On a Tight Budget? Consider Corded Tools.

[Garcky]

A few years ago, when looking at all of the cordless tools available out there, and their cost, I made a decision. While I have a cordless drill, that's it. Instead, I bought a 100' 12-ga. extension cord. Then, I bought corded tools, usually at garage sales and other places. It seemed like people were switching to cordless, and there were some real bargains out there. Really, I never looked back. The extension cord reached every part of my city lot property. So, whether it was a chain saw, leaf blower, reciprocating saw, or even a lawnmower, I spent less on tools and just had to drag the extension cord to where I needed to work. If I needed better mobility, like with a string trimmer, I'd just take a lighter extension cord with me to plug into the big one.

My big-*** 1/2" hammer drill could drill through anything. The Skil Saw could eat up whatever I had to cut. And so on.

Now, that might not be your choice, but that was my choice. I've never regretted it and have found some outstanding power tools dirt cheap. It's a money-saving option that might be worth considering.

 

[Handyandy23]

If you're buying used tools then it's probably a lot easier to find corded tools at an affordable price.

If you're buying new, I'm not sure there's a big cost difference once you have the batteries and charger. Just glancing on Amazon, a DeWalt hammer drill is around $200 new whether it's corded or cordless. The big cost in cordless tools is when you have to buy them as "kits" with batteries, bare tools are pretty competitively priced with corded.

 

[Boogerman]

Not for save money but do work better, I same. Have cordless, for when they're appropriate. But, worm drive saw, reciprocating saw, 14" concrete saw, wet granite saw, angle grinder, screw gun, SDS Impact, spline impact, routers, granite polisher, miter saws, buffers, random orbit and pad sanders, etc corded. Batteries have gotten better and smaller, but cordless still lack capability and clumsy use sometimes. Some tools just better; like old bosch jigsaws. Some like miter saws, concrete saws, sanders; batteries just not enough power. Big drill bits or lots holes, use corded instead change batteries every 8 minutes. Lots bolts remove use air impact, not cordless. Drywall screws or big screw jobs, use drywall screw gun, work better and faster than cordless. Electric or air die grinder when have grind/cut lots; cordless when only tiny job. Foredom flex shaft large polish/grind job; cordless dremel tiny job.

Both kinds tools have place, not either/or situation. Like having fixed and ratcheting wrenches; 6 point and 12 point sockets, 1/4" and 1/2" drive ratchet/sockets sets. Chrome or impact sockets. Hobby or homeowner guy can limp by with just one to save money; guy uses for serious work gets wide assortment to fit work and make money efficiently.

 

[Davefr]

A few years ago, when looking at all of the cordless tools available out there, and their cost, I made a decision. While I have a cordless drill, that's it. Instead, I bought a 100' 12-ga. extension cord. Then, I bought corded tools, usually at garage sales and other places. It seemed like people were switching to cordless, and there were some real bargains out there. Really, I never looked back. The extension cord reached every part of my city lot property. So, whether it was a chain saw, leaf blower, reciprocating saw, or even a lawnmower, I spent less on tools and just had to drag the extension cord to where I needed to work. If I needed better mobility, like with a string trimmer, I'd just take a lighter extension cord with me to plug into the big one.

My big-*** 1/2" hammer drill could drill through anything. The Skil Saw could eat up whatever I had to cut. And so on.

Now, that might not be your choice, but that was my choice. I've never regretted it and have found some outstanding power tools dirt cheap. It's a money-saving option that might be worth considering.

I've never understood the passion for everything to be cordless. I also prefer a mix of corded and cordless. For some tasks you spend more time babysitting batteries and chargers then you do plugging in the extension cord.

 

[Garcky]

If you're buying used tools then it's probably a lot easier to find corded tools at an affordable price.

If you're buying new, I'm not sure there's a big cost difference once you have the batteries and charger. Just glancing on Amazon, a DeWalt hammer drill is around $200 new whether it's corded or cordless. The big cost in cordless tools is when you have to buy them as "kits" with batteries, bare tools are pretty competitively priced with corded.

For tools I won't use regularly, I try to buy used. It's easy enough to check a used corded tool before handing over the cash. For tools I use frequently, I do buy new, and buy brands I trust.

Still, by preference, I prefer corded tools in general. I make an exception for 3/8" drills. Having cordless in that tool is valuable and, since it gets used as a fastener driver even more than as a drill, the extra portability is a plus. However, if I need to drill a 1/2" hole in a boat trailer frame, I drag out the extension cord and get the job done faster with a corded drill.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Unless you're buying Milwaukee for everything, corded vs cordless feels like a wash. Ryobi is a pretty good "homeowner" brand for homeowner jobs.

We bought our first house a couple years ago. For the stuff around here, it's been hard to justify corded tools. Ryobi works fine. That said, I wish a corded trimmer was practical here. We've got just over an acre (in the country where stuff is cheap), with a lot of fence. Cord isn't long enough. I'm not digging the gas trimmer I bought.

In the shop, I still cheerfully drag an airline around when the M12 can't hack it.

-Ryan

 

[Garcky]

Unless you're buying Milwaukee for everything, corded vs cordless feels like a wash. Ryobi is a pretty good "homeowner" brand for homeowner jobs.

We bought our first house a couple years ago. For the stuff around here, it's been hard to justify corded tools. Ryobi works fine. That said, I wish a corded trimmer was practical here. We've got just over an acre (in the country where stuff is cheap), with a lot of fence. Cord isn't long enough. I'm not digging the gas trimmer I bought.

In the shop, I still cheerfully drag an airline around when the M12 can't hack it.

-Ryan

I hear you! The day my gas-powered Poulan chainsaw wouldn't start after about 20 pulls was the day I bought a 14' corded one. Strictly for homeowner use on a regular city lot, though. But that thing cut far better than the Poulan.

The only thing I ever missed about working on cars as a job was easy access to air. Pneumatics rule! I never had a reason to install a big enough compressor at home, though. I ended up giving my pneumatic tools to a nephew who went into the auto repair field.

 

[nh_yota]

I can reach every inch of my city lot with a 50' extension cord. Up until last year the only cordless tools I had were a drill and impact driver, and that's purely out of convenience because I'm 10x more likely to use a drill than a saw.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I will say for me as a gc cordless saves time and money plus not having to deal with extension cords is huge. Safety gets a little carried away with cords, tools, gfis, to the point of ridiculous sometimes. Charger plugged into gfi, tool can operate freely anywhere with appropriate guards and ppe. Cordless has changed the jobsite, and for the better. We still use plenty of corded tools but I avoid them as much as possible.

 

[Garcky]

I will say for me as a gc cordless saves time and money plus not having to deal with extension cords is huge. Safety gets a little carried away with cords, tools, gfis, to the point of ridiculous sometimes. Charger plugged into gfi, tool can operate freely anywhere with appropriate guards and ppe. Cordless has changed the jobsite, and for the better. We still use plenty of corded tools but I avoid them as much as possible.

Well, as usual, I'm talking about DIY users, really. I get the advantage of cordless if you're on the job, for sure.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Well, as usual, I'm talking about DIY users, really. I get the advantage of cordless if you're on the job, for sure.

Even at home everything is cordless, even sold my dewalt corded track saw and got a cordless one. I agree you can get by on a budget with corded for home use but time is money especially at home. I consider time working at home as premium time, I have so little of it, anything that helps is worth it. I hate the thought of dragging out cords and a compressor and than putting it all away. I even went with a cordless table saw and miter saw, never looked back.

 

[Newell33]

Before lithium-ion I would have agreed with you to some extent. With today's battery technology, I can do almost anything I need to do on a 5.0 or 9.0ah Milwaukee battery. The freedom of not having a cord to drag around or to move out of the way is worth its weight in gold to me.

 

[subroc]

I would have and use a battery powered tool for every job over a corded tool without question or reservation except shop equipment like table saw, drill press, miter saw, band saw, table mounted routers, etc. These days, i am just a home use DIYer. Of course corded tools can do the job. To some just starting out, brushless is a must. Apparently brushed tools are inferior and not worth owning. How anyone chooses to tool up is up to them. If budget, or convenience, or remote work or task or all of the many things that drive a guy to select corded or cordless, home owner grade or a top professional line of tools, who cares. I have mostly cordless tools. Very little is corded these days. But, the extension cord is still plugged in, wound and hanging just inside the garage door.

 

[Garcky]

Even at home everything is cordless, even sold my dewalt corded track saw and got a cordless one. I agree you can get by on a budget with corded for home use but time is money especially at home. I consider time working at home as premium time, I have so little of it, anything that helps is worth it. I hate the thought of dragging out cords and a compressor and than putting it all away. I even went with a cordless table saw and miter saw, never looked back.

That makes sense, too. It's something everyone needs to think about, I guess.

 

[Garcky]

Before lithium-ion I would have agreed with you to some extent. With today's battery technology, I can do almost anything I need to do on a 5.0 or 9.0ah Milwaukee battery. The freedom of not having a cord to drag around or to move out of the way is worth its weight in gold to me.

Yeah, but a 9 ah battery costs almost as much as the tool, so budget-conscious folks might not opt for that extra cost. It's time vs. money, as usual, I guess.

 

[subroc]

BTW, anyone use a corded work light or flashlight for anything in the last 20 or 25 years?

 

[duneslider]

What's interesting is I have corded and cordless versions of most of my commonly used tools and I have stacks of heavy and light extension cords. With a few exceptions I will grab the cordless version every time. The only corded tools I regularly use are an SDS rotary hammer drill, heavy mixing drill, mitersaw, and tablesaw. I have multiple outlets on every side of my house. I have a very nice worm drive saw that I will probably never touch again because the cordless version is that good. I would sell the corded tools but like you said they sell for so little I can't justify selling and will just keep them on the shelf up high taking up space.

Now, I would certainly be fine to use a corded sawzall, jig saw, sander, etc but I will say I don't miss cords at all. I mean I have a very nice bosch jigsaw on the shelf that I may not ever use again. However, when a neighbor asks if they can borrow a ????? I say sure and hand them a corded version and I really don't care if something happens.

What is also funny is the only tools that I have "burned up" have been corded tools. I have smoked a couple corded milwaukee drills and a skill mag 77 but thus far none of my cordless tools have gone up in smoke and once I bought a quality cordless brand even the batteries last a really really long time before going bad, I mean I have 10+ year old batteries still working.

 

[duneslider]

BTW, anyone use a corded work light or flashlight for anything in the last 20 or 25 years?

I have a few corded lights that get a lot of use when light for extended periods of time is needed but for most tasks the cordless lights get grabbed first.

 

[Garcky]

I would have and use a battery powered tool for every job over a corded tool without question or reservation except shop equipment like table saw, drill press, miter saw, band saw, table mounted routers, etc. These days, i am just a home use DIYer. Of course corded tools can do the job. To some just starting out, brushless is a must. Apparently brushed tools are inferior and not worth owning. How anyone chooses to tool up is up to them. If budget, or convenience, or remote work or task or all of the many things that drive a guy to select corded or cordless, home owner grade or a top professional line of tools, who cares. I have mostly cordless tools. Very little is corded these days. But, the extension cord is still plugged in, wound and hanging just inside the garage door.

It can be a tough call, you're right. Still, I generally choose a less-expensive corded tool, except for tools I use constantly. For example, I needed to cut a 12 x 14" hole in an exterior wall at my previous house to install a dog door. I didn't know what was behind the siding and drywall. So, an oscillating multi tool was the best choice. But I rarely need such a tool. Almost never, in fact. So, I drove up to HF and bought a corded one, one step up from the cheapest one they had. I also bought a set of blades for it. Very inexpensive. It worked great and did that job perfectly. I haven't used it since, though. It's just not a tool I need most of the time.

Now, it sits on a shelf above my work table. If I need it, it will be there, ready to plug into my extension cord. A cordless one would have been a poor choice for my needs.

 

[Garcky]

What's interesting is I have corded and cordless versions of most of my commonly used tools and I have stacks of heavy and light extension cords. With a few exceptions I will grab the cordless version every time. The only corded tools I regularly use are an SDS rotary hammer drill, heavy mixing drill, mitersaw, and tablesaw. I have multiple outlets on every side of my house. I have a very nice worm drive saw that I will probably never touch again because the cordless version is that good. I would sell the corded tools but like you said they sell for so little I can't justify selling and will just keep them on the shelf up high taking up space.

Now, I would certainly be fine to use a corded sawzall, jig saw, sander, etc but I will say I don't miss cords at all. I mean I have a very nice bosch jigsaw on the shelf that I may not ever use again. However, when a neighbor asks if they can borrow a ????? I say sure and hand them a corded version and I really don't care if something happens.

What is also funny is the only tools that I have "burned up" have been corded tools. I have smoked a couple corded milwaukee drills and a skill mag 77 but thus far none of my cordless tools have gone up in smoke and once I bought a quality cordless brand even the batteries last a really really long time before going bad, I mean I have 10+ year old batteries still working.

Frankly, I can't really afford two of any tool, really. I wish I could.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have a few cordless things. Drill, impact driver, grease gun, and caulk gun. Oh, and a 2" finish nailer. But those are the things I drag all over the property. Everything else needs a cord or a hose.

 

[1982fxr]

Even at home everything is cordless, even sold my dewalt corded track saw and got a cordless one. I agree you can get by on a budget with corded for home use but time is money especially at home. I consider time working at home as premium time, I have so little of it, anything that helps is worth it. I hate the thought of dragging out cords and a compressor and than putting it all away. I even went with a cordless table saw and miter saw, never looked back.

This times a million.

Circular saw is only corded tool I still have.

 

[dchawk81]

Cords straight up **** and I'll avoid the hassles of using them as much as possible.

 

[Garcky]

Along the same lines, we just got 1/2" of snow here this morning. A nuisance. Light, fluffy snow. So, I plugged in my 15 year old B&D leaf blower and blew the snow off our balcony deck, front steps and sidewalk. Perfect tool for the job. it has a 15' cord permanently attached to it. For our short driveway, I'll drag out the big extension cord. I got rid of the snowblower when we downsized. The HOA contractor comes when there is 1" or more.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I prefer a mix of both since they both have their place. I like my corded SDS and my old worm drive saws. I use my Milwaukee M18 impact instead of dragging out an air hose. For a drill I’ll almost instinctively go for a cordless anymore. I just don’t need a corded 3/8” or 1/2” drill most of the time. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong about that. But sanders, jig saws, and bigger grinders are still corded for me. I’m sure in time they’ll get better and more user friendly cordless versions of these tools, but at this time it’s not worth it.

 

[Kscardsfan]

BTW, anyone use a corded work light or flashlight for anything in the last 20 or 25 years?

I use corded work lights all the time. But they are all LED, no halogen or incandescent anymore.

 

[kaymccampbell]

It can be a tough call, you're right. Still, I generally choose a less-expensive corded tool, except for tools I use constantly. For example, I needed to cut a 12 x 14" hole in an exterior wall at my previous house to install a dog door. I didn't know what was behind the siding and drywall. So, an oscillating multi tool was the best choice. But I rarely need such a tool. Almost never, in fact. So, I drove up to HF and bought a corded one, one step up from the cheapest one they had. I also bought a set of blades for it. Very inexpensive. It worked great and did that job perfectly. I haven't used it since, though. It's just not a tool I need most of the time.

Now, it sits on a shelf above my work table. If I need it, it will be there, ready to plug into my extension cord. A cordless one would have been a poor choice for my needs.

Wow. I use my oscillating cutter almost every day. I wore out two HF ones, so I shelled out for the Dewalt corded. It's head and shoulders above the HF. Now it's starting to get a bit weak. I'm not sure if I want a cordless one or not. It would mean adopting the new battery ecology. Don't have to make that decision today, it's not dead yet.

 

[Garcky]

Wow. I use my oscillating cutter almost every day. I wore out two HF ones, so I shelled out for the Dewalt corded. It's head and shoulders above the HF. Now it's starting to get a bit weak. I'm not sure if I want a cordless one or not. It would mean adopting the new battery ecology. Don't have to make that decision today, it's not dead yet.

Well, everyone has unique needs. I don't need the oscillating saw for much of anything. Really, it was a one-time-use purchase. So, it wouldn't make sense for me to buy anything but a bargain-priced one. On the other hand, it was the exact tool I needed for that single job, so...
Nothing's simple, I guess.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Along the same lines, we just got 1/2" of snow here this morning. A nuisance. Light, fluffy snow. So, I plugged in my 15 year old B&D leaf blower and blew the snow off our balcony deck, front steps and sidewalk. Perfect tool for the job. it has a 15' cord permanently attached to it. For our short driveway, I'll drag out the big extension cord. I got rid of the snowblower when we downsized. The HOA contractor comes when there is 1" or more.

Here in the country, we don't even touch it, if it's under 3".

 

[subroc]

10 years ago most of this discussion would have centered around if battery powered/cordless tools were good enough to compete with corded tools. Some would have said, the never will be good enough.

 

[Garcky]

Here in the country, we don't even touch it, if it's under 3".

I'd do that, but my wife wants it cleared. What she wants, I do, most of the time. I could sweep off the snow or push it off with the snow shovel, but the blower works great for a little bit of snow like that. I'm going with the method that takes the least time and effort, pretty much always. I'm lazy like that.

 

[dchawk81]

I'd do that, but my wife wants it cleared. What she wants, I do, most of the time. I could sweep off the snow or push it off with the snow shovel, but the blower works great for a little bit of snow like that. I'm going with the method that takes the least time and effort, pretty much always. I'm lazy like that.

What do your HOA bylaws say about snow clearing? More of a curiosity on my part than anything.

 

[Garcky]

10 years ago most of this discussion would have centered around if battery powered/cordless tools were good enough to compete with corded tools. Some would have said, the never will be good enough.

Very true! And 10 years ago, I used to get out the corded, variable speed drill to drive screws with bits. I don't do that any longer, of course. My not-so-expensive Bauer drill works just fine for that. And 10 years before that, I used a screwdriver.

Probably the next cordless tool I buy will be a 1/2" impact tool. I don't have air any longer, so it's that or the breaker bar and speed handle. that's how I'm doing it now, and it works OK, but an impact wrench would be nice. I suppose I could buy a corded one, but...

 

[kaymccampbell]

I'd do that, but my wife wants it cleared. What she wants, I do, most of the time. I could sweep off the snow or push it off with the snow shovel, but the blower works great for a little bit of snow like that. I'm going with the method that takes the least time and effort, pretty much always. I'm lazy like that.

If I wanted to clear light snow off the decks, walks, and driveway, I'd have to break out the backpack blower. Just too much area for anything smaller.

 

[Garcky]

What do your HOA bylaws say about snow clearing? More of a curiosity on my part than anything.

Well, they don't say anything, really. They contract for snow removal for driveways and spur roads, but porches and decks are the homeowner's responsibility. Our monthly dues are quite low for the area. That's part of the reason. On the other hand, this summer, our building got new siding, gutters, soffits, and trim at the HOA's expense. Looks a lot better now.

Fortunately, our HOA is not an intrusive one at all. They do what's needed, but leave us alone, pretty much.

 

[dchawk81]

Very true! And 10 years ago, I used to get out the corded, variable speed drill to drive screws with bits. I don't do that any longer, of course. My not-so-expensive Bauer drill works just fine for that. And 10 years before that, I used a screwdriver.

Probably the next cordless tool I buy will be a 1/2" impact tool. I don't have air any longer, so it's that or the breaker bar and speed handle. that's how I'm doing it now, and it works OK, but an impact wrench would be nice. I suppose I could buy a corded one, but...

You'd love a mid torque. Especially if it's mostly for tires. Nice and compact like a normal half inch pneumatic.

I'd hate life if I had to drag around a cord for an impact wrench. Plus those things are huge without the power to justify it.

 

[rooster59]

I have scratched up corded tools in original metal tool boxes from the 70's, 80's, 90's. Other than an occasional switch or cord replacement they run like new. Tons of power. My son didn't believe me when I said to be careful with a big Porter Cable drill and hole saws, be careful not to jam up and break your wrist.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Very true! And 10 years ago, I used to get out the corded, variable speed drill to drive screws with bits. I don't do that any longer, of course. My not-so-expensive Bauer drill works just fine for that. And 10 years before that, I used a screwdriver.

Probably the next cordless tool I buy will be a 1/2" impact tool. I don't have air any longer, so it's that or the breaker bar and speed handle. that's how I'm doing it now, and it works OK, but an impact wrench would be nice. I suppose I could buy a corded one, but...

I can't imagine being backed into a corner without air, or living in a HOA.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Well, they don't say anything, really. They contract for snow removal for driveways and spur roads, but porches and decks are the homeowner's responsibility. Our monthly dues are quite low for the area. That's part of the reason. On the other hand, this summer, our building got new siding, gutters, and trim at the HOA's expense. Looks a lot better now.

Fortunately, our HOA is not an intrusive one at all. They do what's needed, but leave us alone, pretty much.

For now. Wait until Karen Balbyster runs for president. Then they'll regulate the color of your **** paper.

 

[Garcky]

If I wanted to clear light snow off the decks, walks, and driveway, I'd have to break out the backpack blower. Just too much area for anything smaller.

That would work, too, of course, but I don't have one. The B&D blower is pretty powerful, really. Our driveway is just 14' long, down to the spur road for our unit. I don't do that at all. The HOA contractor does, when there's enough snow. Today, it was just 1/2", though, so it will stay until it's gone. I'm not doing it. I'm too damned old for that **** any more.