TOOLS
POWERED UP FOR CORDLESS TOOL SALES
BMJ looks at what’s boosting sales of cordless power tools. C
ordless power tools have come a long way since the early days when professional users tended to consider them only for easier, basic tasks,
believeing bigger jobs required the power that only traditional corded equipment can provide. Since then though, years of significant product and technological developments mean that cordless tools have evolved considerably, and today are powerful enough for even the most demanding of construction jobs. They eliminate the need for power outlets and extension leads, allowing workers to move freely on site and access hard to reach areas with ease. It’s also hugely beneficial not to have to store, transport or refuel petrol, removing the risks associated with fuel handling.
Kevin Brannigan, marketing manager at Makita UK says that the shift to lithium-ion batteries has played a fundamental role in the increasing acceptance of cordless tools, thanks to their reliability and durability. “However, merchant staff should let custoers know that not all lithium-ion batteries will deliver the same level of performance, and selecting the appropriate battery is essential, especially for demanding applications,” he says. “Additionally, with recent developments in Tabless battery technologies for both our Makita LXT (18v) and XGT (40v) platforms, runtimes for more powerful higher drain power tools are extended.” Brannigan says that higher-capacity batteries, such as Makita’s XGT platform, also don’t need to be charged as often, reducing downtime, which is crucial for trade professionals when it comes to completing the work quickly. “Recent battery innovations have also enhanced power delivery, as improved cell designs allow electricity to flow more effectively, which means lower heat generation and faster charging, which is ideal for tools that are used continuously throughout the day.”
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Brushless motors have also helped the cordless rise, as they help to improve efficiency while minimising energy loss, eliminating internal friction by removing contact components. This, he points out, also helps cordless tools to operate for longer on a single charge, as well as making the tool more compact and lighter, reducing user fatigue and enabling them to use the tools in tight spaces. “Overall, modern cordless power tools have a range of advantages that makes them an excellent choice. Merchants are of course in an ideal position to help trade professionals make the switch – and to guide them through appropriate tools and battery platforms, to ensure they benefit from advanced machinery while improving safety,” he explains.
Cordless v petrol
A survey of more than 2,000 professional users conducted by MILWAUKEE as part of its ‘Room to Breathe’ whitepaper found a similar shift in attitudes towards cordless power tools from petrol-powered versions. Three in four respondents rated their experience with cordless tools as good or excellent, and 78% believe battery systems can serve as true replacements for petrol. A further 72% said they want to move away from petrol tools entirely, with noise reduction (32%), environmental benefits (21%) and health improvements (15%) cited as motivations. Room to Breate whitepaper calls on the industry to accelerate the shift to battery- powered OPE to protect health, reduce emissions and cut long-term costs. The findings reveal that while adoption of cordless technology is growing, the pace of transition remains slow. Just 13% of professionals currently operate a fully cordless fleet, despite 93% already using battery-powered tools in some capacity. The manufacturer is calling on professionals, businesses and policymakers to accelerate this shift now.
Petrol-powered tools and equipment
contribute to the release of 108 million tonnes of CO2
into the atmosphere each year. One in three professional users of petrol- powered machinery is exposed to harmful fumes between three and five days a week, the whitepaper states. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide is linked to asthma, COPD, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. Air pollution costs the EU an estimated €600 billion annually, equivalent to 4% of GDP, and WHO/ Europe and the European Respiratory Society say respiratory diseases alone cause over €17 billion in productivity losses each year. Petrol machinery and tools also regularly operate at noise levels exceeding 100 dB(A), well above the HSE daily exposure limit of 87 dB(A). Battery-powered alternatives are up to three times quieter in perceived sound, with none exceeding 94 dB(A) and several models operating below the 87 dB(A) threshold. The economic case is equally strong. Battery OPE operational costs run to approximately 0.10 to 0.60 per hour, compared to 0.60 to 1.65 per hour for petrol equivalents. Despite the clear benefits, cost remains the most cited obstacle to full fleet transition, identified by 47% of respondents. Runtime and capacity concerns were raised by around a third, while 19% expressed uncertainty about performance versus petrol.
MILWAUKEE’s M18 FUEL OPE platform, is engineered to deliver petrol-matching performance across chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers and pole saws. Built on the REDLITHIUM FORGE battery platform, the system delivers up to 50% more power than previous generations, reaches 80% charge in 35 minutes and operates reliably in temperatures from -20°C to +40°C. For professionals working remotely or across larger sites, the ROLL-ON 2.5kWh portable power supply provides up to 7,200W starting capacity, enabling charging without diesel generators or mains connections. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2026
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