Cordless Tools
Advice on How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in Todays Crowded Marketplace
The indispensable cordless tools, how did we ever get along without them? If your cordless tools are more than a few years old maybe it is time to take a look at the new breed of tools available.
The most noticeable advancements have been in the battery life, charging time, ergonomics, and torque. If your cordless tools are more than a few years old, maybe you should consider taking a look at what’s new in the market. Over the years it’s been my experience that when it comes to cordless tools, you actually get what you pay for! This does not mean you need to purchase the most expensive tool on the shelf.
So maybe you have decided to take a look for yourself? There are many factors to consider when it comes to cordless tools. Will it be used all day long or only once in a blue moon? If you are a homeowner and only use cordless tools around the house
for minor projects and repairs, there is no need to buy the top of the line tools. However as I stated before you actually get what you pay for, with this in mind I would strongly recommend staying away from the cheaper tools.
Let’s just pretend you are driving past the local Mega-lumber/roofing/tool store when you suddenly remember you have been wanting to stop in and check out a new cordless drill. You arrive in the tool aisle and you see a 25 ft. long shelf, three levels deep, with nothing but cordless drills. Aqua blue, black, bright orange, light green, putrid green, red, yellow, amongst others which I can not identify. Where does a person start?
Here are a few ideas to help get you started. Ask your dad, brother, brother-in-law, co-worker, father-in-law, or local handyman. Still do not have an answer, then please read on.
Battery strength is one of the most important factors when choosing any cordless tool. Be wary when evaluating battery strength, higher voltage batteries are not always the best. The type of battery plays a big factor in how the drill will perform over a period of time Nick-Cad (Good), Lithium-Ion (Best). Amp/hr is where the cheaper tools fall on their face 1.4 (bad)
2.4 (good).
Chuck size is another factor in determining the purchase of a cordless drill. For the average homeowner a 3/8″ should be fine, however for heavier work a 1/2″ drill should be considered.
Torque means how hard can the drill twist, the higher the better.
Weight of the drill can actually give you a good idea of how well its built, after all, steel gears are heavier than plastic ones.
Color can also tell you quite a bit about a drill, specifically, where it is manufactured. Aqua blue (Switzerland), red (Czech), yellow (Mexico), and sometimes the name will even give it away, Nissan etc.
Aqua blue is my color of choice. I realize there is no comparison between a watch and a cordless drill, but by the same token, there is no comparison between a Swiss watch and a Chinese watch either.
I purchased a cordless tool combo-kit of the 18-volt aqua blue variety in the late summer of 2006. The bag contained a quick 30 minute charger, two 2.4 amp/hr batteries, sawzall, circular saw, flashlight, drill, and a jigsaw. I took it home and fully charged the batteries as the manufacturer recommended. Within a couple of days I had to drive approximately 1,500 3″ screws in treated lumber. My new aqua blue drill performed this task with room to spare, something that would have sucked the blood out of my yellow drill. As of this writing I have no complaints about my aqua blue tools, and would recommend them to everyone.
As far as I know there are no longer any cordless tools manufactured in America and until such a time my hat is off to the Swiss and aqua blue!
http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com
About the Author
The author of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding, from footings to ridge cap. More information is available at this website.
Craftsman C3 cordless tool line
|
|
Milwaukee 48-11-2402 12-Volt XC Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Battery $58.00 |
|
|
Bare-Tool Milwaukee 2320-20 M12 12-Volt Cordless 2-Beam Plumb Laser $102.71 |
|
|
Milwaukee 48-11-2402 M12 XC Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Battery $59.95 |
|
|
Makita 12V Max Cordless Lithium-Ion 3-3/8-in Circular Saw (Tool Only) SH01ZW NEW $39.99 |
|
|
Neiko 24V 4-1/2″ Cordless Angle Grinder Power Tool 7000RPM Quick Charge 16AMPS $81.99 |
|
|
Craftsman Nextec 12-volt Cordless Impact Driver 61189- Tool Only $49.00 |
|
|
Buffalo Tools 4.8V Cordless Palm Drill with 11 Magnetic Driver Bits NEW $31.99 |
|
|
Buffalo Tools Pro-Series 18V Cordless Drill $19.99 |
|
|
Makita BSS501 5-3/8″18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Trim Saw Tool – 18 Volt BSS501Z $179.00 |
|
|
MAKITA TOOL KIT 18 VOLT LITHIUM-ION CORDLESS DRIVER DRILL CHARGER $145.99 |
|
|
Dremel Mini Mite 4.8 2 Speed Cordless Rotary Tool 7300 $15.00 |
|
|
Craftsman 19.2V DieHard Cordless Reciprocating Saw 19.2 Volt C3 -Bare Tool only $58.95 |
|
|
Makita BTW450 18 volt cordless 1/2″ impact wrench tool used couple X’s LI-ION $177.50 |
|
|
Hitachi 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Jig Saw (Tool Only) CJ18DLP4 NEW $116.98 |
|
|
Hitachi 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) CR18DLP4 NEW $116.98 |
|
|
Hitachi 12V Peak Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit KC10DKL NEW $136.98 |
|
|
Milwaukee 0925-24 18V Four Tool Cordless Combination Ki $399.99 |
|
|
NEW DEWALT DCK440X 18 VOLT XRP 18V 4-PIECE/TOOL CORDLESS COMBO KIT $299.99 |
|
|
Makita LXFD01 18 volt cordless 1/2″ li-ion drill / driver tool NEW $56.50 |
|
|
Makita SH01Z 12-10.8v Li-Ion Compact Cordless Circular Saw 3-3/8″ (Tool Only) $75.36 |
|
|
PEN SHAPED CORDLESS BUTANE GAS SOLDERING IRON TOOL NEW $3.58 |
|
|
PEN SHAPED CORDLESS BUTANE GAS SOLDERING IRON TOOL NEW $3.58 |
|
|
RIDGID R9651 18 Volt Hyper-Lithium 5-Tool Cordless Combo Kit X4 18V Piece NEW $399.99 |
|
|
Bosch PS50 Multi-X Cordless Carpenter Oscillating Tool Litheon 10.8/12V NEW!!! $189.99 |
|
|
NEW CORDLESS DRILL HOLSTER TOOL BELT HOLDER HEAVY DUTY $3.58 |
|
|
Makita LXDG01 18V 1/4″ LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Die Angle Grinder Tool Kit $349.00 |
|
|
AS IS Ridgid 18V NiCad or Lithium Ion Cordless Tool Battery Charger R840093 $4.99 |
|
|
Stout Tool STX-250C X-Band Cordless Band Saw Kit With Cutting Station $167.59 |
|
|
CEL Multi2PRO Replacement Li-Ion Battery for Cordless Multi-Tool – 10.8V $29.99 |
|
|
Ridgid X3 18V Cordless Power Tool Kit R86230 Impactg Driver R864 Reciprocating $46.00 |
|
|
DEWALT DCK425C 4-Tool 18-Volt Cordless Combo Kit Brand New!!!! $239.99 |
|
|
Makita LXDG01 18V 1/4″ LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Die Grinder Tool – LXDG01Z $179.00 |
|
|
Rotary tool cordless fits dremel bits polisher grinder carve cut sand pet nail $4.99 |
|
|
rotary tool cordless $10.00 |
|
|
DeWalt DCD710S2 12V Li-Ion 3/8″ Cordless Drill/Driver & TOOL BAG $64.99 |
|
|
ONE HITACHI WH 18DL CORDLESS IMPACT PLASTIC TOOL CASE $20.00 |
|
|
ONE HITACHI WR 18DL CORDLESS IMPACT PLASTIC TOOL CASE $20.00 |
|
|
Cordless Butane Gas Soldering Iron Pen Shape Tool $12.97 |
|
|
DeWALT 18 Volt 18V Cordless Tool Plastic Case Holds Drill & Impact Driver 4 Pack $14.99 |
|
|
Weller Portasol Cordless Butane Soldering Tool $88.98 |
|
|
Milwaukee 2426-22 M12 Cordless Multi-Tool Moto Tool Kit $149.99 |
|
|
Trademark Tools 18V Cordless Drill Set With Keyless Chuck Pozidrive AndTorx Bits $77.99 |
|
|
COLEMAN COLD HEAT CORDLESS SOLDERING TOOL W/WIRE STRIPPER CUTTER IN CASE $12.50 |
|
|
COLDHEAT CORDLESS SOLDERING TOOL IN CASE WITH TIP & INSTRUCTIONS $4.99 |
|
|
BRAND NEW FACTORY SEALED MILWAUKEE 2696-24 M18 CORDLESS 4-TOOL COMBO KIT $369.95 |
|
|
Mastercraft cordless rotary tool kit $24.99 |
|
|
Cordless DC Circuit Tester – Automotive Electrical Tool $8.58 |
|
|
Milwaukee 6515-20 18V Sawzall Cordless Reciprocating Saw Bare Tool Only $26.95 |
|
|
18V Cordless Drill by Milwaukee Elec Tool 261024 $339.99 |
|
|
Porter Cable PC1801D 18V NiCd 1/2″ Cordless Drill/Driver, bare tool $40.00 |
|
|
Porter Cable PC1801D 18V NiCd 1/2″ Cordless Drill/Driver, bare tool $40.00 |
|
|
NEW Bosch CLPK23-180 Cordless 18V 2-Tool Lithium Ion Combo Impact & Drill Driver $142.50 |
|
|
Skil 18V Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit 2888-11-NEW IN BOX $49.99 |
|
|
4-1/2″ 24V CORDLESS ANGLE GRINDER 7000RPM NEIKO TOOLS $74.99 |
|
|
VA4- Trademaster 70 Piece Househould tool kit with 6 volt cordless screwdriver $29.99 |
|
|
COLEMAN CORDLESS & PORTABLE SOLDERING TOOL – EXCELLENT $10.99 |
|
|
2pc 3.6 V Cordless Mini Grinder & Screwdriver Tool Kit Power Tools Kit $34.95 |
|
|
BLACK & DECKER VERSAPAK CORDLESS TOOLS SCREWDRIVER DRILL FLASHLIGHT SNAKE LIGHT $15.00 |
|
|
Rotary tool cordless fits dremel bits dog nail groomer cat pet sander drum cut $4.99 |
|
|
MILWAUKEE 18V TOOLS CORDLESS TOOL HAMMER DRILL 2602-20 DRIVER DRILL 2601-20 $78.77 |
|
|
Trademark Tools 18V Cordless Drill Set – 89 pcs $78.00 |
|
|
Trademark Tools 74 piece Combo Cordless Drill & Driver $86.00 |
|
|
Trademark Tools 78 Pc 18 Volt Cordless Drill Set many extra $70.00 |
|
|
MIT 18V Cordless Drill Driver – Michigan Industrial Tools $15.00 |
|
|
PEN SHAPED CORDLESS BUTANE GAS SOLDERING IRON TOOL NEW $3.58 |
|
|
Campbell Hausfeld 18 volt cordless 3 piece power tool combo set $50.00 |
|
|
12V 12 volt 1.7Ah Ni-Cd Tools Battery For Dewalt DW9071 DW9072 DC9071 Cordless $44.99 |
|
|
DeWalt DCD780C2 20V Cordless Drill bare tool bundle NICE! $40.73 |
|
|
Weller Portasol P-1K Cordless Refillable Butane Powered Soldering Tool $25.25 |
|
|
Battery For 7.2V Makita 7000 cordless tool 7.2 volt 6010D 9035D $31.55 |
|
|
Neiko 24V 4-1/2″ Cordless Angle Grinder Power Tool $83.95 |
|
|
Makita BDA350 18V LXT Cordless 3/8” Right Angle Drill Tool Kit – 18 Volt $389.00 |
|
|
M12 Cordless 2-tool combo Kit and accessories $150.00 |
|
|
Bosch 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 4-Tool Combo Kit CLPK411-181 NEW $539.99 |
|
|
MILWAUKEE M12 CORDLESS 2-TOOL COMBO KIT 2497-22 $75.09 |
|
|
PETICURE PETITE CORDLESS GROOMING TOOL USES DREMEL BITS $5.99 |
|
|
NEW 18v 4pc Combo W/pwr Tank Batts Ea. Cordless Multi-Tool Kits RK1814K2 $415.42 |
|
|
NEW 18v 3pc Combo W/pwr Tank Batts Ea. Cordless Multi-Tool Kits RK1813K2 $327.97 |
|
|
2 Tools 9.6V Battery For Makita Cordless Drill 192019-4 192534-A 9.6 Volt 2.0Ah $78.98 |
|
|
2 Tools 9.6V Battery For Makita Cordless Drill 192534-A 9100A 9101A 9.6V 2.0Ah $78.98 |
|
|
PETICURE ELITE CORDLESS GROOMING TOOL USES DREMEL BITS $8.99 |
|
|
Rotary tool cordless fits dremel bits drum sander wood carving hobby cutter cut $4.99 |
|
|
SOFT Molded CASE ONLY For Milwaukee M12 CORDLESS ROTARY TOOL – NEW $4.00 |
|
|
Dremel Cordless Rotary Tool $20.25 |
|
|
Bosch Blue tool case Cordless tools model 2 609 100 372 $19.00 |
|
|
Milwaukee 2696-26 M18 Cordless LITHIUM-ION 6-Tool Combo Kit $694.43 |
|
|
Milwaukee 2650-20 M18-18v Lithium-ion 1/4″ Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only) $102.28 |
|
|
Rotary tool cordless fits dremel bits sander cut carve $4.99 |
|
|
TOOL0130 41 Piece Cordless Screwdriver & Socket Set- Brand New!!! $54.99 |
|
|
Milwaukee M18 Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit – 2696-24 – New in Box $11.00 |
|
|
Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool $45.00 |
|
|
Dewalt 18V Cordless Impact Driver Bare Tool 1/4″ $71.00 |
|
|
DeWalt DW995 18V Cordless Drill/Driver USED GOOD SHAPE STRONG BARE TOOL $15.00 |
|
|
Makita BHR202Z 15/16″ Cordless Rotary Hamme Bare Tool $239.00 |
|
|
CORDLESS ROTARY TOOL $21.99 |
|
|
2 Power Tools Battery 1311145, 1400668 For Ryobi cordless RY721 RY721K2 2000mAh $59.98 |
|
|
2 Drill Battery For Ryobi cordless 1400668 1311145 HP721 HP721K Power Tools $59.98 |
|
|
Bosch 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit CLPK232-180 NEW $132.50 |
|
|
RYOBITEK 4 CORDLESS ELECTRONIC TOOLS INSEPECTION TOOLS $69.99 |
|
|
Makita Cordless Drill/Driver- Bare Tool 14.4Volt 1/2in $39.99 |
|
|
Proctor Silex K2070Y 1 Liter Electric Kettle $11.39 Housed in a smooth, modern-looking design, this 1000-watt electric kettle rapidly boils up to 1 quart of water for coffee, tea, instant soups, and more. The unit features a detachable cord and a nonspill spout for graceful serving, plus a generous handle with a secure grip. Its immersed heating element provides a rapid and quiet heating process, making it ideal for the office, home, or college dor… |
|
|
Mr. Coffee MWBLK Mug Warmer $5.31 Trust Mr. Coffee to create this unique product. It’s like a special dock for your mug. Place you mug on this electric base and it’ll keep any beverage warm. From coffees, teas, chocolates, and toddies, use this mug warmer to help keep beverages warm – as you like it. It’s perfect for any fan of warm beverages. This Mug Warmer also makes a great gift to an appreciative friend or colleague…. |
|
|
Cuisinart CSB-77 Smart Stick Hand Blender with Whisk and Chopper Attachments $46.99 Grab this amazingly versatile kitchen tool and the power to mix, whisk and chop will be in the palm of your hand. Housed in handsome brushed stainless steel, this compact hand blender features a powerful 200-watt motor and three separate attachments that quickly and easily create smooth soups, whipped creams, purees and much more. Simple one-handed operation with push-button control and an ergonom… |
|
|
Black & Decker AF-100-3ZP 30-Feet 0.065-Inch Line String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 3-Pack $11.50 Black & Decker String Trimmer Auto Feed System Replacement SpoolThe Black & Decker string trimmer Auto Feed System replacement spool provides a 30-foot replacement line for use in your auto feed string trimmer. This factory wound spool offers maximum reliability and eliminates the hassle of having to wind the spool yourself. The exclusive Black & Decker Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system automatica… |
|
|
Mr Beams MB360 Wireless LED Spotlight with Motion Sensor and Photocell – Weatherproof – Battery Operated – 140 Lumens $16.99 Mr. Beams Intelligent LED Battery-Operated Lights MB360 Spotlightat a Glance: Battery-powered, wireless LED spotlight |
|
|
Black & Decker Pivot Vac 18V Cordless Pivoting Hand Vac, PHV1810 $50.00 Exclusive 10 position pivoting nozzle provides ultimate vacuuming accessability up high, down low, and in between. Integrated extension nozzle for 50% more reach in tight areas. 18V of power and strong motor provides 35% more suction power. Cylonic action filter stays clean so that suction power stays longer. EZ Clean wheel system instantly improves suction power. 3 stage filtration provides clean… |
|
|
Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser $42.50 Clean where string floss can’t with The Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser WP 100. Featuring six specialized tips, the Ultra Water Flosser gives you a deep-yet-gentle clean in the comfort of your home. The WP 100 effectively removes plaque and debris–even around orthodontic braces and dental implants–safely cleaning below the gumline and improving gum health. … |
|
|
Panasonic ER430K Vacuum Nose/Facial Hair Trimmer, Black $29.99 .pnaw_overview{background:url(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/hpc/detail-page/pnaw-overview.jpg) no-repeat center; padding:40px 0 0 0; font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; color:#0614b2; text-align:center; border: 1px solid #D2D2D2;} .pnaw_overview_text{padding:0 0 0 0; font-weight:bold; font-size:12px; color:#0614b2; text-align:center; border: 1px solid #D2D2D2;} .pnaw_underimage{font-si… |
|
|
Panasonic Close Curves Wet/Dry Ladies Shaver The ES2218VC Close Curves Wet/Dry Ladies Shaver with pivot action shaving system moves with the curves of the body for a smoother, closer shave. Pop-up trimmer for longer or stray hairs. Featuring the sharpest blades available on any ladies electric shaver for safe, ultra-close shaving. Fully immersible for easy cleaning. Safe to use in shower or tub. Includes new bikini trimmer attachment. This u… |
|
|
Logitech Professional Presenter R800 with Green Laser Pointer $60.38 Brilliant green laser pointer that is powerful and easy to see even on LCD plasma displays and in brightly lit rooms100′ effective range with 2.4GHz wireless technology and reception-level indicatorLCD display keeps track of time battery and wireless reception with a glance or with silent vibrating alertsIntuitive slide show controls with buttons that are easy to find by touchPlug-and-play wireles… |
|
|
Hitachi Peak 12V 2-tool Lithium-ion Micro Driver Drill Combo Kit (Refurbished) $133.99 This Peak Lithium-ion Micro Driver Drill Combo Kit from Hitachi features a 3/8-inch keyless chuck and a best-in-class 21+1 clutch with 21 torque settings. Thnis cordless tool set also spotlights a drill mode for ultimate precision and control. |
|
|
CEL Multi2PRO Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit $78.05 The powerful cordless Multi2PRO is lightweight, comfortable and versatile enough to cut through almost all materials including metal pipes, tiles, wood and concrete. Remove tiling grout, vinyl floor and glued down carpet. |
|
|
5-piece Carbide Router Bit Set in Wooden Case $13.36 This 5-piece carbide router bit set comes in a wooden case with a latch and labeled places for each bit. |
|
|
Wen Oscillating Multifunction Tool Kit $36.99 Designed for home remodelers and do-it-yourselfers, the WEN Multifunction Oscillating Tool is an all-in-one solution that deftly handles cutting, sanding, scraping and grinding. |
|
|
Wen Variable Speed Oscillating Multifunction Tool Kit $47.99 No need to buy several power tools when this one tackles all sorts of cutting, scraping and sanding tasks by itselfGives you control and power over every jobEasy to switch attachments depending on the task |
|
|
Carbon Steel 13-piece Drill Bit Set $7.43 This drill set is an excellent addition to any tool collection. Add another level of versatility to your drill with these superb drill bits. |
|
|
Quick Change Connector 42-piece Driver Bit Set $22.5 Update your tool set with this 41-piece driver setTool set comes with 5/15-inch magnetic bit holderDriver set has 1/4-inch knurled connector |
|
|
Cordless 172-piece Driver Set $31.03 Handy cordless driver set is perfect for those jobs around the houseTool set comes with a cordless screwdriverDriver set comes with 174 pieces |
|
|
11-piece Trademark Tools Cordless Screwdriver $11.2 This 11-piece cordless screwdriver kit from Trademark Tools will make household jobs easy and effective. |
|
|
Magnetic 27-inch Pick-up Tool with Quick Release $14.26 This superior magnetic pick-up tool will help you keep your shop clean. This long 27.75-inch reach magnet allows you to cover all the hard to reach areas of your work space and features a quick release. |
