Cordless Power Tools
Cordless tools have become extremely popular in recent years especially with the new technologies. They are becoming lighter weight, have more power, and the newer batteries are lasting longer. The biggest advantage is, you don't have to drag out those extension cords.
Nicad battery of a cordless tool, or battery pack, consists of individual cells. Each cell contributes 1.2volts to the battery, so there are 10 cells in a 12-volt battery, a dozen in a 14.4-volt pack, and 15 in the 18-volt. Drills start at 9.6v and 12 volt. Then broader range of tools begin at 14.4 for drills and some saws; then go to 18volt and then 24volt. More volts in the battery mean that the motor has more current to draw on to produce torque. The higher the voltage, the more torque or "power" you get. Now the design of the motor and gears also play a part in this as well.
Memory effect is not as big a concern as it used to be. The newer chargers now, use a feedback system that senses the condition of the battery during charging. So it is okay to put a battery in that's only 50 percent used into a charger to top it off. Some companies like Makita have chosen to go with a metal hydride battery, which is supposed to be more environmentally safe and has no "memory".
Drills
All of the cordless drills have keyless chuck that is you don't need a little "wrench" to tighten that part of the drill that holds the drill bit. Most have "clutches" so that you can set your drill to a lighter torque setting to avoid stripping out a screw.
As far as handles, the t-handle seems to be the preferred because it balances the drill in your and rather than some of the pistol grip, top heavy drills. The t-handle has the battery at the end of the drill and the drill at the other end making the handle like a T which, in you hand, makes the drill feel more balanced and not top heavy.
Recommendations:
- Make sure you get a cordless drill or tool with 2 batteries. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of the job with a dead battery and no back up. The 9.6 and 12 volt is for the occasional user or the person who might need a light weight tool. Larger voltage tools would be for the individual who uses his all the time or for heavier workloads.
- Prices range from $98.00 to $249.00.
- My suggestions are Dewalt, Porter-Cable, Makita, or Milwaulkee. Bosch, Hitachi, and Ryobi make good cordless drills as well.
- Cordless Circular saws are great for the weekender who does occasional sawing. I would have a corded saw first, cordless second. Makita and Dewalt make good cordless circular saws.
- Other Cordless tools: flashlights and of course the jobsite radios that also will charge those batteries.
Corded Saws
Typical saw is the 71/4-inch circular saw. They make a right and left-handed saws. New out; Milwaukee now makes a movable handle so if you adjust the blade to lighter cut, you can adjust the handle to compensate. Saws are like trucks, they are a personal thing and everyone has their favorite. You get used to cutting with a certain brand of saw, you tend to stay with that brand.
Don't buy a cheap saw. For between $140.00 and $180.00 you can buy a good circular saw that will last a long time if you take care of it.
Jig Saws - start around $100.00. The quick-change feature on jigsaws is recommended.
Pad Sanders - start at around $50.00
Other tool gifts
- Senco 2 hp air compressor with 4.3-gallon tank - $249.00
- DeWalt - Rapid Load Multipurpose tool set which was a screwdriver set and saw for only $29.00
- DeWalt - makes a workstation for a miter saw $279.00
- Stanley:Max Grip pliers for about $10.00
- Measuring tapes - Fat MaxMultibit screwdrivers
- Stud sensorsLook at hand tools that feature ergonomic design which minimize stress and fatigue.
For more information about tools or recommendations of power tools, visit www.toolsofthetrade.net
