Pneumatic tools: time to upgrade to electric?

[NickG]

G'day everyone,

 

Firstly, Happy New Year to all! I posted this over on an Australian forum, seeing as I am Australian, but I'd like to get a wider range of opinions. 

 

Here is the original topic;

 

G’day everyone,

 

I’ll be restoring an old American car in the new year and am after some help regarding tools.

 

As it is now, I’ve got a pretty extensive compressed air system. As a result, over the years, I’ve acquired enough air tools to sink a battle ship; drills, impact drivers, circular saws, chainsaws, grinders, even drill presses and a lathe. For the odd job here and there they work fine. It’s a bit more work to set up, but they are very powerful and do the job; just don’t start on the cost.

 

With that said, my question is, do/should air tools still hold a place in the home/work environment? Or is it better to replace the older air tools with newer ones? If not, what brands do people recommend for electric tools? How do 240V tools compare against 12/24/48V equivalents?

 

I love my air tools, and they certainly still have their place, despite the drawbacks, but I see now as a good time to modernize.

 

 

Here's a link to the forum for those interested: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/3rvjnrn2

 

Cheers

 

 

 

[junkyardjeff]

The battery powered tools give one more freedom to work but one has to think about battery life and replacement costs,if the tool manufactures would use the same batteries for many years it would not be a problem but I have found the higher end tool manufactures (Snap on etc) have a tendency to change forcing people to have to buy a new tool and the battery costs almost make it cheaper to buy a new tool.

[hidden_hunter]

I wouldn’t bother replacing tools that are working personally, there are some benefits from air tools like less risk of sparks igniting things 

 

I’ve always found that you need to spend big money to get a decent cordless tool and then once they lock you into their battery eco system there will be one tool you want that’s disproportionately expensive. Some jobs I’ll just buy the cheapest crap from buntings if I’m only going to use it for one job (e.g. and SDS drill)

 

Presumably you’re also doing the work in your shed, so portability isn’t really that much of a benefit either

 

One of the suggestions on your other thread to have a smaller compressor for odd jobs is probably a pretty sound idea 

Edited January 1, 2023 by hidden_hunter (see edit history)

[3macboys]

I've slowly become a convert to Dewalt 20V cordless tools, though I will admit that I have bought a couple of corded tools in the last year including a router and compound mitre saw.  The router was for the constant speed that a corded unit provided as I didn't know how long a fully charged battery would last and didn't want to see tear out as the bit began to spin too slow.  Personally I like the freedom of not having to play jump rope with either a cord or air hose.   Next impact will be cordless.  Side note, though most are aware, standard household current in Canada/USA is 120V, in a good portion of the rest of the world it is 240V.  

[NickG]

5 minutes ago, junkyardjeff said:

The battery powered tools give one more freedom to work but one has to think about battery life and replacement costs,if the tool manufactures would use the same batteries for many years it would not be a problem but I have found the higher end tool manufactures (Snap on etc) have a tendency to change forcing people to have to buy a new tool and the battery costs almost make it cheaper to buy a new tool.

Being locked-in to one brand is what is dislike most. With air tools it's an anything goes environment, regardless of the brand. Honestly, cost isn't a massive considering, as the cost of running the compressor and air dryer is outrages already. 

3 minutes ago, hidden_hunter said:

I wouldn’t bother replacing tools that are working personally, there are some benefits from air tools like less risk of sparks igniting things 

 

I’ve always found that you need to spend big money to get a decent cordless tool and then once they lock you into their battery eco system there will be one tool you want that’s disproportionately expensive. Some jobs I’ll just buy the cheapest crap from buntings if I’m only going to use it for one job (e.g. and SDS drill)

 

Presumably you’re also doing the work in your shed, so portability isn’t really that much of a benefit either

 

One of the suggestions on your other thread to have a smaller compressor for odd jobs is probably a pretty sound idea 

You're right, once you're locked-in you're pretty much stuck until it's worthwhile changing. There's a lot of freedom with air tools there. 

 

Yes, most, if not all work will be done in a shed. The plumbing extends the entirety of the property, so you're always in a reasonable distance of an air supply. 

 

I'm leaning towards that option, as all the plumbing is there and, really, it just makes sense. It's only a matter of creating a new three-phase circuit. 

[junkyardjeff]

After I last posted I remembered that I bought a battery powered weed eater that only came with one battery,the price of the battery is almost the same price as another tool that has a battery.

[hidden_hunter]

3 minutes ago, junkyardjeff said:

After I last posted I remembered that I bought a battery powered weed eater that only came with one battery,the price of the battery is almost the same price as another tool that has a battery.

Pretty much, and after a few years the battery is trash 

[NickG]

2 minutes ago, 3macboys said:

I've slowly become a convert to Dewalt 20V cordless tools, though I will admit that I have bought a couple of corded tools in the last year including a router and compound mitre saw.  The router was for the constant speed that a corded unit provided as I didn't know how long a fully charged battery would last and didn't want to see tear out as the bit began to spin too slow.  Personally I like the freedom of not having to play jump rope with either a cord or air hose.   Next impact will be cordless.  Side note, though most are aware, standard household current in Canada/USA is 120V, in a good portion of the rest of the world it is 240V.  

The cordless technology is great, but sometimes there's a need for the power of a mains-voltage tool, as in your case. I've never had that problem with air, as most are very powerful. I can understand the concern with the router, especially if it starts slowing down and tears whatever it is you're routing. Yes, fair point, I'm aware you're on 120V, but here we're on 240V. Actually, it's closer to 230V. 

Just now, junkyardjeff said:

After I last posted I remembered that I bought a battery powered weed eater that only came with one battery,the price of the battery is almost the same price as another tool that has a battery.

Ah, yes, the cost for the batter is quite significant. 

[NickG]

Just now, hidden_hunter said:

Pretty much, and after a few years the battery is trash 

And here there are air tools which pre-date me by decades. A circular saw, which is still heavily used, is at least 50 years old and is scarily powerful.

[John E. Guitar]

Makita 40V tools are quite good.

 

Edited January 1, 2023 by John E. Guitar (see edit history)

[joe_padavano]

If you already have the compressor and piping for media blasting and painting, and you already have the pneumatic tools to go with them, why would you even consider spending the money to switch?

 

The only cordless tools I use in the shop are my Dewalt drill, 1/4" impact driver, and recip saw, which I have mainly for construction projects. The impact driver is used most frequently on the cars, as the impact function is outstanding at breaking loose rusty Phillips head screws. The downside is that even with several spare batteries, I'm always running dry. The pneumatic tools don't have that problem.

Edited January 1, 2023 by joe_padavano (see edit history)

[Axial_Flow]

Back when I worked mobile repair on material handling equipment, a reliable source of compressed air was not always guaranteed.  My first HD cordless tool was a Milwaukee Fuel 18v 1/2” cordless impact.  It had 1000 lb-ft of break away torque and did everything I needed it to do.

 

I’ve since changed jobs and no longer do that type of work but I utilize the cordless impact 9/10 when I need such tool when working in my shop.  I’ve since then purchased other Milwaukee cordless tools and enjoy using them all.

 

I believe air tools are here to stay, but you cannot beat the versatility of cordless tools.

[Frank DuVal]

I still buy corded tools, never have to worry about buying another battery for that tool.

 

Not that I don't own battery tools, like a battery 1/4" impact is great! Have one in garage, one in house, and a few battery drills too. Routers, circular saws, oscillating multi-tools (Like Fein invented), 1/2" drills, etc. are corded. I do not work much in the field. At least within extension cord and air hose access to the house or garage. Yes, a 5 HP compressor in the house too.

 

I do take NiCad and Ni-MH batteries apart and replace the cells, but it is still money and time to do that. Li-Ion, another issue to take apart and replace cells, I can tell you they do like to melt stuff if shorted! 

[Angelfish]

I have to agree that it doesn't always make sense to change something that is working.  But cordless tools have reached the point where they work as well as corded, and I would never try to talk someone out of buying new tools. 

 

Makita is the only power tool company that is still who they say they are.  All the others have been bought and sold so many times that nothing of the original company exists.   I work in the tool retail industry and what it means to us it that Makita has far and away the best customer support.  We send a tool back to their repair center and it's usually back to us within two weeks, most of the time free of charge.   The company rep is available and responsive.   We easily sell 100 Makita 36 volt framing saws for every 1 corded Skil wormdrive.

 

Milwaukee is the worst for service.  They are closely affiliated with Home Depot, so if you're not Home Depot you're SOL.   But a lot of guys do like their tools.  All the others are somewhere in between. 

[NickG]

3 hours ago, John E. Guitar said:

We changed over to cordless tools about five years. Not having to worry about tripping over air lines is a plus. These days we only turn on our compressor when we need to run the paint booth.

 

Most of our stuff is Makita but there is always something that someone else does better and you end up with a bunch of different batteries, e.g. Ryobi is fairly lightweight but they have a really a good LED light and Metabo make a nice belt sander I haven't seen anywhere else.

 

The largest pneumatic rattle gun we had was a 3/4 drive Atlas Copco. The original Makita 18V 3/4 drive didn't come close but the current 40V one is just as good as the Atlas Copco pneumatic. Makita also have a great dust blower that came out last year. 

 

For everything except Ryobi, the specialist tool shops will have a better range than Bunnings. Also, if you do change over try to stick to brushless motors.

I've heard good things about Makita, they're well priced, too. Very surprising to see the 40V Makita is as good as the pneumatic one. The technology has come a long way. 

2 hours ago, joe_padavano said:

If you already have the compressor and piping for media blasting and painting, and you already have the pneumatic tools to go with them, why would you even consider spending the money to switch?

 

The only cordless tools I use in the shop are my Dewalt drill, 1/4" impact driver, and recip saw, which I have mainly for construction projects. The impact driver is used most frequently on the cars, as the impact function is outstanding at breaking loose rusty Phillips head screws. The downside is that even with several spare batteries, I'm always running dry. The pneumatic tools don't have that problem.

The idea of changing was born from starting a new project car and to try save on electricity costs. The cost to run a 50kW compressor is astronomical. This is soon to be replaced with a 110kW unit, but that's a story for another day. 

 

The impact drill, electric or pneumatic, are lifesavers there. Very true, as long as the compressor is running the tools will work, but it will cost a lot more in the long term. 

2 hours ago, Axial_Flow said:

Back when I worked mobile repair on material handling equipment, a reliable source of compressed air was not always guaranteed.  My first HD cordless tool was a Milwaukee Fuel 18v 1/2” cordless impact.  It had 1000 lb-ft of break away torque and did everything I needed it to do.

 

I’ve since changed jobs and no longer do that type of work but I utilize the cordless impact 9/10 when I need such tool when working in my shop.  I’ve since then purchased other Milwaukee cordless tools and enjoy using them all.

 

I believe air tools are here to stay, but you cannot beat the versatility of cordless tools.

Agreed, the versatility and flexibility of cordless tools makes them very attractive. 

2 hours ago, Frank DuVal said:

I still buy corded tools, never have to worry about buying another battery for that tool.

 

Not that I don't own battery tools, like a battery 1/4" impact is great! Have one in garage, one in house, and a few battery drills too. Routers, circular saws, oscillating multi-tools (Like Fein invented), 1/2" drills, etc. are corded. I do not work much in the field. At least within extension cord and air hose access to the house or garage. Yes, a 5 HP compressor in the house too.

 

I do take NiCad and Ni-MH batteries apart and replace the cells, but it is still money and time to do that. Li-Ion, another issue to take apart and replace cells, I can tell you they do like to melt stuff if shorted! 

In a sense, corded tools aren't too dissimilar from pneumatic tools in the sense you're still tethered to either a cable or air hose. 

 

That's a good point, too. Batteries have a relatively short life when compared to any air tool. 

1 hour ago, Angelfish said:

I have to agree that it doesn't always make sense to change something that is working.  But cordless tools have reached the point where they work as well as corded, and I would never try to talk someone out of buying new tools. 

 

Makita is the only power tool company that is still who they say they are.  All the others have been bought and sold so many times that nothing of the original company exists.   I work in the tool retail industry and what it means to us it that Makita has far and away the best customer support.  We send a tool back to their repair center and it's usually back to us within two weeks, most of the time free of charge.   The company rep is available and responsive.   We easily sell 100 Makita 36 volt framing saws for every 1 corded Skil wormdrive.

 

Milwaukee is the worst for service.  They are closely affiliated with Home Depot, so if you're not Home Depot you're SOL.   But a lot of guys do like their tools.  All the others are somewhere in between. 

I agree, this system here isn't broken so don't go looking for issues. I'm trying to save a lot by spending a little now. It works out to ~$15AUD an HOUR to run the compressor. It will run for 10 hours a day, which is fair (sometimes more), giving a total cost of $150AUD per day. 

 

From what I've heard from other mates, Makita is very popular and their product is of good quality. That's reassuring to know their after sales support is good. That's surprising to hear about Milwaukee; I've been told their gear is good, but their customer support is lacking as you say. 

[hidden_hunter]

4 minutes ago, NickG said:

agree, this system here isn't broken so don't go looking for issues. I'm trying to save a lot by spending a little now. It works out to ~$15AUD an HOUR to run the compressor. It will run for 10 hours a day, which is fair (sometimes more), giving a total cost of $150AUD per day

What tools are you using that are needing to run the compressor that often?

[NickG]

2 minutes ago, hidden_hunter said:

What tools are you using that are needing to run the compressor that often?

It's not so much tools, but a quirk of the house I live in. The house is on a very large property. All water runoff is directed to two underground tanks and a massive dam. When the place was built in the 1930s, for reasons unknown, water was pumped out of the tanks and dam instead of passing through overflows. Due to technology at the time (possibly) the water pumps used were driven by air. Over the years the pumps have been upgraded to more powerful models, thus requiring more air and a bigger compressor. The pumps have been upgraded again in recent years and now the compressor cannot maintain adequate pressure, hence the addition on the 110kW unit. 

[hidden_hunter]

So if you’re going to be running the compressor anyway the pneumatic tools are going to make bugger all difference

[NickG]

5 minutes ago, hidden_hunter said:

So if you’re going to be running the compressor anyway the pneumatic tools are going to make bugger all difference

That's a fair point, but most of the time the pumps aren't running and a 50kW compressor is powering only a drill, grinder, or a few saws. 

 

I think the advice of a member above is the most logical. Isolate the plumbing in the shed and install a smaller compressor which will supply that section with air. I'm embarrassed to say that had never crossed my mind. 

[hidden_hunter]

17 minutes ago, NickG said:

 

I think the advice of a member above is the most logical. Isolate the plumbing in the shed and install a smaller compressor which will supply that section with air. I'm embarrassed to say that had never crossed my mind. 

Buy a decent one and they’re not even that noisy

[NickG]

6 minutes ago, hidden_hunter said:

Buy a decent one and they’re not even that noisy

Was thinking of another screw compressor or even a scroll compressor. The scrolls are much quieter. Won't be going back to a reciprocating compressor. 

[hidden_hunter]

9 minutes ago, NickG said:

Was thinking of another screw compressor or even a scroll compressor. The scrolls are much quieter. Won't be going back to a reciprocating compressor. 

Aren’t they super expensive? As in it would take a long time to break even?

[c49er]

Yes...Buy all your new cool battery powered tools then please package up and send me all your now obsolete geeky old air tools...that will be great!

Thanks a million!

[NickG]

1 hour ago, hidden_hunter said:

Aren’t they super expensive? As in it would take a long time to break even?

They're not the cheapest compressor, but I love my compressors and air tools, so we can overlook that slight matter. Either way, 110kW set us back a few hundred grand, so there's a lot of recovery to do. But yes, you're right. It will take a long time to break even.

1 hour ago, c49er said:

Yes...Buy all your new cool battery powered tools then please package up and send me all your now obsolete geeky old air tools...that will be great!

Thanks a million!

Ha ha, I'll even include earmuffs too

[Bloo]

Can a current production electric 1/2" rattle gun compete on power with a top-of-the-line pneumatic gun from Mac, Snap-On, Matco, etc.? Would it be corded or cordless? How much would you have to spend?

[joe_padavano]

6 hours ago, NickG said:

The impact drill, electric or pneumatic, are lifesavers there. Very true, as long as the compressor is running the tools will work, but it will cost a lot more in the long term. 

I guess that depends on the pneumatic tool. I can run my 1/2" IR impact from my tiny nail gun compressor. The amount of air it requires is large, but duty cycle is very small, so it works (no, I don't make a habit of doing it that way). My 23.5 SCFM compressor runs the most for media blasting, painting, and high air use tools like cutoffs and die grinders. The added weight and volume of the battery to replace those doesn't strike me as an upgrade. For pneumatic tools with low duty cycle or low air use, the compressor hardly runs at all.

[Larry Schramm]

5 minutes ago, joe_padavano said:

I guess that depends on the pneumatic tool. I can run my 1/2" IR impact from my tiny nail gun compressor. The amount of air it requires is large, but duty cycle is very small, so it works (no, I don't make a habit of doing it that way). My 23.5 SCFM compressor runs the most for media blasting, painting, and high air use tools like cutoffs and die grinders. The added weight and volume of the battery to replace those doesn't strike me as an upgrade. For pneumatic tools with low duty cycle or low air use, the compressor hardly runs at all.

 

Agree on the small compressor.

 

The best cordless tool that I purchased was my 1/2" DeWalt 20 volt cordless impact.  I bought it specifically to be able to change tires on the side of the road quickly.  It is a very good safety item with so many drivers seeming like they want to see how close they can come to you and not hit you.

Edited January 1, 2023 by Larry Schramm (see edit history)

[avgwarhawk]

I have AC Delco 3/8 and 1/4 electric ratchets.  Love them when working on engines and assembling products with nuts/bolts.  They go anywhere.  There is no air hose dragging behind or tangling up.  No compressor making noise.  I also use an electric impact gun for lug nuts and any stubborn but/bolt on my vehicles.  Since purchasing these electric tools I have not touched my air tools.  My compressor is now simply used to fill a tire blowing debris out of the garage, cut off tools and air chisel. 

Edited January 1, 2023 by avgwarhawk (see edit history)

[jp1gt]

For me it all depends on what I am doing. If I am in the shop or outside. The first cordless tool besides the drill was the cordless bush trimmer. I cut 2 cords with the corded ones. I like air, for big stuff, I have a 15hp IR compressor, sandblasting, but you can not beat the 20v dewalt selection of tools. I got a green works 80v leaf blower and weed wacker and they work great. One thing I discovered was I got a cordless paint sprayer that did not work well but it works great as a air blow gun.

[kuhner]

Why replace good working tools? A cordless tool doesn’t make your work any better. If you are financially able to, and you really hate an air hose or cord then go for it.  
But if you do definitely buy quality, you get what you pay for. I use Bosch, for my hand tools.

[60FlatTop]

14 hours ago, 3macboys said:

I've slowly become a convert to Dewalt 20V cordless tools,

I agree with that. Most of my lawn and yard tools. They make a very good tool. More recently I have made a complete reversal of my position on buying other offshore tools and acquired some Bauer 20V tools. I have found them to do a fine job and will probably expand my collection of Harbor Freight Bauer 20V tools substantially. They certainly don't feel or sound like the "friction motor" stuff I tried a decade or two ago.

 

Subsidies granted to those companies of 15-55% to increase quality and competitiveness has really paid off for the consumer.

[Frank DuVal]

11 hours ago, NickG said:

The idea of changing was born from starting a new project car and to try save on electricity costs. The cost to run a 50kW compressor is astronomical. This is soon to be replaced with a 110kW unit, but that's a story for another day. 

You are speaking of industrial process air here. Even when I was in the collision shop business we did not have an air budget this large. The average home shop cannot power anything larger than 7.5 HP, (~ 5 Kw). Even a 10 HP single phase motor is rare!

 

So quit comparing the cost of running the compressor to the cost of tools. The amount of air you use for tools is less than 5% of the air budget. Insignificant, since the air has to be on to get water. You probably lose way more than that amount of energy to air leaks! This water system cannot be just for a home or small farm either, right?

[plymouthcranbrook]

If I was starting out today I would go all electric and have a small oil less compressor to fill tires and such.  At this point I am using power tools less and less so what I now have is what I will keep.

[NickG]

10 hours ago, joe_padavano said:

I guess that depends on the pneumatic tool. I can run my 1/2" IR impact from my tiny nail gun compressor. The amount of air it requires is large, but duty cycle is very small, so it works (no, I don't make a habit of doing it that way). My 23.5 SCFM compressor runs the most for media blasting, painting, and high air use tools like cutoffs and die grinders. The added weight and volume of the battery to replace those doesn't strike me as an upgrade. For pneumatic tools with low duty cycle or low air use, the compressor hardly runs at all.

For applications where shorts bursts of air are required, then that works perfectly. But here, when usings saws and lathes, a constant demand for high pressure and high flow is required. But I see your point. 

 

10 hours ago, Larry Schramm said:

 

Agree on the small compressor.

 

The best cordless tool that I purchased was my 1/2" DeWalt 20 volt cordless impact.  I bought it specifically to be able to change tires on the side of the road quickly.  It is a very good safety item with so many drivers seeming like they want to see how close they can come to you and not hit you.

There are a lot of idiots who like to play the 'let's see how close I can get' game. 

 

10 hours ago, avgwarhawk said:

I have AC Delco 3/8 and 1/4 electric ratchets.  Love them when working on engines and assembling products with nuts/bolts.  They go anywhere.  There is no air hose dragging behind or tangling up.  No compressor making noise.  I also use an electric impact gun for lug nuts and any stubborn but/bolt on my vehicles.  Since purchasing these electric tools I have not touched my air tools.  My compressor is now simply used to fill a tire blowing debris out of the garage, cut off tools and air chisel. 

How do you find battery life and battery longevity? 

 

9 hours ago, jp1gt said:

For me it all depends on what I am doing. If I am in the shop or outside. The first cordless tool besides the drill was the cordless bush trimmer. I cut 2 cords with the corded ones. I like air, for big stuff, I have a 15hp IR compressor, sandblasting, but you can not beat the 20v dewalt selection of tools. I got a green works 80v leaf blower and weed wacker and they work great. One thing I discovered was I got a cordless paint sprayer that did not work well but it works great as a air blow gun.

A cordless spray gun? I've heard it all now

 

8 hours ago, kuhner said:

Why replace good working tools? A cordless tool doesn’t make your work any better. If you are financially able to, and you really hate an air hose or cord then go for it.  
But if you do definitely buy quality, you get what you pay for. I use Bosch, for my hand tools.

That's true, the air tools work great and I certainly have nothing against air - in fact, it is my first preference over anything. At the end of the day, it was an attempt to reduce the electricity bill. Much more economical to charge a few batteries that to power a compressor and air dryer. 

 

5 hours ago, Frank DuVal said:

You are speaking of industrial process air here. Even when I was in the collision shop business we did not have an air budget this large. The average home shop cannot power anything larger than 7.5 HP, (~ 5 Kw). Even a 10 HP single phase motor is rare!

 

So quit comparing the cost of running the compressor to the cost of tools. The amount of air you use for tools is less than 5% of the air budget. Insignificant, since the air has to be on to get water. You probably lose way more than that amount of energy to air leaks! This water system cannot be just for a home or small farm either, right?

We're limited with what we can do with our single-phase service, but this compressor is powered by a three-phase supply; it would be pulling more than 200A if it were fed from our 240V single-phase supply!

 

When the pumps are running, the cost of running the air tools is insignificant; however, when the pumps are not running and only the air tools are being used, then this is reversed. The pumps are only used for irrigation and maintaining water levels; the water we consume is municipal water. Leaks were a problem, but they have all since been corrected and the system will hold pressure once the compressor has stopped. In its day, this place was a farm, but now it's just a house on a few hundred acres, so all this equipment is for a home with two occupants. Maybe it made sense back then, but it is outdated now. 

[avgwarhawk]

@plymouthcranbrook. Battery life is excellent on all three tools. Also good on my electric hand drills and weed eater trimmer.

[NickG]

33 minutes ago, avgwarhawk said:

@plymouthcranbrook. Battery life is excellent on all three tools. Also good on my electric hand drills and weed eater trimmer.

That's good to know. My biggest fear is battery longevity. I suppose you only get a few good years of use before its capacity start to deteriorate. 

[3macboys]

 it was an attempt to reduce the electricity bill. 

 

Considering where you live a small solar set up to charge batteries would likely work for you.  I have an off grid cottage in northern Ontario that I put in a very small system, 2 150 W panels, charge controller, inverter and 2 6 volt AGM golf cart batteries hooked up in series for power storage.  It's more than enough to recharge tool batteries, charge a laptop and power a few LED lights in the cottage, unless of course there is rain for 3 days, in which case break out the candles and hand tools.  All in I think I spent less than $2000 Canadian as the various pieces are always going on sale and I took my time to accumulate what I needed.  

[Pfeil]

On 12/31/2022 at 5:01 PM, junkyardjeff said:

The battery powered tools give one more freedom to work but one has to think about battery life and replacement costs,if the tool manufactures would use the same batteries for many years it would not be a problem but I have found the higher end tool manufactures (Snap on etc) have a tendency to change forcing people to have to buy a new tool and the battery costs almost make it cheaper to buy a new tool.

And weight!  The only time I use a battery driven tool is a small handheld 1/4 drive for small sockets and screw drivers for dash and under dash work where they save twisting time and save breaking things, especially 1970's+ plastic things.

Edited January 2, 2023 by Pfeil (see edit history)

[avgwarhawk]

1 hour ago, NickG said:

That's good to know. My biggest fear is battery longevity. I suppose you only get a few good years of use before its capacity start to deteriorate. 

Lithium ion batteries are quite good. 

[hidden_hunter]

3 hours ago, avgwarhawk said:

Lithium ion batteries are quite good. 

I’ve had a few early hitachi’s go bad

 

Not sure what state your in and what the rebates available are for solar

Edited January 2, 2023 by hidden_hunter (see edit history)