Best power tools for construction: Cordless vs corded and what professionals should use

By Mabel Korkor Ocansey

The global industrial services market is projected to grow from USD 35.06 billion in 2024 to USD 47.12 billion by 2029, at a 6.2% CAGR. This rapid growth means one thing for contractors: productivity, efficiency, and quality execution will separate winners from the rest. Having the right tools is no longer optional. The tools you choose directly affect speed, safety, workmanship, and ultimately client satisfaction. With advanced technology most power tools come in two different types which are cordless and corded.

Cordless vs Corded

Cordless tools are the best long-term investment for professionals and even DIYers due to portability. With technological advancement, most cordless power tools have lithium-ion batteries making them last longer and close in comparability with corded tools in terms of longer life health when in use and the speed is unmatched.

While these are worth noting, Cordless tools are more expensive than corded due to its features that enhance mobility. Cordless tools usually come with one or two batteries, depending on the kits and this may sometimes require backup batteries.

Corded tools remain excellent for occasional users, workshops, or high-demand tasks where continuous power matters. They are less expensive than corded tools. However, corded tools do not allow for mobility due to the long cables’ attachment which limits the working space. They can be hazardous when working at heights or confining limited spaces.

1.Cordless Drill (Most Essential Tool): This is the backbone of every tool kit. It is used for drilling holes, driving screws and light fastening tasks across wood, metal, and plastic and this is because It’s the most-used tool on almost every job site. From framing to fixtures, nothing replaces it. A  20V brushless compact drill driver is recommended best for professionals and serious DIYers. We recommend getting a drill that has a hammer function. This allows you to drill effortlessly into concrete and masonry. Precise drilling in steel and tough metals and clean, consistent results in hardwood and ideal for drilling various hole sizes in mixed materials.

What to look out for when purchasing a cordless drill:

• 2 speeds options
• A metal chuck
• Drilling capacity (brick wall)

2. Impact Driver (Fastening Powerhouse): The Impact Driver is designed specifically for driving long screws and bolts without stripping. While they might look similar and share some functions, they have fundamental differences in their internal mechanisms and intended uses. The impact driver delivers high torques burst than the drill and that makes it efficient for quickly driving long wide and large screws reducing wrist strain and screw damage.

For Impact drivers, we recommend cordless only one that is always battery powered and a combo kit with a drill/impact driver is one that would give the best value. With the wide range of brands in the market, the most popular ones are DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita and Gazelle.

What to look out for when purchasing an impact driver:

• Powerful Torque
• Brushless Motor
• High Speed & Efficiency
• Variable Speed Trigger

3. Angle Grinder: The Angle Grinder is one tool that is needed if you want to finish up work excellently. They are essential and irreplaceable. The angle grinders mainly do grind, cutting, sanding, and polishing on a wide range of materials, like metal, concrete, tile, and hard stone, making them an indispensable power tool.

What to look out for when purchasing an impact driver:

• Disc size (4.5″ for versatility)
• Power source, either corded or cordless.
• Power (amps/watts for material density)
• Brushless motors

4. Circular Saw (Core Cutting Tool): As the name suggests, circular saws are essential for framing, decking, plywood, OSB, and lumber depending on the selected blade. The cordless is best for mobility and quick cuts. When purchasing a circular saw, it is advisable to select a high-quality blade because that often matters more than the saw itself. The popular brands on the market include: DeWalt, Gazelle, Makita, Milwaukee, and Metabo

What to look out for when purchasing a circular saw:

• Choose the right blade diameter
• Power source (corded/cordless) and Safety features (blade guard)

5. Oscillating Multi-Tool (Precision Problem Solver): If you need to cut trim, remove grout or similar tasks, this is one of the most versatile power tools you can use. There are so many uses for oscillating multi-tools and it replaces a handful of single-purpose tools, fits into tight spaces, and handles detailed work that other tools can’t. Either door jamb trimming, drywall openings, flooring prep and detail repairs. DeWalt, Gazelle, Makita, and Milwaukee.

What to look out for when purchasing a oscillating multi-tool:

• Blade size/type,
• Motor power (Brushless is most preferred)
• Power source (corded/cordless)

6. Jigsaw (Curved & Detail Cuts): The go-to tool for curved and interior cuts. Corded are affordable and reliable while Cordless are great for mobility. Perfect for sink cutouts, counters, and custom shapes.

A must-have features for your Jigsaw include:

• Toolless blade change
• T-shank blades
• Variable speed control

7. 7. Reciprocating Saw (Demolition King): Perfect for demolition, rough cuts, pipes, pruning, and remodeling. The tool is mostly underrated. It breaks down structures quickly and cleanly without unnecessary mess.

A must-have features for your Reciprocating Saw:

• Cutting Power (Amperage/Voltage)
• Power source, either corded or cordless.
• Variable Speed Trigger:

Pro tip: Invest in quality blades they define performance.

Summary

In all, choosing the right tools depends on the type of job you need. If you need to move around easily while working outside, you will need an efficient cordless tool, however if you need to work long hours with constant power supply, the corded tools are the best option. Some popular brands with both corded and cordless efficient options cuts across Gazelle, Metabo, Bosch, and Hilti. They are known for their durability and efficiency at the job site.

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