Power tools have come a long way over the last few decades.
Among the most important advancements has been the lithium-ion battery, which
allows for even the most power-hungry devices to operate without the need for a
cord.
But exactly what is it that makes cordless power tools so
desirable?
The Evolution of Battery Technology
In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have been getting
more efficient. Over the last thirty years, according to Our World in Data, the cost of the battery has declined by an impressive 97%. This
has allowed us to squeeze more and more power into a much smaller space. Many
of the problems that have historically plagued battery-powered tools, like a
lack of consistent power output and a shorter lifespan, have effectively been
dealt with.
Nowadays, the sight of 5Ah batteries in homes and
construction sites is not uncommon.
Versatility across Projects
One of the major advantages of cordless tools is their
versatility. It’s easy to swap a battery from one tool to another, provided
that the tools in question are from the same manufacturer. Cordless tools can
be used to conduct everything from simple repairs to more complex, intricate
designs. In most cases, you can do many different jobs with just a few simple
tools.
Safety and Convenience
One of the less widely appreciated virtues of a cordless
tool is that it will hugely lower the risk of a trip or fall. Trailing cables
can be extremely hazardous, especially if the tool being wielded is inherently
dangerous. Circular saws, angle grinders and routers all have the potential to
inflict serious injury, should you trip while using them.
In certain kinds of workspace, moreover, you might find
yourself using several different tools successively. This multiplies the number
of trailing cables, increases the mess, and ultimately drives up the risk.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Cordless appliances often end up more energy-efficient. This
tends to apply in situations where an alternative to mains electricity, like a
petrol or diesel generator, would be pursued as an alternative. You can keep a
number of batteries ready in a charger, so that they can be used whenever the
need arises. Battery chainsaws, for example, tend to be vastly more efficient than their
petrol-powered equivalents.
The Future is Cordless: Industry Trends
At this point, the corded tool is the exception rather than
the rule. The wider industry is trending toward cordless technology, to the
point that even high-power machinery tends to come with a battery pack. By
making the shift now, you’re putting in place the systems that will serve you long
into the future. When new, better battery packs arrive, you can simply replace
your old ones without having to invest in an entirely new set of tools.
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