Any power tool being used for a long period of time will heat up.
I was cutting up some skids to use for garage shelving last weekend, my recipricating saw was starting to get warm. It happens.
My wifes 14.4v Dewalt Cordless drill went through a war zone over the first 4 years we owned our home. We used that drill to screw down the sub floor in the kitchen. That was a lot of screws!!!
It still works, mind you since I got my Craftsman 19.2v cordless a few years ago, the Dewalt sits most of the time now unless the wife is helping.
I had a B&D 2amp jigsaw, bought brand new, shelf model at Home Depot. I burned it out because I used it to cut the opening for the sink on my new kitchen countertop. Over an inch think in some spots. OOPS!
Home Depot, after contacting B&D, replaced it under warranty. I have no issues with B&D.
I went & bought a 4 amp B&D jigsaw, MORE POWER (insert Tim Allen grunt here) works great.
Tools are great, as long as you don’t abuse them too often, kinda like cars, but that’s another story.
I feel that battery powered tools have a nice purpose as field tools where there’s no electrical supply and only minor work is at hand.For heavy duty work,they’re too slow and don’t last long enough for me to even consider bringing them.My lady owns a small camp in a wooded area that we use in the summer and when renovations are required,I bring the 2200W AC generator and my corded tools.It is noisier and heavier indeed,not counting the hassle of carrying gas,but I can’t stand poor tool performance and battery powered tools would get thrown in the woods in no time.
The same with corded tools though.I like good quality tools and stay away from cheap stuff.A good tool will outlast cheapies by the double or even more time and more important will handle better,often ending up being the cheapest tool to own on the long run.
I guess I’ve been luckier than JW and some others–my 18 volt cordless DeWalt drill has done well(had it about 4 years)–two battery system seems to work fine. I have kept my old Craftsman corded drill, however, though have not had to use it yet for any household projects, I haven’t started on my benchwork yet, either.
I’ve got a 1/4" B&D metal case drill that I got when I was 13,for my birthday. I’m 63 now and the thing still works. The switch is starting to go but it works. I also have a 9.6 makita drill I’ve had for about 12 years that still works good too,been thru about 10 batteries though. Battery maintenance is the key to keeping these things working I think.
CHUCK: Thanks for the info on Panasonic, that was all new info for me. I must say, the Panasonic cordless drill has been a real workhorse…I am well pleased with it’s performance.
There are always exceptions to the rule. Years ago I purchased a Cummins tool sale set of 1/2 inch drive deep well impact sockets. I use the 3/4 one almost daily. In that time I’ve been through 3 Mac Tools 15mm, 1/2 inch drive shallow impact sockets (Rounded each one out). My Cummins 3/4 socket shows no wear, except that the paint wore off.
Panasonic makes the cordless drills for Hilti, so they are top of the line cordless drills. From my experience it does not matter which brand of cordless tool you have the batteries only last two, max three years. This is with the best cordless tools any of the manufacturers have to offer. So it makes sense to purchase corded tools, they last longer, have more torque and are always ready to work and power is always close at hand wherever a layout is being build.
It is rather surprising as to how cheap corded tools have become considering how much lets say a compound mitre saw was 10 years ago compared to today. Not even top of the line cordless tools can come close to corded tools half the price.
It sure makes construction easier with the proper equipment, and it can always be used for other projects around the house as well. At least that is my excuse.
I agree with you 110% on that one! I ordered a bunch of Cummins tools from Harbor Freight about 20 years ago. GREAT tools for the money. Too bad all mine got stolen with my roller box.[:(]
Frank, I understand what you are saying, but I feel there is a place for both types. When I need the torque, and power is readily available, I use my corded tools, but when I am doing some quick jobs, or working around the layout, or far from power, I use the battery powered portables. I hate dragging extension cords around. There is a time and place for both types wouldn’t you say?
I’m 64 & got the same drill for 6th grade graduation!! Ex still has it & it still works!! I also have a B&D sawsall with a metal housing, a Stanley belt sander, and a Thor 1/2" drill, all over 30 years old!!
That said, B&D today makes junk, and DeWalt isn’t much better. Yes, some DeWalts will last for years, but they let the customers do the QC checking!! Ask any retailer about the return percentage on new DeWalt tools!!
Comments have been made about torque on corded vs cordless drills. Take a hex shank bit and chuck both drills on it. The cordless will make the corded back up in most cases. They are designed with a lot of torque because today they are used more as screwdrivers than drills.
Any tool will heat up with continous use, but not to the point of being too hot to handle, unless it’s low quality or bad design - B&D/DeWalt for example.!
Buy quality. Yes, there are occaisional “cheap” tools that will perform, but these are few & far between, and a cheap tool that breaks when being used can cause injury![:)]