In the world of power tools, one of the most common debates is whether to choose corded or cordless tools. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to understand which is best suited for your needs. In this blog, we'll delve into the key differences, benefits, and scenarios where one might be more advantageous than the other. Whether you&#;re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

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Benefits of Corded Tools

One of the main advantages of corded tools is their continuous power supply. As long as there is access to an electrical outlet, these tools can operate indefinitely without the need to recharge batteries.

Generally, corded tools offer more power and torque compared to their cordless counterparts. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting, grinding, and drilling through tough materials.

Corded tools are often more affordable than cordless versions. Additionally, there is no need to purchase extra batteries or chargers, which can save money in the long run.

Downsides of Corded Tools

The primary drawback of corded tools is the restriction caused by the power cord. This can limit movement and make it challenging to work in areas without nearby power sources.

Managing and avoiding tripping over power cords can be cumbersome, especially in a cluttered work environment.

When to Choose Corded Tools

Corded tools are ideal for tasks that require sustained power and torque. They are best suited for:

• Heavy-Duty Construction: Tasks such as cutting through thick materials or prolonged drilling sessions.
• Workshops and Fixed Locations: Environments where mobility is not a primary concern and access to power outlets is readily available.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on power.

Benefits of Cordless Tools

Cordless tools offer unmatched mobility, allowing you to work anywhere without the need for an electrical outlet. This is particularly useful for outdoor projects or in areas with limited power access.

Without the hassle of cords, cordless tools are easier to maneuver, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall work efficiency. Modern cordless tools have seen significant improvements in battery technology, providing longer run times and faster charging capabilities.

Downsides of Cordless Tools

Despite advancements, battery life can still be a limiting factor. For extended projects, it&#;s necessary to have spare batteries or wait for recharging, which can interrupt workflow.

Cordless tools tend to be more expensive upfront due to the cost of batteries and chargers. Over time, the need for replacement batteries can also add to the cost.

When to Choose Cordless Tools

Cordless tools are perfect for projects that require flexibility and convenience. They are best suited for:

• Outdoor and Remote Work: Jobs that take place away from power sources, such as construction sites, landscaping, or remote repairs.
• On-the-Go Professionals: Tradespeople who move frequently between job sites and need the convenience of portable tools.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home users who value ease of use and the freedom to work anywhere.

Electric Corded Tools versus Cordless Power Tools

This article &#;Electric Corded Tools versus Cordless Power Tools&#; looks at the evolution of power tools, with the market moving from electric corded power tools to cordless battery power tools. It will cover:

• The first electric power tool
• The first battery power tools
• The demise of corded electric power tools
• The rise of cordless power tools
• The introduction of smart cordless power tools
• The future of power tools

The first electric power tool

The world&#;s first portable electric power tool was invented in , by Fein in Stuttgart, Germany. Combining a hand drill with a small electric motor, this labour-saving creation was the catalyst for the numerous electric power tools we find today. It took over seventy years for power tool manufacturers to start considering the combination of portable tools with battery technology.

The first battery power tools

In , Makita launched the very first rechargeable battery drill. The D was based around a standard back-handled mains powered drill but instead of having a lead with a plug, the cord was tethered to a separate battery pack. Although not entirely cordless, this revolutionary concept pioneered a new way of thinking for portable power tool manufacturers.

Some nine years after launching the D, Makita was once again the first to market with a true cordless battery drill. The D arrived in , featuring a removable 7.2V nickel-cadmium battery pack, that slid inside the handle of the drill. When Protrade first took this product to the marketplace, customers commented that it lacked power and runtime when drilling holes in wood or metal. This was when our founder, Rob Sanders, had a lightbulb moment. He decided to promote the Makita D as a screwdriver, as opposed to a drill, putting a Yankee screwdriver bit in the drill&#;s chuck. Driving in woodscrews with the D was much faster than traditional hand screwdrivers and indeed, quicker than the Yankee spiral ratchet screwdrivers too.

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Rob Sanders recalled that the Managing Director of Makita UK at that time, visited Protrade to find out how they were managing to sell so many units. Whilst the rest of the UK was struggling to penetrate the market, Rob was regularly placing orders &#; a full pallet at a time. This innovative thinking was reported back to Makita in Japan and is one of the reasons why cordless drills are referred to as &#;Drill Drivers&#; these days. Manufacturers later added torque settings for more accuracy and control in screwdriving applications.

The demise of corded electric power tools

The advent of cordless power tools didn&#;t lead to the immediate demise of the corded versions. The early cordless power tools simply lacked power, and performance was not a patch on the mains alternatives. Battery runtimes were also a major factor, ensuring there was still a place for corded electric power tools, especially the larger tools such as breakers or mitre saws, that didn&#;t even exist in a cordless battery format&#; until recently.

Lithium-ion battery technology changed the face of cordless power tools. Originally invented in by materials scientist John Goodenough, lithium-ion offered an incredible charge-to-weight ratio, meaning smaller cells could hold much more energy &#; a perfect combination for portable battery powered tools. His pioneering work secured him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry &#; in . Sadly, John Goodenough died recently, on 25th June &#; just a month shy of his 101st birthday, but his legacy will be utilised by power tool users all over the globe, for years to come.

The rise of cordless power tools

Milwaukee and Makita were the very first power tool brands to adopt John Goodenough&#;s work, with the launch of their first lithium-ion battery tools, just a month apart, back in . These two brands are still UK market leaders when it comes to cordless professional power tools &#; pushing the boundaries from conventional 18V batteries to higher capacity cells and larger powered batteries, with the recent introduction of Makita XGT 40V and Milwaukee MX Fuel. The latest tools certainly don&#;t lack power and performance, more than matching their corded counterparts and even offering credible alternative solutions to petrol powered plant and equipment.

Health and safety also play a role in the rise of cordless power tools. There are no trailing cables, which can be a hazard in the workshop or on site, with some major construction sites banning corded power tools altogether. There is also no requirement for heavy and cumbersome 110V transformers &#; plus cordless tools don&#;t need to be PAT tested, before they can be used on the job site&#; another tick in the box for cordless tools.

&#;Comparable performance, enhanced battery runtimes, and convenience have been the main factors in the demise of corded power tools and the rise of cordless power tools.&#;

Whilst the major power tool brands invest heavily in additions to their various battery platforms, the specialist or more &#;boutique&#; brands, have had to react by joining forces and sharing a battery cell. At the time of writing this article, Milwaukee featured over 250 different tools and solutions on their 18V battery system alone&#; an incredible number of tools and growing. The likes of Metabo, Mafell, Lamello, and Trumpf have reacted by creating the CAS Cordless Alliance System &#; one battery that suits over thirty different brands. When you step back, it makes sense. Go big or join forces!

The introduction of smart cordless power tools

With the advancement of cordless mobile technology and subsequent introduction of applications, power tool manufacturers have created apps that connect to their tools via Bluetooth and allow users to control their equipment on a smart device. Milwaukee were the first professional power tool brand to introduce a tool connectivity platform, called One-Key. Individuals can secure their tools by locking out potential unauthorised users. Tools can be tracked and a geofence can be created around a factory or site, to disenable any tools that are taken outside the designated virtual perimeter fencing. The One-Key app also features inventory management capability, allowing users to assign specific tools to sites, jobs, vehicles, or people, ensuring tools are always accurately allocated and controlled.

The app offers a number of other features including purchase and warranty information logging, tools status, and tool customization for specific tasks &#; ideal when consistent and repeatable performance is required.

It&#;s not just Milwaukee that has embraced smart power tools and digital connectivity. DeWalt has launched a system called Tool Connect, which offers similar features and benefits to the user, but the range of tools available is not as wide as the Milwaukee One-Key offering currently. Bosch also has a mobile application, called Toolbox, that can be used in conjunction with their Simply Connected tools to provide a range of various smart functions for the user.

Festool is developing their own smart tool technology, currently with a small range of intelligent tools, that connect to the Festool Work App. Applicable tools can be adjusted individually to the working conditions, and performance data can be viewed at any time. If something should go wrong with the tool, the Festool Work App sends the right solution via a push notification, directly to a smartphone. The range of Festool Cleantec mobile dust extractors can also communicate with any of their Bluetooth cordless battery packs, ensuring the extractor automatically switches on when the cordless power tool is started, for effortless and efficient dust control.

Makita have a useful app available to download, but there is currently no connection with their tools, although they are close to launching in the UK, an app-based security feature that synchronises individual batteries to specific tools. Once &#;locked&#;, the battery can only be used with the designated power tools, until unlocked by the user with their unique pin code. So, if a battery is taken or swapped on site, it cannot be used with anyone else&#;s Makita power tools, which will certainly be a deterrent to theft.

The future of power tools

The trend of cordless tools replacing mains powered tools will undoubtedly continue, especially for portable power tools and tools and equipment that are used on job sites. The ratio of corded versus cordless professional power tools sold in the UK last year was:

Power Tool UK Sales &#; 18.9% Corded Power Tools : 81.1% Cordless Power Tools

This demonstrates a significant swing towards cordless solutions and justifies Milwaukee&#;s decision to stop investing in mains powered tools several years ago. The ratio for the UK&#;s fastest growing professional power tool brand in isolation was even greater last year, with over 99% of the tools sold, coming from their battery powered platforms. If the collective swing towards cordless tools continues, which I fully expect it will, tools with a power cable will soon become a thing of the past!

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