Battery power has transformed our world in the 21st century, and its importance will only grow as time goes on. It’s revolutionized the automotive industry, reshaped the energy sector, and fueled explosive growth in tech. Naturally, other areas of our lives stand to benefit as battery technology advances, and construction sites are no exception. While battery-powered tools have historically lagged behind their gas-powered or corded electric counterparts in terms of power and longevity, that gap is closing fast. Today, battery-powered tools are a force to be reckoned with, and they might just give you the edge you need on the job site.
For my most recent home construction project, I decided to go all-in on battery-powered tools from start to finish. My goal? To find out if they could truly hold their own against traditional options. At first, the idea seemed a bit out there. My framers even chuckled at me. They argued that battery-powered tools are too slow and heavy, especially for demanding tasks like framing and finish work. I understood their skepticism; historically, battery tools couldn’t compete. But I was determined to put them to the test.
Our guinea pig was an 1800-square-foot residential home. My three-man crew and I handled 90% of the trades ourselves, building it from the ground up. What follows is a candid breakdown of what I learned. First off, not all battery-powered tools are created equal. Many brands on the market today will slow you down and leave you frustrated. I experienced this firsthand more than a few times and nearly threw in the towel. I spent days researching the best battery powered tools, and a couple of them completely changed my perspective.
One standout was the DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Max Circular Saw. I used it for every framing cut and even some exterior finish work. By the end of the project, I was a believer. This saw is one of the few battery-powered options with enough juice to rival a corded circular saw. Beyond its power and durability, it’s surprisingly lightweight. I loved carrying it around the job site without wrestling with extension cords—especially for tricky overhead cuts. Plus, its electric brake kicks in automatically if the blade pinches, stopping it dead instead of kicking back. It’s hands down the safest saw I’ve ever used.
Another tool that earned its stripes was the Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer. Yes, it’s heavier than a compressed-air nailer, but the difference became negligible once I got used to it. Among cordless framing nailers, this one packs the most power. For me, the trade-off (ditching air hoses and the constant drone of a compressor) was well worth it. I also do a lot of landscaping projects where power sources aren’t readily available, and not having to worry about that is a massive advantage.
That said, battery power isn’t a complete replacement for everything. Large, stationary tools like table saws and miter saws still need a steady power source and a fixed home base—there’s no getting around that. But for everything else, I’ve become a bit of a battery-power convert. The biggest reason? Convenience. My tools go wherever I go, no matter the conditions. No power cords, no air compressors, no hassle. In the past, you’d sacrifice performance and power for that freedom, but that’s no longer the case. I’m confident in my tools’ power and durability, and for a carpenter, that’s the ultimate peace of mind.
My plumber keeps nudging me to switch from DeWalt to Milwaukee, and I’ve told him I’ll consider it once my DeWalt tools give out. The problem? No matter how much I use them, they just won’t quit. I’d love to grab a few new tools, but my current set refuses to give me an excuse!
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