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USB powered tools, post them

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ching0n

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A while back, I went w/the skil 12v pwrcore platform in part because they had USB outputs in their batteries and chargers. Recently I've gotten a few USB charging li-ion tools for convenience and some declutter. Seems like these devices are perfect to keep inside the house or the glove box.

I must not be the only one thinking it as I see Ryobi released a line now (soldering iron, box cutter, screwdriver, foam cutter, glue gun, etc...). These are mine so far:

Rotary tool turned tungsten grinder & screwdriver kit. pwrcore 12 batteries to power usb devices (mostly used as phone batt. bank)

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oldschoolcraft

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funny, i had been procrastinating picking a battery brand to go with when I decided to upgrade my power tools s few years Ago. What pushed me over the edge to the M12 system is they make a light that takes any m12 battery and it has a USB-A port that lets you charge a phone off it.

This means I could turn all of my power tool batteries into an emergency power kit. At the time I hadn’t seen it on other tools when I looked, this was around 2018 or so
 
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ching0n

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oldschoolcraft said:
funny, i had been procrastinating picking a battery brand to go with when I decided to upgrade my power tools s few years Ago. What pushed me over the edge to the M12 system is they make a light that takes any m12 battery and it has a USB-A port that lets you charge a phone off it.

This means I could turn all of my power tool batteries into an emergency power kit. At the time I hadn’t seen it on other tools when I looked, this was around 2018 or so
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I think most platforms have a USB adapter for their batteries now too. I picked on for my 24v kobalts for like 10$ years ago but it's a pain always having to swap it out. That plus the 12v batteries actually fit in my pocket.
 
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PelicanPines

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I have a great desktop fan that is rechargeable via usb... Will run indefinitely when USB is plugged in. I love having a fan blowing on me.

I have a dozen flashlight that are recharged with USB.

My nebulizer uses an M12 battery that can also be recharged via USB.

I have a small desklamp too... Also a book light.
 
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KnurledNut

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That DeWalt charger looks very handy. Only downside I immediately see is the lack of a cooling fan.
 
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KnurledNut

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mike93lx said:
It's comparable in charge rate to the basic Dewalt chargers, which don't have a fan.
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Im aware. Spoiled by my DeWalt fast charger and Makita chargers. I get that it doesnt make sense for this one. Although with its HO capability, probably wouldnt have hurt.
 
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ching0n

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WWheeler said:
Astro 52SL lights on their USB-C wireless charging base.

Astro-52SLC.jpg
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Man, induction is real handy in the workshop. Imagine your screwdriver or socket wrench being like that? I wonder how durability is on those? I saw a PF video testing the HF and brand names and was actually surprised they didn't all behave like they came out of the same China shop.
 
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WWheeler

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ching0n said:
Man, induction is real handy in the workshop. Imagine your screwdriver or socket wrench being like that? I wonder how durability is on those? I saw a PF video testing the HF and brand names and was actually surprised they didn't all behave like they came out of the same China shop.
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I've been using them for more than 2 years now non-stop. When one's battery gets low I stick it back to the base and grab the other in less than a second. They've already long outlasted an Astro 42SL and 2 Harbor Freight led lights, all that needed a usb micro plug to charge, and it's always the plug that is what goes bad on those lights in my shop. Dirt and grease gets in there and in no time at all I can't charge it any more. Both of the HF lights never made it close to 1yr before they were dead to me.

I LUV these Astro wireless charging lights. I will never ever buy another mechanic's light that needs a cord to charge even if it costs 1/10th as much it aint worth it.

Astro 52SL 60 second review from Eric O. : "Great great light"

 
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