Battery-powered cordless tools are now the standard for DIYers and gardeners alike. Whatever jobs you’re planning around the home, start with the right tools and you’re well on the way to getting the job done.
Professional Results are Quick & Easy with the Right Kit
Most people start by choosing a cordless drill but there are 100s of power tools available, ranging from electric sanders to lawnmowers. It’s important to choose one brand and then you can use the same batteries across all your power tools.
Choose your brand, batteries and tools carefully (using the advice below) and you will save a small fortune.
Cordless or Corded Power Tools – Which is Better?
Speak to professional tradesmen and you’ll quickly find out that the majority have dumped their corded kit for the latest cordless power tools.
There are two primary benefits to going cordless…
- The standout benefit is convenience. Not being tethered to a wall socket or extension lead gives true portability and ease of use.
- Next up is safety. Whether you thinking of a new drill or lawn mower or looking to buy a circular saw, not having a trailing cord makes the job much safer. Plus, not having to worry about cutting the cord means you can focus on the job.
Are Cordless Tools Powerful?
Today, the best cordless power tools have more than enough power to get the job done. A few years back this wasn’t the case, but now with new technologies such as brushless motors and Lithium batteries, you now have all the power & convenience to undertake any task in the home or garden. What’s important is that you choose the right make & model.
Disadvantages of Cordless Power Tools
A flat battery is never good and while corded tools can keep going, the cordless equivalent has a finite runtime. That said, most batteries will last for longer than it takes to complete the average job.
All-Day Battery Power
If you want all-day battery power, there’s a simple solution – Buy a couple of batteries, keep one on charge & swap them over, as required. What’s super important is choosing the right brand.
Use the Same Batteries for ALL Your Power Tools
By choosing one cordless power tool brand, you can use the same batteries across all your devices. This adds additional convenience, but more importantly, it will save you a small fortune. Once you own a couple of batteries & a charger, you can buy bare tools (no battery or charger included) for a fraction of the price.
How to Choose the Best Power Tool Brand
There are three factors here – quality, range and price.
At the top end of the market, brands such as Dewalt & Makita build superb power tools that are relied on all day, every day by various trades.
Catering more for the DIY market Black+Decker, Ryobi and Bosch make decent tools that can handle most jobs around the home and garden. Plus, they cost less.
In terms of range, all the brands mentioned above have a wide range. The Bosch ‘Power-for-All’ range now includes over 40 different power tools that all work with the same battery.
Spend a little more on Makita or Dewalt and you have a choice of over 100 power tools from each brand. A combi drill is a great place to start but the range is incredible.
Whatever job you’re planning, it’ll be easier with the right cordless tools.
If you’re decorating, preparation is key to a professional finish and while nobody likes sanding, buy a cordless power sander & the job is quick & easy. And for gardeners, there’s everything from lawnmowers to leaf blowers.
What Else Do I Need to Know About Batteries?
Once you’ve decided on the brand, you need to choose the right size of battery. You must stick to the correct voltage. This will be 20v in the US and 18v in the UK, Europe & pretty much everywhere else.
What Does Ah on a Battery Mean?
The Ah defines the battery size. This is the amount of energy that a battery can deliver in amperes per hour or Ah.
A higher number (e.g. 5Ah) will keep going, between chargers, twice as long as a battery rated at 2.5Ah. However, although bigger batteries last longer, they’re also heavier and cost more.
A couple of 5Ah batteries is the trade standard, but depending on your plans, it may be worth considering two smaller batteries for occasional home use. Whatever sizes you choose, do make sure you stick to one brand & get the right voltage.
What to Avoid?
Forget any power tool range using NiCd batteries and NiMH batteries. These technologies have been replaced by Lithium batteries that hold their charge for longer & don’t fade over time.
How To Extend Battery Life
Modern Lithium batteries are very durable and the quality brands will hold their performance even after 1000+ charging cycles. What is important, is to avoid high temperatures. Store your batteries at room temperature or below and they’ll last longer.
Top 5 Tips
- Choose one of the big brands with a wide range of tools. E.g. Bosch, Ryobi, Dewalt & Makita
- Stick with the 18v range – anything less will feel underpowered
- Use Lithium batteries – they’ll save you money over time
- Buy a couple of batteries. 5Ah will give you plenty of time between recharging or 2.5Ah means your tools will be lighter
- Get the job done!
