Corded vs cordless power tools

Tools are different in many ways and one of them is how do you get the power – with a cord or a battery. Recently, there were many debates on this topic, but the most common one is corded versus cordless power tools – which one is better?

Corded versus cordless tools is basically power versus portable & convenience. Tasks require more powerful or longer lasting tools need to be corded. When you need portability (the ability to easily take the tool with you) and use without a power socket then a cordless tool is needed.

In this article, I will cover the pros and cons of both types of tools. So, let’s get down to business.

Corded tools

I will start off with the benefits from the corded tools.

Benefits of corded tools

Corded tools are connected to a continuous power supply, so you can’t run away of power. Unlike the cordless tools, you will constantly have the same amount of power and the performance won’t be interrupted.

Ever wondered why professionals use corded tools?

Well, because corded tools can always provide greater torque and you will never have to worry about running out of power. Just plug in the tool and you can use it for hours at maximum torque.

On the other side, corded tools have downsides as well, and those downsides refer to the convenience of use.

Downsides of corded tools

First of all, you can’t use them if there is not a power supply nearby. Of course, you can always take a generator, but those things cost much and are not easy to carry around. So, if you stick to corded tools, you will have to double check every job site for electricity, or bring a generator wherever you go, which is not something I recommend.

The next disadvantage is the mobility – your cord of several meters sometimes just won’t be enough. Some experts will advise you to use an extension cord in order to solve this problem. It is a solution, although you can’t use that all the time, as nobody wants tons of cables around them while working.

And the final downside of a corded tool is the storage.

It shouldn’t be much different from how you store a cordless one, right?

Well, consider two similar tools, one is corded and the other one cordless, they about the same space, with the only difference that you don’t have to think of the cord when storing a cordless one. The cord itself doesn’t take much space, but you need to be careful where do you put the tool as cords can be easily damaged.

Cordless tools

Again, let’s start with the benefits first.

Benefits of cordless (battery powered) tools

Cordless tools get the power from a battery. Most of the battery-powered tools nowadays have lithium-ion batteries, mostly because this type can store more power compared to other types and the power won’t be lost if you don’t use the tool for a period of time.

Batteries don’t weigh much and you can use it for other tools from the same manufacturer. Lithium-ion batteries have proven to be very durable and you will be able to accomplish many things in just one charge.

Contractors often move to different job sites, work in tight spaces and that requires having a portable tool. Cordless tools can be moved easily, plus, you don’t have the fear of tripping over a cord. If you often work in different locations and you don’t do heavy-duty tasks, you understand the benefit of using a cordless tool.

When it comes to storing cordless tools, you don’t have to worry about that at all. Just turn the tool of, and leave it on the shelf in your garage.

However, using a battery as a power source has disadvantages as well.

Downsides of cordless tools

Batteries are limited. Sooner or later, you will end up with an empty battery.

It is not the end of the world, as you will charge it, but that means you are not able to work for a while unless you have a spare battery.

Cordless tools are less efficient than corded ones, and you can’t do every task with it. For example, some heavy-duty tasks require high torque which will drain your battery really fast and you won’t finish the task as well. Modern brushless power tools are more power efficient and this can make the battery last longer than traditional brushed power tools.

Corded vs cordless tools

As you can see from above, corded tools are better for heavy-duty tasks, which is why professionals prefer them. If you have a power supply, there isn’t anything that can’t be achieved.

On the other hand, cordless tools are for contractors that often change job sites. They do not require much power, but mobility is their first priority.

However, there are always different beliefs about which one is better and why. If you still don’t have an opinion about this I guess that this discussion will help you. Take a look at the video below and pick a side.

Common power tools that come in both corded and cordless options

There are a wide range of power tools that come in corded and cordless options. These include:

Conclusion

To sum up, both types of tools have benefits and downsides. It is up to you to make the pick – would you go for a corded one and more powerful, or for a cordless tool, but more convenient?

What is better in your opinion? Feel free to leave a comment and share this article.