Cordless power tools are the big thing in every contractor and tradesman’s tool bag. We all love cordless tools because it’s so much more convenient to use a cordless screwdriver in lieu of a standard screwdriver that requires us to twist our hand and wrist 50 times to deal with one screw or a heavy and clumsy corded drill. The convenience of removing 10 screws per room just to replace fixtures with a quick push of a button for each one is much nicer than manually removing and replacing them.
Electricians are no strangers to power tools and the need for safe and reliable tools for the job. Power tools definitely have their place, but the biggest question seems to be whether to use corded or cordless power tools. Some electricians prefer corded over cordless where others say they couldn’t get by without their cordless tools. So let’s look at some of the advantages of using cordless power tools over their corded counterparts.
Reasons Cordless Power Tools May Be Better Than Corded Power Tools
This is the subject of quite a lot of debate on trade and construction forums. We tend to take the side of the cordless power tools simply for the convenience and the ergonomics. So we’ve geared this article toward how cordless tools are replacing the electrician’s corded tools, and why. But we know you want more than just our opinion, so we’re sharing the facts surrounding the issue, not just our thoughts on it.
The Ultimate in Convenience
Convenience is a big deal these days. You don’t have to carry a generator with you for those times that you don’t have an immediate power source on the property. No more stringing a 50 foot extension cord from one end of the structure to the other just to use the drill or screwdriver. All you have to do is make sure to keep an extra charged battery on hand, and you’re good to go.
Mobile Charging Capability
Many tradesmen keep a small power inverter in their truck. We never know when we’re going to need a standard outlet, so it’s always better to play it safe than to be sorry. This is the perfect way to make sure you always have a battery charged, in the truck, and waiting for when it is needed.
Light and Compact
Cordless power tools are lighter and more compact than corded power tools. They can tuck away into a tool belt or much more easily because you don’t have to worry about the cord. Lighter tools still get the job done, you just don’t have to put forth so much effort to do it.
Ergonomics
Cordless power tools give you the freedom to move into different positions that may not be possible with a corded power tool. The position in which you hold the power tool can cause injury to your wrist, elbow, or shoulder. A cordless tool gives you the ability to hold the tool at any angle and help avoid injury.
Fewer Accidents on the Jobsite
Cords can get in the way of other workers and put them in harm’s way. Many job site related accidents have occurred when a worker carrying something trips over a cord he didn’t see in the way. Injuries range from mild to moderate depending on what the worker was carrying at the moment and how quickly he regained his balance.
Fewer Work Related Injuries
Tradesmen often suffer from injuries specific to the type of trade they’re in or the tools they use. The worst work related accident an electrician can have, of course, is electrocution. It’s very dangerous and often fatal. Some other injuries may include:
- Inattention while performing repetitive or routine tasks
- Unexpected interruptions while working
- Inexperience with power tools
- Overconfidence with mundane tasks
- Faulty equipment
Electricians may also suffer from:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – This is an injury to the nerve in the hand and wrist. It can be caused by bending at the wrist or holding tools too tightly – the way you would hold a screwdriver to manually screw in a screw.
- Tendonitis – This is an injury to the tendons resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Using power tools at an odd angle can cause tendonitis. The lighter and more mobile the power tool, the better.
- Raynaud’s Syndrome or White Finger Disease – This is an injury caused by the vibration from power tools. Corded power tools are more powerful and vibrate much more intensely than their cordless counterparts.
What about the Power Concerns?
This is the biggest concern we get from most electricians. They worry that cordless tools won’t provide the torque or the power they need for specific applications. This could be the case in certain circumstances, but we believe that you will be very happy with your decision to switch to cordless power tools in most situations.
Post time: Aug-11-2021