I thought I’d look over some of the tools I’ve accumulated — mostly in the course of my house remodel — and highlight their utility. In each case the cordless aspect has proven so useful that they’ve often completely pushed aside their corded counterparts.
My mini “hacks all” has completely replaced my corded reciprocating saw.
The mini bandsaw — just big enough to cut strut, or conduit to 1-1/4 — has replaced the beloved Port-A-Band.
I hesitated before buying a large impact driver — it has a 7-16 hex chuck — but I t is invaluable driving selfeed bits through lumber. Where larger holes are needed — say, for running HVAC line sets or plumbing (sleeves and drains) — the cordless HoleHawg shines.
Nothing cuts drywall neater, or kicks up less dust, than the cordless oscillating multi-tool.
With that in mind, cordless vacuums have come a long way. Even the tiny “stick” vacs often have HEPA filters and they are QUIET. No more jet-engine like roars or banshee screams.
Boring through block and brick? Even SDS-Max tools are available. The smaller SDS-plus drivers often have attached vacuums.
Jim mentioned cutting metal. Cordless shears, snips, and nibblers rock. The nibblers are particularly good at making holes in metal buildings.
An impact wrench makes changing a flat tire almost fun. There’s even a tire inflator that uses the same battery.
Still need power for your corded tools? Small generators are readily available, affordable, and the expensive ones are surprisingly quiet.
All this talk of work make you tired? There are coolers, radios, and coffee makers — all using the same batteries as your tools. I’ve see — but not actually used — powered ventilated vests for the summer and heated jackets for the winter.
