Yotaforce
Well-known member
I'm a cord guy. Though if I were in a pinch, and no outlets to be found, I would be willing to borrow a CL to get the job done. I actually prefer an air hose as much as possible
Are you a cordless or corded tool guy
- Thread starter mobiledynamics
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I use to prefer corded all the time, even if i had to go out of my way to find a power source. my reason for all the hate of cordless was the same as many of the above posters have already mentioned.
but in recent years, i've noticed the cordless systems have gotten a lot better. in particular, i ended up getting a great deal on a 6pc combo of Dewalt XRP 18V tools. I've used all of them except the angle grinder so far and I've added several additional tools because I like the system so much. The batteries (XRP Ni-Cad and XRP Li-Ion) last long enough for most jobs I need to do and charge quick enough. i've also found a cheap source for the batteries so I now have 6 batteries total and the Li-Ion ones can be stored charged and have a meaningful charge after being in storage. After 2-3 yrs of owning these Dewalt XRP 18V tools, I decided earlier this year to get rid of my corded tools except for my favorite Bosch jigsaw and planer; that's how much I trust them now.
I'm just a home DIYer though, I fix up my home and do renovations and I fix/maintain/modify my cars. So my usage isn't daily, 8-10 hrs a day. But for what I do, they've been reliable enough that I've changed my opinion on corded vs cordless.
but in recent years, i've noticed the cordless systems have gotten a lot better. in particular, i ended up getting a great deal on a 6pc combo of Dewalt XRP 18V tools. I've used all of them except the angle grinder so far and I've added several additional tools because I like the system so much. The batteries (XRP Ni-Cad and XRP Li-Ion) last long enough for most jobs I need to do and charge quick enough. i've also found a cheap source for the batteries so I now have 6 batteries total and the Li-Ion ones can be stored charged and have a meaningful charge after being in storage. After 2-3 yrs of owning these Dewalt XRP 18V tools, I decided earlier this year to get rid of my corded tools except for my favorite Bosch jigsaw and planer; that's how much I trust them now.
I'm just a home DIYer though, I fix up my home and do renovations and I fix/maintain/modify my cars. So my usage isn't daily, 8-10 hrs a day. But for what I do, they've been reliable enough that I've changed my opinion on corded vs cordless.
JDS968
Well-known member
I generally think of myself as a "corded" tool guy. As a rule, I shun batteries in tools, both because I expect them to offer reduced performance and because I don't want to charge them.
However...my two most-used tools (or at least high on the list) are my Streamlight Strion LED (well, obviously going to be cordless) and my Makita TD020DSEW.
Yeah, I am pretty obsessive about keeping both of them charging when not in use, but otherwise they're two of my favorite tools. In fact, until one of my Makita batteries stopped working, I wouldn't even bother recharging it until it died, I would just keep the other battery on the charger and swap them as necessary. And I would go days or weeks without a swap, despite constant use. Excellent tool, I use it for everything from Torx screws to hex cap bolts to drilling holes.
But you're never going to convince to me to buy a battery powered 1/2" impact.
However...my two most-used tools (or at least high on the list) are my Streamlight Strion LED (well, obviously going to be cordless) and my Makita TD020DSEW.
Yeah, I am pretty obsessive about keeping both of them charging when not in use, but otherwise they're two of my favorite tools. In fact, until one of my Makita batteries stopped working, I wouldn't even bother recharging it until it died, I would just keep the other battery on the charger and swap them as necessary. And I would go days or weeks without a swap, despite constant use. Excellent tool, I use it for everything from Torx screws to hex cap bolts to drilling holes.
But you're never going to convince to me to buy a battery powered 1/2" impact.
shoturtle
Well-known member
Have both, what I am working on. Decides if I use corded or cordless.
back2class
Well-known member
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I pretty much gave up on cordless. I keep a drill, but that's it and the batteries have been dead now for a a few months and don't miss it much. 10 years as a contractor and the cordless drills were nice for grab and go. Everything else was a gimmick for the weekend warrior guys who liked to blow money on silly junk. Tried a few and that's all they were. So out of maybe 30 hand held power tools I keep handy...just one cordless....a dead cordless drill that I may buy batteries for one day when I have a big job comming up.
Dick in Wisconsin
Well-known member
Cordless. I have a few corded tools, but rarely use them.
I bought a large set of Craftsman 19.2 C3 tools in 2006 and love them. I add to the collection every time a new one comes out that need ... most recently the 1/2" impact gun that I use to zip the tires off and on the race car as well as the shrub trimmer. I have three or four Ni-Cad batteries that seem to last longer than I expect them to, all of them still hold a charge and work great. They recharge quickly. Unless I forget to charge the dead batteries, no matter what I'm doing I've never run out of batteries. Maybe someday the Ni-Cads won't take a charge anymore and I'll get Li-Ion ones. Highly recommend the Craftsman C3 series.
I bought a large set of Craftsman 19.2 C3 tools in 2006 and love them. I add to the collection every time a new one comes out that need ... most recently the 1/2" impact gun that I use to zip the tires off and on the race car as well as the shrub trimmer. I have three or four Ni-Cad batteries that seem to last longer than I expect them to, all of them still hold a charge and work great. They recharge quickly. Unless I forget to charge the dead batteries, no matter what I'm doing I've never run out of batteries. Maybe someday the Ni-Cads won't take a charge anymore and I'll get Li-Ion ones. Highly recommend the Craftsman C3 series.
BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Definitely depends on the application. For almost every corded tool, I have a cordless equivalent. I have a full set of Milwaukee V28 cordless tools that I use quite often on the jobsite, mostly in applications where hauling a cord would either take too long or is impractical / impossible.
I guess I would say I try to use the right tool for the job. If I have to cut some quick blocking while up in a scissor lift, a cordless saw is awesome, however, if I'm cutting 300 - 500 studs, I'm definitely pulling out the corded wormdrive.
I use my cordless drills for drilling anything up to 3/4", but anything beyond that (hole saw, ship auger, etc.) I generally use a holehawg or mag drill. This is mostly because I learned the hard way that using too big of a bit can really screw up the gear case on most cordless drills, and also due to the fact that if I'm drilling something bigger than 3/4", I'm probably making a lot of holes, and thus will need a corded drill so there are no battery issues.
I guess I would say I try to use the right tool for the job. If I have to cut some quick blocking while up in a scissor lift, a cordless saw is awesome, however, if I'm cutting 300 - 500 studs, I'm definitely pulling out the corded wormdrive.
I use my cordless drills for drilling anything up to 3/4", but anything beyond that (hole saw, ship auger, etc.) I generally use a holehawg or mag drill. This is mostly because I learned the hard way that using too big of a bit can really screw up the gear case on most cordless drills, and also due to the fact that if I'm drilling something bigger than 3/4", I'm probably making a lot of holes, and thus will need a corded drill so there are no battery issues.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
Yeah, me too basically. I have a corded drill because I mostly work with it on a bench, on a sawhorse setup, or on a truck tailgate. I have a cordless impact driver because I mostly use it on a ladder or all over a room. I've yet to see the sense in cordless power saws but will whip out my handsaws whenever needed. Lately I've invested in a brace and some bits for larger countersinks. I can't wait for tankless cordless nailguns to get more affordable... that's not strictly the corded/cordless question asked but it's the same logic.
relic7680
Well-known member
Since I'm not in field service or anything right now......CORDED
Steevo
Well-known member
I have owned and used cordless tools since I bought my first Makita 9.6v drill many years ago. My cordless tools have evolved over the years, as have the uses for them. I don't think I'll ever give up having and using cordless drills or impacts, but I will also always own heavy duty corded power tools. I learned early on that cordless saws were not very useful beyond quick, light cuts. I have four corded saws, a DeWalt recip saw, a Milwaukee worm drive circular saw, a Porter Cable trim saw, and a Skil 7-1/4" circular saw.
I have several heavy corded drills, too, for work a cordless can't do, like hammer drilling.
I think my answer has to be "Both corded and cordless, used where each is the appropriate tool for the job."
I have several heavy corded drills, too, for work a cordless can't do, like hammer drilling.
I think my answer has to be "Both corded and cordless, used where each is the appropriate tool for the job."
PETE14
Well-known member
110 VAC all the way, baby.
Pete
Pete
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gearbuilder
Well-known member
I’m definitely a cordless guy and have been for a while. Makita has always been my preference but when I decided to buy a ½” impact I went with the M18 Milwaukee for its higher torque. Now I have several more M18 tools that I use all of the time. I am very happy with the battery life and power of the tools.
Jamie
Jamie
Big-Foot
Well-known member
I have them all... Cordless I am currently using the Makita LXT 18v series and I can't say anything bad about them. Corded is primarily workhorse tools like my 1/2" Skill drill that I use or mixing drywall mud etc. Then my 7-1/2" Skill Saw for doing a lot of heavy duty cutting of treated dimension lumber - but my Makita is seeing more of this action as of late and tolerates it pretty well. Then there is a wide assortment of pneumatic tools like imact wrench, die grinders, wiz-wheel, etc..
I bought my 1st cordless tools only 3 or 4 years ago, I know, it took me a while but I was amazed at how they worked and the convenience. I started with a drill and recip saw and have added a skil saw and jig saw and oh yeah, a couple of those work lights on the flex necks. I wasn't crazy about those but they were part of the deal and I've gotten good use out of them now. I pretty well gage the amount of work involved and if it's going to kill my batteries I'll go for corded but if it's just a bit of work I won't bother routing extension cords and making a big production out of it. A recent job I did the client's out door plug kept flipping breakers and they were gone most days so the whole project was pretty much done with cordless tools.
woody 73
Well-known member
I have a 50/50 lot of both corded and cordless tools. The batteries kill me in the long run but going into areas without power makes up for it; and not cutting the power cord also helps; (also not dragging miles of wire).
Just today I picked up a cordless Milwaukee tool (the next Generation)without brushes it was a joy to use but the whole tool looked to be made of plastic (making it very lite weight).
Just today I picked up a cordless Milwaukee tool (the next Generation)without brushes it was a joy to use but the whole tool looked to be made of plastic (making it very lite weight).
BrokewrenchLS1
Well-known member
Battery-op, unless it's a grinder or a VSR drill. Having no cords just makes everything easier to deal with.
archirelic
Well-known member
Both.
For my saws, circular and reciprocating, I chose to go with corded. I just like the idea of consistent power through every cut.
I do have an older corded Black & Decker hammer drill for my heavier duty drilling applications.
For my angle grinders, again, corded because of the same reasons stated above concerning my saws.
For my drill drivers and impact drivers, I opted for cordless. I have both 12volt and 18volt set-ups.
For my saws, circular and reciprocating, I chose to go with corded. I just like the idea of consistent power through every cut.
I do have an older corded Black & Decker hammer drill for my heavier duty drilling applications.
For my angle grinders, again, corded because of the same reasons stated above concerning my saws.
For my drill drivers and impact drivers, I opted for cordless. I have both 12volt and 18volt set-ups.
countryroad82
Well-known member
For me depends on the job. Drilling spot welds, corded drill all the way. Tearing down the front end of a car or whatever, cordless 1/4 impact is used more often nowadays. For the most part I guess I use more cordless but I also use air quite a bit.
4x4gearhead
Well-known member
Im a bit of a switch hitter I supposed, If im in a shop I like to plug stuff in and not worry, on the road and mostly at home I use all cordless. Pretty cut and dry.
KCarGuy
Well-known member
I have been a Cordless guy since they came out.
But lately, due to the Life span of Batteries and the replacement costs...I am starting to go back to Corded.
Sometimes you forget how nice a Corded Drill works until you start using one again.
So...Corded (as long as outlets are nearby)
......12V at work (when an Outlet is not close)
But lately, due to the Life span of Batteries and the replacement costs...I am starting to go back to Corded.
Sometimes you forget how nice a Corded Drill works until you start using one again.
So...Corded (as long as outlets are nearby)
......12V at work (when an Outlet is not close)
sberry
Banned
You bet, its a rare day I grab a corded drill anymore, can count the times on one hand in last several years. Still use cords on occasion for heavy sawing or grinding.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Have a couple cordless drill motors and impact driver. Everything else is corded.
For my cordless go-to drill motor I have 3 batteries... Usually working all day long I'll drain one completely and the 2nd one will last the rest of the day.
Cordless is nice, especially when there isn't a plug near-by, or you just need to do something quick and don't want to drag out the extension cord and everything. When I'm up on a scissor lift having a cord hanging down is a pain because you don't want to drive over it, get it tangled in things on the ground, or have to go down and move the cord to another plug.
I wish I had a cordless circular saw and reciprocating saw. Every now and then I need to cut up some large pallets to throw them in the dumpster. It's such a pain because the nearest plug is kind of far away so I have to get a long extension cord and sometimes still drag the pallets close enough so I can cut them up. With a cordless I can just zip and be done.
I think the durability of (quality) cordless tools has really increased over the past 5-10 years, mostly due to better batter packs that can hold more juice and higher voltages. However for heavy duty stuff I still prefer corded when I need that 'umph'...
The only downside is, a cordless tool is inevitably disposable. Manufacturers will eventually stop making batteries for them, and also the clamshells seem to not be as heavy-duty as a corded.
For my cordless go-to drill motor I have 3 batteries... Usually working all day long I'll drain one completely and the 2nd one will last the rest of the day.
Cordless is nice, especially when there isn't a plug near-by, or you just need to do something quick and don't want to drag out the extension cord and everything. When I'm up on a scissor lift having a cord hanging down is a pain because you don't want to drive over it, get it tangled in things on the ground, or have to go down and move the cord to another plug.
I wish I had a cordless circular saw and reciprocating saw. Every now and then I need to cut up some large pallets to throw them in the dumpster. It's such a pain because the nearest plug is kind of far away so I have to get a long extension cord and sometimes still drag the pallets close enough so I can cut them up. With a cordless I can just zip and be done.
I think the durability of (quality) cordless tools has really increased over the past 5-10 years, mostly due to better batter packs that can hold more juice and higher voltages. However for heavy duty stuff I still prefer corded when I need that 'umph'...
The only downside is, a cordless tool is inevitably disposable. Manufacturers will eventually stop making batteries for them, and also the clamshells seem to not be as heavy-duty as a corded.