Corded vs Cordless Power Tools: Which is right for you?

Many of us remember a time when all power tools needed to be plugged in to function. Your personal tool kit may still be made up of these classic corded tools that have served you well for years.

But improvements in battery technology have led to many cordless power tool options, with a lot of working professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts making the switch.

It may seem like an obvious choice to make the upgrade if you haven’t moved to cordless yet, but there are a few things to consider between the two.

If you’re yet to make a decision, here are the advantages - and disadvantages - of both corded and cordless power tools, so you can make the right choice in your next big power tool purchase.

Cordless power tools advantages

Freedom from cords

Let’s get the obvious out of the way.

With cordless power tools, you won’t need to worry about annoying power cables holding you back.

When using corded power tools, your movement is limited to just a few feet and distance is restricted by the nearest power outlet. But with cordless power tools, you’re free to move wherever you please and continue with your important work for as long as you have battery life.

Speaking of which…

Rechargeable batteries

Despite not being plugged into the mains, cordless power tools can still pack a real punch thanks to the power of their rechargeable batteries.

Better still, modern power tool batteries like lithium-ion batteries are compact, fast-charging and very resilient to power drainage. Meaning if you’re working with a lithium-ion battery-powered cordless tool, you can work to your heart’s content knowing you’ve got a powerful, reliable piece of equipment to help you get through the job.

Plus, if you’re worried about your battery running out on you, you can pick up multiple batteries for the same tool, so you never run out of power.

At Evolution Power Tools, we carry our own brand of high-grade, professional cordless power tools and accessories, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Safety

Any time you introduce a potential trip hazard into a working environment, you run the risk of causing an accident or suffering one yourself. That’s exactly the risk you take with corded power tools.

But cordless power tools don’t carry this burden. Not only do you not need to worry about causing a fall, but you also don’t need to worry about getting tangled in any loose or hanging cables you lose track of.

Cordless power tools are always the safer option and are well worth considering if you’re working in an environment with a lot of people or other tools around you and want to keep accidents to a minimum.

Cordless power tool disadvantages 

Batteries don’t last forever

While you’re working with a cordless power tool, the time will inevitably come when your battery dies and you need to put it back on charge before you can continue. 

This kind of interruption doesn’t serve a project well and wouldn’t be the case with a corded power tool.

However, the beauty of most cordless power tools is that the battery is interchangeable and isn’t built directly into the unit. So you could have several batteries pre-charged and at the ready for when your current one gives out.

Most modern lithium-ion batteries hold considerably more charge than their older counterparts and are far more power-efficient, so you won’t need to change batteries as much as you may have done with older cordless tools.

Not quite as powerful

Cordless power tools aren’t quite as powerful as tools that are constantly connected to a power source.

They are, however, still incredibly powerful, with modern batteries giving your cordless tools plenty of juice to get the job done.

Corded power tools advantages

Consistent power

Traditionalists value the continuous power output offered by corded power tools.

With no reliance on batteries, the only time the tool should stop working is if there’s a problem or you finally put it down to go grab some lunch.

Other than that, you’re free to carry on with your projects without fear of interruption. Perfect for tradesmen who prefer long stretches of work.

They’re usually lighter

Even though most cordless power tools are more recent than corded tools, those of the cordless variety often end up being heavier than corded tools.

This is because the interchangeable batteries can be a little on the chunky side and need the extra weight to uphold the required power.

Corded power tools don’t have this problem and only need to rely on power offered from the mains, so there’s no need for them to have heavier battery technology built into them.

Corded power tools disadvantages

Limited to a nearby power supply

Most job sites will have a mains power source readily available, but that’s not always the case.

If you’re working in an area with a limited power supply, or somewhere rural or outdoors, your corded power tools could be rendered completely useless if you don’t have a nearby plug. Whereas, cordless power tools will work anywhere, anytime, as long as you’ve got a charged battery. 

Lack of manoeuvrability 

Corded power tools are quite literally tethered to your nearest mains power source.

While this works great for uninterrupted working, you’ll start to struggle if you need to use your power tools at awkward angles, or if you need to move further from the power source.

Plus, angling your tools will often lead to the cables getting in the way, which puts you at risk of accidentally cutting through them.

Trip hazards

Between 2020 and 2021, there were over 440,000 injuries in UK workplaces sustained as a result of slips, trips or falls, according to a Health and Safety Executive report. The report also highlights trip hazards, like cables, are one of the many causes.

Any time cables are introduced to a working environment, there’s a possibility they will be a trip hazard, especially if they’re not secured in place.

There are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of trips as a result of straying cables, like using duct tape to secure the cables to the floor, but it’s a much safer alternative to eliminate cables and use cordless power tools.

Looking at switching to cordless? Check out Evolution Power Tools.

Your corded power tools might still be working well for you, which is fantastic if you’re working with something you’re comfortable with.

But if you’d like a little more freedom in your work, moving to cordless power tools is a no-brainer.

At Evolution Power Tools, we’re home to a massive range of exceptional cordless power tools, like cordless circular saws, cordless jigsaws, cordless impact drivers and cordless drills that’ll help you plough through your jobs with speed and ease.

Or if you're looking at complete cordless kits, you can grab multiple tools at once with our build-your-own-bundle options.

Check out our full tools range, or get in touch here and speak to one of our experts to find out more.