When is the last time you bought a corded power tool? What about cordless?
Chances are, most of you bought a new cordless power tool lately. Some of you might have bought a corded tool, but if so you’re probably in the minority.
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Power tool brands are still investing money in corded power tool development. Dewalt just came out with new sanders and and so did Milwaukee, and Bosch just came out with a new hammer drill. There are a couple of other recent developments, but nothing too major.
But when it comes to cordless, just look at our new tool category and cordless power tool section. Cordless tool innovation after innovation.
There are some corded power tools on the market that are in need of updating, but that probably won’t happen soon.
If I had to guess, I would say that cordless development outweighs corded tool development 10-to-1, in terms of effort and maybe even cost.
Cordless power tools are better than ever, with Li-ion battery technology and brushless motors kicking things into a whole new level.
It has been less than 2 years since we discussed whether it’s a good time to switch from corded to cordless tools, and the cordless landscape has changed quite significantly since then. There are higher capacity battery packs on the market, faster chargers, many more brushless power tools, and several brands claiming that their cordless tools offer corded-like performance.
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There are still reasons to buy corded power tools, and reasons why one might instead opt to go cordless.
What I’m interested in hearing about is whether you recently bought a corded tool, or cordless, especially if both options were a part of your purchasing decision.
Allen
I bought a Sawzall that was corded. For what I do I am never far from an outlet. I have reconditioned my corded drills with new chucks and cords as well as cords on my circular saws.
Bought a corded router (from a review on here) and put new bearings in my old one.
I have some cordless tools but they get very little use.
Bob
Well the last 4-5 tools I would say have all been corded. There are probably two reasons for this:
1) The tool is very specialized or very heavy duty or both.
2) I have most of the tools in the Dewalt 18V XRP set that has served me well for the last 10 years or so. I am excited for the adapter coming out though.
That being said I got:
1) Jigsaw – corded (have a cordless as well)
2) Angle Grinder – corded (already had battery powered but holding me back for long usage I needed for a project)
3) Right angle drill – corded
4) Rotary hammer drill – corded
Marty
I was considering the Dewalt cordless framing nailer out of convenience, but I opted for Paslode’s compact “remodeling” framing nailer because of its size. I still need a compressor and hose, but the size of the nailer and its ability to go places a regular nailer can’t get to was the deciding factor for me.
Andy
Dewalt recently announced the 18v adapter to help bridge the upgrade path for their 20v tools. Why does no OEM offer an adapter where the battery pack has no batteries, instead a transformer with a cord, making every tool cordless/corded. As for me I would rather wait for cordless versions to come out. Sometimes, it’s frustrating waiting (still waiting for cordless belt sander, plunge router, biscuit jointer to name a few). That being said I have the luxury of waiting because most of my projects are hobbies, people who need tools everyday not available in cordless versions are still stuck in the corded world. Also a friend of mine only buys corded versions of tools because he got tired of his cordless stuff being stolen at jobsites.
BikerDad
A cordless plunge router would be an ergonomic nightmare. Plunge routers already have a problem with being top heavy, put a battery pack on top and that problem will get even worse. The cordless biscuit joiner is an interesting concept, but aside from a manufacturer being able to say “see how extensive our cordless line is, we even have a biscuit joiner!”, there really isn’t much of a market case for it. Biscuit joiners are used 99.99% of the time in a shop setting, with very easy access to the workpieces, and usually with the biscuiter either on the workbench or the workpiece on the workbench.
Your battery pack adapter idea is a good one, it does lead one to wonder why no manufacturer has done it.
tim
Porter cable had a cordless router on their old 19.2 platform. You can still find new old stock ones for sale periodically (not sure about the batteries.) We tested that and a very old pod style makita 18v router that i never saw released many years ago, both were able to be used with fixed/plunge bases but they downright sucked. Routers spin at high speeds for a reason, when one starts to slow down due to battery drainage it’s very dangerous. I can’t imagine a lithium battery would be much better especially since they have a tendency to just shut off when they’re discharged.
SawdustTX
Yes Please!!! I have long wished for a corded adapter to be able to run my cordless tools on AC power. Almost every other kind of battery powered electronic device has this option – cameras, phones, lights, etc. Why not cordless power tools?
Sean
The manufacturers would prefer you buy two tools rather than an adapter.
Mike
Actually such adapters DO exist. Kress power tools sell such an accessory in Germany(I think). Kress tools are really superb quality, truly ‘professional grade’ similar in quality to Mafell, but with a much broader selection. (In comparison, DeWALT, Milwaukee and AEG, and nearly all Makita and Bosch tools are considered ‘mid range’ quality. Metabo, Fein, and Festool are somewhere in the middle, for the most part. Ignoring DeWALT and Milwaukee’s cheapest holiday-special offerings, of course)
In the USA, some of the really expensive(think $2000 and up) trade-specific tools, like cable cutters(Greenlee), pipe pressing tools(Ridgid and Rothenberger I think) and so on offer an A/C battery pack adapter. Possible Wurth tools have something as well.
Of course, most people, including myself, don’t have $2000 handheld battery-powered tools. I am in agreement with many visitors to ToolGuyd: I would find ANY standardization of battery platforms very appealing. A/C-to-battery pack adapters top of the wishlist for sure. Standardized battery packs? Still waiting. Or even ‘smart’ tools under the same branding that accept batteries of different voltages? Like 18v tools that accept 10.8/12v or 14.4v packs? Can’t be done, I’m sure. Pay no attention to the Panasonic wizard behind the curtain.
Considering how reluctant the tool companies(who are not Makita) seem to be even adapting the 18v x 2 format to power 36v stuff…I have a sneaking suspicion that DeWALT, Bosch and others will not offer any compatibility between 36v power tools and “40v” lawn tools. At the least, Stanley/B & D could offer SOME crumbs in the form of ANY sort of 18v battery cross compatibility between DeWALT and Bostitch. Or Porter-Cable. Or FatMax. Or B & D. It’s a -very- minor miracle the MAC line shares a battery with DeWALT or that they released that new 18v stem/20v slide adapter after only like 20 years it seems.
It’s all a little annoying how B & D is funny with the money and strange with the change, cuz in the A/C part of the tool universe, they share LOTS of parts between brands…Jigsaw, circular saw, angle grinder, hammer drill, recip saw and more…almost IDENTICAL offerings in Bostitch, Porter-Cable, Stanley FatMax, and some DeWALT flavors. Same thing with the air tools. MAC, Proto, FACOM at price point number one; DeWALT/Bostitch at price point number two. Just total saturation in all markets seemingly…but common battery tech…can’t be bothered.
Jason
Dewalt is discontinuing the Dewalt 36v line by the end of the year a rep that visits the TIA forum mentioned that a few months ago. You can see why tool companies seem to be able to get the power with 18v packs with better run time with the 5.0 and 6.0 ah battery packs. This could also be a sign that the 40v packs are Dewalt’s future battery platform in that class besides OPE tools they make right now.
will
Panasonic has a drill that accepts both 14.4 and 18v so it can be done.
Stuart
In addition to ergonomic considerations, I’d think that power, speed, runtime, and convenience are important factors.
Routers are often used continuously, which would rapidly drain even current generation Li-ion batteries.
And something like a biscuit joiner is going to mainly be used in a workshop setting, where there should be easy access to AC power.
I think it all comes down to demand and user needs. I think we’re bound to see things like cordless metal-cutting chop saws and the such before we see things like cordless routers and biscuit joiners.
Andy
That is why I love Toolguyd, good comments without flaming. I’ll change my wish list from plunge router to trim router, biscuit jointer to random orbital sander. I still stand firm on battery pack that has AC compatibility. Thanks for the constructive criticism.
will
ridged and Makita make 18v RO sanders, the runtime isn’t all that great though, I think in the 30-45 minute range on high
Jason
Makita makes a cordless biscuit joiner on the LXT platform, but I’m sure its a slow seller just like their cordless miter saw I think what killed sales on that was their price though it was like 600 bucks just as the bare tool. http://www.amazon.com/Makita-LXJP02Z-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless/dp/B00BCUWITI
Marty
Makita makes a cordless biscuit joiner (Model No.LXJP02Z). I would probably never buy one, but I can think of a few instances where it would come in handy. There have been times where I only need a few biscuits for a glue up and don’t feel like running a cord when I’m using cordless tools, but I’ve managed without it and couldn’t justify the expense.
Marty
I also believe that Ryobi had an 18v trim router, but I don’t recall if it’s still around. It was their old blue color with an amber colored baseplate.
tim
Ryobi and dewalt make cordless laminate trimmers.
Several companies make decent 5″ RO sanders.
tim
Also metabo makes a cordless belt sander, though I think its more of a band file than a “True” belt sander.
mike aka Fazzman
I have mostly cordless but I do have some corded tools such as my circular saw,Several Dewalt drills,sawzall. Corded still has its uses.
mike aka Fazzman
My Bosch roto hammer is corded too.
Hilton
Late last year I bought a blue Bosch drill (no hammer action) because I needed a drill that would spin at more than 2000 rpm for Kreg pocket screw holes. At the time my 14v Ryobi was a bit pap (weak) for this and I found that whilst an Impact driver did the trick, the impacts actually ended up moving the collar on the Kreg drill bit so I had to make a plan.
I did have two other corded drills but both of these were hammer drills and a lot heavier than the new Bosch I bought.
Since then it’s been 1 of Recip Saw, Drill/Driver, Hammer Drill, Circular Saw and Impact Driver, all Makita 18v.
Brian V
The last few tools I’ve purchased have been corded as no manufacturer offers what I was looking for in cordless. I’ve bought in to Milwaukee cordless and I refuse to buy into another cordless brand just for a specific tool. The last two new tools I purchased were a Bosch random orbital sander and a Bosch planner. The corded tools are less expensive and I never run out of power or worry about batteries and recharge time.
Tom
Latest were cordless – just bought into M18 line with drill and impact driver to replace some Craftsman C3 tools. Before that, last several were corded (or air or hand tools).
As an avid DIYer, I often find that for the same budget I can choose a good quality corded tool instead of a low quality cordless. Only go cordless where I really need the convenience. Have also spent a little time installing additional outlets in the places I need them (outdoors, garage, etc.) to make this easy and safe.
Have been debating whether I replace other C3 tools (circ, recip saws mainly) with M18. Decided I’m fine with just corded circ. I’m still tempted by the mini sawzall, but practically I just don’t really need it.
Yadda
My last purchase was a cordless drill/driver.
Toolfreak
Recently bought the Bosch PS31 and PS21 12V Max cordless drill and drivers since they were at unbeatable prices, plus I stacked coupons and discounted gift cards to make it an even better deal. Finally have a near-complete 12V Max tool collection, at least of the common ones I’d actually use.
I’m considering a Skil 1/2″ corded drill, only because it’s on clearance for $25. I don’t need a larger drill that often, but it would be better to have one for when I do.
mizzourob
The last cords tools I bought were a lathe and a drill press. Both are stationary shop tools and battery powered was never an option.
SawdustTX
Recently purchased both corded and cordless, but the corded I’ve purchased recently were all used models of older heavy duty tools – a jigsaw, a router, and another circular saw (my fourth – they are so cheap I have one for each job and never have to change blades or guides – just grab and cut). I prefer the heavy duty all-metal construction of the older tools, they are inexpensive on the used market, and seem to last forever. I do give up some modern features by using older tools, but to me it’s worth it.
Except for the drill, I use almost exclusively corded in the shop, even if I have the cordless version. Obviously on the job site, I use mostly cordless (Milwaukee M12 and M18).
Jon
5 amp hour batteries are really bridging the gap between corded and cordless tools, along with brushless motors. The same tool (same motor) draws more amperage from a bigger battery pack because of lower internal resistance so you get more actual power out of bigger batteries plus of course the extra run time.
This means cordless circular saws and reciprocating saws are now actually becoming serious contenders to replace the corded tool in more situations. In the past cordless saws were just about useless unless mobility was super important and not much cutting was needed. They were marketed as “corded power without the cord” but that was just hype and marketing whereas now it’s actually starting to be the truth.
The latest cordless saws actually slow the blade down and deliver more torque under load instead of just binding up and stopping which has also made a big difference in real world usability and practicality.
Chrisk1970
I have a ton of corded tools but man oh man I have like every line of cordless too! Most of my tools that I use regularly are corded though.
Max
Homeowner of a formerly foreclosed house who sometimes helps friends. Most of my needs are basic.
I have a few cordless – currently the Craftsman Bolt-On/ Black and Decker Matrix with a few attachments (drill, impact, recip, multitool) and weedeater. I may get a few more attachments or tools for the right deal. I have an older C3 3 piece set (drill, light, 5 1/2″ circ), but rarely use it as the 20v battires charge so fast and the circ is basically worthless for real work.
Most of the rest are corded. if it is something I would use in the garage/shop/house I will look at the options in my system, but usually get corded for most. Way better value. And I have a long extension cord. I do find that I rarely use a corded drill. The last time was a hammer drill.
The last power tools I purchased was a bulk buy from the child of a general contractor who had passed. All but the C3 set are corded and filled out most of the rest of my likely needs. The Bolt-On/Matrix set gets used weekly. Most of the rest are just for specific projects that usually take some time, so the hassle of getting set up to use corded tools is not that big of a thing.
I may get an angle grinder and bench grinder in the near future, but most everything else is covered. If I don’t have it it is generally pretty specialized and my dad probably does. We borrow back and forth quite a bit for our needs on specialized stuff.
Mike
Am I the only one who perceives a gap in the circular saw offerings currently available? Personally, I’d love to see a 36v worm drive, though I understand there are some obvious obstacles there, such as pricing(regular A/C worm saws are already $200 or more) but there are still some saw formats that just disappeared with no suitable substitute. Examples: 6.5″ worm-drive saws, 5.5″ and 6″ left blade sidewinders like P-C SawBoss 345 or Skil/Crafstman 5510 or the magnesium base Crafstman 28191. Or the beloved Porter-Cable 423MAG/424MAG and Porter-Cable 743? Or the famous Rockwell/Porter-Cable 314 worm-drive trim saws? Why not a P-C 314 type saw powered by modern lithium tech batteries? The new Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw in a portable battery powered version? They market a dozen types of recip saws these days but I feel like they’re not offering enough options with framer and trim saws. The M12 Fuel Circular saw was an extremely popular release as was the M18 Fuel. People are STILL awaiting the Bosch 12v trim saw here in the USA, and even that model is pretty tame. These companies can and should step it up with circular saw offerings, A/C and battery platforms alike.
Mike
*that’s ‘Craftsman’. After 10 years or more of not buying that brand, I must have forgotten how to spell it correctly. Must remember: “shadow-of-former-self-cheap-imported-garbage” is spelled c-r-a-f-t-s-m-a-n. Or ‘evolv’ for short I guess. In all fairness, shouldn’t the new line be called ‘DE-volv’? Seriously.
BikerDad
I just recently purchased a Milwaukee Heat Gun, corded (do they make a cordless?) because I’d been keeping an eye out for a heat gun and I managed to score the display model at Home Depot for $25. I also bought a corded DeWalt 4.5″ Angle Grinder, on clearance. I’d been looking to pick up a second grinder, wasn’t in any hurry, this one came up.
I’ve got a rule on cordless tools for myself: I’ll only buy ’em now if they’re brushless. That limits my choices, as I’m in the 20Max and Bosch 12v platforms, but since I’m not in a hurry, and the tools I really need in cordless I already have, it’s not a problem. Being a DIY/woodworker makes it simpler for me, many of the great new cordless tools that have come out I really have little use for currently. Cordless PEX crimper? Cool, but don’t need it. The only cordless tool I’m looking at getting is a circular saw. Knocking down plywood without the cord hassle is attractive, but DeWalt doesn’t have a brushless model yet. I already have a circular saw, a fine 15 year old Porter Cable sidewinder, so unless I upgrade to a track saw, there’s no “corded or cordless” dilemma. Of course, if DeWalt goes hardcore and brings a cordless brushless track saw out, I’ll be on that like white on rice.
BikerDad
oh, as to why I didn’t get a cordless grinder? After I take a welding class next year, I’ll have a lot more experience with a grinder, and I’ll be able to determine if a cordless has value for me.
Mike
hate to be the Porter-Cable police here, but “white on rice”? Seriously? That’s rice-ist. Just keepin’ it P-C.
Derek
I got bit by the old Craftsman 19.2 NiCd series where I had a lot of tools lightly used but couldn’t get good enough batteries without paying a lot, and it was cheaper to buy new tools with a battery than just the battery.
Since then I bought into the Bosch 12v for a drill, impact driver, recip, and probably the LED light next. I did this for both myself and my dad so we can exchange batteries when we are working together. The 12v is plenty of power for most of what we do.
Everything else that I consider to be a heavy duty, long term but occasional use case, I get corded. Specifically my circular and reciprocating saw, 1/2″ drill, router, biscuit, sanders, multi-tool, etc. Of course all bench tools are corded. I don’t want to have a nice tool that I use twice before the batteries are obsolete.
I would consider getting a cordless dremel or jigsaw but I rarely use them and I have corded versions.
Mike
My Bosch battery charger is corded. Pretty sure it’s brushless though.
SawdustTX
Comment of the day! Well done.
Andy
Agreed, great comment. Now, someone needs to make a brushless sling shot.
Michael
Started my day with a big smile
Tom
I would rather buy corded most of the time since I haven’t really committed to a big system of cordless yet. I have most of the Craftsman Nextec line, which is probably on the way out. When those finally die out on me, I will pick a new Cordless line and go with that. For the meantime, I am happy with a corded Bosch jigsaw and corded Dewalt Circular, which are my most recent purchases.
fred
Being an old retired guy – I’ve slowed down considerably (since my days for buying for 2 businesses) on tool buying. In 2015 I only bought 2 power tools – 1 corded and 1 cordless:
MILWAUKEE 2429-20 SUB-COMPACT CORDLESS BANDSAW
DEWALT DW297 ELECTRIC IMPACT WRENCH
AngryDrumGuy
I prefer all of my saws to be corded- they tend to eat batteries so fast that it’s less hassle for me to find a plug and run an extension than wait for a charge.
AngryDrumGuy
Edit- Sanders too.
John
Ironically I just bought the M12 Cordless Multi-Tool when I actually would have preferred to buy a corded version. I think thats one tool that really hasn’t caught up to, and won’t for a while, the longevity of a corded version.
Since I was in a bind the *best* I could get in a big box store was that one and I figured if I’m going to get stuck with a battery one, I might as well get the one that fits my current battery choice, M12, tools. I was really going to wait and invest in the most recent refresh of a Fein and bit the big initial cost for the trade off of being able to use any OIS and Fein accessories. But as time was the factor and I couldn’t wait for it in the mail I got the one I did.
The others available were all cordless or some really cheap ones that were locked in their own formats for blade and accessory choices. At sub 20 minute runtimes per battery choice the cordless options are pretty bad. Since I have at least 5 M12 batteries I can deal for now, but its kinda embarrassing how underpowered, short life, and not durable the cordless options are.
This is why I still think if you’re going to get a multi-tool / oscillating tool just buy a corded one.
Other tools that will probably never be as effective cordless, heavy duty, durable, and long runtime are: routers (plunge), sanders, compressors, etc.
Simon
I disagree I have the makita cordless oscillating tool and the fein I use the makita EVERY day and my fein collects dust. I use it to cut shims when I hang door and drywall from around windows etc.. Those who say it doesn’t have a long enough run time Try cutting with an oscillating tool for 25 minutes STRAIGHT I can tell you right now if your cutting that long you can probably use a different type of saw for that application.
Gil
I bought a drill/driver cordless combo around Father’s day. For the stuff I do, cordless is more than enough and wanted to take advantage of Father’s day deals (ended up saving around $20. Not great but also not bad).
Sean
Typically I buy corded version first, then consider cordless. Since I take this approach, I now think long and hard about whether I want a cordless version because many of the purchases seem wasteful in retrospect: especially the ones that are nearly identical to the cordless version. I understand how people want “corded power without the cord” (especially those in the trades). However, for me (average Joe homeowner) it seems redundant to have both. I would rather purchase the compact and portable version despite it being less powerful. I think that is why I’m WAY more into the M12 line than I ever was into the 18V lines. I just don’t want two nearly identical tools with the only difference being a cord sticking out of one.
For example, my big-ass corded reciprocating and my tiny little cordless Hackzall seem to compliment each other nicely. For quick little task it’s obvious to reach for my Hackzall 9 times out of 10. If it is just not “cutting it”, then I pull out the big boy. I just don’t really feel that it’s necessary to get a full-sized, but cordless, reciprocating saw.
There TRULY must be a serious disadvantage to plugging it in or constant situations that don’t allow it for me to buy cordless over corded. The best (and maybe the only) example I can think of is lawn care equipment: gas or cordless all the way. I absolutely cannot imagine dragging a 100ft. extension cord all over the lawn once a week. More importantly, you look like an absolute moron when you do so. Thankfully, I can look back proudly on my father and know that he never once held an electric trimmer, and by God, neither will I.
The next things on my list are all corded. For every cordless tool that exists there is a corded tool that is identical or better so cordless tools are really just a luxury. There are many corded tools that don’t have a cordless version, and many of these are on my would-like-to-own-but-really-don’t-need-at-all list. This includes specialty tools (for my purposes) like the Hole-hawg style right-angle drill, die grinder, belt sander, full-sized router, and forced dual-action polisher, as well as stationary shop tools. (I also have a serious lack of air tools and am shopping those more seriously than anything: framing gun, chisel/scaler, etc.)
However, since I have most of the corded tools I need, most of my power tool purchases (or related) are cordless… M12 vacuum, M12 bluetooth speaker, M12 rotary tool.
J., Homeowner
As an average homeowner I have little interest in investing in a collection of cordless tools. And the reason why is actually found right here in this article:
“It has been less than 2 years since we discussed whether it’s a good time to switch from corded to cordless tools, and the cordless landscape has changed quite significantly since then.”
The constant innovation on the part of manufacturers (which I do recognize as beneficial and necessary) actually discourages me from investing in a cordless tool platform. As a casual user, why should I invest in a tool that in a few years will most likely be obsolete? On the other hand, I can buy a professional quality 110v corded tool today and not worry about household outlets becoming obsolete in the forseeable future.
I realize I am in the minority. Until the industry can settle on a standard power source that can be used universally across multiple manufacturers’ offerings and won’t become obsolete in a few years time than I am unlikely to change my mind. I have, hopefully, several decades of yet unknown projects still to come. I want dependable, familiar tools to be at my side to help me along the way.
Sean
I’m sure a lot of average homeowners see it the way you and I do. However, I am willing to bet there is an equal number of homeowners who aren’t as product savvy or just flat-out don’t care as much. They’re not thinking of how they’ll still have that badass Makita circular saw 15 years from now. Instead, they are very swayed by those cordless displays and promos. They’re thinking of how awesome that Makita 18V drill with hammer mode looks right at this very moment, not whether there will be a slightly new model next year (there will be), or whether that battery will work in 3 years (that’s about a 50/50), or whether it will even use the same battery 7 years from now (it might).
It kind of made me sad when my grandfather passed and I had to throw a box of old cordless tools away. Luckily he had a couple of corded tools that I cleaned up that I will keep and use occasionally. My grandfather was not a rich man by any means, so most of those cordless tools were B&D, so it wasn’t too hard to trash them.
Irish Dan
My last power tool purchase was a corded a hammer drill for short cash. My projects decide which power tool to use, I like the cordless tools but if I need real power I grab my corded power tools.
Peter
Dry wall gun because I needed one asap and Bosch did not have a 18V at that point or it was too much money but boy do I not like dragging the cord around.
J.G.
I buy mostly corded. Reasons are simple – if a tool is seldom used the batteries suffer and I won’t get my bang for a buck. I’d rather spend more money on a tool that will last me longer without the batteries failing on me. Last purchase – a belt sander a few months back. Not something I would use daily but when I do it must run for hours and I can’t afford something with three battery packs.
Also – a cordless tool makes most sense when you own at least two battery packs which adds to the price significantly. This might be a non issue for people who follow a brand system but my way allows me to choose whatever tool is best, no matter what the brand is.
That being said everyone should own a cordless power drill. Thing is everyone should own a powerful corded drill too, for all those heavy tasks once in a while. My placeholder noname corded hammer drill punches infinetly more power than my more used cordless Bosch 14.4v.
Ralf
As a homeowner / diyer I’ve had to carefully consider the options and what will really fit my needs. So far I’ve found that in most cases corded first. Cheaper and last longer then the system of batteries.
However one tool that I have found to be indispensable is in the impact driver in a cordless version. I have a Craftsman corded impact that works well but I found that when I’m using it usually the cord gets in the way 9 out of 10 times. Recently got the entry level M18 impact and drill and couldn’t be happier. Got 1 larger 4.0 pack and in most cases when using the impact it out works what I feel like doing. After working through that pack a 30 -40 minute break is welcome while I wait for it to charge.
If I was a contractor I would be expanding my lineup greatly since I wouldn’t want to drag cords all over either a job site or someone’s house. In some cases I would bet a contractor could finish the job with cordless tools faster then another one could setup all the cords and get ready. I’m thinking anything under the house or on the roof where cords are always a special pain. Just depends on who you are and what you do…
Jerry
My 2 most recent purchases were both corded. Bought a replacement belt sander a couple months ago, and a new corded angle grinder just a few days ago, when my old one failed in a somewhat scary way ( glad I had the guard on!)
Scott
I recently bought a corded Bosch random orbit sander. I don’t use it very often, and so I went corded because I want it to last a long time and be ready to go when I need it. I also use it for extended periods and so not worrying about battery life is nice.
I’m in the market for a cordless drill. I have an old but powerful corded drill. It’s a hassle to lug an extension cord around, especially when using it outside.
will
this summer I bought a new random orbital sander but other than that its been a few years since I bought a corded power tool. For my uses cords are just in the way.
Jay
Been focused on streamlining how tools in the back of the pickup are stored/organized. Have purchased more tool and parts storage items and fewer tools. The only new tools this year have been a Freeman PST9032Q pneumatic 1-1/4-Inch Narrow Crown Stapler (over 2500 staples driven so far without issue), a Makita XDT11R 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit and a UEi DL389 TRMS meter. The Makita replaces a DeWALT DW056 Type 1 impact driver. Will pick up a Makita XFD01Z 18-volt LXT Lithium Ion Cordless 1/2 inch drill before the end of the year to replace an aging DeWALT 3/8-Inch cordless drill.
Hang Fire
Where do air tools fit in? Just a different kind of cord?
Some things like sanding can be done all day long with an air tool, while any kind of electric took will overheat.
Jason
To be honest unless your dealing with some heavy duty stuff you can get away with cordless tools now as a mechanic. The best solution for a Mechanic would be the Bosch wireless charging, but they are the tool brand with the least amount of mechanics tools. Because you could have a setup with charger bases where you could set each tool and be really organized, and efficient. Its not like swapping batteries is the worst though. Tools like nail guns pneumatic still is the dominant platform for high production framing. I would say you could probably go cordless with trim carpentry though if Dewalt puts out a full line of cordless nailers and the miter saw.
Chris
Just bought a corded Makita JV0600K jigsaw. Looked at cordless but battery life was not that good and will mostly bring the work to the saw.
For shop tools my preference is corded. Batteries deteriorate and buying a cordless tool that will mostly be used in the shop doesn’t make sense to me. Only cordless tool I regularly use at the bench is my impact driver. Always use my 35 year old corded drill at the bench, even for light work.
Looking to buy a 5″ ROS ( Milwaukee or Bosch) and a multi-tool ( Bosch). Both will be corded. The multi- tool will be more of an onsite too but at times it will get prolonged use so I prefer corded.
Apart from an LED light only cordless purchases I will be making in the near future are garden tools.
Dmitry
I have 11 milwaukee M18 line toos – but I own corded hammer drill, planner, router, mitter saw, and chain saw, lawn cutter, orbital sander.
High demand power tool is still with cord !
John Blair
The last corded tool I bought was a Harbor Freight angle grinder for $14. It was for a single project and boy did I wear plenty of protection when operating it. I borrowed a corded tile saw. Other than that, every tool for the past two years has been cordless.
Nathan
for me it comes down to use profile. most cutting things I tend to want corded mostly because it will probably run more constantly and under varing loads etc.
so my sawzall (recip) and router, sanders, etc. all corded. I do not want a cordless sander – I don’t need the point. I mean sure put a 6ah battery on it, but now I have that weight to deal with too.
cordless – more portable devices. drill, driver/impactor sure. I sort of like the dewalt nailer idea – but I think they might need to be a touch smaller. I do like the new stronger cordless high torque impact wrenches. lights in some cases also.
my last tool purchase – table saw so corded. before that – impact driver – so cordless.
I wouldn’t want a cordless mitre saw – I don’t have a need for it. I might consider a cordless circular saw though. Jig saw – currently corded and honestly I’m looking at new ones but I have thought about cordless. I don’t see the need for a cordless jig saw – but I can see the appeal. I think a corded gives more ability.
I’d like to see the corded devices get stronger – why is the cordless impact wrenches from Dewalt have more torque and ability – than their corded ones? newer design sure but update the corded ones – because some people like those too.
Jon
Yes the cordless impact wrench has more maximum torque than the corded one but also performs the work with MUCH less total power used!
Even though wall power is basically free, it’s still worth noting the astounding efficiency difference of cordless vs corded tools (some more than others). It’s because of innovations in efficiency that these tools are able to operate on battery power in the first place.
If a company can make their cordless tool work more efficiently it’s a huge competitive advantage because of extended run-time or more power or combination of both. On the other hand if a corded tool is more efficient consumers don’t care because wall power is not considered a cost, so companies haven’t innovated in that direction.
Sean
That’s a really good point. It’s funny that I don’t think of electricity usage when I’m using a corded tool, but when I’m charging my cordless tool batteries I wonder how much that “fill up” just cost me.
For example, my Ego 56V battery takes about 40 minutes to charge and makes a decent amount of noise throughout the process. Every time I plug it in, I’m thinking “I’m hoping this isn’t costing $7…” Hah
Mike
FWIW: assuming the Ego charger is 120v and not 240v, which I assume since Ego is marketed heavily towards homeowners and not mills/shops…even if it uses a dedicated 20amp circuit at ‘max’ capacity, 80%, total wattage is 16amps x 120v. 1920watts. Electricity rates vary but let’s say 10cents per kilowatt/hr. 1920watts times 40minutes= roughly 1.5 kw/hrs or fifteen cents. Wear and tear on battery is another story. Coal or uranium used to generate electricity, also another story. But 15c on the bill.
Adam
I’ve got a mix of corded (Makita sander), and cordless (M18 Fuel drill, Dremel rotary tool). I like the convenience of cordless, but for anything that’ll be running a while (sanders, planers, routers, most saws), I’d rather have the cord and not have to worry about dead batteries.
My next pickups are probably going to be a corded oscillating multitool (probably a Fein), cordless impact driver (M18 Fuel), and corded rotary hammer (Milwaukee as well. My dad has a nearly-new one that he’s looking to sell.) I’m also probably going to pick up the M12 vacuum at some point soon.
Michael
I can’t remember which tool I bought last. I have a pretty good collection of both. It comes down to use. Some choices are obvious for me. Others are not as cut and dried. Everyone likes to think their choice is best. And for them, it probably is.
Chris Fyfe
My Bosch compound miter saw , over a year ago . Prior to that , a Fein Oscillating Multi Tool .
Chris
glenn
I run nearly all cordless, in fact I have sold off all my corded tools bar a file sander and drill press.
We did buy for work last year a Bosch GBH 2-23REA SDS rotary hammer as it comes with a dust collector as well as having an optional dust collector fitting to use with up to 68mm tct core bits which we also bought.
No mess when drilling pipe access holes in masonry walls inside our customers houses, not to mention stuff all clean up afterwards.
RX9
I tend to avoid corded tools unless there is an application for which the cordless option either doesn’t exist or is just too expensive.
Bill
Pro-corded tools here. I simply don’t use power tools often enough to get my money’s worth before the batteries either die or go completely obsolete. I can see the value of a cordless driver for jobs outside of the garage, but could even do without that.
The area I see a real lack of in corded tools is small impact wrenches.
Bill
Last corded tool bought? A Milwaukee hammer drill.
BUTCH JAMES
cord or cordless jigsaw I’m not a pro can use these tools which one the best
Stuart
Corded.
Adam gosiak
The day you posted about the Dewalt compact reciprocating saw I bought it to replace the less featured combo kit one. Should be all I need for my purposes.
Roberto
It has been done by 3rd parties. They mod your dead battery pack for rarer models, or provide replicas of the most common ones.
Informally, it’s easily done. For drills I prefer to put a DC IN jack behind the motor (top and back). They can be salvaged from devices that run on 12 volt wall warts. Three pins, you can run the ground through it and it will switch between the external power supply and the battery contacts when unplugged. Voltage is not critical, a 12 or 14.4 volt drill will run happily at 19v. A beefy laptop power supply (rated for >4.5 A) does the job, but the drill will have less torque. For driving screws, mixing paint, smaller bits, drilling in soft wood, this is not an issue, for, say, big holes on concrete, it is. For workshop/bench use, a desktop computer power supply (starting at $15) putting tens of amps on the 12v rail will see you covered. Or you can find an appropriate “brick” power supply from the typical overseas internet trader websites.