Lithium electric tools are a massive leap forward compared to traditional electric tools. Their strengths include superior mobility, lower risk to operators, and the benefit of working even in remote locations where electrical outlets are scarce. Constant innovations in lithium-ion battery technology and motors have given us portable tools that are just as powerful as corded ones, minus the hassle.
Today, we shall compare the best lithium-ion tools with their traditional counterparts to see which is better for your needs. Whether you’re a DIYer, prosumer, or professional- understanding the pros and cons of both sides will help you choose the right tool for the right job. Usually, a cordless tool makes more sense for the average user.
If you purchase a cordless combo kit containing the tool, battery, charger, and carry case, you get all components at a massive discount compared to buying each separately. This significantly reduces the performance-to-price advantage held previously by corded tools. With the wide variety of attachments available for modern lithium electric tools, you can solve most of your home improvement needs with a portable electric hand drill.
Understanding Traditional Electric Tools and Lithium-Ion Tools
To truly understand the difference between lithium electric tools and traditional ones, we must peek underneath the shell and see how they work. Every tool requires a power source and motor; corded tools use AC outlets, while cordless tools are equipped with batteries. Because outlets provide a consistent flow of energy without any voltage drops, corded tools can maintain their performance threshold over a longer duration. This makes them more valuable for construction sites where tools with high current drawers, like hammer drills, demolition saws, and impact drivers, are common.
But how did modern lithium electric tools catch up to their corded counterparts so quickly? The secret is battery technology. Old cordless tools used NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries. These were heavier, had less energy density, and had an undesirable characteristic known as the “memory effect.” If you didn’t completely discharge NiCad and NiMH batteries before recharging, they would lose capacity over time.
Traditional Electric Tools: A Retrospective
For over half a century, corded power tools were the most common implement in any handyman’s arsenal. This was because of their affordability, rugged construction, and high endurance. However, this advantage comes with certain underlying costs to the user. You lug around a massive cord up to 100 feet in length. And if the requirements are for a cord longer than that, a dedicated power distribution box has to be set up first. At home, you might have to run extension cords if you don’t have the appropriate outlet in your yard. Whereas, with a cordless tool, you only have to insert the battery and press “Start.”
Is there really a difference in performance?
The development of high-output batteries and advanced motors rapidly nullified differences in performance between corded and cordless. The key lies in improving efficiency to get the most out of a given power source.
Corded tools are limited by the availability of an outlet
With corded tools, you’ve got no power during a blackout. This leaves you completely stranded should the grid go down for a few hours. If you’re out on the ranch or own lots of property in the woodlands, you need a cordless tool unless you’re comfortable with carrying a generator everywhere you go.
A Complete Comparison of Lithium-Ion vs Traditional Electric Tools
- Lithium electric tools are quieter
A major downside of corded is the increased noise level. Modern lithium electric tools rely on small, efficient motors to deliver a similar level of performance as old 15 amp corded tools that still use universal motors. A FEIHU high torque cordless wrench with its brushless motor can output 600 Nm of torque, which is more than enough to handle automotive repair and construction involving heavy lumber.
- Cordless can be just as powerful
Lithium-ion has more energy density than its predecessors (NiMH and NiCad) and is more suitable for high-discharge applications requiring lots of currents. This allows modern lithium electric tools to be extremely lightweight and efficient while delivering performance similar to that of the best corded tools. Whether we’re talking torque or RPM, a good lithium-ion tool can match its corded counterpart, blow for blow. And because most homeowners don’t do sustained heavy-duty work like workers on a job site, the endurance offered by a battery is more than enough for daily tasks like fixing up a kitchen cabinet or some leaky pipes.
- Responsiveness
When you release the trigger on a lithium electric tool, it stops almost instantly. Do the same on a corded tool, and it will keep spinning for a while before stopping. This difference in precision and responsiveness will save you from overdriving screws and stripping out the heads. With their smart control logic, Cordless tools can also make more minute adjustments to RPM. No matter the material you’re working on, cordless will guarantee minimum damage to components and fewer repair costs down the line.
- You’re faster with cordless
In the real world, cordless is faster for most homeowners and DIYers who work in short bursts of a few minutes. Whether you just want to hang a painting or attach a door handle, you just pick up the tool and press a button to get started. Now compare this to a corded tool where you must unpack the cables, find a suitable outlet, arrange for an extension cord, etc. It’s just too much hassle.
Why FEIHU’s Lithium-Ion Tools Have A Distinct Advantage
It’s clear that lithium electric tools offer significant benefits in mobility, performance, and noise levels. They are compact, light, and easy to use for the vast majority of homeowners who aren’t concerned with job site performance. Even on job sites, there are places where a corded tool can’t go, but a cordless one can.
A good cordless drill is all you need for 90% of DIY and home improvement tasks, which is why we strongly recommend the FEIHU Cordless Combo Kit. It has a 12V lithium-ion cordless driver with a variable speed trigger and 24+1 torque settings. The tool is also equipped with a handy LED flashlight for working in dimly lit environments and has an easily accessible reverse switch located at the top of the grip.
The kit contains a variety of manual tools and attachments, so you’re prepared for every task, from roofing to carpentry and plumbing. You get hacksaws, wood drills, metal drills, insulating tape, an adjustable spanner, a claw hammer, and more. A charger and battery are included for your cordless 12V drill, and all of this is neatly arranged inside a hard carry case so you can easily find your tools and attachments whenever you need them.
Conclusion
FEIHU is a global leader when it comes to the design, manufacturing, and distribution of lithium-ion tools. Their battery tools are designed to meet the needs of even the most rigorous prosumers.
Whether you’re a dealer looking for an affordable, highly dependable line of lithium-ion power tools or a private label interested in reducing development costs by rebranding the tools- FEIHU can fulfill your needs. From amateurs to professionals- we’ve got tools for everyone. Thoroughly tested, with a wide global distribution network aided by our international partners. So give FEIHU a try today and get an offer tailored to your needs!