Cordless Power Tools

SENCO

Trends in cordless power tool design focus on weight reduction, performance efficiency, strength and durability, and versatility.

Over the past couple of years, SENCO has been going directly to the end users to obtain feedback on its latest releases as well as others in the market, says Ryan Distler, SENCO product manager.

In terms of weight reduction, he says users are looking for lighter tools.

“Manufacturers are increasingly using high-strength composites and lighter metals to create tools that are lighter and more comfortable to use for extended periods without sacrificing power,” Distler says.

The adoption of brushless motors and advances in battery technology, such as higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries, have enhanced the overall performance efficiency and power of cordless tools, making them more competitive with their corded counterparts.

In addition, he says modern cordless tools are designed for multi-functionality, with various attachments and accessories allowing a single tool to handle multiple tasks.

“While we cannot discuss specifics about our next generation at the moment, future product development is focused on meeting feedback we’ve received including the trends around weight reduction, efficiency, strength and durability, and versatility, as well as other quality of life improvements,” Distler says.

The Festool KHC 18 cordless rotary hammer drill is extremely robust, highly resilient and durable. The combination of 2.6 joules of impact energy, vibration damper and ergonomic handle is ideal for a variety of demanding applications.

FESTOOL

Festool recently unveiled a new lineup designed to enhance professional workflows. This release included the KHC 18 cordless rotary hammer drill, the energy set SYS 18V, advanced storage solutions, and more.

The KHC 18 cordless rotary hammer drill features a durable brushless EC-TEC motor and pneumatic hammer mechanism, delivering 2.6 joules of impact energy. Users can seamlessly switch between hammer drilling, drilling, driving, and chiseling with SDS-Plus and keyless chuck options.

According to Bush the KHC 18 includes an ergonomic handle for comfortable use, a depth stop for accurate drilling, an LED light for optimal visibility, and a scaffold hook for secure mounting.

Also, the rotary hammer features an electronic KickbackStop to minimize injury risk and a safety lock to prevent accidental starts.

The dust extraction nozzle and Bluetooth-enabled Festool system ensure a clean work environment.

“Ideal for various tasks, the KHC 18 embodies power, versatility, and user safety,” Bush said.

MAKITA

Powered by two 40V max XGT batteries and an 80V brushless motor, Makita’s XGT breaker hammer is reportedly the most powerful in its class.

Makita’s 40V/80V max XGT system has over 125 cordless products with equipment-grade products for concrete, landscaping, framing, cleaning, and more, as well as core handheld tools like drills, impact, and grinders.

This month, Makita is announcing five additions to the expanding XGT System.

Lopez says the hard-hitting XGT breaker hammer goes straight to the top of the category with a full 72.8 joules of impact energy, reportedly making it the most powerful in its class. It’s powered by two 40V max XGT batteries and an efficient 80V brushless motor, delivering up to 70% faster breaking than corded.

“It’s a true corded replacement that will revolutionize concrete work, especially when working away from a power source,” Lopez says.

Next is the XGT 9-inch power cutter, a cordless cutting solution with more power, lower vibration, and a full 3-1/2-inch cutting depth. It’s powered by one 40V max XGT battery, allowing users to ditch the gas cans, pull starts, and any concerns about emissions for indoor use.

For landscape contractors looking to convert their trucks and trailers to battery power, Lopez says the new XGT 24-inch articulating hedge trimmer has the power of a 24cc gas-powered model. Similarly, the new 40V max XGT edger is equivalent to a 31cc gas edger.

For efficient cleaning, he says contractors can put down the broom and power up the new XGT 25 1/2 inch vacuum sweeper. The GSV01 will clean up to 93,000 square feet per charge using two 40V max XGT 8.0Ah batteries. It’s ideal for concrete and residential framing jobsites as well as janitorial, warehouse maintenance, and more.

METABO HPT

Metabo HPT Gen 2 18-gauge compact cordless brad nailer delivers a driving speed of two nails per second. The unique Air Spring Drive system eliminates the hassle of dealing with compressors or hoses, thus increasing productivity.

Over the past few decades, Metabo HPT has built itself a reputation in the power tool industry as a leader in the nailer segment. Framers, roofers, siding specialists, and remodelers have all come to know and appreciate the pneumatic nailers from Metabo HPT.

Even with the industry continuing a transition to cordless tools, Metabo HPT has maintained its spot among the leaders in the nailer category.

Kilkenny says Metabo HPT’s broad assortment of cordless nail guns spans all types — framing, finishing, brad, pin, and metal-connecting nailers — using many of the same design elements as their pneumatic counterparts.

The Air Spring Drive System that cycles nails, the quick change between sequential and bump fire modes, and an overall design that makes the tool disassembly process faster and easier for any routine maintenance.

“As any professional nailer user will tell you, it is not as simple as just slapping a battery on the current pneumatic model and putting it out in the market,” Kilkenny says. “When designing a cordless nailer, careful consideration must be made to match the performance, the speed, and most importantly, the feel of the tool. This is where Metabo HPT cordless nailers excel.”

He says there was tremendous innovation in Metabo HPT Gen 1 and Gen 2 models in the forms of lower weights, smaller sizes, and improved handling, and feel, that make the transition to cordless nailers more seamless.

According to Kilkenny, the Metabo HPT Gen 2 MultiVolt 18-gauge brad nailer (model# NT1850DFT) is an example of the dedication the company has to put the best nailers in the hands of valued customers and end users.

HOUGEN

The Hougen 40V 76004PR hole puncher is designed to address the need for efficient cordless portable hole making. It enhances productivity by allowing users to punch holes onsite or in the shop.

The increasing demand for portable hole-making solutions is a key trend driving cordless innovative power tools. From contractors to industrial fabrications the ease and versatility that cordless tools offer is difficult to beat.

Battery-powered tools continue to gain market share, with ongoing innovations poised to shape the future of the industry.

Hougen has recognized the growing demand for cordless tools in various industries, including construction and metal fabrication. The company’s research and development team focuses on developing new products that enable contractors and metal fabricators to work smarter and more efficiently.

Recently, Hougen released its new 40V 76004PR hole puncher, specifically designed to address the need for efficient cordless portable hole-making. This tool enhances productivity by allowing users to punch holes swiftly and effectively onsite or in the shop.

According to Hougen, the 76004PR is capable of punching both round and oblong holes in materials up to 3/8-inch thick, delivering 17 tons of punching pressure in under 4 seconds, making it an invaluable asset for onsite operations.

TRUMPF

More contractors seek to balance productivity with environmentally friendly operations and reduced energy consumption.

Daniel Pfisterer, TRUMPF Inc. national sales manager for TruTool portable power tools says compared to other processing methods, TruTools can offer 50% lower energy usage in some cases. Cordless TruTools are engineered with gearboxes and motors adapted to specific requirements and utilize brushless motors for the highest possible efficiency.

Other TruTools that meet the need for quality, environmentally friendly, and energy-saving power tools are TRUMPF’s bevelers and edge deburrers, which can produce ideal results without follow-up work and at speeds 5-10 times faster than is possible with angle grinders. These bevelers and edge deburrers don’t produce any fine dust during processing and introduce very little heat into the material.

Pfisterer says another way TRUMPF is meeting the demand for productive and sustainable power tools is through the Cordless Alliance System (CAS). The high-performance batteries can be used in various TRUMPF tools, such as shears, nibblers, and power fasteners. They also fit with rotary hammers, nailers, saws, hot-air guns, and more. This saves operating costs due to the need for fewer batteries and chargers and reduced material consumption.

According to Pfisterer, on certain job sites, noise regulation is necessary, and thermal efficiency requirements in many buildings are increasing.

He says TRUMPF’s seam locking tools offer a quiet alternative to manual or air hammering and leave a superior finish.

Also, recognizing that insulated panels play a significant role in meeting the thermal efficiency requirements, TRUMPF has a solution: the TPC165, a panel cutter designed to cut this challenging material with precision and control.

"Performance, ergonomics, and sustainability are at the heart of TRUMPF power tool design,” Pfisterer said. “TruTools are continually developed and optimized for longer service life, higher productivity, and easier movement.”

Equipped with a 1700 watt drive, the TruTool TKA 700 provides power with high torques and stable and safe machine guidance. It can be used for many applications of weld seam preparation and much more.

This article originally appeared in the October/November 2024 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2024 Direct Business Media.

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The October/November 2024 of Contractor Supply magazine is here!

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