Battery Powered Tools Buying Guide

Cordless tools powered by batteries have come a long way since the first iterations were shrugged off by tradies of all sorts in favour of their corded cousins. The trend in downsizing has also played its part here, where once large tools powered off the grid are being replaced at a rapid rate by cordless tools. So, what makes battery power so popular? 

First, it’s that battery technology has much improved, and continues to do so. This allows for smaller yet more powerful batteries, things that we see more often today, like in EVs or the batteries powering mobile devices. Batteries are increasing their output without getting any bigger providing the tools of today with comparable or more power to their corded counterparts. 

Next, it’s the form factor – with no cords straggling behind you, you can use the tool anywhere you want. Good for new construction sites, or any place where there’s no power outlet. Extension cords are just that long. 

Lastly, you get improved safety. There’ll be no tripping or unintentionally damaging cords, or shocks from faulty outlets. An interesting array of advantages has put battery powered tools in the hands of all tradesmen. 

Types of Battery Powered Tools  

Battery-powered tools are replacing not just traditional corded tools, but also ones that have relied on fuel or air to work. And also, old hand tools that need a bit more muscle. You’ll see electric mowers, chainsaws and trimmers in gardens, nail guns in floor installation, and jigsaws and drills in carpentry. Based on where and how they’re used, cordless power tools can be sorted into two general groups: Construction and garden tools.  

Battery Powered Construction Tools 

This category encompasses a large set of different tools for different uses. And this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re used only at construction sites. Small cordless tools are good for general repairs around the house, in hobbies like woodworking, or anything in need of a quick fix. They’ll be more than adequate to finish the job easily. And you can find the right tool for any task at hand.  

• Sanders – To get the best finishes in wood, you need to sand the rough parts. There are belt sanders for the large wood sections, orbital sanders for general sanding, and small palm sanders to tend to the delicate stuff.  They can be used on other surfaces besides wood, like metals and hard plastics, and even come in handy for polishing the car. All are fitted with brushless battery-powered motors able to last a day’s work. 
  
• Saws – Saws cut through any material. Use a cordless circular saw to cut large planks or sheets of metal; a jigsaw for fine detailed cuts in wood, metal or plastic; mitre saws for angled cuts in large bulky materials, and reciprocating saws to cut into plasterboard and wood around doors or windows. Some blades are interchangeable, meaning you can get different types of cuts from one tool.  
  
• Grinders – Angle grinders are handheld cordless tools used to remove excess materials. This could be anything from wood, metal, plastic, ceramics etc. They’re even good for cutting into concrete and marble, with the right circular attachment. Die grinders are used in polishing metal, sharpening blades, removing rust and tool machining.  
  
• Drills – This is probably the most diverse category, with so many types of drills and drill bits. There are small screwdriver drills and drill drivers for tightening loosened screws in the home, impact and heavy-duty hammer drills for drilling into hard surfaces like concrete and bricks at greater depths, or for attaching large bolts and nuts, and demolition drills for breaking concrete or asphalt. A cordless drill is a tool you’ll want in most cases for small house repairs.  

Other cordless tools include nail guns, for driving nails into wood floors, or for repairing chipped furniture and doors.  

Battery Powered Garden Tools 

There is a range of powered tools used in the garden. Apart from electric lawnmowers, which are gaining in sales over traditional petrol mowers, you’ll find handheld leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws and whipper snippers. Here too there are durable batteries with comparable output to petrol or corded tools. Most manufacturers offer interchangeable batteries, meaning you can use them across different tools.  

What to Look for in Battery Powered Tools 

When buying your next battery-powered tool there are a few things to consider. First is the type of motor. Either older brushed or newer brushless motors are found in the same type of tool, but with different price tags. Brushless motors have more of everything, more power, more work time and more durability. They also cost more, but if you can make the leap, they’re definitely worth it. 

Next are the batteries, which are rated at 20 volts maximum in the US, or 18 volts nominal rating everywhere else. Both offer the same output, just sold under different marketing hype. Tools are sold either ‘bare’ or without batteries, or packaged with one or more batteries and a charger. You can save some money and buy bare if you have other tools and batteries from the same brand. Otherwise, packaged deals make more sense for first-time buyers. 

And lastly, consider features and accessories. Things like variable speed settings for all tools, depth ratings in drills, and general adjustability will help in getting the job done quicker. Accessories like different kinds of drill bits, blades, sanding paper, grinding discs as well as dust removal bags are all necessary. Get the right accessory for your task. Battery-powered tools for construction are available in all hardware stores at reasonable prices. Gardening tools are sold at major gardening outlets and most hardware shops.