Think of the next job you have to accomplish at the jobsite or around your home.
Maybe it’s installing beautiful wood mouldings, removing rusty lug nuts, or weed eating your lawn.
The good news for all of these jobs is that you don’t have to unroll an extension cord, find an electrical outlet, fire up a generator or fill an engine with gas. All you have to do is grab your battery powered tool and start getting work done!
Here at Contractor Cave, we’re deeply passionate about high-quality battery-powered tools. With the right tools, you can truly tackle any project with ease.
We know you have questions about battery-powered tools, and this blog is our attempt to tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know on the topic.
It’s hard to overstate how much power tools have changed the world. From chainsaws to vacuum cleaners to hedge trimmers, we tackle projects today with an ease that would astound someone living a mere 150 years ago.
Of course, not all tools are battery-powered. Some have gasoline engines, and some plug into electrical outlets, but recent advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have made battery-powered tools more lightweight and convenient than ever before.
Humans have used hand-operated tools throughout history, but during the Industrial Revolution, factories started powering large tools with electricity. By the early 20th century, various companies were developing corded power tools such as electric drills, circular saws, and angle grinders.
In 1961, nickel-cadmium (NiCd) battery technology was advanced enough for Black & Decker to introduce the first cordless electric drill. Other, more popular drills followed as NiCd battery technology got better and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries were developed. These advancements made battery-powered tools more appealing and practical for a broader range of applications.
Then, in the early 2000s, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries revolutionized the market with their higher energy density, lighter weight, and longer lifespan. Adopting Li-ion batteries accelerated the popularity of battery-powered tools, making them a standard choice for many professionals and hobbyists.
Today, battery-powered tools are a dominant force in the market, thanks to continuous advancements in battery technology, increased power, longer run times, and the convenience of cordless operation.
There’s no question that battery-powered tools are enormously popular. Let’s look at the top three benefits of battery-powered tools that have contributed to their widespread popularity.
Does every battery-powered tool use the same kind of battery? What’s the difference between various battery types?
Let’s explore the history and differences of the three types of rechargeable batteries used in power tools.
NiCd batteries were once the go-to batteries for cordless power tools. They’re robust, can be recharged many times, and are decently inexpensive.
However, these batteries have slowly been phased out due to numerous downsides, including:
NiMH batteries were the next rechargeable batteries to take the tool world by storm. When they were first developed, NiMH batteries were more expensive than NiCd batteries, but they had a higher capacity, were less toxic, and had a lower memory effect.
However, NiMH batteries also had downsides, such as a shorter shelf life, sensitivity to temperature, and longer charging time.
Today, most cordless tools use Li-Ion batteries. Li-Ion batteries are so compact and powerful that they completely changed the course of technology—not just tools but cell phones, electric cars, and all sorts of electronic consumer goods.
Besides their primary advantage of being lightweight and powerful, Li-ion batteries also charge quickly and have no memory effect.
Although Li-Ion batteries are more expensive than NiCd and NiMH batteries, they’re generally considered the best option, and they keep getting cheaper and cheaper. These days, people mostly only use NiCd and NiMH batteries for older equipment.
Although the cordless revolution is sweeping the nation, some issues with battery-powered tools may make you wish to choose a different power method.
Tool companies notoriously make batteries that are only compatible with their own brand of tools.
For example, let’s say you owned a cordless drill, and you wanted to buy a reciprocating saw. Instead of shopping around for the best option, you’d likely buy the same brand as your drill so that you could use the batteries you already owned.
This may keep you from buying the best tool option for your needs.
Nothing is more frustrating than starting a project only for the battery to die halfway through. If you have extra fully charged batteries on hand, it’s not a big deal, but if you have to stop what you’re doing to hunt up extra batteries or wait for one to charge, it can be very frustrating.
Initially, power limitations were one of the biggest drawbacks to battery-powered tools. However, as battery technology has improved, so has the power output of battery-powered tools.
Still, capacity is a concern. For example, battery-powered chainsaws are nowhere near as powerful as gasoline-powered chainsaws.
Modern lithium-ion batteries are fairly robust, and you don’t need to follow a complicated care routine. However, here are some tips for taking care of your batteries and getting the most out of them.
Temperatures over 80°C can permanently damage your batteries. Batteries are fine in a shop or garage, but don’t store them in direct sunlight or the back of a vehicle.
Moisture can corrode your batteries and cause a host of other issues. Dust is not as big of a problem, but it can, over time, enter the vents and damage the battery. The best way to avoid moisture and dust is to keep your batteries tucked away in a cool, dry tool case or cabinet.
If you’re using a tool with a lithium-ion battery and you notice the performance starting to slow, it’s time to charge the battery, even though it hasn’t been fully discharged yet. “Deep-draining” can shorten a battery’s overall lifespan.
However, if you have an older tool with NiCd or NiMH batteries, you must drain them fully before recharging, at least some of the time. Otherwise, because of the memory effect, they won’t fully charge.
The best practice for all battery types is to charge them to 100% and then remove them from the charger.
Some modern batteries are fine being left on the charger until you need them. Still, unless your charging system specifically recommends this, it’s a better idea to remove the battery once it’s charged.
There are many battery-powered tool brands to choose from. Some of the best-reviewed brands include DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Metabo HPT. But there is no best overall brand—the best brand for you will depend on your budget, what tools you need, the nature of the projects you want to do, and your personal preference.
Although you can find plenty of information online about how different brands compare with each other, the best way to get well-rounded help is to talk to an expert at your local tool supplier.
Here at Contractor Cave, we sell over thirty tool brands, and our knowledgeable staff would love to chat with you about which tools would best suit your project.
Call us today or stop by our location in Woodstock, Ontario, to discuss your project and find the battery-powered tools that work for your needs!
We look forward to working with you.
