It wasn't but maybe 10 years ago that few of us had much in the way of cordless tools-above and beyond the requisite hand drill, right? And as far as being able to handle any real serious jobs, those drills, as convenient as they were for many things, were just not up to the task, at least in the power department. Seemed for a while that nobody could produce a cordless battery that packed enough punch to step up to the plate and even come close to competing with the old standby power and pneumatic tools. Well, until now that is ...
Things have changed, and today's cordless tools are definitely not what they used to be. As a matter of fact, it might not be surprising if the scales have tipped the other way for many of us as far as the power-to-cordless ratio goes-the complete opposite from what it was just a decade ago. From reciprocating saws to impact wrenches, the major tool manufacturers (and some not so major) have seriously kicked it into high gear and are now producing cordless lines worthy of (and sometimes better than) their traditional power tools.
For ages, it was nearly impossible...
For ages, it was nearly impossible to beat a pneumatic cut-off tool. Nowadays, not only are there affordable electric types (such as the RotoZip RZ series), there's a cordless version that offers some stiff competition. Enter into the tool ring Ingersoll Rand's (IR) new IQv Series.
However, it's still pretty hard to beat a good-quality air tool. But, even with the best money can buy, they're only as good as your compressor will allow them to be. In other words, if a particular tool requires 15 cfm, but your air compressor can only sustain 10-12 cfm, you'll be taking quite a few breaks as the compressor tries to keep up. This is mainly an issue with air-hungry cut-off tools and the like. Additionally, the compressor can pose another drawback, despite its size and capabilities-having to turn it on, wait for it to build up pressure (that is unless you're constantly using it), and then drag out the air line. For those of us with neighbors in close proximity, the act of running a compressor-especially a loud one outside your garage-can pose quite the nuisance, thus imposing tool time "curfews"!
No matter what your current tool situation may be, there'll come a time when you either need to replace a pneumatic or power tool, or you'll find there's a particular tool you need or would like to add to the arsenal. That's the perfect time to consider going cordless-but before shelling out any hard-earned money, know your options up front and avoid any surprises down the road. Thanks to the folks at Ingersoll Rand and Garage Equipment Supply, we'll try to arm you with as much information and advice as we can with the following article. Hopefully, this will positively influence your future tool decisions, but at the very least it should act as an eye opener for anyone who still doubts the power of cordless!
Among IR's cordless offerings...
Among IR's cordless offerings in their IQv line, their 14.4-volt abrasive cut-off, angle grinder, and 3/8-inch impact make many other cordless tools live up to their bad reputations-underpowered and overpriced.
The one particular tool that...
The one particular tool that may receive a lot of skepticism is obviously the GC25 cordless cut-off. We won't fudge the facts and say it's every bit as powerful as their air-powered version (fed through a capable compressor of course), because it's not. But just because it won't slice through tubing as quick, don't be so quick to judge just yet.
The cut-off's 0.35hp motor...
The cut-off's 0.35hp motor is quite powerful, and with a good 3x1/16 (thinnest available for electric) metal cutting disc, this cordless can handle more than you might have imagined. Plus, unlike other cordless or even electric versions, this one features a built-in sensor to prevent overload, so no matter how hard you push, it knows when to take a break.
The majority of the advancements...
The majority of the advancements in cordless technology have been with the batteries that power them as well as the chargers that keep them powered. While nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries are still widely used (along with slow chargers),...
...the newer tools such as...
...the newer tools such as the IQv Series and Milwaukee's V28 line use more powerful lithium ion (Li-Ion) battery-typically with a one-hour charger.
Next to the popularity of...
Next to the popularity of a pneumatic cut-off tool is the venerable 4/4 1/2-inch angle grinder. When it comes to surface preparation, to avoid dealing with tangled cords/hoses and still get the job done, consider the IQv Series 1/4-inch die grinder.
Don't let the size of the...
Don't let the size of the IR cordless fool you-it should be used more like an air grinder with smaller-diameter abrasives (heavier tasks such as grinding welds are better suited for a bigger tool).
With a 3M Roloc abrasive disc,...
With a 3M Roloc abrasive disc, the cordless die grinder was able to cut through layers of old paint without much effort. The tool knows its limitations, though, which you'll notice right away as it will react to being forced or put under excessive load by temporarily shutting off once the electronic motor control sensor is triggered.
You may recall the Apr. '10...
You may recall the Apr. '10 issue ("Cuttin' Corners") where we featured the Excalibur 14.4-volt cordless shears. This is one cordless tool that is definitely able to keep up with the traditional electric- and air-power competition ... and ultimately cut corners around most of them!
On top of its powerful cutting...
On top of its powerful cutting capabilities, the Excalibur shears work like a set of handheld aviation snips-unlike other powered cutters, the unique blade design doesn't leave any leftover "curly cue" material.
The argument against having...
The argument against having to deal with all the ancillaries when it comes to using air tools gets stronger when you're dealing with an impact wrench. Once again, one of the leaders in pneumatics has the cordless answer-the IQv 3/8-inch Square Drive Impactool, which features 150 lb-ft max reverse torque in one of the most durable packages you'll find.
Cordless tool aren't necessarily...
Cordless tool aren't necessarily maintenance-free (angle heads on the cutter/grinder need grease weekly), but when compared to any air tool, well, the daily oiling can easily get overlooked-and when that happens, the poor tool gives out well short of its advertised lifespan.
It's been mentioned what vital...
It's been mentioned what vital role your air compressor plays in the overall performance of your pneumatic tools. Well, that's fairly simple-if you want to aptly support high-powered tools with your compressor, you need to ensure it's capable of producing more constant airflow than the tool requires. An under-powered and/or the wrong type of compressor will only slow the process-but a decent two-stage 80-gallon vertical, while overqualified in some respects, is going to dig into your pockets a lot deeper than Harbor Freight or Home Depot will ding you for. Instead, consider going cordless.