Ways Cordless Power Tools Are About To Get Even Better
Today's professional-grade cordless power tools rival traditional corded models in almost every category. Thanks to the new crop of lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors, cordless tools now offer similar torque and speed in a package that keeps getting lighter and better, all while providing longer runtime on a single battery charge and the convenience of losing the cord.
But something new is around the corner for cordless tools. New connectivity and charging technology are pushing power tools even further into the realm of high-end electronic devices. Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Bosch all have introduced new battery platforms that solve prickly problems for contractors and professionals by making their power tools easier to charge, and harder to lose.
This technology is available to DIYers too—but at a premium price.
Inductive Charging
Inductive charging is based on the concept of contactless energy transfer. You may have an inductive cooktop or Powermat electronics charger that works in this way. When the charger is plugged in and the compatible battery is placed on it, the charger begins wirelessly transmitting an alternating magnetic field. The battery has an internal copper coil that acts as a receiver. As the alternating magnetic field enters the coil, voltage is induced, and a charging current flows to the cells until they're full.
The only tool manufacturer currently offering this technology is Bosch power tool batteries. But consider the benefits and you can see why inductive charging is likely to spread to many more power tools. An inductive charging mat means the battery can stay on the tool and charge when it's idle and sitting on your work table. No need to keep removing batteries and switching between dead and charged one. This could be a huge benefit for line factory workers or anyone who works on intense time constraints. The lack of exposed contact points on the charger means it's also less likely to be affected by dust, dirt, or debris.
Each charger also features Foreign Object Detection (FOD), which detects when any other object besides the compatible battery is on the charging pad. If it senses one, the charger will not turn on until the object is removed. This safeguard is in place because otherwise conductive materials such as bolts, washers, nails, or even metal shavings might fall on the pad, turn it on, and heat up.
Right now, this system is only available on Bosch's 18V platform and requires the purchase of both battery and charger, although the batteries will work with existing tools, so you can keep those. Wireless charging batteries have a 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah capacity but fall below the 6.0 Ah of the company's regular batteries. If you use this system, you most likely will keep your battery charged all the time, which negates needing the longer runtime.
Bluetooth Batteries
Bluetooth is recognized for its use in our smartphones and wireless speakers. But Dewalt and Milwaukee Tool have introduced lines of Bluetooth enabled batteries, though for different purposes.
Dewalt's Bluetooth-connected tools include a 20V MAX 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery. These batteries pair with Apple and Android smart devices via Dewalt's Tool Connect App, which gives users the ability to control their power tool batteries remotely. Why would you want to do this? Contractors may find this feature helpful, as the app allows them to remotely turn all compatible Dewalt power tool batteries on or off at once, and monitor battery charge level too.
In addition, the app also has a Lending Button to allow for the sharing of batteries. The user can select an amount of time for the tool (with battery) to be lent out. When the time is exceeded, the battery shuts down and the owner receives an alert. Bam, no more neighbors "borrowing" your power drill for six months.
Milwaukee Tool has taken the connected battery even further with One-Key system, which helps with tool inventory management and provides precision tool control. Tool inventory management is accessed via a web-based or mobile app. It is designed to help you maintain records, receipts, and images of your tools, organize all of your inventory, and access real-time data of how your tools are being used. Tool control allows you to set up your power tool exactly how you want it. Apply specific settings for speed and torque, and wirelessly upload the settings to your tool. This lets contractors spend less time fiddling with their tools and more time doing their jobs.
With the cordless drill battery for Milwaukee One-Key system you need to purchase both the tool and battery and then download the app to use it.
This new tool technology targets the professional user and is an expensive investment, but if it can help streamline workflow, prevent theft, and get jobs done faster, then builders might get on board. It'll be a little longer before these advanced systems are affordable for the weekend DIYer.