This article originally appeared on the BUILDER website.
While manufacturers such as Milwaukee Tool are striving for the future “cordless jobsite,” companies are still making and servicing both corded and cordless tools. Here are some examples of the industry’s newest corded and cordless tools—and, in one case, a hybrid tool platform that can run on either a battery or AC adapter.
Worx (Corded)
The corded WORXSAW Compact Circular Saw features a 4 1/2 inch thin kerf blade, which is up to 50% lighter and less than half the thickness of full size 7 1/4-inch saw blades. At 4 amp and 3500 RPM, the saw can cut through a 2x4 in a single pass, all with less effort and motor strain than a full-size saw. The saw’s light, 4.4-pound weight is easy to transport and maneuver, and is recommended for cutting trim, siding, and sheet goods. The saw’s power cord measures 10 feet long.
Worx (Cordless)
The WORX 20V Switchdriver is a hybrid drill/driver with two revolving quarter-inch chucks, which allow users to switch between two quarter-inch, hex-shank bit combinations by turning the drill head. The drill operates at a no-load speed of 0-400 RPM and provides 265 inch-pounds of maximum torque, with 12 adjustable torque control settings to prevent stripped screws.
The Switchdriver kit includes two 1.5 Ah MaxLithium battery packs, as well as an LED light, bits, charger and carrying bag. worx.com
Milwaukee Tool (Cordless)
The M18 FUEL 7 1/4-inch Rear Handle Circular Saw is designed to deliver the operating power of a 15 amp corded saw at 5,800 RPM. When used with Milwaukee Tool’s M18 REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 Battery, the saw can deliver 570 cuts in 2x4 on a single charge. The tool and battery together operate with 50% more power, run 50% cooler, and deliver 33% more runtime than with Milwaukee’s M18 REDLITHIUM HD9.0 battery, according to the company.
Milwaukee Tool (Corded)
Milwaukee Tool’s most recent corded tool is the 8-Gallon Dust Extractor, introduced in December 2017. The extractor is an OSHA-compliant tool for the regulation of crystalline silica dust, with a two-step filtration system, 99.97% efficient HEPA filter, and consistent airflow and suction at 148 CFM. It is powered by a 24-foot extension cord, and features large wheels, locking swivel casters, and an on-board tool activated plug for efficient power on/power off on the jobsite. milwaukeetool.com
Metabo (Cordless/MultiVolt)
Metabo’s new MultiVolt hybrid platform includes the 10-inch Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw. It is able to run on either a 36V MultiVolt battery or 36V AC adapter, both sold separately, allowing users to choose between corded and cordless power at their convenience. The brushless miter saw features a 0-60 degree miter angle to the right, 0-55 degree miter angle to the left, and 0-48 degree bevel angle in range in both directions. The miter and bevel locks to adjust cut angles, and its zero rear clearance slide rails allow for efficient cuts in tight spaces.
Metabo (Corded)
Presently, Metabo’s corded-only tool offerings include right-angle drills, screwdrivers for drywall and metal nutrunners, Superdrive Collated screw systems for decking and drywall applications, planers, routers, and sanders. Its most recent corded tools are the 2-inch, 18-gauge Pro Brad Nailer and the 2.5-inch, 16-gauge Pro Finish Nailer, unveiled in June.
The Pro Brad Nailer has a capacity of 100 nails and features an integrated air duster, tool-less depth of drive adjustment, and selective actuation for switching between sequential and contact nailing. The Pro Finish Nailer has a capacity of 150 nails and offers a cylindrical valve drive system and high-grade aluminum and steel magazine, as well as selective actuation. metabo-hpt.com
Bosch (Corded)
The corded Bosch GKT13-225 Track Saw is equipped with a 13-amp motor, which provides the capacity for table saw–quality cuts on sheet goods like laminated particle board and plywood. It features an adjustable track guidance mechanism for cutting angle, cut depth, and finish angles, plus a single pivot point for bevel cuts from -1 degree to 47 degrees. It may be combined with optional Bosch tracks, sold separately for straight-line cuts. Overlock protection prevents the motor from overheating. The tool weighs 9.8 pounds and comes with an L-Boxx-4 carrying case.
Bosch (Cordless)
The Bosch GBH18V-26D 18V EC Brushless 1 In. SDS-plus Bulldog Rotary Hammer runs at a maximum of 890 revolutions per minute, and delivers 1.9 foot-pounds of impact energy for heavy-duty concrete drilling and chipping applications. The brushless motor helps to maximize the tool’s battery runtime, and the integrated KickBack Control technology reduces the risk of sudden tool reactions during bit bind-ups.
The hammer runs on Bosch’s CORE18V battery platform, which uses the manufacturer’s proprietary CoolPack 2.0 technology to draw heat away from the battery cell, extending runtime and lifetime. bosch-pt.com
DeWalt (Corded)
DEWALT’s line of Corded Brushless Grinders, introduced in July 2018, includes five small angle grinders ranging from 5 inches to 7 inches in size. Trigger switches are available on all sizes; paddle switches are available on 6- and 5-inch grinders, and a variable-speed slide switch is available on a 5-inch model. The 5-inch Variable Speed Slide Switch grinder features DEWALT’s E-Clutch System and Kickback Brake, which automatically shuts the tool down when a wheel pinch or stall is detected. Each grinder delivers up to 13 amps of power and 1,800 max watts out.
DeWalt (Cordless)
The new XTREME Subcompact Series offers five compact-sized cordless tools equipped with brushless motors and DEWALT 12V MAX battery platforms. Each tool measures 4.81 to 6.6 inches long, and weighs 1.5 to 2.04 pounds as a bare tool. The drill/driver delivers up to 250 UWO (unit watts out), while the screwdriver delivers up to 200 UWO and the hammerdrill delivers up to 250 UWO and 25,500 BPM. The impact driver achieves up to 1,450 inch-pounds of max torque, and the 3/8-inch impact wrench achieves up to 1,500 inch-pounds of max fastening torque and 2,400 inch-pounds of breakaway torque. Each one features LEDs on the tool body for visibility. dewalt.com
