It's electric
We have reached the tipping point in the development of construction tools and equipment.
There will always be a place for more standard hammers, screwdrivers and other hand tools on jobsites.
Likewise, there will always be a place for gas-powered or plug-in tools and equipment based on performance levels for specific tasks.
The reality is, battery technology has reached a point where the battery-powered solutions being offered by the top brands have reached industrial levels of performance.
This includes runtimes that equate to a day’s worth of work, with understanding that in almost no example are tools running at full power continuously through an eight-hour shift.
Evidence of this transition was never more apparent than during my stop at World of Concrete 2026 in Las Vegas.
The world’s largest trade show dedicated to the concrete and masonry industries served as proving ground for the transformation of industry.
A significant number of the major power tool equipment manufacturers such as Bosch, DEWALT, Milwaukee Tool, Husqvarna, Makita, C. S. Unitec and more, launched or unveiled new battery-powered, robotic, and smart-connected tools at the show.
Generally, enhancements highlighted by the different companies relate to efficiency and a reduction of overall operational costs after the initial more costly investment.
Having spoken to both sides on more than one occasion, I would say that the shift also relates to some of the other factors such as reductions in noise, vibrations, emissions and of course overall maintenance.
For those on the sustainability train, across the country, government regulations on noise and emissions are becoming increasingly stricter, forcing trade professionals to switch to more environmentally friendly options, such as battery-powered equipment.
While it has taken several years and acknowledgment that there are still a few tasks insurmountable for battery-powered options, for the most part, lithium-ion powered tools are viable challengers to the general status quo of using corded or gas-powered tools.
Our cover story, starting on page 12, Tool Factory Outlet in Goshen, New York, keeps close tab on technological advancements and is always ready to stock whatever is the next thing customers want.
Despite all that, if you ask trade professionals about battery-powered tools, it’s like asking them what their favorite movie is.
Their answer will be a kaleidoscope of the primary colors of the power tool brands.
I think it’s safe to say, the future of power tools is clear:
It’s electric boogie woogie woogie.
Ryan Whisner
rwhisner@directbusinessmedia.com
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2026 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2026 Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The April/May 2026 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, Precision Over Volume, Tool Factory Outlet of Goshen, New York is a contractor supply operatoin built on niche brands and technical expertise..
Take a look back at World of Concrete 2026. Also in this issue are Industry Updates.
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