Major Power Tool Manufacturers Announce the End of the Power Cord

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end of the power cordIn news that is shocking many in DIY, remodeling and construction, a coalition of the major power tool manufacturers has announced the end of corded tool technology. With major improvements in battery technology, it’s something many of us have seen coming, but most thought the change was still years, if not decades away. However, not everyone is surprised by the news.

One unnamed industry observer took the announcement in stride: “Tool companies have been making the transition to cordless for decades now. Anyone that didn’t see this final stage of cutting the cord altogether is probably still using handsaws. Wake up and smell the Lithium!”

Another power tool exec added, “If any of our customers have a problem with this transition, I would ask them to send us an email, rather than chiseling the message into a stone tablet like they usually do. Welcome to the 21st century [Female Parent] [Expletive]er’s!” It seems tool companies have little sympathy for power cord technology Troglodytes.

One noted hold-out in the transition to exclusively using battery technology is Fein. “Wir wissen daß Unser MultiMaster der Beste ist, und Wir behalten den Kabel.” Or, loosely translated, “We know our MultiMaster is the best, and we’re keeping the cord.” In the new exclusively cordless crowd, will this make Fein even more sought out, or will they just be left behind, tearfully clutching their antiquated power cords and convictions? Only time will tell.

ITMA
The crowd fills in for ITMA's major tool announcement
The announcement was made by a panel of tool company executives at the annual media event held by the International Tool Manufacturers Association, or ITMA. ITMA put out some hints ahead of the annual event forecasting a major industry announcement. It was standing room only, despite the cavernous venue for the event. The panel of executives answered a barrage of questions after the announcement.

One editor of a major home improvement publication asked how the battery-only announcement applied to heavy-duty tools like jack-hammers. A panelist replied, “We’ve been working on heavy duty 60 Volt Max high capacity batteries for some time now. As long as the user doesn’t mind pausing every 15 minutes to swap batteries, heavy duty work like jack-hammering is no problem. We’ve also received feedback from tradesman focus groups that they hate having to find an outlet for their jack hammers.” The response brought stunned murmurs of disapproval from the crowd.

Many expected a lengthy period of time during the transition to all tools going cordless. Surprisingly, manufacturers have had an agreement in place for years now. Effective today, April 1st, 2011, all newly distributed power tools will only be sold with cordless technology. So, if you’ve got a favorite corded power tool, you may want to head to the store to stock up before they’re all gone!

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About Marc Lyman

Marc grew up under a brave single mom who "encouraged" home improvement on the family home. Early toddler gifts included a tool set, and even a cordless Bosch drill when cordless drills first came out. In grade school (give or take a few years), Marc's mom said, "We need to cut down some trees. . . . here's a chainsaw." A father figure also involved Marc in many home improvement projects, including a summer of home remodeling in Palo Alto, CA. Toss in some Obsessive Compulsive personality traits researching everything home improvement related. The end result: a genetically pre-disposed, socially sculpted home improvement machine! For his complete profile, please visit our About page. Really, it's worth it.

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6 thoughts on “Major Power Tool Manufacturers Announce the End of the Power Cord”

  1. Thank you, great informative article and I had corded power tools but it not suitable for tight space or places where difficult to get power access. The ideas also ensure hassle-free DIY experience and improve productivity. But I need an extra battery to finish my project on time. Already subscribed waiting for next article.

    Reply
  2. Battery technology just isn’t mature enough yet to make this industry-wide change. Take that jackhammer example for instance. Every 15 minutes, a battery needs to be changed. I doubt they’ll make it possible to charge a battery in that same amount of time. So one would need say 4-5 batteries all charging simultaneously to do a job lasting more than a hour? I’m not seeing it widely accepted. I love Li ion tools but still prefer my demo hammers and miter/table saws corded.

    Reply
  3. This is a great idea. With battery powered tablesaw, bandsaw, lathe, etc it will be much easier to reorganize my shop, without worrying about having enough outlets in the right places.

    Reply

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