Op-Ed: Corded vs. cordless
Corded vs cordless is an interesting topic, the old hands in the trades generally prefer corded tools and the young guys prefer cordless. I believe there is a good time and place for each but before we go over that let's figure out why some people are so strongly rooted in their current system. Corded tool users are more often than not, older tradesmen who either already have all the tools they need or don't want to try battery tools out again because they've had a bad experience in the past with them ( 10 years ago battery tools were horrible but battery technology is evolving very quickly and honestly they get better every year ). People who use exclusively cordless tools often believe they are just as powerful as corded tools or more convenient, which is a valid point but not always correct.
Corded tool pros
Often lighter weight.
Almost always costs less and can be bought and used very cheaply.
Can last longer and can be rebuilt easier ( brushes are the most common failure ).
The cord can be used to hang the tool if needed, not always the best move but it does work.
More stable power output and more torque, this is starting to not be a consideration because battery tools are evolving so quickly but corded tools have a few years till they lose this one completely.
Corded tool cons
Likely require an extension cord, the cord is never long enough.
Cords are, generally speaking, inconvenient (coming unplugged, tripping hazard, able to be cut, etc.)
If the cord is severed, it needs to be replaced or repaired.
Cordless tool pros
Almost always more convenient, and easier to maneuver.
Can be tied off easily if that's needed, very useful for work in a boom lift or scissor lift.
Blades and wheels often have the ability to stop faster which might save you from cutting off a finger or cutting too deep into the material.
Cordless tool cons
Cordless tools cost more than their corded counterparts in most cases
Battery costs and have a limited lifespan eventually they will no longer hold a full charge.
Easily dropped if not tied off, not usually an issue but it's worth noting.
Inevitably the battery will be dead when you're on top of a roof or in the middle of a cut. This means, that you’ll have to have spare batteries with you at all times or be certain about their level of charge.
I'd say battery tools are better 85% of the time, as long as you are willing to pay the extra money for batteries and the headache of keeping them charged it's pretty easy to see the value in them for most jobs. If you need raw power or lower cost then corded tools are probably the best option, or if you are in one spot all day long a corded tool makes more sense, like cutting boards while framing a house that is typically done in one spot all day long. The batteries these days are pretty robust, but if you’re going to be putting your reciprocating saw (for example) through the wringer on a large demolition project and are running it multiple hours per day every day it might be better to go with a corded tool to keep your batteries lasting a bit longer.
Of course, there are many other things to consider, but this is from the point of view of someone in the trades. We run our tools consistently and put them to work, but we also require mobility, and convenience because time is money here. Spending five minutes plugging a device in at every job for an entire year would cost us between 43 and 64.5 man-hours per year. Or about $1,029-$1,543 of labor for plugging tools in. That’s not counting rolling and unrolling extension cords as well. (Don’t take this as gospel, I did some quick math for fun.)Everyone has their opinion on this topic, but I’d encourage you to think about your budget, how often you’ll use that specific tool, where you’ll be using the device, and how hard it’ll be working, and how long. That’ll help you come up with the best solution for you. Lastly, I’m not sure who needs to hear this but just in case it’s you: just stick with one battery-powered tool brand. It’s not worth buying one of every kind of battery just to get minor upgrades in features.
