Cordless Power Tools vs. Mains Tools
When it comes to deciding whether to buy a cordless tool or its mains-powered relative, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons up carefully. Both have their advantages, but usually it will be pretty clear which is better for your needs.
The price of freedom
Two of the most obvious differences are that, whilst battery-powered tools are conveniently portable, they will be less powerful and more expensive. In practice it is rarely worth buying the cordless model unless you are absolutely sure that you will be out of reach of a power socket (and how often does that actually happen?).
Cordless tools generally take several hours to charge properly, and the batteries can run down fast – often before you finish the job. Bigger batteries mean a longer peak charge and usability, but the heavier the battery the more unwieldy, awkward and even dangerous the tool can be.
You get what you pay for
Battery-powered tools will rarely perform as well as mains ones, but if you have to go cordless, it’s worth spending a bit extra. Going for the cheapest option merely to save a few dollars is a false economy.
It’s really not worth compromising here; try using an electric screwdriver without sufficient power and you’ll soon end up wrecking the head of the screw, making it almost impossible to get out again.
High-quality batteries will hold a charge for longer and power a stronger motor. In any case, batteries don’t last forever, and the cheaper they are the fewer charges they’ll take before they need replacing (though conversely, better batteries will cost more to replace).
The same goes for electric motors – the cheaper they are, the less they will be able to cope with your DIY requirements and the sooner they will burn out.
Pic credits:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sensibleabode/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciuskwok/
