Electricians Benefit Using Cordless Tools

Cordless power tools are significant in every contractor and tradesman’s tool bag. We all love cordless tools because it is so much more convenient to use a cordless screwdriver instead of a standard screwdriver that requires us to twist our hands and wrist fifty times to deal with one screw or a heavy and clumsy corded drill. The convenience of removing ten screws per room to replace fixtures with a quick push of a button for each one is much nicer than manually removing and replacing them.

Electricians are no strangers to power tools, and there is a need for safe and reliable tools for the job. Power tools have their place, but the biggest question is whether to use corded or cordless. Some electricians prefer cordless over cordless, whereas others say they could not get by without their cordless tools. So, let us look at some advantages of using cordless power tools over their corded counterparts.

Are Cordless or Corded Power Tools Better?

This is the subject of much debate on trade and construction forums. We tend to use cordless power tools simply for convenience and ergonomics. So, we have geared this article toward how cordless tools are replacing the electrician’s corded tools and why. But we know you want more than our opinion, so we share the facts surrounding the issue, not just our thoughts.

The Ultimate in Convenience

Convenience is essential these days. You do not have to carry a generator when you do not have an immediate power source on the property. No more stringing a 50-foot extension cord from one end of the structure to the other to use the drill or screwdriver. All you must do is keep an extra charged battery on hand, and you are good to go.

Mobile Charging Capability

Many tradespeople keep a small power inverter in their truck. We never know when we will need a standard outlet, so it is always better to play it safe than to be sorry. This is the perfect way to ensure you always have a battery charged in the truck and wait when needed.

Light and Compact

Cordless power tools are lighter and more compact than corded power tools. They can tuck away into a tool belt or much more quickly because you do not have to worry about the cord. Lighter tools still get the job done; you do not have to put much effort into it.

Ergonomics

Cordless power tools allow you to move into various positions that may not be possible with a corded power tool. The position in which you hold the power tool can cause injury to your wrist, elbow, or shoulder. A cordless tool allows you to have the tool at any angle and helps avoid injury.

Fewer Accidents on the Jobsite

Cords can get in the way of other workers and put them in harm’s way. Many jobsite-related accidents have occurred when a worker carrying something trips over a cord he did not see in the way. Injuries range from mild to moderate depending on what the worker was carrying and how quickly he regained his balance.

Fewer Work-Related Injuries

Tradesmen often suffer from injuries specific to the type of trade or the tools they use. The worst work-related accident an electrician can have, of course, is electrocution. It is hazardous and often fatal. Some other injuries may include:

• Inattention while performing repetitive or routine tasks
• Unexpected interruptions while working
• Inexperience with power tools
• Overconfidence with mundane tasks
• Faulty equipment

Electricians may also suffer from:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This is an injury to the nerve in the hand and wrist. It can be caused by bending at the wrist or holding tools too tightly – the way you would have a screwdriver to screw in a screw manually.

Tendonitis

This injury to the tendons results in pain, stiffness, and swelling. Using power tools at an odd angle can cause tendonitis. The lighter and more mobile the power tool, the better.

Raynaud’s Syndrome, or White Finger Disease

This is an injury caused by the vibration from power tools. Corded power tools are more powerful and vibrate much more intensely than their cordless counterparts.

What about the Power Concerns?

This is the biggest concern we get from most electricians. They worry that cordless tools will not provide the torque or the power they need for specific applications. This could be the case in certain circumstances, but you will be pleased with your decision to switch to cordless power tools in most situations.