Corded Power Tools vs. Cordless In the Garden: Which Ones Are Right For You?

Shopping corded power tools vs. cordless can sometimes be a confusing experience. With so many options out there — cord length, motor power, battery capacity — it’s not always easy to know what the right choice is.

Ultimately, the best tools are the ones that can get the job done for you in the safest and most efficient manner, all while fitting into your budget. Here’s a quick comparison of corded versus cordless garden tools that should help guide you in the right direction when it’s time to shop.

Power or Convenience?

There are two characteristics that continue to be true of almost any comparison looking at corded power tools vs. cordless in the garden.

The first is that corded tools are almost always more powerful. Although the gap continues to shrink, the motors in a corded tool don’t have to worry nearly as much about efficiency, and, as a result, can usually offer more grunt and torque than their cordless counterparts. There’s also the fact that as a cordless tool’s battery begins to run down, the tool’s performance can begin to suffer, which means you don’t get access to its full capabilities across the entire span of battery life. Using these cordless battery tips can help alleviate some of the headaches.

The second and counterpoint argument to the above is that the most powerful corded tool in the world won’t help you if there’s no wall socket nearby. This is where the convenience of a cordless tool becomes a massive plus. If you’re working far from the house and don’t want to deal with the hassle of an extension cord — or if there’s simply no AC power in sight — then a cordless tool is indispensable.

Weighty Concerns

That being said, the price paid for convenience is often weight. Battery packs can be heavy, and when comparing corded power tools vs. cordless you’ll need to consider whether that additional heft is going to cause a problem. For projects with a lot of overhead lifting — such as hedge trimming, for example — the extra fatigue that comes from holding a heavier cordless tool could be a deciding factor. Even small tasks like blowing leaves can be difficult with a cordless leaf blower.

Keep in mind, however, that a corded tool can restrict mobility in other ways. A power cord can easily get in the way when working in tighter spaces, or even run the risk of being damaged if it moves around too much during the job.

Storage Plus

Finally, it’s easier to store a rack of cordless power tools than it is to wrap up the cord on a traditional tool and find room for it on a shelf. This is especially true if you purchase a set of cordless tools that all share the same battery, as you can have one or two batteries charging and store the tools separately.

There’s no definite word on which is better in the corded power tools vs. cordless conversation. Taking the above criteria into account will help you make the best decision for your own personal needs.

Check out all the tools & equipment available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on corded power tools vs. cordless, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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