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Quality power tools are an investment, and if you take proper care of them, they’ll last a long time. It’s not unheard of for someone to have a decades-old drill or a circular saw that was manufactured in a previous century. Even older cordless power tools can maintain their usefulness for a surprisingly long time if you take good care of them and observe proper battery maintenance.
But power tools have seen a lot of advancement in recent years. While your old warhorses might still perform their core function well enough, if your drills, saws, and other power tools are five years old or older, it’s time to consider upgrading to a more modern version, for a range of reasons.
Advances in battery technology
There have been huge advances in battery technology: Today’s cordless tools are often as powerful—or even more powerful—than their corded brethren. Older cordless tools often used Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) batteries, which just don’t stand up to modern Li-ion batteries (and if your NiCad batteries are ten years old, they’re probably not holding much charge these days anyway). Most major tool brands have high level battery systems (e.g., DeWalt’s PowerStack, Milwaukee’s FORGE, or Bosch’s AmpShare system) that offer more power than any of those old batteries, and modern systems make swapping batteries between tools pretty easy (as long as you stay within a brand, of course).
Improved ergonomics
Modern power tools are generally smaller, lighter, and cause less fatigue than older generations. Combined with more powerful batteries, these tools fit into a toolbelt without sacrificing power and come with vibration reduction technology, better balance, and improved grips that make it more comfortable to hold the tool for a long time.
A prime example is this Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3″ Compact Cut Off Tool. Designed for one-handed use, it’s as powerful as a similar corded tool from a decade ago, but lighter and easier to handle. Another power tool from Milwaukee that has put a focus on ergonomics is its M12 Jig Saw, which features robust vibration reduction and a barrel-shaped grip that makes it comfortable to use even for long durations. When I think about the jig saw I had ten years ago, my hands still ache, so this is definitely an upgrade worth considering.
Circular saws have also seen a lot of ergonomic enhancements. Makita offers the 5377MG Hypoid saw, which uses magnesium components for a lighter saw that doesn’t sacrifice cutting power. And cordless circular saws like the Bosch Profactor are a lot more comfortable to use than older models—and the brushless motor means its as powerful as any corded tool from a decade ago (and many corded tools being sold today, as well).
More powerful motors
It’s not surprising that newer power tool models are more powerful and offer better performance. Today’s brushless motors are more efficient, more powerful, and more durable by default. They deliver significantly more torque and RPMs than older models, which makes jobs easier and faster. The DeWalt 20V Max XR Hammer Drill (model DCD1007) packs a punch with 1,495 in-lb of torque, for example, which dwarfs what you got just a decade ago. Sure, your old drill still drives fasteners well enough, but with newer models you’ll get through the work much more quickly because you’ll have fewer jams and stripped screws.
What do you think so far?
If you’re using an older orbital sander, that’s another easy upgrade to consider. Modern sanders like the Bosch Palm Sander or cordless models like DeWalt’s XR sander offer more power (often up to 12,000 OPM), as well as improved dust collection and reduced vibration.
Better safety features
Power tools released in the last few years have a host of safety features not present in older tools. Table saws are an easy example: The saws like the SawStop Compact Table Saw offer instant stopping when the blade touches skin, making it a lot harder to maim yourself while working. Other table saw models, like the Bosch GTS15, offer safety features like blade brakes and riving knives that may not be quite as impressive, but are still miles above what older models offered.
You can find improved safety in other power tools, too. The DeWalt DCD1007 isn’t just powerful, it also features anti-rotation technology that reduces the chance that the tool will twist out of your hands, causing injury.
Smart technology
Some folks don’t really care if their power tools are “smart,” but smarter tools definitely offer some real advantages. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Drill gives you a lot more control over the RPMs and torque to reduces the number of snapped screws and improves safety, and their M18 Sawzall has a range of smart safety features that make it nearly impossible for anything dramatic to happen while you’re using it. Add to that the ability to gather data about your jobs and keep track of your tools’ location and condition, and smart features start to make a lot of sense.
