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The Power Cord Puts Unlimited Power in Your Hand
There is a significant push among manufacturers to convert all power tools from 110-volt to battery powered. Some manufacturers have stopped selling corded tools and shifted everything to battery power. However, many others remain focused on the concept that there remains a demand for 110-volt corded tools.
C.S. UNITEC
Despite the ongoing push toward battery-powered products, C.S. Unitec and its German-based partner Eibenstock, are working only with a corded 110/220-volt platform.
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C.S. Unitec and its German partner Eibenstock are focusing on develpment of |
“Focusing on professional contractors, we believe they require the extra power 110-volt tools provide, with no issues about continuous run time and never having to worry about the tools losing their charge,” says Scott Saunders, director of sales for C.S. Unitec.
For example, he says using a 3/4 inch “Hawg” drill requires a lot of power to operate effectively. According to Saunders, batteries just do not have longevity for continuous run time where 110-volt tools keep the job operating properly.
“Our model EHB 32/2.2 R/RL is a 15-amp pistol grip drill with a Morse Taper 3- or 3/4-inch drill chuck,” he says. “This 15-amp motor can be used on a continued basis with no worries about the battery life for the most demanding applications.”
Within the power tool industry, one of the biggest trends is an increase in the battery size to increase longevity. However, Saunders notes that as the battery size increases, so too does the weight of the tool increase.
“You need these larger batteries to provide more power and longer run time however the tradeoff is the increased weight of the batteries and an overall less ergonomic package,” he says. “The 110-volt tools have a fixed weight and can be run on a continuous basis.”
While technology is reaching a point where batteries are becoming cheaper to produce, the world economy has made it increasingly more challenging. Saunders suggests that with many lithium batteries imported from China and the unknown cost of tariffs associated with such tools, corded power tools from Eibenstock in Germany offer a more certain future.
He says Eibenstock is continuously looking for applications where continuous running time is critical. Three new corded tools were launched recently. He said the ESD 162 is a dry soft percussion core drill for hard concrete and rebar, the EES 1400-3 is a concrete grinder that fits right into the edges and the ETR 400.2 P is a 16-inch wet concrete cut-off saw.
“All offer unique solutions for the professional contractor who demand powerful, long running tools,” Saunders said.
HOUGEN MANUFACTURING
There remains a consistent and robust demand within the industrial grade magnetic drill and annular cutter industry according to Hougen Manufacturing Inc.
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Defying the idea of being a one-trick tool, Hougen’s HMD2X2 low profile magnetic drill is engineered to work in confined spaces or for general fabrication. |
Marketing director Greg Londrigan says the positive outlook of the industry is driven by projects in heavy construction, structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding, and general manufacturing/maintenance.
“In any economic climate, but especially in times of uncertainty and tariffs, our customers are looking for value,” he says. “For us, value isn’t just about the initial purchase price, it’s about the total cost of ownership.”
Londrigan says when a fabricator buys a Hougen drill, they know they’re getting a tool that will perform reliably day in and day out.
“Our tools are an investment in productivity, and we pride ourselves on their durability and longevity,” he says.
In addition, Hougen prides itself on being an American manufacturer and considers that a significant advantage. It allows the company to maintain a more resilient supply chain and have greater control over quality.
“Our customers appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their tools are built to the highest standards right here in the U.S.,” Londrigan says.
Like many tools, the magnetic drill is often considered a one-trick pony, only good for drilling holes in thick steel.
“At Hougen, we are constantly working to educate the market on the full range of applications for our tools,” Londrigan says.
According to Hougen, when paired with the right annular cutters and accessories, modern magnetic drills are incredibly versatile.
“With the proper setup, they can be used on a wide range of materials, including structural steel, stainless steel and other alloys,” he says, noting that with accessories, they can also be used for tapping, reaming, countersinking and more.
Similarly, many operators have the misunderstanding that all annular cutters are created equal.
Londrigan says the truth is, the engineering and quality that go into Hougen cutters make a world of difference in terms of cutting speed, hole finish, and tool life.
With a focus on the corded magnetic drills and annular cutters, he says the company is excited about its latest innovations to further enhance performance and user experience.
He says this includes advancements in new drills that deliver even greater torque and efficiency, allowing for faster and more precise drilling in a larger variety of applications, such as a confined space.
“Of course, the ongoing evolution of our annular cutter technology remains a key area of excitement, especially with our new Quad Helix Cutters which offers incredible performance for deep hole drilling,” Londrigan says. “The revolutionary design with the auger style flutes, pulls chips from deep within the hole with ease.”
SENCO
SENCO continues to focus on innovations for its traditional corded tool lines.
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| SENCO’s FN91T1 framing nailer is among the products being assembled at its plant in Cincinnati, Ohio as it expands its Built in the USA offerings. |
Recent innovations have resulted in a range of benefits for construction applications as well, with improvements to enhance durability, ease of use, and versatility.
“Pro contractors want tools that will last as long as possible, are lighter in weight, and have the power to drive fasteners into the toughest substrates, including LVL and LSL,” says Ryan Schuler, product manager at SENCO Brands. “They also get frustrated with tools that have a lot of parts and take forever to fix.”
To meet and exceed contractor expectations for durability and versatility, SENCO has started building, evaluating, and qualifying some of its corded tools in the United States.
“This is driven by the company’s belief that improved quality control and the ability to test every single tool prior to shipment will deliver significant benefits to our customers,” Schuler says.
Today, SENCO engineers and assembles a 20-degree and 30-degree framer (the FN81T1 and the FN91T1) at its plant in Cincinnati, Ohio, with plans to grow its “Built in the USA” offering based on market response.
“These framing nailers have been shown in competitive testing to be 18% more powerful than benchmark products while providing almost double the average number of cycles without service and approximately one-fifth the number of jams,” Schuler says. “With 49% fewer motor parts, they are easier and faster to fix than the industry standard framer and routine maintenance is much simpler, only two wrenches are required.”
LEARN MORE
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2025 Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The August/September 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, Forged in Friendship and Fasteners, Under the leadership of Terry Albrecht, Packer Fastener is built on people, not jut nuts and bolts in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Also in this issue are Industry Updates on Corded Electric Tools; Generators and Power Stations; and Saw Blades and Cutting Tools.
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