The Best Cordless Power Tools Australia Has to Offer — Comparison and Buyers Guide

It’s time to release yourself from the shackles of mains cables and relish the freedom of cordless power tools! These mighty battery-driven machines avoid the tripping hazards of power leads, save you from searching for extension cables, and offer unmatched portability. From drills to saws, paint sprayers to heat guns — there’s a cordless tool for every project and level of experience. So, escape from the electrical socket and experience lithium-ion liberation — check out this guide to the ultimate cordless power tools in Australia!

Cordless Tools Product Comparison Table

Cordless Power Tools in Australia Buying Guide

Fed up with annoying extension cables and/or being tied to a power socket? It’s time to ditch your antique tools and join the 21st century — with the best cordless power tools!

These mighty machines possess virtually all the brawn of their corded cousins, but with the additional convenience of tackling projects anywhere without mains tethering. Whether you’re at the top of a ladder, working inside your engine bay, or in the middle of a field — these battery-driven tools offer freedom and portability.

From a cordless impact wrench to a battery operated chainsaw, cordless circular saw to a battery powered pole saw — nearly all machines have joined the lithium-ion revolution. 

When selecting your ideal battery-powered tool, consider the following:

• Battery voltage and Ah.
• Weight and comfort.
• Cell and charger included — or skin-only.
• Running time from a single charge.
• Inter-machine battery compatibility.
• Brushless motor.

Advantages of Corded Power Tools vs Corded Machines

While cordless power tools may have existed since the late 1960s, it’s only in the last decade that they have begun to equal their mains-driven siblings in terms of power, reliability, and user comfort.

Increased Safety

No trailing wires means you or your family aren’t tripping, getting strangled — or being electrocuted as you slice through the power cable with your mighty circular saw.

Portability and Maneuverability

With no mains leads or extension cables, tangled cords and limited reach are problems of the past. Whether you’re lopping at the top of a tree or working inside cupboards — you aren’t restricted by the necessity of wiring.

Rapid Project Setup

Unlike corded units, with a battery-driven model, you’re not searching for power sockets or unravelling extension cables. Instead, pick up your tool, and you’re ready to start your job!

Effortless Storage

Dealing with two metres of mains lead when you’re trying to store your tool in a box, drawer, or glove compartment can be annoying. Cordless tools can be easily transported and stored.

Modern Battery Power

Year after year, lithium-ion technology improves — meaning greater power output, running times, and more rapid charging.

How to Select Your Perfect Cordless Tool

Choosing the correct battery powered tool can mean the difference between project success and failure. For example, there’s little point opting for a budget 10-volt cordless chainsaw if you’re planning on felling mighty oaks — you need the brawn of a 36-volt machine.

Here are a few factors to consider when seeking your perfect machine in all cordless tool categories:

Battery Voltage and Ah

In general, the voltage of a lithium-ion battery determines a cordless tool’s power. Higher voltage often translates to more speed or torque — although admittedly, internal gear ratios also play a role.

Another key factor is the battery’s ampere-hour (Ah) rating. This illustrates how long the tool can run on a single charge. To suit most of your home projects, check for tools with cells with a minimum of 4.0 Ah.

Weight and Comfort

The longer you wield your cordless power tool, the more likely fatigue is to creep in. Typically, cordless machines are heavier than their cordless counterparts — as you’re not only wielding the tool but also the power cell. When checking the unit’s weight, always ensure it’s specified including the battery.

Furthermore, as the heavier weight of cordless machines can impede comfort — seek machines that offer user-enjoyment-boosting features. Such inclusions are often rubberised handles, optimum tool balancing, and anti-vibration technology.

Cell and Charger Included

Many cordless tools are sold without a battery or charger — known as ‘skin-only.’ While this can be a cost-effective deal if you already own compatible batteries from other tools, it’s otherwise essentially useless without a separate purchase.

Therefore, if you’re starting from scratch, always check the small print carefully to determine whether a cell and charging unit are included with your tool.

Running Time From a Single Charge

You need to ensure that the performance delivered by your cell meets your project time requirements. Therefore, investigate the running time from a single charge provided by your tool’s battery.

While to a great extent determined by the battery’s Ah rating, operational length also depends on the tool type, torque delivery, running speed, and intensity of your jobs. It’s worth considering purchasing additional cells to allow continuous operation.

Brushless Motor

Brushless motors, as the name suggests, work without brushes. Instead, they use permanent magnets and electronic controls (details can get technical!). This eliminates energy loss from heat and friction, which is the downside of brushed motors.

In cordless machines, this wasted energy means shorter battery life. You’ll find yourself swapping batteries more often or waiting for recharges — causing you costly downtime

Types of Cordless Power Tools

Cordless Drills

The best cordless drills are essential for DIYers and trade pros — delivering the muscle of their corded cousins without the hassles of a power cord. 

Ranging from 12-volt budget models to mighty rotary machines with 36 volts — these brawny beasts offer grunt combined with versatility. From drilling and driving to demolition and paint-stirring, the best cordless drill is typically the tool aficionados’ favourite weapon.

Brushless motors are a must in the heavy-duty models — such as the cordless hammer drill and rotary hammer drill categories. Conversely, light-duty jobs such as polishing or wood screw driving are suitable for brushed, lower-speed machines.

Most cordless drill set models are typified by a keyless chuck — negating the problems of lost hex keys. Furthermore, many machines — particularly in the general/driver categories — allow you to switch between high speeds or high torque.

And, for guys who love interesting facts, the first-ever cordless drill was created for NASA in 1961 by Black&Decker. Since the science boffins wanted to drill moon rocks for samples — and there being a significant lack of power sockets in space — they tasked B&D with creating a lunar-operable machine for the astronauts to wield.

Cordless drills are available in the following categories:

• Cordless impact drill — for high torque screwing, bolting, and driving.
• Small cordless drill machines — for combined-space jobs.
• Cordless drill drivers — for light-to-medium screwdriving and drilling.
• Cordless hammer drills — for masonry and concrete.
• Cordless right-angle drills — for awkward space drilling and driving.
• Cordless rotary hammer drills — for demolition.

Learn More About Cordless Drills and Drivers

Cordless Saws

Perhaps more than any other tool category — cordless saws inherently benefit from cordless operation.

Since, by their nature, saws are sharp and able to cut through dense materials — the corded models make light work of slicing through your 240-volt extension cable. Furthermore, as most saw jobs are completed outside — access to mains power is tricky.

Therefore, cordless saws are the way forward! From creating decking to felling trees, building cabinets to sculpting a pagoda — they make slicing and cutting effortless, without the risk of electrocution!

Advancements in technology have allowed virtually all saw types to be available in battery-driven models — from tight-space cordless reciprocating saws to large project cordless table saws, there’s a machine for practically any cutting need. 

Cordless saws are available in the following categories:

• Cordless table saws — for large lumber.
• Cordless reciprocating saws — for confined-space jobs.
• Cordless jigsaw — for non-linear cutting.
• Cordless circular saws — for cross and rip cuts.
• Cordless pole saw — for tree lopping.
• Battery powered chainsaw — for tree felling.
• Cordless mitre saws — for mitres and bevels.a

Check Out More Information on Cordless Saws

Cordless Battery Operated Screwdriver

Forget about sore wrists and searching for the correct screwing tool for your jobs!! Cordless battery screwdriver units are a DIYer’s best friend — offering unparalleled time efficiency and fatigue-staving. These tools provide a more affordable, compact, and easier-wielding alternative to drill drivers. 

Lightweight builds make the units suitable for seniors and those with impaired strength. Furthermore, their small size permits access to areas that are only possible with a drilling driver. And, featuring interchangeable screw and hex bits — typically included in a cordless electric screwdriver set — they mean just one machine for all your driving jobs.

Explore the Cordless Battery Screwdriver Category

Cordless Oscillating Multitool

For DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals alike, cordless oscillating multi-tools elevate your project flexibility. Driven by lithium-ion batteries, these versatile tools accept a wide range of attachments, transforming them into a multi-tasking powerhouse.

From cutting through wood or metal to sanding, polishing, and even scraping, an oscillating multi-tool tackles a variety of tasks. They work on various materials like plastic, acrylic, wood, and metal — making them a crucial weapon in your toolbox arsenal. 

Check Out Our Cordless Oscillating Multi Tool Information

Cordless Heat Guns

While not as common as corded units due to their high energy demands, cordless heat guns are becoming increasingly available as battery tech improves — although their heat output currently cannot reach the high levels achieved by mains-driven units. 

That said, they’re still more than capable of shrink-wrapping, removing stubborn paint, and defrosting frozen pipes. And, the compact size of cordless heat guns allow you to direct a stream of hot air in confined spaces while delivering welcome freedom of movement. 

Learn More About Cordless Heat Guns

Cordless Paint Sprayers

Offering a revolution in applying paint, cordless paint sprayers appeal to both DIYers and professionals. Available in two main types — airless and HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) — they eliminate the need for a power outlet, letting you paint anywhere, and are ideal for smaller to medium-sized outdoor projects.

Depending on the model, a single charge can provide around an hour of spraying time. Furthermore, most cordless paint sprayers are multi-purpose — capable of handling stains, sealers, latex, enamels, and some chalk-based paints. 

Discover More About Cordless Paint Sprayers

Cordless Impact Drivers

Whether you’re assembling furniture, attaching car panels, or driving screws — cordless impact drivers offer substantial rotational grunt, delivering more torque than their drill/driver and cordless screwdriver cousins

Typified by their long-lasting lithium-ion cells, lightweight build, and compact design — battery-operated units are welcomingly portable. Depending on the make and model, these cordless machines are driven by powerpacks from 7.2 to 18 volts.

Read More Information on Cordless Impact Drivers

Cordless Sanders

From refinishing furniture to smoothing out rough timber, and preparing for a fresh coat of varnish to removing paint — cordless sanders are flexible tools for the DIYer, joiner, woodworker, and decorator. 

Their mains-lead-free design permits them to access awkward corners and confined spaces without restricted movement. Depending on the demands of your projects, these lithium-ion powered machines are available as cordless orbital sanders, detail sanders, palm sanders, and finishing sanders.

Explore the World of Cordless Sanders

Cordless Planer

Cordless planers are the ultimate machines for honing, shaping, and smoothing lumber surfaces — permitting you to achieve accurate finishing in your timber projects without the restriction of cords. From levelling uneven shelves to resizing doors and crafting custom-designed wood pieces — these versatile units deliver a plethora of uses for DIY enthusiasts and trade pros.

Offering adjustable cutting depths and effortless blade replacement systems — cordless planers are available in a variety of voltage powers to suit different projects. Typically, 10.8 to 12 volts for light-duty jobs, 14 to 16 volts for medium-duty tasks, and 18 volts and above for heavy-duty projects.

Cordless Garden Tools

With power socket access challenging in your garden, cable-free garden tools have traditionally been petrol-driven. However, they’re noisy, heavy, and emit dangerous fumes. And, they’re neither effortless to operate nor environment and child-friendly.

Cordless garden tools provide the manoeuvrability convenience of mains-lead ditching — in a lighter, quieter, and greener design. With a vast spectrum of outdoor tools available — including hedge trimmers, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and tillers — there’s a battery-driven machine for every garden project.

Cordless Nail Guns

To drive nails effortlessly and rapidly without the hassles and restrictions of electric cords or pneumatic hoses — you need a cordless nail gun. Whether you’re erecting drywall framing, fitting skirting boards, or building furniture — these machines are vital for the DIYer and trade user.

Modern lithium-ion tech allows these cordless units to be available in every nail gun format — including brad nailers, finish nailers, framing nailers, pin nailers, and staple guns. Removing the need for fatigue-inducing hammering, they increase your productivity and offer a comfortable user experience.

Cordless Combo Kit

Ideal for battery tool novices or guys wishing to upgrade their existing equipment, cordless combo kits offer a plethora of impressive home and garden machines in a single purchase. And, with the included cells compatible across all the supplied machines — there’s no need to recharge different powerpacks for each tool.

From drills to impact drivers, circular saws to torches, and leaf blowers to recips — these convenient packages offer remarkable versatility. And, with combo kits typically more cost-effective than buying all the tools separately — they’re an affordable option for DIYers on a budget or trade pros watching their bottom line.

Check Out More Detail on Cordless Combo Kits

Other Cordless Tools

In addition to the above most popular battery-driven tools, there remains a multitude of other machines powered by lithium-ion cells. 

While not an exhaustive list, these include:

• Battery powered power washer.
• Cordless work lights.
• Battery powered air compressor.
• Cordless Dremel.
• Battery-powered industrial vacuum cleaners.
• Cordless caulking gun.
• Battery-driven snow blowers.
• Cordless log splitters.
• Battery-powered concrete vibrators.
• Cordless inflators.
• Battery-driven work radios.