About Power Tools

Mallory Kramer asked:


be easy to forget the importance of a good battery in the functioning of your cordless tools. As it turns out, however, a good battery is just as integral to a cordless tool as a healthy motor. Battery technology has come a long way since the introduction of battery powered tools. Since the development of the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, power tool batteries have transitioned from NiCad to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and most recently to Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery technology.

Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market for cordless power tools and though the technology is older, it is still very reliable. NiCad batteries are less sensitive to adverse temperatures and have a high recharge cycle, meaning they can be charged and recharged repeatedly for a long period of time. NiCad batteries are also less expensive than NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. On the down-side, however, NiCad batteries tend to suffer from battery memory effect. This occurs when a battery can no longer accept a complete charge from the charger because it had been repeated charged without first being fully depleted. It seems the battery “remembers” how much energy it discharged, and only wants to accept back that much energy from charger. The element Cadmium is highly toxic making it the most harmful battery to the environment. The NiCad’s negative effects on the environment, in fact, cause them to be heavily taxed outside the U.S.A. As a result, many European vendors won’t sell NiCad batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries run on a higher amperage than NiCad batteries, because of this, they also have a longer run-time. NiMH batteries are lighter than NiCad batteries but they are far more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, in fact, NiMH batteries can’t work in below freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit and below) and they degrade very quickly in intensely high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit an up). Although the NiMH battery has a longer run-time than the NiCad battery it doesn’t accept as many charges. NiCad and NiMH batteries do, however, have very similar overall lifespans. NiMH batteries have a larger energy storage capacity than that of the NiCad.

Lithium Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other rechargeable batteries. A high energy density means that the Lithium Ion batteries have a superior energy to weight ratio storing more energy for their size than most other batteries. Li-Ion batteries have a very slow self-discharge rate meaning they retain their charge for much longer. Most rechargeable batteries significantly deplete over periods of unuse, the slow rate of charge-loss in Li-Ion batteries, however, allows them to maintain most of their charge long periods, even in storage.

There are many benefits to working with Lithium Ion batteries from their light-weight, to their long run-time. Li-Ion batteries maintain their charge for much longer and have continuous max power throughout their energy discharge cycle. Other batteries consistently lose power as you work. Li-Ion batteries are light-weight, and have a huge storage capacity, this means you now have a lighter, more efficient and powerful battery without the bulk.

There are, however, some disadvantages to Lithium Ion batteries. Li-Ion batteries are a bit more expensive. The complexities of producing Li-Ion batteries accounts for this price difference. Each Li-Ion battery also requires a specifically built charger to accommodate that type of battery; this means that chargers are more expensive as well, and aren’t universal to all types of Li-Ion batteries. The Li-Ion battery has a built-in chip that protects the battery from over and undercharging, and ensures a longer battery life. This computer chip, however, doesn’t allow the battery to continue accepting charge once that battery’s energy level has dropped below a certain point. Once this happens the battery is essentially dead. Li-Ion batteries also rely on this circuit to stay cool. Since Li-Ion batteries lose charge so slowly, and the battery and charger are so advanced, it’s fairly simple to keep batteries temperate and at a safe charge level.

Lithium Ion batteries are by a landslide the least detrimental to our environment, and for many reasons they are the favorite of most craftsmen.

Remember, the quality of the battery you use is just as important as the quality of your power tool. The battery gives the right amounts of energy and finesse to your tools and their working parts.

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Ivory Baxter asked:


Most power tools on the market are designed for everyone to use. However, if you happen to be left handed, then you may realize just how difficult it is to operate particular power tools. The on/off switch being in a location that isn’t convenient or easy to get to in the event of an emergency is the most common complaint.

With saws, the most common complaint for left handed people is that the blade is on the right hand side which makes it difficult for them to operate. The left handed individual has two choices - hold it the wrong way and hope the cut ends up being straight or face it the other way around with the blade coming at you and the materials coming at you. Neither is a very effective option.

Still, many left handed individuals feel like they have been cheated by the power tool industry. In fact, the Left Handers Club, a group that was formed in 1990, has been sparking the interest in many power tool manufacturers to address the situation. It seems like saws are the one main power tool that hasn’t yet been adapted for left handed individuals. For them, a table saw works best because you can choose to cut on either the right side or the left side of the blade.

There are some great power tools on the market that can be used easily for left handed individuals including power screwdrivers, routers, nailers, drills, and sanders. This is because the manufacturers have worked hard to redesign them. The on/off switch is generally located in the middle of the power tool so it can be accessed from the right side or the left side.

A mainly unknown brand of power tool, Porter-Cable, has introduced a circular saw kit that features the blade on the left hand side. The reviews of this power tool show it is very inexpensive, around $100 and sees to work very well for a variety of materials. This might be a great saw for left handed individuals to try out. It seems like it would be much safer than the right handed saw options we discussed above.

Panasonic offers a cordless drill that is designed for the left handed individual. In addition, it is getting rave reviews for being a great working power tool that recharges very quickly. Unfortunately, there still aren’t enough to make a good selection.

Left handed tool belts are becoming a very popular item manufactured by many tool makers. This is very helpful and a step in the right direction, especially for left handed individuals who work in the construction industry. They commonly wear a tool belt for eight to twelve hours a day, five or six days per week.

It appears that the power tool industry has made some steps in the right direct when it comes to making the majority of power tools accommodating for both left handed and right handed individuals. Moving the power switch made a huge different on many of these power tools. In the past, left handed individuals had to reach in front of the power tool, and that could be a potential risk for injury. Now most of the major power tools have the power switch in the center.

Since there are so many left handed people in our society, and it is no longer something looked down on, there is a huge demand for power tools to work for them. Creating power tools that appeal to this market seems like a great opportunity for power tool manufacturers. There has been some progress in this area over the past ten years, and the trend indicates that more changes will continue to meet the power tool needs of left handed individuals. They will be able to purchase power tools that are effective, safe, and work with them instead of them having to find a way to adjust to the right handed set up.



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