Corded vs Cordless Power Tools

[Jay H 237]

Overall I lean torwards corded because they will work when you need them. Pits have power, so a non issue, other than a possible cord in the way as mentioned. A good cordless drill is almost a must though. You will use it a lot and having the different clutch settings is great. I would still have a good corded one though, I personally carry a 1/2" Milwaukee Magnum Hole Shooter with me during build season. Great for demanding jobs (think hole saws or step drills) and doesn't heat up or wear down batteries like a cordless does. I have a 18v 1/2" chuck DeWalt cordless I use otherwise. I use the battery DeWalt for most stuff but go right to the corded Milwaukee for heavy repeticious stuff.

They all have their place. Lastly, for any tools not often used I'd go corded unless it would take the same battery as one more commonly used on you team. It would be more dependable (and cheaper, no battery replacement) for something that may sit for months during off season and shorten battery life for a tool rarely used and then when needed not work due to bad batteries.

Team 237 has a 1/2" corded Sioux angle drill "Penguin" that gets a lot of use. Good for tight quarters and even carefully power taping. Just leave the tap on the loose side in the chuck so if it gets caught it spins and not snaps off. There is a feel to it you get after awhile.

[asid61]

I have a Ryobi set at home, although we use Makitas in robotics and the woodshop. I have 2 regular drills and an impact drill.
I personally like the Ryobi better because it's a little faster to swap out batteries, the batteries are larger, it makes a really satisfying snapping noise when you put new batteries in. However, functionality wise both the Makitas and Ryobi are good.