Cordless Power Tools

For the modern DIYer or professional handyman, mobility is everything. When you're working with a boxful of power machines, tangled wires that are too short to reach from the plug socket to the work station just won't do. Our cordless power tools offer the chance to do all the jobs around the house or in the workshop with freedom and mobility to perform. Here’s our top tips for getting the right product for your work needs.

Power Tool Terminology

We don't want to blind you with technical jargon – not everyone's an expert when it comes to power tools, especially if all you're after is a bit of DIY assistance. Here are some of our frequently-used terms explained:

Torque

This varies the output of power from the motor, giving you precision control.

Volts

The higher the voltage on your tool the longer it will function on a single charge.

Speed

Power tool speed is variable and is measured in RPM (Revolutions/Rotations per Minute), usually applying to drills and suchlike.

Watts

The power measurement of the tool.

Capacity

Cutting depth measured in millimetres.

Action

Denotes the movement and direction of the blade.

Portable Wood Jigsaws

Jigsaws are perfect, indeed essential, for cutting out shapes from wood, certain plastics and metals. Choose one with a pendulum action as this allows for greater cutting speed. Falling into the same category are a range of specialist multi-saws also designed for cutting sheet material. These include mitre saws, for cutting precise straight or precise angles, and reciprocating saws, for close to the surface work.

Smooth Wood Sanders

Designed for smoothing surfaces on wood and metal, sanders are also useful for removing paint, rust and varnish. For large surfaces Band Sanders should be used, as their continuous sanding roll cuts tough jobs down to a minimum. Orbital and Sheet Sanders are perfect for smooth, professional finishes, while Detail Sanders are ideal for awkward corners.

Disc Angle Grinders

Designed for preparing surfaces and for cutting slabs and masonry, these are very useful tools indeed. Choose a model with a smaller disc when working with metalwork; use a higher wattage machine with a larger disc when working with paving slabs and the like.

Fixed Pin Tackers

Cordless tackers take a lot of the hard work out of upholstery and fixing underlay. They’re also perfect for stabilising insulation materials. Using 14mm nails or staples you can even work in poorly lit areas as some models come with a powerful LED light source to shed light on the subject.

Cordless Laser Measuring Kits

There's nothing as straight as a laser beam, so this makes them perfect for using as a measuring device. Easily adjustable, these diminutive tools often come supplied with a tripod for easy positioning. They work by bouncing the beam off an object and then calculating the distance from laser to target, giving you super-accurate readings every time.