies, instead of the heavy equipment that you might need for a corded tool.

Finally, the cordless power tool is much more lightweight, since there is no cord to weigh it down. When you are operating it with either one or two hands, you will hardly notice that you are even holding something up.

Depending on the specific brand and tool that you choose, the comfortability of a cordless power tool can really be like no other, but we will get into that throughout the future sections.

For now, we will move on to a more direct comparison of corded and cordless power tools, in order to provide a better understanding of how these tools really stand when put up against each other.

Corded Power Tools Vs Cordless Power Tools

To continue on with the discussion of the advantages of cordless power tools, it is important to touch on the disadvantages as well. Although you might have your heart set on a cordless power tool already, you should consider all of your options in order to make the most well-rounded decision that you can.

In this section, we will be highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the cordless power tools’ corded counterparts, and directly comparing them to the cordless models.

This should help you to clearly see the differences between the two, as well as outline the direct pros and cons for each of them, helping you to make the most educated decision on whether or not a cordless power tool is worth it for you.

Advantages of Corded Power Tools:

  • Can be used for longer periods of time without battery dying (plugged into power source)
  • Consistent power flowing through the tool at all times
  • Able to handle longer and more tedious jobs due to increased power.

To begin, we will go over the advantages of the corded power tools. First and foremost, they can be used for longer periods of time than the cordless models, due to the fact that they are consistently plugged into a power source and won’t die like a battery.

This is directly linked to one of the disadvantages that come with cordless power tools, which is the factor of the battery dying more frequently.

Even further, corded power tools have a consistent source of power flowing through them at all times, allowing them to possess maximum strength.

As a result, they are able to handle longer and more tedious jobs due to the increased power that is inside of them.

However, there are still disadvantages that come with corded power tools, of which cordless models are once again superior. Take a look at the list down below to get some ideas on the disadvantages of power tools with a cord.

Disadvantages of Corded Power Tools:

  • Limited movement with the power cord in the way
  • Some additional equipment is required
  • Must have access to an electrical outlet in order to use
  • Cords can become safety hazards

When you are using a corded power tool, there is very limited movement with the power cord being in the way. You can potentially trip over the cord, it can get caught on nearby objects in your workspace as you are moving your arm, or it can just become heavy in your hands.

The power cords for heavy duty power tools are usually quite heavy themselves, and the downward pulling of the cord from the electrical outlet can start to drag while you are using them.

Along with having to carry around the cord with your power tool, you might need some extra equipment that is heavy as well. For example, some power tools require the use of a large air compressor in order to use. When you choose a cordless model instead, you will not have this issue.

As mentioned in the previous section, all you will usually need for most cordless power tools is a few extra batteries and a cartridge.

In addition, you must always have access to an electrical outlet of some kind in order to use a corded power tool. If you are doing a job somewhere remote or you are not right next to a power outlet wherever you are working, you will need to stop everything you are doing and move toward one.

The cords can also become safety hazards in certain scenarios. If the path between the outlet and your tool is not cleared, you or others could potentially trip on it if they don’t see it. This would be especially unfortunate if this happened while you were working on something tedious in your workspace.

With all of the electrical wiring that runs through these power cords, it can become dangerous when any liquids are present or if any of those wires become exposed. When it comes to electrical cords and wiring, there is always a risk for electrocution if not used properly.

Types Of Cordless Power Tools And How They Can Help You

While we are on the topic of cordless power tools, it is important to be aware of all of the options that exist for this type of equipment. You might be looking for one thing and realize that you need another, or maybe you just need to purchase a whole collection of cordless power tools for your home tool kit.

Either way, we will be going over all of the different types of cordless power tools and how they can help you in different situations. First, take a look at the list down below to find out what types of cordless power tools are out there, followed by an explanation of each that will let you know what they can be used for.

Types of Cordless Power Tools:

  • Drills
  • Screwdrivers
  • Grinders
  • Hammer drills
  • Impact wrenches/drivers
  • Nailers and staplers
  • Rotary hammers
  • Saws

Some of the most common types of cordless power tools that you would probably be using on a regular basis include drills, screwdrivers, nailers, staplers, and saws. These can be used for anything from a quick home improvement project to a daily task in a repair shop.

Most of these types of tools will come in versions that have power cords to plug into the wall, but the cordless models are what we will concern ourselves with today.

When you are walking around the perimeter of a room in your new house, securing the baseboards with your nail gun, the last thing that you will need is a cord getting in your way. This is where cordless tools come in handy.

Similarly, you might need to do work outside with a screwdriver, but there is no power outlet that far out. Instead of trying to hook up five different extension cords to use your tool, you can just use a cordless one instead.

The other tools on this list, including grinders, hammer drills, impact wrenches and drivers, and rotary hammers are used more for specialty tasks that require a lot of force. These types of tools will normally be used by professionals, and come in a cordless variety as well.

7 Best Brands For Power Tools

Once you have your heart set on a particular cordless power tools that you would like to purchase, or you just know that you want a power tool in general, you will need to decide which piece of equipment you will be buying before you go further.

When you are buying any item, the brand is one of the most important things to consider. While it is true that you can try out something new or a little bit less popular and score with something great, it is much safer to go with a reputable brand that has great reviews and has been reliable to their customer base for several years.

With this in mind, I came up with a list of the best brands for power tools. Take a look at the outline down below to guide you on your search for the perfect power tool.

7 Best Brands For Power Tools:

  • Dewalt
  • Bosch
  • Milwaukee
  • Black + Decker
  • Makita
  • Hitachi
  • Ryobi

The top best brands for power tools in general are Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Black + Decker. These brands have been around for several years, and have gained a great reputation among tool enthusiasts and ambitious DIY-ers alike.

If you are looking for a cordless power tool, or any kind of tool, you should consult all 4 of these brands first. In addition, they are widely accessible in most hardware and home improvement stores, as well as online.

So, when you find one that you like, you can pop into your nearest store or even use your credit card online and get it delivered straight to your door.

The other brands that are great for any kind of power tools include Makita, Hitachi, and Ryobi. Although these choices are not as much in the spotlight as the others, you can still find some excellent tools from any one of these trusted retailers.

How To Care For Cordless Power Tools

After you have made the decision that you would like to purchase a cordless power tool with all factors considered, you will need to make sure that you are keeping up with the proper maintenance tasks for your new product.

Since cordless power tools can sometimes be expensive, depending on what and where you buy, the last thing that you will want to do is completely ruin it by neglecting to care for it and wasting all of your hard earned money.

So, how can you maintain the quality of your new cordless power tool in order to make sure that it is around for a long time?

This is what we will be talking about in this section. You will see in the list below some helpful tips on how you can care for your cordless power tools, with some more details immediately following.

How To Care For Cordless Power Tools:

  • Cool them down during and after use
  • Clean on a regular basis
  • Lubricate the components
  • Keep the bits and blades sharp
  • Replace parts as needed
  • Keep them charged
  • Maintain your battery
  • Store them carefully
  • Make sure they are aligned and calibrated
  • Check daily for maintenance needs

The first step of maintaining your cordless power tools starts while you are using them. It is important to always allow them to cool down both during and after use in order to prevent overheating or burnout.

Whenever you start to feel your tool getting increasingly hot in your hands, you should set it down and let it rest before picking it back up again.

In addition to cooling them during and after use, you should always clean your cordless power tools on a regular basis. Do this after you use it and whenever else you see fit. After cleaning, all necessary components should be lubricated to avoid any grinding, rusting, or another similar issue.

Always keep the bits and blades sharp while using your cordless power tools. If something starts to get dull, either sharpen it or get rid of it and find a new one. If you are using dull components on your power tools, it will require a lot more pressure from you as the user to get the job done.

Instead of almost effortlessly cutting through materials like it used to, your dulled blade might barely budge through, forcing you to push on your tool and place wear on it unnecessarily.

Of course, you must also keep your cordless power tools charged at all times, and maintain your battery. Replace the battery whenever its needed, and make sure that you don’t leave them dead for too long.

Store your cordless power tools carefully, in a cool and dry place at all times. Periodically, perform checks to make sure they are all aligned and calibrated to prevent any problems with future use.

Continue to check on your tools daily for maintenance and cleaning tasks that might need to be done. You will thank yourself when you catch something in time that could have progressed into an expensive solution, all because you stayed on top of it.

Are Cordless Power Tools For You?

Now that we are almost done with the discussion of cordless power tools, you might still be wondering what the answer is to the main question: are cordless power tools worth it?

Once again, this answer will depend on yourself as an individual. Your preferences and price range will determine a lot in this scenario.

The list below will give you an idea of some main points and factors to consider when you are thinking about whether or not a cordless power tool will be right for you.

Factors to Consider:

  • What kind of projects will you be doing?
  • What do these projects entail?
  • Where will you be completing these projects?
  • What is your price range?

First of all, you must consider what kind of projects you will be doing where you will need to use a cordless power tool. Will you be drilling into the walls inside your home? Are you sawing into wood on a new construction project all day? Perhaps you are doing a small arts and crafts project at your kitchen table.

If you are using your power tool for something that is remote, where you have no power outlets, or it would just be more convenient to use a cordless tool, that is probably the way that you should go.

In addition to the location where you will be completing the project, you also need to think about how long you will be doing it. Are you going to be drilling holes for hours on end, or is it something that will take you no more than 10 minutes at a time?

Cordless power tools are great for those short tasks that do not take all day, due to the battery life that they come with. If you know that you will be working for 8 hours every day with your power tool, you might consider going with the corded option instead of the cordless, no matter how bad you might want it.

Finally, another important factor to consider during the purchase of your corded or cordless power tool is the price tag that it will come with. What is your price range for your purchase? How much are you willing to spend on something amazing if you give yourself the time to save up some money?

Whether you are sticking to a set budget or you are working toward a goal of something that you really want, the price is a big factor to consider without a doubt.

To Recap:

  • Corded power tools are best for long tasks
  • You must be near an outlet to use a corded power tool
  • Cordless power tools are ideal for short tasks that require mobility
  • Cordless power tools can run out of battery if you use them for too long

To conclude, the answer of whether or not a cordless power tool is worth it will really depend on who is potentially buying one. While the cordless feature might be convenient to one person, another might not feel that it is necessary at all.

When you are deciding the answer to this question, it is important to be real with yourself and assess the pros and cons from all angles, not just one. Even though you might really want a cordless power tool, it might not be the best tool for what you need at the moment.

However, if you do decide to go with the cordless option for your power tool purchase, you can rest assured that the trusted brands that were listed in this article will have the perfect option for you.

With all of the information that was provided in this article, you should be able to make an informed decision on whether you would like to buy a cordless power tool or not. If it is worth it to you, then you will be on your way to making your purchase in no time!