Corded or cordless? This is a question we get asked every day and the answer depends entirely on your needs.
A cordless power tool will suffice for most casual applications, while a corded tool might be preferable for more prolonged projects. Here are things to consider when trying to decide between cordless versus corded tools.
How long does a battery last? Battery time can vary depending on the type of tool, type of battery, and the demands you put on each – you may get as little as a few minutes of working time, or as much time as you need to complete your project. There are many factors at play here and no good way to answer this question without knowing more about your needs. The best answer we can give is that a bigger battery will obviously last longer than a smaller one. We always recommend having at least two batteries for any given tool, so you can always be charging one while the other is in use – that way, you don’t need to worry about losing valuable time due to a dead battery.
So why not go corded? This is the solution for a lot of people – corded tools are more dependable if only because you never need to worry about your battery going flat before you finish what you’re doing, and you can get almost anywhere on the job site with a corded tool, as long as you have a long enough extension cord. For some, however, being tethered to a power outlet is too inconvenient, or a job site can be without power and rely entirely on the workers to have cordless tools. Our best answer to this question is to figure out your needs and work within them.
What about weight? A cordless tool is going to be heavier than its corded counterpart, due to the added weight of the battery. For some, this is a negligible issue, but others prefer corded tools for this reason alone. If you’re going to be working with a tool all day, you may want something lightweight to ease fatigue. Keep in mind that a cordless tool with a smaller battery may level the playing field in this case.
Durability? The lifetime of a tool depends on so many factors. A corded tool may last longer than a cordless one if properly used and stored. Many people still have corded tools they’ve been using for decades, in fact. However, cords can also complicate matters, as it’s another point of potential fault with an otherwise healthy tool. If you do decide to go corded, make sure to store your tools in a way that does not put unnecessary pressure on the cord and be mindful of any fraying or exposed wires.
Which is more powerful? That depends. We always suggest that you check the specs on any tool you plan to purchase. Each tool will have pros and cons associated with it, depending on your needs. Whether a tool is corded or cordless is less of an issue these days in terms of power, and as battery technology advances, this question is becoming a moot point.
What about convenience? A cordless tool is more convenient for many people because you don’t have to worry about dragging the cord around, tripping over it, or creating hazards on a job site or in your home. You never have to worry about whether you can reach an outlet, either – for people who are working in locations without electricity, a cordless tool will be your best option. When it comes to convenience, cords are always going to be less convenient than cordless.
So which is right for me? Unfortunately, we can’t answer this question for you. There are scenarios where you might benefit from all corded tools or all cordless tools. There are some people who prefer a mixture of both; reserving cordless capabilities for tools that are more mobile, like a drill or driver, and keeping corded saws and sanders. In some cases, people have two of each tool; one cordless, and one corded.
If you’re still not sure, give us a call and chat with one of our helpful sales staff. We can answer your questions and help you decide which option is best for your specific needs.
