Joe Fedor, associate product manager for industrial tools, Hitachi
Don't dismiss corded tools
Despite their declining market share, corded tools are still the best option in a number of instances. In some cases, cordless tools will take longer to do an equal amount of work because they are underpowered or do not have the battery life needed for the task. In very high power and continuous run situations, it still makes more sense to go corded. Often, it's the only option. And, if cost and weight are factors when making a buying decision, corded tools will most often win out over their cordless counterparts.
Although the share of corded tools is trending downward as a result of more DIYers buying cordless through home centers, there will still be a need for corded tools amongst professionals for years to come. Even with the introduction of higher voltage/lower weight technology such as lithium-ion, cordless tools can neither produce the power required for many tasks, like drilling large diameter holes in concrete or breaking slab, for example. Nor have they met run-time requirements for production shops and jobsites where tools such as screwdrivers, drills, grinders and hammers are run continuously for long periods. Until cordless tools can meet these demands, corded tools will still get attention from R&D. There can always be improvements with regard to tool size and weight, ergonomics, motor efficiency and durability, dust and debris protection and the performance of safety features such as clutches and brakes. While nothing can replace the convenience of working anywhere with a cordless tool, developments in these areas can enhance the selling position of corded tools. Adding features such as tool-less wheel guards, quick bit and wheel changes and replaceable cords will make these already more powerful and affordable corded tools even more attractive to the consumer.
Fewer vibrations = less stress
Another improvement destined to become more important in the coming years will be tools generating fewer vibrations. With growing awareness of the negative effects of vibration on a person's health, tools that are easier on the user will be in higher demand. Although vibration reduction will be applied to some cordless tools, these innovations will have a greater impact on the corded segment.
We will see more breakers, rotary and demo hammers, grinders and reciprocating saws employing different mechanisms to reduce the vibration that is currently absorbed by the user. These developments will also help in reducing wear on the tool, and in turn, provide better cost performance than current models.
Even with little opportunity for additional sales across the board for corded tools — in fact, sales will continue to decline overall and level off at about 50 percent of all power tool sales in the next few years — there is the potential for significant growth in some segments. Because of their functional benefits over traditional hammer drills and cost benefits over cordless versions, corded rotary hammers will continue to grow. Sales of angle grinders will improve as well because of their affordability and versatility in applications (grinding, cutting, sanding, polishing) and materials (metal, masonry, wood).
Although nothing can replace the ultimate convenience of battery-powered tools, other features added to more powerful and more affordable corded tools can make them more attractive.
Jon Van Bergen, RIDGID product manager – corded tool category, TTI North America