Choosing power tools: corded or cordless, and what the numbers mean

This is general buying advice. It does not describe any particular product: check each product page for what is actually listed.

The right tool is the one that matches the jobs you actually do. A homeowner hanging shelves needs something different from a builder drilling concrete all day. These notes explain the main choices and the figures printed on the box.

Corded or cordless

Corded tools plug into the wall. They give steady power for as long as you like, they are often cheaper for the same power, and there is no battery to wear out. The downsides are the cable, the need for a plug point, and, during load-shedding, no power at all.

Cordless tools run on a rechargeable battery. You can work anywhere and they are easy to carry. You pay more once you add batteries and a charger, the run time is limited, and a battery gradually loses capacity over the years. If you want several cordless tools, look for ones that share the same battery, because the battery is the expensive part.

Z S MERCH FUENTE 68V cordless combo kit — impact wrench, drill and angle grinder
ZS - FUENTE 3 in 1 68V Cordless Power Combo Kit Impact Wrench, Drill and Angle Grinder — R1,699.00

Reading the numbers

  • Volts (V) on a cordless tool relate to its power. Higher voltage generally means more torque for heavy work, but also more weight.
  • Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how long the battery lasts on a charge. A 4 Ah battery runs about twice as long as a 2 Ah one on the same tool.
  • Watts (W) on a corded tool show the power the motor draws. Higher is stronger, but it is not the whole story, because efficiency differs.
  • No-load speed (rpm) is how fast the drill spins with nothing in it. Higher speeds suit small drill bits, and lower speeds with more torque suit screws and large bits.
  • Torque is the twisting force, important for driving long screws and drilling big holes.
  • Impact energy (for impact drivers and rotary hammers) is measured in joules and shows how hard the tool hits.

Match the tool to the job

  • Drill-driver: a good all-rounder for drilling wood and metal and driving screws. A hammer-drill function helps in brick and masonry.
  • Angle grinder: cutting and grinding metal and tiles. Always use the correct disc and the guard.
  • Saws: a circular saw cuts long straight lines, a jigsaw cuts curves, and a handsaw needs no power at all.
  • Sander: smooths wood and prepares surfaces for painting.
Z S MERCH 68V cordless drill and impact wrench combo kit
ZS - 68V 2 in 1 Cordless Drill and Impact Wrench Combo — R1,200.00

Good habits

Use safety glasses, hearing protection and gloves where the job calls for them. Clamp the work so it cannot move. Let the tool do the cutting and do not force it. Use the right accessory for the material. Store batteries somewhere cool and dry, and do not leave them on the charger for weeks.

What to check before you buy

  • What comes in the box: is a battery and charger included, or is it the bare tool?
  • Is there a chuck size and speed range that suits your work?
  • Can you hold it comfortably? Weight and balance matter on long jobs.
  • Are accessories such as bits and discs easy to find?
ZS 98V 4 in 1 Multi-Function Power Toolset Cordless
ZS - 98V 4 in 1 Multi-Function Power Toolset CORDLESS — R2,699.99

Products from our range

The list below is taken live from in-stock products in our shop, with the price as listed. For specifications and what is included, open the product page.