Corded vs cordless tools

[Neggy]

a little off topic, but we can only hope the batteries for our tools are still made in a few years.

I have a DJI Mavic Pro drone that is 4 years old, about a $1300 dollar investment, and DJI no longer makes or supports the batteries and DJI is probably the largest maker of Drones... we are now at the mercy of the aftermarket for batteries and hope they don't burn in flight or otherwise pee the bed when in use.

 

[CJM8515]

Ryobi is Home Depot's house brand.

Rigid is, not ryobi

What are you on about? I never said cordless tools had no benefit (to me, or anyone). Battery powered angle grinders and recip saws are extremely useful tools.

I simply said the exception will be for sustained heavy work. Tools like battery powered angle grinders and recip saws are extremely hard on batteries, and even the biggest, baddest batteries will be flattened in about 20 minutes by the latest angle grinders. If you are in an application where you are using those tools almost continuously, you will be much better served by a corded tool. Those are really the only two applications and situations where cordless tools still lack.

Your reply of "Buy enough batteries for the job" is absurd, when a 12Ah battery is $200, and you'd need three of them + 2 chargers to run an angle grinder or recip saw effectively continuously.

Thats my point to. 100 bucks for an angle grinder and even 50 bucks for a heavy duty cord and your good to go and no worry of the battery running out. Or you can buy the cordless grinder for like $150, 1 single 12am battery is 200 bucks and you know your gonna need 2-3 so ya like you said $600 later... I mean I get it if you needed it mobile and couldnt use cords, but most heavy duty use tools your gonna have a cord and power. If not then spending 3x the cost of a corded tool to get cordless is what ya gotta do.

A drill, impact gun, whatever is great cordless. but im not convinced to spend the coin for a sander, power saw, sawzall, grinder, chop saw or table saw.

 

[zze86]

I don't know how much of a use case for multiple batteries for only one tool actually is. I have multiple batteries for multiple tools. Oftentimes they are out at the same time. Thus, having to use three batteries for only one tool, if needed, is not that big of a deal.

The big 12ah is expensive but not necessary unless you are constantly working remotely with no power source at all. The standard battery is pretty long lasting already and you can go all day with two/three of the standard batteries, just rotate charging them.

There are some cordless tools I just don't see the point of but getting rid of the cord on a circular saw, sawzall really opens things up and, IMO, makes them a bit safer as well. One of my favorites = cordless 3/8 ratchet. Bliss.

 

[zendriver]

The consensus seems to be if you have corded tools that are old and/or cordless tools that are old as long as they still work you are good to go.

I still have one of those drills if you crank by hand, if I need it

 

[toolin' around]

There’s no doubt that corded tools are useful for sustained heavy duty use if you use them infrequently… but why would Milwaukee make a battery powered table saw or concrete saw, the are priced well beyond what most home handymen would consider paying, if there wasn’t a market and clear benefits to tradesmen who ARE using those tools continuously and heavy use??? Buy what works for you… if you don’t use enough different tools often enough to justify a battery platform, the stick to your old corded Skilsaw… those using their tools regularly have mostly switched to cordless. Probably the only corded tool I use today is a 7” angle grinder, and things like table saws, miter saws etc that rarely move.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Lithium batteries and brushless motors have been game changers for cordless tools, especially foy DIYers.

I think professional mechanics may be switching back to pneumatic impacts because some of the newer models (Astro Thor) hit harder but more importantly they can easily and inexpensively be rebuilt.

 

[dar24601]

As most have said I don’t see any of the major cordless brands changing battery platforms. It used to be that cordless tools were under powered and drained quickly but with modern cordless that isn’t the case. So to answer your question how long they would last the answer is as long as you need them assuming you don’t abuse tool.

 

[smackey05]

I'm a huge fan of Milwaukee cordless tools. So far I have the hedge trimmer, small vacuum, an impact, and a hand driver.

I don't see the need for my larger tools to transition to cordless as I don't see the benefit (for me). For example, I have a 12" mitre saw... It's large enough that I don't want to move it around so corded or cordless doesn't matter. For tools that need portability and use away from power, I'll always go cordless.

 

[M635_Guy]

Ryobi is Home Depot's house brand.

Rigid is HD's house brand. Ryobi is owned by the same group as Milwaukee, and has one of the longest-living battery platforms of the companies in this segment (if not the longest). They're nearly exclusive to HD, but not quite...

 

[jonesg]

I see a constant here. Some posters have a corded tool that is decade/s old. They will not upgrade or change from a working corded tool to a cordless tool therefore the OP needs a corded tool.

The look on someones face who never tried lithium tools, first time feeling the power.
First time my 18v drill got snagged and almost broke my wrist,,,priceless.

 

[CJM8515]

^ My corded stuff is 5-8 years old tops besides an old craftsman jigsaw.

FWIW I have a milwaukee heavy duty M18 hammer/drill. yes even with a huge battery its awesome. BUT cant even begin to compare it to the milwaukee magnum hole shooter-not even in the same league

 

[American Locomotive]

I don't know how much of a use case for multiple batteries for only one tool actually is. I have multiple batteries for multiple tools. Oftentimes they are out at the same time. Thus, having to use three batteries for only one tool, if needed, is not that big of a deal.

The big 12ah is expensive but not necessary unless you are constantly working remotely with no power source at all. The standard battery is pretty long lasting already and you can go all day with two/three of the standard batteries, just rotate charging them.

There are some cordless tools I just don't see the point of but getting rid of the cord on a circular saw, sawzall really opens things up and, IMO, makes them a bit safer as well. One of my favorites = cordless 3/8 ratchet. Bliss.

Yep. The "standard" batteries are perfectly fine for the vast majority of tools. Drills, impacts, drivers, circular saws, and more. I absolutely love my cordless recip and circular saw.

However, there are some tools where the standard battery isn't so great. The big recip and angle grinders come to mind. An M18 fuel 6" grinder will eat a 6Ah battery in about 10 minutes. Fine if you're just cutting some rebar or whatever, but not good enough if you're doing some serious grinding.

 

[IndyGarage]

I'd say you can easily get by with mostly corded tools.

The ones where cordless is a game changer for me is: Impact driver, LED Light, caulk gun, and small shop vac. These tools have been as good as or better in cordless form than corded for a number of years.

Then there are the tools that caught up with corded in the past 5-7 years. Everything from Circular saws to chainsaws are as good as corded and even gas these days.

I'd say if you haven't tried them in the 10 years, its worth another look.

 

[Badgerstate]

I don't have a single cordless tool. Really the only cordless tool necessary is a drill mainly out of convenience. You run outside real quick and hang something on the fence and be done.

Now with that being said I still have the two dewalt corded drills I bought like 17 years ago. Looks like they still make the models changing nothing other than adding rubber on the handle. So my point is what is the lifespan if I went out and bought a 20v drill and a 20v 1/4" impact driver. Those are sweet btw. The reason I never bought these cordless tools is because I always figured after a couple years they'll change the battery design and you'll have to buy a new tool. Opinions?

It really depends upon the tool. If its a tool that I need mobility with, its always cordless. If its a tool that Im always going to be near an outlet with, its always corded.
My circular saw, jig saw, router, 3/8" drill, angle grinder, miter saw, table saw and Dremel are corded. I always use them either in my shop or within 50' of an outlet; so I see no reason to spend the money on batteries for them.
My impact driver, shop blower, random orbit sander and all of my OPE are cordless. Those are all tools that I either like having mobility with, cant use them close to an outlet all the time (especially in the case of the OPE) and in the case of the sander part of it is that my wife bought it and knew that I had a ton of batteries for it and its kind of nice when sanding to not having a cord in the way. To be fair though, if the sander died tomorrow, it would probably be replaced by a corded sander (although I really do like the Craftsman V20 sander, its just that a sander is such a high demand tool that I prefer something corded over having to swap out batteries all the time.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

I bought a dewalt 20v XR combo kit. $299 + tax drill and a driver plus a 2amp and 4amp battery.

 

[subroc]

I bought a dewalt 20v XR combo kit. $299 + tax drill and a driver plus a 2amp and 4amp battery.

Sounds good.

Which kit did you get?

 

[Nthill93]

I think it’a all dependent on your situation. If you only work in your garage/workshop then you can get by with minimal cordless tools. If you do a decent amount of work in the field you’ll appreciate cordless tools way more than a guy is stationary. The only corded tool I have left is a table saw and that’ll be replaced soon with the m18. It’s super convenient to show up at a job and not have to worry about a generator or running extension cords. Just need 1 outlet to charge batteries.

 

[engineer2]

The Makita 18V LXT tools have been around since 2005. I got on board around 2010 and still use my 11 year old batteries. Makita has introduced 40V products, but no huge advantage for the price. I don't see any new portable tool battery chemistry on the horizon.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Sounds good.

Which kit did you get?

The kit that I described....

 

[subroc]

The kit that I described....

There are a few different XR kits. Not that important.

Either way, good luck with it.

 

[jgromada]

i agree with the idea that corded tools still have a place. That being said some of the new developments have really focused on the cordless side of things. Case in point i wanted the new DeWalt multitool. I have the battery system so cordless was fine.

But i had to cut some holes in the floor joists and my DeWalt drill really struggles while my old Milwaukee right angle drill powered right through. Way more torque.

The attached pic is another reason not to right off corded tools. This is the "before pic" , notice the chuck was rusty and stuck open , i noticed this at a yard sale and got it for only $20. That's the point you can find amazing values. They still sell a similar model of right angle drill but it costs around $250

 

[subroc]

i agree with the idea that corded tools still have a place. That being said some of the new developments have really focused on the cordless side of things. Case in point i wanted the new DeWalt multitool. I have the battery system so cordless was fine.

But i had to cut some holes in the floor joists and my DeWalt drill really struggles while my old Milwaukee right angle drill powered right through. Way more torque.

The attached pic is another reason not to right off corded tools. This is the "before pic" , notice the chuck was rusty and stuck open , i noticed this at a yard sale and got it for only $20. They still sell a similar model of right angle drill but it costs around $250

Well, the mere presence of a cord isn't what drilled the hole. I expect the amps were a factor. Was the battery powered drill some light duty compact or a similar designed joist drill?

 

[jgromada]

my drill is a top of the line 20v max from DeWalt from a few years ago. The clutch continuously slipped even at the highest torque setting. and it was only a 3/4 in hole.

 

[Terra Nova]

As mentioned corded tools still have their place, but the benefits of cordless are hard to argue with. Most sustained heavy work is best suited to corded tools, grinding, circular saw, recip saw, etc.

Recently though, I was running a 4" hole saw in the plastic sump pump cover to add an inspection hole. My Milwaukee M18 1/2" drill wouldn't do it, kept shutting off. Soooo broke out the 20+ yr old Dewalt 1/2" corded wrist breaker and chewed through it without issue (that thing still makes my shoulder hurt just looking at ).

The introduction of 1/4" cordless impact drivers was the true death knell of corded 3/8 drills

 

[MushCreek]

I've had pro-level corded tools for much of my 67 years, and still have them. When I started building our house, I bought various M18 tools. I built our entire house using cordless tools. We have 9 acres, with projects all over the place. Cordless tools are a real game-changer for a place like ours. It's interesting to note that since I bought the M18 tools, the corded tools NEVER come out. Ever. I have 7 batteries, although none of the big ones currently available. My biggest batteries are 5 ah. Obviously, corded tools have their place. All of my stationary tools are corded. I have a very nice 1/2" router that is corded. I agree that a corded angle grinder makes sense. When I'm cutting and welding and grinding, I'm at it for hours. I find the M18 circular saw does everything I need; same for the SawZall. Same for drills, drivers, and impact.

 

[finn]

I've had pro-level corded tools for much of my 67 years, and still have them. When I started building our house, I bought various M18 tools. I built our entire house using cordless tools. We have 9 acres, with projects all over the place. Cordless tools are a real game-changer for a place like ours. It's interesting to note that since I bought the M18 tools, the corded tools NEVER come out. Ever. I have 7 batteries, although none of the big ones currently available. My biggest batteries are 5 ah. Obviously, corded tools have their place. All of my stationary tools are corded. I have a very nice 1/2" router that is corded. I agree that a corded angle grinder makes sense. When I'm cutting and welding and grinding, I'm at it for hours. I find the M18 circular saw does everything I need; same for the SawZall. Same for drills, drivers, and impact.

Pretty much the same here. I keep stumbling across perfectly functional corded drills, saws, and Sanders I have accumulated since the seventies.

I never use them as long as I have a cordless equivalent. Maybe time to make a trip to Habitat to drop off the old corded tools.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Both corded (saws and grinder, hammer and SDS drills for concrete/mixing) and cordless for all others. The best you can afford corded and cordless tools are important for serious DIY projects. Will probably have to replace within 10 years more excuse to buy tools.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

There are a few different XR kits. Not that important.

Either way, good luck with it.

Oh. I dont know they're so similar I don't know how to describe the differences.

 

[bassJAM]

I've noticed the more cordless tools I have, the more I put off small tasks that I need to do with a corded tool. Right now my wife wants a few things hung in our screened in porch and I've been procrastinating because it'll take more time to get out my corded hammer drill and extension cord than it will take to drill the holes. She's been bugging me about this for 4 weeks now!

 

[subroc]

Oh. I dont know they're so similar I don't know how to describe the differences.

Well, I like to use the kit number on the box of the model number on each of the tools.

 

[Meursault74]

I don't have any cordless power tools. I only use power tools in my garage or around the house. I've always managed to plug in with an extension cord.

If I had to be mobile or work on a job site, matters would be different though.

When I'm looking for a new tool, I still look only at corded. I had used some battery operated tools in the past and I had issues with longevity of the battery/charge. I know they've improved over the years, but for my personal use there is little incentive for me to ditch the cord.

 

[Bert_]

I've got nice cordless stuff in the service trucks, Milwaukee some Hilti. No way would I buy anything more than a drill and impact for home use. I'm fine with needing a cord for most stuff.

 

[quickfarms]

I have both corded and cordless tools

of my corded stuff only the mag drill and grinders are still used all of the time

my two worm drive skill saws and all of my Milwaukee hand drills are seldom used

I started with the makita 12v stick batteries and about 15 years ago I picked up a used 18v lithium ion drill and now have multiple tools using that battery

batteries can be recelled to bring there performance back to new

 

[Doc1976]

I don't have a single cordless tool. Really the only cordless tool necessary is a drill mainly out of convenience. You run outside real quick and hang something on the fence and be done.

Now with that being said I still have the two dewalt corded drills I bought like 17 years ago. Looks like they still make the models changing nothing other than adding rubber on the handle. So my point is what is the lifespan if I went out and bought a 20v drill and a 20v 1/4" impact driver. Those are sweet btw. The reason I never bought these cordless tools is because I always figured after a couple years they'll change the battery design and you'll have to buy a new tool. Opinions?

Buy a quality brand and you shouldn't have to worry too much about them becoming obsolete soon. But if you decide to buy, be sure to buy the latest technology to help ensure this. As others have said, you will be quite surprised at the power. I run a Dewalt 20v hamner drill/driver, 1/4" hex impact and 3/8 square drive impact as well as a 6-1/2 circular saw. Love them. As far as why to buy cordless, for homeowners and home shops it's all about convenience. For contractors its about not having cords and/or generators and all that's included to deal with on the jobsite.

To simplify, just pick a cordless tool that you can employ for the next project and go buy it. It's only money. Buy a quality brand. If you don't see a benefit after using it for the project don't buy anymore.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless Hammer Drill/Impact 2 Tool Combo Kit with (1) 4.0Ah Battery and (1) 2.0Ah Battery DCK287D1M1 - The Home Depot

Fasten any type of metal parts together at ease with the help of this DEWALT MAX XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Drill or Impact Combo Kit.

www.homedepot.com

This is the kit I bought

 

[Doc1976]

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless Hammer Drill/Impact 2 Tool Combo Kit with (1) 4.0Ah Battery and (1) 2.0Ah Battery DCK287D1M1 - The Home Depot

Fasten any type of metal parts together at ease with the help of this DEWALT MAX XR Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Drill or Impact Combo Kit.

www.homedepot.com

This is the kit I bought

Good choice

 

[littlelebowski]

I’ve got five acres, the M12 line handles much of it, sometimes I bust out the M18 blower or circular saw.

 

[ChevyEFI]

A long time ago, I used to think corded should be bought first. Then, cordless if really needed.

I don't know wtf I was thinking. My corded drill sits. My corded dremel sits. My corded leaf blower sits. I don't break out the hedge trimmer because it's corded.

Get over having more power. You'll get more work done with cordless. The Bosch Core drill and driver, and a few M18 Fuel tools so have been money well spent for me.

 

[Rickster]

I’m at about 90% cordless now. Mostly Milwaukee 12v and some Ryobi 18v. I like the ease of use for projects, just grab and go. Not being tied to a cord is a huge plus for me. I can’t imagine going back to a compressor and air hose for installing crown or baseboards.… Or having that heavy coiled cord pull my Dremel across the workbench every time I set it down…. Or getting to end of your cord when using the leaf blower or trimmer…. Love my cordless tools!

 

[Showkey]

Have not used a corded drill or sawsall is years.

Same for 1/2” 3/8“ air impacts or air ratchets.

Retiring my limb loppers as well:



My air cut off wheel will be getting less use too: