Cordless or Cord?

[George]

Which do you prefer to buy when purchasing portable power tools?

A) Cordless
B) Cord
C) Whatever

[jon]

TOOLS WITH A CORD! TOO MUCH PLASTIC IN CORDLESS

[KellyC]

The only cordless tool I own is a 1/2" drill-driver...all the others are corded. Most cordless saws run out of juice way too often and way too fast for my taste.

[Stuart H]

Corded, with the exception of a couple of drills (9.6V DeWalt and 12V Skil). When it was time to buy a hammer drill, I got a corded 1/2" Milwaukee. I like batteries for routine drilling and driving screws, but if I am doing a tough job I prefer the more consistent power of a corded model.

Also, I don't have to worry about the batteries dying and having to pay huge replacement costs just to keep using the tool I already paid more for than a comparable corded model. Corded models don't have that problem, and the only thing I may ever need to replace on my Milwaukee are the brushes.

[BadgerDave]

Driving screws = cordless
Drilling holes = 10% cordless, 90% corded
Circular saw = corded
Recip. saw = corded
Hammer drill = corded
Jigsaw = corded
Nailer = hosed
Table saw = corded :D

[KellyC]

I just put a new cord, new cord boot and new handle on my "77" Skilsaw...like new again!! It's my fave saw of the three handhelds I have.

[Marcus Rinaldi]

Cordless tools are convenient if you're not going to be using them heavily or if you're going into a place that you know will be a pain to drag a cord through. I work in the hvac/plumbing field, and i've found the cordless sawzall works great if you only need to make a few cuts of pipe or have to cut in a roof vent. Otherwise, I usually use my electric cause it's got a lot more power and I don't have to worry about running out of a charge in the middle of a cut. The biggest joke i've seen are these new ryobi cordless mitre saws. I can't see anyone other than somebody who's cutting 1/4 round moulding actually get more than just a few cuts per charge on the thing.

[keith911]

cordless is the best

[odin65]

I think they are both very useful. Small punch lists and jobs where a lot of movement is needed, I have found that cordless is my preference.

[photoman250]

most all my power tools are Ridgid 18 volt cordless, used every day in my job. i have the R922 4 piece kit with a jigsaw and 3 batteries. i also have a 500 watt poewr inverter. no need for power or extension cords here! thats the way to go. i do have a 19.2 volt Craftsman kit, that stays at home, my wife owns it now (LOL).

[imported_CWSmith]

Corded tools please. Every tool I own has a cord, thanks. After reading all of the problems and complaints, I must say that, for me anyway, there is no value whatsoever in cordless tools. They sell at two or three times the price, offer a fraction of the power, and require new, expensive, batteries at least every two years. Observing workers who do use cordless tools, I notice that they still need a cord for the "close proximity" chargers which must be visited all too often.

Furthermore, all the battery designs are proprietary to the product brand and often to the specific model. So, logically, you are almost guaranteed that you'll have to buy a new tool after several years. Being a long time computer person, it appears that the tool manufacturers have adopted the Microsoft and Intel methodology... built in obsolescence!

No thanks, all my power tools use the same universal method of power, a 120 VAC cord!

CWS

[ 01-28-2005, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: CWSmith ]

[photoman250]

One question CWS, what do you do in the event of a power failure? Or if you're on a job in a remote location with no power yet. Have a generator in your back pocket? (no offense)

[bob bridgewater]

No names, but I think your ignorant to the value and power of cordless tools!!! Mine have alredy payed for them seleves on one job!!! I don't understand how a man can't see the the things he can do with a tool!!! every tool has it's place and if they don't they don't sell,what fits me might not fit you for the job!!!!!!

Be safe out there.

[BadgerDave]

I really like my cordless drill/driver. I use it all the time and wouldn't be without one. BUT, easily 95% of all the use my tools get is in my shop or around the house. With electric receptacles easily within reach, both inside and outside of my home, I see no need to spend alot of money on battery powered tools. Battery powered tools do have their place for certain people but for my needs I find plug-in tools much more practical. If that makes me ignorant than so be it but it also affords me a little extra money to buy things that I really need like CLAMPS. :D :D

[Rafael]

Hey CW,
That' great if you have no need for cordless tools. Technically I could live without them too, but in too many instances I'd have to drag out either a generator or 200 feet of extension cord just to drive a couple screws or drill a few holes, it is far less of a hassle to use a cordless.

[imported_CWSmith]

To Photoman and Bob B.,

Perhaps you missed the point at which I said, "for me anyway, there is no value"! I certanly agree that for those of you who like cordless tools, it is obvious that the cost and convenience are worthwhile.

However, I believe the Survey Forum post was "Cordless or Cord", was it not? So, I prefer "Cord" and stated why.

With regard to buiding anything off the beaten path I must admit that I'm not in the business of doing that; but if I was, you bet I'd have a generator. That's not to say I haven't built anything in the "field", but those times called for old fashioned hand tools. Of course that was all done for fun and not for business; and, I still have a pretty good selection of screwdrivers and even a nice woodbrace and bit set. smile.gif

If the power goes off; I can't drill any holes in the dark anyway, so I retire from the shop and go play with my shortwave toys; it's all backed up with an emergency battery system. (See, I'm not completely against batteries! :D )

Bottom line here is that my opinion wasn't meant to inflame you stalwart cordless users! ;) But you do have to admit there are sure a lot of complaints about the failure and expense of those proprietary battery packs and charging systems!

No disrespect intended or interpreted,

CWS

[bob bridgewater]

CWSmith very well put!!! And I do apologize if I afended anyone,maby I was just having a bad tool day!

Be safe out there folks.
Bob B

[max diyer]

I prefer corded. They are made for real work. I get into some real serious projects and cordless just doesn't stand up. Cordless is for convenience and small jobs.

[Rafael]

CW, I was not offended, and I certainly dont take offense that easily. :cool:
BTW, if you don't have a generator, some cordless tools are good to have in a power outage. But it is better to have a generator in such an instance.

[imported_CWSmith]

Max,

Love your "sign off"... I used to have it posted in my office back when I was in the sub-contract technical publications business. My sign read, "The bitter taste of poor quality far outlasts the sweetness of the lowest price!" I'd almost forgotten that until I saw your post. Thanks, it brought back a smile.

CWS

[imported_ByteButcher]

I find it interesting that the price of quality extention cords and the PITA dealing with them never comes up in a cord vs. cordless discussion. If batteries are a poor value for the money, what about cords? A decent cord with terminals that will hold tight for more than a 50 uses will set you back at least $20. You can buy 250' of romex for that.

[plumber]

Hi Max,

I see by your sign off that you enjoy Milwaukee's tool talk. ;)
----------------------------------------------------

The selection of a cordless tool or a corded tool depends on the job at hand, how much work the tool needs to do and whether or not power is readily available or if it is safe to stretch cords.

If there is just a dozen or so cuts or the job is stretched out over different locations in a plant I prefer cordless. If I need to haul a generator or choose cordless I will choose cordless(Not loading and unloading a heavy generator was worth buying a bunch of batteries) But if there is to be a prolonged project with a lot of Heavy Duty work then I leave the cordless tools on the truck and start setting up my cords and work tables.

I prefer buying the best U.S.A. tools I can get regardless of whether they are cordless or corded. As long as they do what I need them to do.

Of course if you are fabricating iron and steel pipe, cordless is not even an option yet.

Also Bytebutcher makes a great case about the cost and hassle of buying and stretching out cords. Has anyone ever tried to run a tool off a cord that has been run over by a heavy duty forklift that was carrying a 20 ton roll of steel? When the roof is 50 ft over head its not always feasable to hang the cord out of the way. Not to mention I have never seen a good double insulated 10 or 12 gauge cord for less than the price of quality Romex, or even close.

On the same token when you need a double insulated tool in a fuel refinery to prevent becoming a breaking news story on CNN, then a high quality double insulated corded tool with a properly made double insulated cord is the ONLY option regardless of preference or convienance.

just my two cents.

[max diyer]

Hi CWSmith & plumber,

I've had that sign hanging in my shop for over 25 years. I live by it. I have friends that buy cheap tools, they spend a fortune on gas & medical supplies (running back to replace a tool that just broke & Band-Aids, gauze, tape). I will never understand that mind set.

Ya, I'm a big Milwaukee fan. Of course, my pipe tools have to be Ridgid!

[plumber]

Max,

I am with you. Both about Milwaukee tools and Rigid pipe tools.

Also that saying used to be upon a wrought Iron Gate at the entrance to an old slaughterhouse near East St.Louis. The gate remained for decades after the slaughterhouse moved on to greener pastures. It has more meaning now than ever before givin all of the garbage coming in from communist China.

[imported_CWSmith]

Max,

While I agree with you on "cheap tools", I'm also the kind of guy who finds myself going there all too often. A good story that I like to tell is about the first lawn mower I bought. In 1969, we bought our first home and my dear father-in-law invited me down to the Sears store where he would give me a good deal on a new Craftsman Lawnmower.. Remember the Eager 1 engine, guaranteed to start the first time, all the time... I think they even did a Supebowl commercial that year. Well, at $79 it was a weeks pay for me back then, New old house, and a new baby sort of told be I couldn't afford that little beauty and I graciously declined the good deal he offered. The next day I bought a little $30 lawn mower at my local dicount pharmacy store. My father-in-law was a bit disappointed in me and warned me that "you get what you pay for... and you'll end up coming back to the store in a year or two, you'll see!" I sort of felt bad about it, but all I could afford at the moment was the $30 "bargain". But, I reasoned, it had a Briggs and Stratton engine, so what can go wrong.

To shorten this story up a bit, I ran that thing thru 1993! Replaced the spark plug after about the first 8 years and replaced two wheels at about ten years. Finally afer 24 seasons, the darn pan rusted so bad that wheels started to fall off. But up until that time, the rites of spring would be established with a quick oil check, fill the tank, pull'er through two times with spark off and then ONE pull, and a puff of blue exhaust and mighty roar. And then I'd go in the house and call my father-in-law, and tell him that it's still running so don't set any of those new models aside for me. It became a long standing bit of humour between us a certainly worth a gin & tonic here or there as the years went by.

The point is that even a cheap tool can turn out to be good once in awhile.

CWS

[ 02-03-2005, 01:21 AM: Message edited by: CWSmith ]

[Rafael]

That's a nice story CW.
There probably was no difference between the 2 mowers anyway, except price.

[max diyer]

Ya, nice story.
1969 ... that's when it was harder to find a cheap tool (quality wise). Seems to me, everything lasted longer, regardless of price.
I wonder what a cordless drill would of looked like back then. It probably would of came with it's own trailer. :D

[ 02-05-2005, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: max diyer ]

[drunkenlooney]

driving screws = 14v makita
drilling holes concrete/wood whatever = 24v bosch rotary hammer drill gbh-vfr
all saws corded silly question you need full time power with a saw or your life is in danger.dying batteries in any saw causes wood to snag and turns messy...
nailers wouldnt even think about anything else other than a paslode gas/battery framer and a finsher ...why mess with hoses and all that effort??? so in responce to the qusetion drivers and nail guns cordless .....anything else fulltime power yes please...... OOOOH but lets not forget them wonderful flashlights everyone gives away with anything you buy .... well on the plus side atleast they not corded smile.gif

[Polar Sparky 1224]

How many hours a day do you use your tools?

I really love using cordless tools I'm Working on a big Wharehouse and Hate walking all day pulling on extension cords.

And I swear BadgerDave Works and Ace

[bob bridgewater]

This corded or cordless thing is not worth the space it takes up on here any more, any true craftsman or carpenter will tell you they both have there place in the field or in the shop.I will tell everyone I use both and there aint nothing better than the one tool I pull out and use for the job to be done! If your stuck between cord or cordless your stuck on stuped, if anyone is ofended to bad oh well, I had a bad tool day...

[BadgerDave]

Originally posted by Polar Sparky 1224:
And I swear BadgerDave Works and Ace :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Polar Sparky 1224]

Badgerdave I'm just kidding it's so funny that people will assume things just by your opinions. Nothing personal, I'm just making fun of the guys that cna't figure out what your real job is.

I was playing with my Multi-Meter last night and found out the the Ridgid 18 volt battery is actually charged to 21.9v then after 1 hr drops to 20.5 and stays there for some time.
My 12v dewalt however doesn't do this. If i had and 18v DeWalt i could make a better comparison.

I can put my Ridgid battery in the charger and, the charger will figure out the level of charge and then top it off.

My DeWalt charges it for and hour no matter what.

As for who works where, I spend so much time looking at tools at home depot, I'm toled I should get a job there. If it was worth it I would since i know more about electrical work than most of HD's employee's.

[Polar Sparky 1224]

For my line of work it's either cordless tools or, extension cords as far as the eye can see.

I find it funny that When i was wiring up homes that people keep asking "when are we going to have power?" I need cordless just to save me 30 minutes per assignment at my job. I have to walk a half mile just gathering up all the extenion cords i need to use some tools. If only i could move the cement wall closer to the shop.

[Gage Mc.]

i use cordless

[psycboy]

I use both

I have a cordless 18v drill for most everything, a cordless sawzall both rigid 6 batteries. A dewalt cordless drill(4 Batteries). A corded drill and 71/4 saw both dewalt. A corded sawzall by Porter cable and a paslode cordless nailer. all excellent tools, all with different todo lists.

[BHD]

I use both, and am liking the cordless for most of the smaller tools, 2- 1/2" drills, 1 saws all, 1 small 4" grinder, 2 small saws, (one for metal and one for wood), (I don't like the cost of replacement batteries)
corded and I have a skill 77 saw, a makita 16", cored saws all, hammer drills, hole hawg, a new dewalt angle drill, grinders 4", 6" and a wildcat 9", and many other drills and drivers, and saws,

but if you have big work to do I think you will need the corded tools but if your up on a ladder cutting off rafter tails that little battery saw, sure seems to beat that old skill 77 upon a ladder held above your head,(even it is some what an anemic saw.

I like the convince of the cordless tools and portability of them,
but I like the power and the long givity , of the corded, (I hate pulling couple hundred feet of cord around), or to get the cord out to drill one hole or a few screws, but If I am going to be working all day in a location then cored are usually the better way to go.

also the frequency of use, if seldom used I suggest the corded, as battery unused IMO seem to die with out reason.

[skirk55]

Ridgid Drill - Cordless
Ridgid Impact - Cordless
Ridgid Circular Saw -Corded
Ridgid Miter Saw - Corded
Black&Decked Table Saw - Corded

I try to keep everything corded because after a couple years the battery's loose there power and start to die. I have put elect. outlets all over my shop and I never have a problem with power.

[tu4evr]

right now i have a little of both. for what i do around the house i could go either way. the cordless is handy for me but it doesnt bug me to pull out a cord to plug some thing in when needed. for nailers i have a compressor, dont trust any of that cordless stuff.

cordless 18 volt ridgid 4 pc kit (drill,circ saw, recip saw, flashlight)
corded 3/8" makita drill (was a handme down from my dad)
corded 10" ryobi miter saw
corded porter cable 7 1/4 circ saw
corded ridgid 2.5 gal air compressor(and 2 ridgid nal guns. 16 ga./18 ga)
corded ridgid 12 gal shop vac

[tomot]

On the whole, I like the idea of cordless. But life is never that simple.

Cordless is simply for simple jobs and the simple minded.
Needless to say the day after the cordless purchase. the battery life goes down,
Then, you spend more time recharging than actual working with the tool.
Then, after a year you cant get replaceable batteries.
Then, if your really STUPID, you buy the next generation of cordless crap.

And then, it starts all over again.
And thats the only way the Tool makers can get repeat business.
There is no point making Milwaukee quality Tools if they are going to last 10 years or more.

I'm also impressed by the advertising done by shows like Homles on Homes
they show every worker using cordless tools, as if WE are all missing something.

Holly s**t!, I've just gotta get rid of my corded tools. and get a set of that latest cordless crap.

Leave the cordless stuff for the weekend warrior, so he/she can use the cordless drill to screw in the lightbulb :)

[bob bridgewater]

tomat
Im a job warrior and I fell sad for for the open minded that tried to work with you, and I fell sad for the simple minded that still work with you!
Next time I see someone running around a building installing windows and doors with a cord and drill I will think one of three things!< Maby he works for you, Maby he cant aford a good cordless, or maby he is just, quote "STUPID"
If you wana get rid of your corded tools I have a place for them also just send them over here. Everything gets worked hard!!!

[CWSmith]

Tomat,

I think you're being a little hard in your opinion. While I too, have questioned the economics of "cordless" for the occasional use guys like me, you really have to take some time and look at the convenience and efficiency of cordless tools for the tradesmen. There's no question that finding an outlet and running a cord and then being concerned that someone doesn't trip over it or unplug it, is a PITA!

For the guy who pulls out his tools only every two or three months, cordless tools probably don't make a lot of sense, economically; but then again, I try not to tell other people how to spend their money unless they ask. Calling them "stupid" or labeling them in a derogatory manner isn't helpful to anyone.

For me (home owner, not in the trades) the only way to go cordless, is to go Ridgid and make sure that I register for the LLSA. You can't beat that kind of economics, especially if you buy the tool on some terrific sale. But now that I have a few "cordless" tools, my much loved "corded" tools seem to stay in the shop, unless it's a long task requiring lots of power. Everytime a quick project comes up and I find myself outside of the shop, there's the ever convenient "cordless". I love'em and my time isn't so important, nor am I so inefficient that I need to wait the 20 minutes it takes to occasionally do a charge. So for me, it's not a problem at all. Cordless also relieves me of dragging the extension cord around the house where it's all too easy to knock something over or worse trip on it.

CWS

[markts30]

On top of the other points, I would also like to may one observation...
Using a cordless tool to cut out a section of leaking water pipe in a trench filled with muddy water is a LOT safer than using a corded tool...

[cpw]

I would suggest that your first tool of any particular type should probably be corded. You don't need to worry about running out of batteries, or the longevity of any particular battery system. That being said, I bought my first cordless drill/driver two months ago for Christmas, and haven't picked up my corded drill since.

I think that over the course of time I'll definitely try to pick up a bigger combo pack that includes a circular and reciprocating saw on sale [I've got more pressing tool desires than ]. I also think that a battery powered vacuum would be a good plus (much better than lugging around a corded shop vac to clean up, which is what I do now).

[tomot]

CSW
I'm a bit harsh!.....I'm a bit harsh because we seldom look at the larger picture.
As a professional I don't have to give a S**T how long the tool lasts. I can
always figure that into my hourly rate. or depreciation at the end of a year.

I don't have to care about lithium batteries or the pollution they cause
for the next generation or my children.

I dont have to care about all the TV soon to be delivered to land fill sites
in Jan 09 when we all go digital. Think about all the lead in those picture tubes,
or about all the lead in those new energy saving light bulbs.

I don't have to be harsh at all. We can just continue to let manufacturers dictate
whats good for us..... after all, its all about convenience and low price .... right?

p.s.

My SunBeam Electric lawnmower finally packed it in after 30 years, 2 years ago. My new Plastic Black-Decker lawnmover will not make it thru this summer, I predict.

cheers!

[Crappy days]

tomat
Im a job warrior and I fell sad for for the open minded that tried to work with you, and I fell sad for the simple minded that still work with you!
Next time I see someone running around a building installing windows and doors with a cord and drill I will think one of three things!< Maby he works for you, Maby he cant aford a good cordless, or maby he is just, quote "STUPID"
If you wana get rid of your corded tools I have a place for them also just send them over here. Everything gets worked hard!!!

Tomat,

I think you're being a little hard in your opinion. While I too, have questioned the economics of "cordless" for the occasional use guys like me, you really have to take some time and look at the convenience and efficiency of cordless tools for the tradesmen. There's no question that finding an outlet and running a cord and then being concerned that someone doesn't trip over it or unplug it, is a PITA!

For the guy who pulls out his tools only every two or three months, cordless tools probably don't make a lot of sense, economically; but then again, I try not to tell other people how to spend their money unless they ask. Calling them "stupid" or labeling them in a derogatory manner isn't helpful to anyone.

For me (home owner, not in the trades) the only way to go cordless, is to go Ridgid and make sure that I register for the LLSA. You can't beat that kind of economics, especially if you buy the tool on some terrific sale. But now that I have a few "cordless" tools, my much loved "corded" tools seem to stay in the shop, unless it's a long task requiring lots of power. Everytime a quick project comes up and I find myself outside of the shop, there's the ever convenient "cordless". I love'em and my time isn't so important, nor am I so inefficient that I need to wait the 20 minutes it takes to occasionally do a charge. So for me, it's not a problem at all. Cordless also relieves me of dragging the extension cord around the house where it's all too easy to knock something over or worse trip on it.

CWS

CSW
I'm a bit harsh!.....I'm a bit harsh because we seldom look at the larger picture.
As a professional I don't have to give a S**T how long the tool lasts. I can
always figure that into my hourly rate. or depreciation at the end of a year.

I don't have to care about lithium batteries or the pollution they cause
for the next generation or my children.

I dont have to care about all the TV soon to be delivered to land fill sites
in Jan 09 when we all go digital. Think about all the lead in those picture tubes,
or about all the lead in those new energy saving light bulbs.

I don't have to be harsh at all. We can just continue to let manufacturers dictate
whats good for us..... after all, its all about convenience and low price .... right?

p.s.

My SunBeam Electric lawnmower finally packed it in after 30 years, 2 years ago. My new Plastic Black-Decker lawnmover will not make it thru this summer, I predict.

cheers!


Go figure, no one likes you hear either. :loser: tomot are you a ginger kid that would explain allot.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X07u_ik8JQ4

[canucksartech]

Cordless baby, all the way. :nanner: