Cordless is in. And the biggest benefit of using a cordless tool is the freedom to work anywhere. Gone are the days of using a powerful tool with the added obstacle of a long cord trailing behind. Whether you’re in the backyard, basement, or remote job site, a charged battery is all you need to get to work quicker and easier. The flexibility that comes along with a cordless tool opens the door for a DIYer to work more efficiently, with more control. If the time has come and you’re ready to upgrade to cordless, this guide will get you started. We’ll walk through the benefits of going cordless and tips to help you choose confidently when selecting a new cordless tool or system.

At Magnolia Hardware & Supply, we’re here to help. Come with your cordless questions, and our expert team is around to assist.

1. Brand Selection: Performance and Capabilities

When choosing cordless tools, you are essentially choosing a brand, as most companies have specific battery connection points that aren’t interchangeable or compatible. Tool purchases get very expensive when you start to mix and match brands, as you require multiple chargers and batteries for each brand. Sticking to one brand and owning a few batteries to use with numerous tools is more straightforward and cheaper.

This fact is undoubtedly frustrating for consumers who aren’t big on brand loyalty. Still, it is the most effective way to purchase tools, and certainly a conscious marketing effort by tool companies to foster brand devotion.

The first step is to determine which brands are the most reliable and have the features that best suit your needs.

2. Durability, Longevity & Cost

A factor in making this decision is durability and, therefore, longevity. Some brands build more robust tools for everyday, professional use. These typically come with a higher price tag as they won't need replacing as frequently. However, if you don’t require such well-built tools or don’t want to spring for a higher price point, look for a brand that caters to less frequent use at a lower price. Most big tool brands, such as Milwaukee, have sister companies, in this case Ryobi, that provide this lower price point and quality balance.

Tip to Keep Costs Down: A pro tip for keeping costs down with your cordless tool is purchasing tool packages or sale items. Buying packages can provide significant savings and be the equivalent of getting a free battery or tool with the purchase. Buying packages comes with a higher upfront cost, but if you can purchase a package when it is on sale, you can recoup some costs.

3. Versatility and Features

Some brands offer a wide variety of battery-operated items beyond tools, like vacuums, fans, coffee makers, heated jackets, radios, and coolers. These items are not only great for home improvement projects but also for recreational activities like camping or tailgating. The brand you purchase will determine the range of battery-operated tools and accessories you can access. If you wish to take advantage of these features in the future, choosing a brand that offers a greater selection of battery-compatible items is best.

Another thing to consider is whether all the battery types are compatible with the full suite of tools. Some brands have more than one battery type, limiting which tools can be used with them.

4. Battery Life and Power

The brand you purchase will also affect the capacity and quality of the batteries available. Most brands have moved towards lithium-ion batteries because of their high energy density, which allows longer run times in a lightweight package. They charge quickly, hold their charge well, and don't suffer from the memory effect, meaning you can recharge them at any level without reducing their capacity. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan and are more environmentally friendly than older battery types, like nickel-cadmium, which some mid-quality brands still use.

Power output: This feature will also have an associated price point. Higher-output tools require larger-capacity batteries. If you need substantial drive or torque in your tools, purchasing a brand offering high-amperage (4-6 amp range) and voltage (24V or more) tools will be the better choice. This decision will influence your chosen brand, as some midrange brands, like the ones mentioned above, won’t have large-capacity batteries or powerful enough tools.
When shopping, consider both voltage (how much power the tool provides) and amp-hours (Ah) (how long the battery lasts).

Common Power Tool Battery Voltages & Amp-Hour Ratings

• Compact tools often run on 12V batteries.
• Standard drills, saws, and impact drivers use 18V, 20V or 24V batteries.
• Heavy-duty tools and outdoor equipment have higher-voltage options like 36V, 40V, or even 60V packs.
• Smaller battery packs (1.5Ah–3Ah) keep tools light and convenient.
• Larger packs (5Ah–12Ah) provided longer run-time for bigger projects.

5. Tool Weight and Ergonomics

As versatile and portable as corded tools are, they are sometimes large and heavy, especially when equipped with a high-capacity battery. When choosing a cordless tool for your DIY project, consider how long you will be using it and what size battery you will need to attach to it. If you plan to assemble and install cabinetry, a small drill with a 3-amp, 12V battery will suffice. Choosing such a setup will keep the tool lightweight and easy to handle with one hand.

Embrace the Cordless Future

The shift toward cordless tools is revolutionizing how we approach DIY and home improvement projects. With enhanced mobility, convenience, and a broad range of options, battery-powered tools are becoming the go-to choice for many. By considering factors like brand reliability, battery life, and tool ergonomics, you can make informed decisions that will serve you well in your projects. If you need assistance transitioning to cordless tools, stop in to see us, and one of our associates will help you invest in quality cordless tools for all your project needs.