A cordless drill is one of the handiest tools for home projects.
Photo by Charles & Hudson
Q: We are about to begin a major home improvement project and are thinking it’s time to get some good rechargeable power tools. Is the extra cost of cordless worth the investment?
A: If you and your spouse enjoy tackling home projects, rechargeable cordless tools are an excellent investment, especially when going cordless gives you greater flexibility. A drill, for example, is something you will move around with and often use outside, so a cordless model is much more convenient. On the other hand, a table saw doesn’t need to be moved repeatedly during a home project.
As one of the most-used power tools, a power drill should be everyone’s first cordless tool. Using a corded drill can mean constantly moving the cord around furniture, other tools or your own feet, which can be dangerous. Cordless drills are easy to use, and the technology has improved so they have more power and hold a charge longer. Light-duty drills are smaller and less powerful, but easy to use for smaller projects.
Quality cordless tools are usually less expensive if you buy them as part of a set instead of one tool at a time. And since each line of tools uses a unique battery, you can’t mix and match between brands. It may cost less in the long run to buy a cordless starter kit with a few helpful tools and a few extra batteries, then add tools to the set as needed.
It’s worth buying a reputable brand of cordless tools so you can be confident you will be able to find replacement batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, but they’re gaining popularity because they hold a charge longer. They also have a longer life, but they still degrade over time and may need to be replaced in about three years. Lithium-ion batteries should not be disposed with trash because they are a fire hazard and contain toxic chemicals. Your local waste disposal service can provide information on how to dispose of these batteries properly.
We also recommend cordless power tools for a variety of other tasks around the house and in the yard. At the top of our list:
String trimmer
A string trimmer is a quick way to trim weeds and grass near walls, bricks and rocks. If your family uses an old gas trimmer around the yard, it’s time for a change. Two-stroke engines pollute the air and require regular maintenance. Electric trimmers are more energy efficient and quieter. You can find a variety of models between $50 and $150, and it’s worth paying a little more to get a highly rated model that will last longer.
Leaf blower
Do yourself (and your neighbors!) a favor by upgrading to a cordless leaf blower, which is more energy efficient, much quieter and less polluting than gas-powered models.
Flashlight
LED technology is amazing––today’s LED flashlights can produce 20 times as much light as the old incandescent ones. And they come in a variety of options, from tiny keychain lights to headlamps to waterproof spotlights. A flashlight can usually give better light than a cell phone, especially if you’re working in a tight space like under a sink. A flashlight often comes as part of a cordless tool set, or you can buy a single unit that recharges using a USB port on a charger, a USB wall socket or a mobile phone battery.
We hope this information helps you choose the right cordless tools for your project.
Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, or email energyqa@scliving.coop.