Cordless Tools vs. Other Options

[sea2summit]

Throwing this out incase anyone is looking but TSC has some killer deals on makita and dewalt right now. I got two 4ah batteries+charger with a cordless grinder for 179 out the door. Couldn't believe it, normal price for the batteries at Home depot is over $250.

 

[deezler]

^ a dewalt grinder, you mean?

This bad boy? This price is better than the bare battery alone. Free tool! hmmmmm

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-20v-grinder-kit-1-battery-dcg412p1?cm_vc=-10005

 

[sea2summit]

Makita, I already have some of their tools. I'm a red and teal tool guy.

Oddly my corded tools are mostly yellow. Go figure.

ETA, FWIW that grinder is free when you buy a dewalt "driver kit" tool/bat/charger $199.

 

[deezler]

Gotcha, thanks. I'm heavily invested in the Dewalt 20v line; want a cordless grinder but I hate how their cheaper ones are all like 2 feet long. Can imagine many a scenario where it wouldn't fit inside of a vehicle or other application.

 

[DGZRT]

I think once your have used the new Lithium powered Milwaukee tools its hard to go back ! Mine hold a good charge for months. The ease and convenience of cordless is impossible to beat If your out in the field or woods . The only Milwaukee tool I don't use that much would be the Skil saw . A corded one is better. Now the Saws all is a different story the cordless seems just as good as the corded. I just ask for tools for X-mas every year and the wife likes that answer Best thing to do is have multiple chargers in different locations . That way I never run out of power.

I just bought a cordless Grinder and its awesome ! Used it to cut bricks on my last job and it worked well . I think if I was grinding welds or metal the corded one would be better. Everything depends on the type of job your doing ...

 

[bdhsfz6]

IMO, cordless tools are far more convenient than their corded counterparts. They are also safer to use outdoors in wet environments. As another poster mentioned, extension cords are also shock and tripping hazards. The new lithium batteries hold their charge many times longer than the old NiCd's and have no memory effect. That means they can be charged after every use without worrying about loosing capacity. They are much lighter as well.

I've now converted 95% of my power tools to cordless. I have 6 wall mounted chargers which I keep on a timer. Whenever I've finished with one, I stick in a charger and turn on the timer for an hour or so. That way, I always have a bank of 6, fully charged at all times.



These power tool batteries can also be used for a variety of purposes. Using these adapters, you can even make your own tools:



No need to buy a portable floodlight when you can make one from some aluminum channel, a drawer handle and an old tractor work light. The possible uses for these tool batteries are almost endless, especially in situations where extension cords aren't practical.



I use them to power portable tractor cameras and even the display. They can be placed almost anywhere without any wiring:



I even use one to power the brakes in my utility trailer since I can never keep the one on the trailer charged.

 

[Root Cause]

I'm a Dewalt guy and like their stuff. Once you commit to a color, the cost makes it hard to change. If I were starting over, I would switch to Makita. I contracted for a heavy industry manufacturer and they used them exclusively on the factory floor. I was surprised but the techs all confirmed that it was based on durability and toughness not cheapness or a special with Makita.

 

[Torvy]

Remember when all of our cordless power tools were diesel? Oops, wrong thread.

On a more serious note, oldest son (ChemE) will be 25 on Halloween. He has no tools and wants some..specifically power tools. He lives in an apartment and likes it that way. All I can think of is a drill and maybe a reciprocating saw. The sets all have useless junk, imho.

 

[CoyPatton]

Lithium batteries do seem to run stronger and longer in addition to being lighter in weight than their NiCd or NiMH counterparts. The downside to me is that while in use there seems to be no slow down or tapering off of power when they run out. They transition instantly from good to dead. With the older batteries I knew when charge was getting low.

While it is true that you get basically no indication that the Li-ion battery is near dead, when it goes it is near depleted. Thus the potential for a surface charge of the battery is almost completely eliminated.
This can be considered an advantage or a disadvantage, typically depending upon how many ‘charged’ batteries you own.
Watch for your brand choice to be on sale, until you have a good supply of batteries and chargers on hand avoid tool only purchases.
Personally 2 batteries and 1 charger, means you need more of both

 

[Bearsixty7]

I like having 3 batteries in rotation, one in use, one cooling, one charging.

And I can use any of my 18V Milwaukee tools for much longer than it takes one to charge.