Among the most noteworthy technological advances of the last decade or so has been the continued rise of the lithium-ion battery. They’ve found their way into power tools of every kind, and they’re a key reason that the electric car is finally enjoying a long-overdue explosion in popularity.
Today, most of the power tool comes with their cordless version. Perhaps, for the tools like a hammer drill, cordless drill, and impact drivers, more people are preferring the cordless version than the corded one.
What is Lithium Ion?
The advantages of lithium-ion are, for the most part, threefold.
Firstly, lithium ion batteries can charge faster than other sorts of battery available. That makes them fantastic for those looking for convenience during a DIY project. In fact, the speed of charging is so great that many companies, like Apple, build in limiters, so that the final fifth of charging takes place at a slower ‘trickle’ speed.
Secondly, a lithium-ion battery is able to last for longer on a single charge cycle. Thus, it’ll last for years, if not for the entire lifespan of the tool to which it’s attached.
Thirdly, lithium-ion batteries are able to put out more power per weight than any other kind currently available. It’s this quality that allows lithium-ion powered tools to be truly portable, and which makes the electric car properly viable.
Compatibility
Many power-tool companies, like Ryobi, provide a single kind of battery that’s designed to fit into all of their tools. This helps to minimise costs, and allows their customers to easily expand their toolset without having to invest in a new battery. Plus, when a battery needs to be replaced, the customer has the peace of mind of knowing that the replacement will be compatible with everything they own from the same manufacturer. Check out this comprehensive guide to Ryobi batteries if you’d like to know more.
Note that different manufacturers produce batteries of different standards, and that it’s rarely a wise move to try to mix and match them, even when the voltages and pin layouts are the same.
Why go Cordless?
Some of the advantages of a cordless tool may seem obvious. But are they really so great as to justify big spending?
Here we should stress just how convenient it is not to have to contend with a cable. If your working day is spend dealing with one task after another, then shaving the minute or so you spend faffing around with the cable in each instance will make a significant difference not only to your productivity, but to your stress levels.
Secondly, eliminating cables means eliminating a potential trip hazard. The HSE lists trailing cables as a health and safety hazard for good reason. Mitigating the risk means investing time in stowing the cables neatly away – which many tradespeople don’t bother to do.
Finally, we should consider that corded tools require an electrical outlet. If you’re out at the bottom of the garden, this might be a challenge. Consequently, wireless hedge-trimmer, lawnmowers and other garden tools are a godsend for those looking to tackle regular maintenance without going to the trouble of trailing a long cable across the lawn.
