By Chuck Nibblere
Manufacturers continue streamlining power tool designs.
In recent years, as the interest in DIY projects has increased, so too has the market for power tools. Now, women and homeowners who previously shied away from doing their own home improvements are picking up power tools in greater numbers. But while general consumers are leading the growth in the power tool market, recent advancements in higher-end power tools for contractors are also improving sales.
Lighter, More Powerful and Multi-Purpose Power Tools
Since lithium-ion batteries entered the market in 2005, power tools have become smaller, lighter and more powerful. Lithium-ion batteries pack more power into a smaller package, last longer and don’t dip in performance when their charge is almost depleted, unlike previous battery types. Manufacturers are also revisiting tool designs to create more compact and ergonomic versions. Even tool appearance is being overhauled to look more stylish and to capitalize on the increased consumer interest in electric power tools, as opposed to hand tools, air tools or welding tools.
“Lithium-ion has been the catalyst for this,” says Mark Herman, national product manager for the Graybar Electric Company, in an article in Electrical Contractor. “With its unique capability of keeping the power band at a very high level through the charge cycle, professionals, and especially electricians, clearly prefer cordless. There is a wide variety of professional tools powered by either 12V or 18V lithium-ion platforms to fit any number of applications. Lithium-ion is where power tools are going and demand will continue to grow.”
Convenience is a big part of why cordless power tools are so popular, and now tools with multiple uses are attracting consumers and contractors alike. This generation of tools is packing more functions into compact sizes, enabling multiple tasks to be completed with one tool instead of many. This extends to the batteries that can be used with multiple tools, and chargers that can also recharge cell phones or MP3 players.
Professional Power Tool Trends
While professionals tend to buy their tools less frequently, they’re also willing to spend more on them since they rely on them every day. The gap between DIY and professional tools is starting to widen as manufacturers seek to address the needs of the contractor. With 36-volt batteries, now even hammer drills can go cordless. Microcomputers and sensors are also integrated into certain professional-grade tools to make them “smarter”—this includes having a drill automatically stop to prevent over-tightening of a screw. This reduces errors and creates a flush alignment, providing professional results much quicker and easier.
Multipurpose power tools help contractors become more efficient; they don’t have to constantly switch tools or hunt to find the one tool they need for a particular job. Sanders can now switch instantly from random orbital sanding to rotary motion and back again. Even anti-theft features are being added to higher-priced tools, since theft is a big concern for professionals.
Due to their popularity and ease of use, power tools will continue to outpace the growth of flooring tools, sheet metal tools and plumbing tools. Manufacturers are working overtime to bring out tool options for general consumers and professionals that wouldn’t have been possible even a few years ago. The power and efficiency of the lithium-ion battery has allowed traditional designs to be revamped, resulting in better ergonomics and slimmer packaging to benefit the environment as well.
All of these trends are expected to continue as long as power tools remain indispensable to both homeowners and professional contractors.
Chuck Nibblere is a regular contributor to Ebuilders.
