Tools have been used for so long that it is impossible to imagine a time without them. They are used across industries to help workers of virtually any discipline. Modern tools are automated to eliminate some of the dangers of manual work and continue to evolve. Here are the top 5 trends in the tool market.
1. Cordless Power Tools
Almost everything is available in cordless format and power tools will soon be part of that list. Corded tools still sell well, but there has been a substantial shift to the cordless market. This includes battery-powered circular saws, band saws, drills, impact drivers and more. Cordless tools are used for cutting, welding, sanding, metalworking and more. Other advances on the market mean that modern cordless tools can also last much longer than before. Cordless power tools are hardly a new invention; they are finally starting to become better than the wired alternatives.
2. More DIY than ever
One of the biggest trends in the tool market has been that more and more people are buying tools for themselves and taking responsibility for getting the job done. All the advances in tools have made them easier to use, and there are plenty of resources online to learn how to do just about any job.
This, together with the drop in the availability of professionals for domestic work, has stimulated the growth of the do-it-yourself market. Even the most powerful tools, like the best table saw blade, have become affordable enough for the average Joe to learn how to use and master them. Ease of use will certainly be an important trend in power tools as the market develops and expands.
3. Smart Tools
You know how they say there's an app for anything? Power tools will soon be on the list of things for which there is an app. One of the main reasons these smart tools exist is another innovation in the tool market; the brushless motor. These motors are more efficient for cordless tools and allow for better control of a motor's torque and speed. They use a different type of engine technology that allows them to be controlled electronically. Given that different tool applications require different speeds and torques, it was a natural step to program a tool for these applications.
Some current tools have speed ranges, but this is primitive compared to the power of a smart tool. They eliminate all the guesswork. For example, a smart tool could be programmed to use the exact torque and speed needed for drywall screws. They can also be programmed to vary their speed, starting slowly and speeding up, which is exactly what is needed when driving a self-tapping screw into sheet metal.
There are an almost infinite amount of possibilities when it comes to what this control can do for tools and users. The reality is that it is now possible to configure a tool for a specific application. Tools used to come with generic settings – if any – programmed into them and now users themselves have the ability to customize their tools for apps via a smartphone or tablet.
4. Batteries are evolving
Battery manufacturers are constantly faced with the challenge of making batteries last longer and produce more energy. It turns out that the way the battery is connected has a lot to do with it. The advancement of lithium-ion batteries means manufacturers have new ways to increase battery life and power.
Manufacturers have essentially rearranged the way cells inside a battery are connected together to produce more energy. There has also been an increase in energy density per cell, so manufacturers can get more power from a battery of the same size. This means that modern batteries are more powerful and capable of keeping even larger power tools running, including the best table saw blade.
5. Product developments
In addition to increasing sales of current power tools and batteries, new products are being developed all the time. Research and Development departments are working hard to increase the strength and service life of tools. One of the latest developments is Dewalt's Flexvolt battery. This battery is capable of changing its voltage depending on the tool it is used with and is the first battery in the world capable of doing this.
The wireless movement is really taking shape in Milwaukee with the development of 9.0Ah batteries. They last up to five times longer than a standard lithium battery and hold about 35% more energy when used in heavy-duty applications. It is also capable of recharging much faster than a conventional lithium-ion battery.
The grinding tools are being developed by German tool manufacturer Matabo, which recently launched a new collection of flat head grinders. Grinders are made to work with small spaces and narrow angles. Makes metalworking at tight angles safer than previous generation flat head grinder models.
Concluding
The modern tool market is all about cordless use, increased battery life, and ease of use. People are taking responsibility for doing their own work and need tools that can accommodate this. Tools are also becoming “smarter” in the sense that they can be precisely controlled via an app.
Different applications demand different things from tools and now tools can be programmed with this in mind. Tools are becoming more efficient and effective every day, and it is interesting to see what the future holds for the tool market.
