Are cordless tools the better choice for home projects? If you’re a fan of DIY, you might have asked this question as you build your toolbox.
As the UK house market slows, there has been a surge of interest in home projects. So with more and more of us now attempting fixes and upgrades at home, let’s delve into the pros and cons of cordless tools to help you decide if they’re the right fit.
Types of cordless tools
The beauty of cordless tools lies in their versatility. From everyday essentials like drills and drivers to heavy-duty options, there’s a battery-powered tool for almost any task. Popular cordless tools for DIYers include:
- Drill/Drivers: These are the workhorses of any toolkit, ideal for drilling pilot holes, driving screws, and even mixing paint or mortar. A cordless drill is essential for any amateur DIYER, especially with a good selection of drill bits.
- Impact drivers: Offering higher torque compared to regular drivers, impact drivers are perfect for tackling stubborn screws and lag bolts.
- Jigsaws: Perfect for making intricate cuts in wood, plastic, and even metal (with the right blade), cordless jigsaws provide unparalleled manoeuvrability.
- Sanders: Sanding furniture or smoothing uneven surfaces becomes a breeze with a cordless sander. No more wrestling with extension cords!
- Cordless impact wrench: This powerhouse tool delivers high torque for loosening or tightening lug nuts on car wheels or other heavily torqued fasteners.
Advantages of cordless tools
There’s a reason cordless tools are taking the DIY world by storm. Here are some of their key benefits:
- Convenience: Unplug the cord, grab the tool, and get to work! Cordless tools offer unmatched convenience, allowing you to tackle projects anywhere in the house, garage, or even outdoors.
- Manoeuvrability: Free from the constraints of a cord, cordless tools provide superior flexibility, especially when working in tight spaces or at awkward angles.
- Safety: No more tripping over cords! Cordless tools eliminate the potential tripping hazard associated with corded tools.
- Portability: Cordless tools are perfect for taking on the go. Whether it’s a quick furniture assembly job at a friend’s place or tackling repairs at your holiday home, cordless tools offer unmatched portability.
Disadvantages of cordless tools
While cordless tools offer undeniable advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Power: Corded tools generally offer more sustained power compared to cordless options. This is especially true for heavy-duty tasks requiring continuous use.
- Battery life: Cordless tools are reliant on batteries, which means they can run out of juice mid-project. Investing in extra batteries and a fast charger can help mitigate this issue, and staying loyal to the same brand means you can easily get a replacement.
- Maintenance: Battery-powered tools require proper maintenance, such as keeping batteries charged or charging in advance of use, and avoiding extreme temperatures.
- Cost: Cordless tools tend to be pricier than their corded counterparts, especially for higher-powered options.
When to choose corded alternatives?
Despite the popularity of cordless options, there are still situations where corded tools might be a better choice:
- Heavy-duty projects: For prolonged, high-power applications like grinding concrete or using a power saw for extended periods, a corded power tool offers more consistent power delivery.
- Budget constraints: If you’re on a tight budget, corded tools offer similar functionality at a lower price point.
- Workshop use: If you have a dedicated workshop space with easy access to power outlets, corded tools can be a cost-effective option, especially for frequently used tools.
In the corded or cordless debate, often people wonder if cordless power tools are the same strength, and the power supply makes no difference. The best way to tell is to pick it up without a battery. If it’s light, then it won’t be as powerful as the weightier versions which you may need for long-term DIY projects.
If you’ve ever drilled into a solid brick wall before, then you will know that a hand drill is no match for a big SDS hammer drill you can get your shoulder behind. Obviously if you are a woodwork hobbyist, it’s overkill, although a continuous power supply may be handy.
