Switching from Gas to Battery is Easier with the Latest Generation of Battery-Powered String Trimmers

Even if you’re not quite ready to pull the trigger on an electric lawn mower, cordless string trimmers are a much easier jump for most homeowners to make. Even Pro lawn care crews have legitimate options to replace gas models. What’s the best battery-powered string trimmer for your needs? We got our team together to determine top picks for a range of priorities.

Want to see our top overall string trimmer picks, including gas models? Check out this article!

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Overall

Best for Professionals: Husqvarna 520iLX Battery-Powered String Trimmer

When we’re talking about the best all-day, everyday professional string trimmer for residential crews, we love Husqvarna’s 520iLX. What helps it rise above other solid picks from Stihl, EGO, and Greenworks Commercial is its combination of lighter weight, extremely low vibration, and thoughtful feature set in conjunction with excellent performance. Other professional brands hit several of the same elements, but none of them put them together as completely as Husqvarna.

Price: $299.99 bare tool

Best for Homeowners: EGO PowerLoad String Trimmer with Line IQ ST1623T

EGO started back in the day with surprisingly strong performance for a cordless string trimmer with eye-opening vibration control. Since then, it’s only gotten better as battery and motor technology have improved. Add to that, automatic line loading with EGO’s PowerLoad feature makes string trimmers with it the easiest to load we’ve ever used. For 2022, automatic line feeding takes it to another level, setting the bar very high for any other brand hoping to compete for the title of the best battery-powered string trimmer.

Price: Price: $299 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Power

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM

In case you haven’t noticed, Ryobi has been absolutely unleashed in the last year. The 40V HP Brushless lineup has been impressive, taking the Home Depot-exclusive brand to a whole new level in OPE. For the latest flagship string trimmer, that means impressive cutting power.

The combination of advanced battery and brushless motor tech lets you spin line up to 0.105-inch with a 17-inch cutting swath. It’s fantastic when you’re reclaiming overgrown areas or simply have a lot of lawn to maintain. It gets even better, though, because this model is also part of the Whisper Series, boasting 60% quieter operation than a comparable gas model thanks to specifically focusing on the pitch of the sound.

Price: $329 with 6.0Ah battery and rapid charger

Best Lightweight Battery-Powered String Trimmer

Makita ConnectX String Trimmer CRU03

Makita packs 30cc gas power equivalence into a sub-10-pound package with the ConnectX string trimmer. By shifting the weight of the battery off of the tool and putting it on a harness, you also get incredible runtime thanks to the 1200Wh of capacity you’re wearing. Makita isn’t the only brand to offer a backpack battery, but this combination of weight and performance is special.

Price: $419 bare tool

Best Attachment-Capable Battery-Powered String Trimmer

Stihl Battery-Powered Kombi System KMA 135 R

When we tested cordless attachment systems, none of them had the overall performance that Sithl’s 36V KombiSystem did. It was the closest one to using a gas powerhead. Now it’s even better with the launch of the KMA 135 R powerhead.

Even though Stihl doesn’t use a universal attachment mechanism, the brand’s list of available attachments is deeper than we’ve seen from any other. Plus, there’s Stihl’s extensive dealer and service network to support you after the sale.

Price: $359.99 powerhead only

Best Budget Battery-Powered String Trimmer

SKIL 40V PWRCore Brushless String Trimmer LT4818-10

This year, we set a price limit on our best budget battery-powered string trimmer recommendation. Capped at $160 for the entire kit, we looked for something powerful that also included the battery and charger. The powerful Skil 40V PWRCore Brushless string trimmer really impressed us with its value.

This battery-powered trimmer really fills a need for a capable weed eater that doesn’t go overboard on weight or price. With more power than 18V/20V models, it’s a good fit for budget-minded individuals. It also carries a 5-year limited warranty.

Price: $159 with 2.5Ah battery and charger.

Best Line for Battery-Powered String Trimmers

Echo Black Diamond 0.095-Inch Trimmer Line

Echo Black Diamond trimmer line is denser than others and has sharper cutting edges in its design. For battery-powered string trimmers, you can use Black Diamond 0.095-inch line that cuts like it’s thicker without killing your runtime. There’s some reduction because of the increase in mass, but not as much as when it combines with the increased air resistance of thicker lines. It’s the line we prefer on our gas trimmers and with cordless models being as capable as they are today, we’re able to on those as well.

Price: $14.99 1-pound package (253 feet)

More Battery-Powered String Trimmer Options from Brands We Trust

Best DeWalt Battery-Powered String Trimmer: DCST972

DeWalt sports an impressive 17-inch cutting swath on its latest 60V Max brushless string trimmer. It’s a 2-speed attachment-capable trimmer using a universal connection system, opening up more options beyond DeWalt attachments. With 5800 RPM on the top end (4650 in low), there’s plenty of speed and you can swap out the 0.080-inch line that comes pre-spooled with 0.095-inch.

It’s a little beefier than some models with the 3.0Ah 60V battery pushing the total weight over 11 pounds. The trigger grip section is also a bit thicker than most, so you might not care for it if you have smaller hands. On the plus side, there are three points for the attachment detent to lock into, making it simple to convert the trimmer head into a string edger.

Price: $249 bare tool, $299 with 3.0Ah battery and charger

Best EGO Battery-Powered String Trimmer: ST1623T

There’s a reason we picked EGO’s Line IQ trimmer as our best overall for homeowners. It’s so easy to use with excellent performance and smooth operation, that it can make one of the worst tasks enjoyable.

Price: $299.00 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Greenworks Battery-Powered String Trimmer: ST60L254

Greenworks’ Pro 60V line has a few options and we like the ST60L04 as the best overall balance of performance and price for trimming. It’s a smooth-operating trimmer with an easy-loading Load N’ Go head that uses 0.095-inch line and runs for more than half an hour on its 2.5Ah battery.

Price: $199.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best HART Battery-Powered String Trimmer: HLST051VNM

HART stepped up big time this year and now has a brushless 15-inch carbon fiber shaft model for its 40V line. It’s another attachment-capable option using a universal connection and is capable to whipping 0.095-inch line. Thanks to its carbon fiber shaft, the weight comes down a bit without sacrificing the strength you need for the job.

Price: $248 with 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger

Best Husqvarna Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 520iLX

From its lighter weight and smoother operation to its excellent performance, Husqvarna’s 520iLX is our pick as the best overall battery-powered string trimmer for professionals.

Best Makita Battery-Powered String Trimmer: GRU01

We realize not everyone is in a place to jump onto Makita’s ConnectX system. If you want high performance with wider OPE and power tool compatibility, give the 40V max XGT GRU01 a look. It has three speeds and tops out with a blistering 6500 RPM. Plus, there’s an Automatic Torque Drive feature that auto-adjusts the speed to match what you’re cutting. Even better, this one is just 10.4 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, giving it an excellent blend of performance and weight.

Price: $289 bare, $439 with 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger

Best Milwaukee Battery-Powered String Trimmer: 2825-21ST

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Quik-Lok attachment system still holds the top spot for the best Milwaukee string trimmer in our books. Its 2-speed brushless design does an excellent job on a wide range of grasses. Even though it doesn’t use a universal connection, the available attachments have done a fantastic job over several years of service with our crew.

Now that there’s a new commercial lawn mower, whispers of further Milwaukee OPE expansion are in the wind, so keep your eyes open in case something new in the string trimmer department shows up.

Price: $229 powerhead and string trimmer attachment, $299 string trimmer kit with 8.0Ah High Output battery and rapid charger

Best Ryobi Battery-Powered String Trimmer RY402110VNM

For all the reasons we already stated and more, Ryobi’s 40V HP Brushless 17-inch string trimmer is something special.

Price: $329 with 6.0Ah battery and rapid charger

Best Skil Battery-Powered String Trimmer: LT4818-10

It’s tough to find a brushless string trimmer under $150 that includes a battery and charger. Skil is one option and it’s a compelling high-value pick. It’s capable of using 0.080-inch line and we whacked down some pretty tall grass in Josh’s backyard when we decided to reclaim it. It’s also a good pick if you’re looking for a lightweight trimmer—it’s just 9.3 pounds with a 2.5Ah battery.

Price: $149.00 with 2.5Ah battery and rapid charger

Best Stihl Battery-Powered String Trimmer: FSA 135 R

Stihl was already doing a great job in the professional battery-powered lawn care department, but the 135 line takes it a step further with even better performance and durability. Comparable to the power the FS 91 offers, it’s matching up with one of Stihl’s workhorse gas models. The trimmer works best with 0.095-inch line and has a 16.5-inch cutting swath. It also comes in both standard and bike handle models, giving you a great option for clearing large areas.

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Buying Guide | What We Look For

Cutting Power

Three primary factors go into cutting power: line speed, line thickness/mass, and motor torque.

The faster the line whips around, the better the tips cut grass. Most battery-powered string trimmers are fine in this category. As long as you’re getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. The top models are capable of hitting 6500 RPM and there is a significant difference in how fast you can complete your trimming duties at higher rotational speeds.

Shifting the focus to the line thickness, the higher the line mass, the more force it’s able to cut through thicker grass with. It’s like the difference between getting hit by a 175-pound safety and a 225-pound linebacker at the same speed. More mass equals more cutting power.

Most cordless string trimmers take 0.080-inch line at a minimum. We recommend 0.095-inch for the best all-around performance. If you have tougher grass or deal with overgrowth frequently, a string trimmer with 0.105-inch line lets you power through even better. Just keep in mind that line diameter has a direct effect on runtime—thicker line takes more power to run.

Finally, a motor with higher torque helps the trimmer resist slowing down as the going gets tougher. Even though trimming grass seems like a low-demand task, grass does push back against the line, causing it to bend back and eventually start to bog the motor. Higher torque holds keeps the head spinning better in tough cutting situations, even when its highest RPMs are lower than low-torque gearing.

Cutting Swath

Having a large cutting swath helps you clear large areas faster or gives you a more generous border for your mower. You need more power to run wider, though, and runtime is always a consideration. That said, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen the technology come together to give us solid options. Look for a 15-inch cutting diameter for most situations. Recent 16- and 17-inch models are a great choice when you have larger areas to cut.

Runtime

The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to cover trimming. Most cordless string trimmers are able to hit that at high speed without too much trouble.

Professional lawn care crews need much more, though. So do homeowners with large properties and farm/ranch acreage.

If your runtime needs are greater, look for a string trimmer that balances the efficiency of a brushless motor, uses 0.095-inch line, and possibly comes with a higher-capacity battery. Of course, you can always carry multiple batteries.

Also, consider learning how to trim at low speed when the grass isn’t as thick. Even though you have to slow down a bit, you’ll cut a significantly larger area.

Vibration

We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. The harmonics in some of today’s models are so good that hardly any vibration makes it up the handle… and they are a joy to use!

Weight and Balance

If you’re working all day on a lawn crew or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest weight you can get without sacrificing the power you need. Bare weight isn’t everything—the battery can add a lot. If you can get a fully-loaded battery-powered string trimmer that meets your performance needs and comes in under 10 pounds, that’s a big win.

Balance is a consideration and the trimmers that have the best typically mount the motor on the trimmer head to counter the battery weight on the back. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit.

If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. For those and trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.

Sound Level

Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers.

Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch.

Line Changes

When you have to change the line, it can be an easy or frustrating process. Manual loading is largely a thing of the past, though some trimmers still have manual heads. To make the process easier, look for models that have some type of fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). With these, you thread the line through the head to the middle, turn the head to load it, and go get on with the work.

Regardless of what comes on the trimmer, you can upgrade most to a quick-load head.

The best on the market right now is EGO’s PowerLoad design. It takes the fast-load concept and adds automatic winding and gives us the easiest, quickest line changes we’ve ever had.

Attachment Capability

Pro lawn crews typically have dedicated machines for string trimming, edging, and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to brush cutting.

As we mentioned earlier, attachment systems require a top-mounted motor that affects the balance. It’s a trade-off you have to make for the convenience you gain.

One thing to keep an eye on is the attachment connection style. Models with a “universal” connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. Recent multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee, and Stihl aren’t compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.

The post Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Reviews 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Boy, did we open a can of worms when we started searching and testing to determine the best battery-powered chainsaw models. Not that long ago, there weren’t that many cordless chainsaws, and even fewer had high enough performance to warrant replacing gas saws.

Fast forward to today and cordless chainsaws meet and even exceed gas performance all the way up to 20-inch models. The big change this year is we have battery options to replace farm and ranch chainsaws!

Best Battery-Powered Chainsaw for Pros

Sithl 20-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw MSA 300 C-O

Pros have more options than ever before and as of Spring 2022, that includes 20-inch cordless chainsaws. Of the three available, Sithl earns our pick as the best battery-powered chainsaw for professionals in a tight battle (DeWalt and Greenworks Commercial also have 20-inch models this year).

Stihl is introducing the AP 500 S battery along with the saw, giving the MSA 300 C-O an advanced power source to pull high performance from. Where it pulls away from the pack is intelligence. The saw has 3 performance settings so you have options when you want to prioritize runtime over power. It also has an LED screen that displays power status, mode, chain brake position, and has a low oil alert. For those of you managing inventory, it’s also Smart Connector A 2 compatible.

Price: TBA

Best Cordless Chainsaw for Home Use

EGO 56V 18-inch Cordless Chainsaw CS1800

In choosing the best battery chainsaw for home use, we didn’t want to sacrifice the power we enjoy from our professional saws. While there are a lot of options available, we tend to get the best balance of performance and weight in the 60V class.

Moving to an 18-inch bar, we put the EGO CS1800 on the top of the charts. It has excellent power and there’s plenty of runtime with available batteries up to 10.0Ah (a 5.0Ah pack comes in the kit).

In addition to its performance, EGO’s auto-tensioning system makes it super-easy to adjust the chain tension and access the bar and chain without the use of additional tools. There’s even an LED to help with post-storm cleanup when the power’s out and you can’t wait for sunrise.

Price: $259 bare, $349 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Most Powerful Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks Commercial 82V 20-Inch Chainsaw

In late 2021 at GIE, DeWalt, Geenworks Commercial, and Stihl all announced new 20-inch battery-powered chainsaws with the power to take on the farm and ranch class. All three also claimed to have the most powerful and as the dust settled, Greenworks Commercial’s had the highest-rated power.

The caveat here is that we haven’t been able to fully test these saws yet. They’re too new. We got our hands on them at GIE, though, and no matter which one you choose, you’re in for a treat! Once we get a chance to use for a more thorough test, we’ll be sure to share our experience. Learn more at the links below.

• DeWalt 60V Max 20-Inch Chainsaw DCC677 (March 2022)
• Greenworks Commercial 20-Inch Chainsaw
• Stihl 20-Inch Chainsaw MSA 300 C-O (Summer 2022)

Best Battery Top Handle Chainsaw

Makita 18V X2 (36V) Top Handle Chainsaw XCU08

Top handle chainsaws are an arborist’s and lineman’s best friend. The differences in design give these saws a very different feel while you’re cutting and we generally only recommend them for experienced chainsaw users.

Our choice for the best battery top handle chainsaw is the Makita XCU08. It’s a legitimate gas replacement that has the muscle to hang with traditional names such as Stihl and Husqvarna. The best part is that it comes in with a lower price tag.

The saw comes stock with a 14-inch bar, but you can also order the XCU09 if you want the same saw with a 16-inch bar instead.

Price: $339 bare, $449 with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger

Best Battery Pole Saw

Makita 18V X2 LXT Telescoping Pole Saw XAU02

When it comes to the best battery pole saw, multi-head systems are an excellent platform. However, most professional crews prefer dedicated tools to attachment systems. If that sounds like you, check out Makita’s XAU02. It’s a 9- to 13-foot telescoping system that reaches significantly higher than most of its competition.

Its performance is impressive, using two 18V batteries with its 10-inch bar to cut at speeds up to 3940 fpm (20.0 meters per second). In terms of overall power, it’s the equivalent of a 30cc gas engine, and Makita’s internal testing shows it cutting faster than a 31.4cc gas competitor.

What helps set this model apart is a torque boost mode. You can do most of your cutting on a battery-saving standard setting and then kick it up to full power for thicker or harder braches.

Price: $499 bare

Best Small Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Choosing the best small cordless chainsaw isn’t just a matter of choosing something lightweight with a 10- or 12-inch bar anymore. The introduction of battery pruners with a 4- to 6- inch bar and chain ups the ante. So we picked one of each for you.

DeWalt 20V Max Compact Cordless Chainsaw DCCS620

DeWalt launched a line of light-duty OPE for its popular 20V Max platform as a way to give contractors the ability to clear jobsites using the batteries they already have. Those same OPE tools are great for homeowners that need occasional or limited use equipment.

The name says it all: DeWalt’s 20V Max compact cordless chainsaw features a highly-manageable 12-inch bar and chain that works with one of the deepest lines of cordless power tools available. For dedicated lawn care, you might look to the FlexVolt 60V Max line, but this saw is just right for limbing and light felling around your home.

Price: $179 bare, $249 kit with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery Pruner

Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hatchet 6-inch Pruner 2527

As the only current member of Milwaukee’s OPE line to use the M12 battery platform, the M12 Fuel Hatchet does a couple of things better than its limited competition.

First of all, we like that it’s a 6-inch bar and chain rather than 4-inch. Even though it’s only 2 more inches, it gets you into cutting branches you might normally turn to a heavier standard-form chainsaw for.

We also like that this model has an auto-oiler, something that’s missing on Stihl’s model. Combined, this makes it the best cordless chainsaw for those looking for a truly compact pruning tool.

Price: $189 bare, $269 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Value Cordless Chainsaw

Greenworks 60V Pro 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw C60L212

We were thrilled with the performance improvement in Greenworks’ 2nd-generation 60V Pro chainsaw. Capable of cutting faster than 42cc gas saws, it’s a fantastic all-around chainsaw for property maintenance and storm cleanup.

In addition to its higher performance, it has a more professional-grade feel with metal bucking spikes, dual captured bar nuts, and excellent balance. If your priorities include getting a lot of bang for your buck, this is the chainsaw for you!

Price: $229.99 bare, $299.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Budget Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Skil PWRCore 40 14-Inch Cordless Chainsaw CS4555-10

Just because you’re on a sub-$200 budget doesn’t mean you can’t get a quality brushless chainsaw. Skil’s PWRCore 40 system includes a 14-inch brushless chainsaw that finds an excellent balance between performance, design, and price.

We tested this saw cutting oak and it did an excellent job of confidently melting through branches up to 12 inches thick. With auto-oiling and a tool-free chain adjustment system, it’s very easy to use as well. Best of all, the kit is just $199.99.

Price: $199.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

See Also: Can battery power cut it? Read our article: Why use a battery-powered chainsaw

More Recommendations from Brands We Trust

Best DeWalt Cordless Chainsaw

Without a doubt, DeWalt’s 60V Max 20-inch cordless chainsaw (DCCS677) is the best model in Yellow’s lineup. As one of three battery-powered 20-inch chainsaws announced launching in the spring of 2022, it’s in a very elite class.

In designing the saw, DeWalt’s development team used the largest brushless motor in any tool they have, period. Along with a list of features that verify its professional pedigree, it’s also the first DeWalt chainsaw to come with a case.

Price: $349 bare, $449 with 4.012.0Ah battery and charger, $499 with 5.0/15.0Ah battery and charger

Best Hart Battery-Powered Chainsaw

Hart makes a strong statement with its 16-inch brushless chainsaw (HLCS021). For starters, a 16-inch chainsaw is no joke—you need a stronger motor than most DIY saws use.

A 360° tour around this model reveals a big step forward for Hart. Dual bar nuts are a nod to Pro-style design while the scrench conveniently stores on the handle. There’s an automatic oiler and the saw comes with a hard plastic case for storage. Overall, this is a much more capable cordless chainsaw than we saw from Hart’s initial offerings.

Price: $274 with a 4.0Ah battery and fast charger

Best Echo Cordless Chainsaw

Echo is moving away from its original cordless line to a new 56V Force system (the two systems are not compatible). Along with the initial launch, there are two chainsaw offerings: a homeowner-grade 18-inch model and a Pro-focused 12-inch top handle.

The top handle is our choice as the best Echo battery-powered chainsaw. As part of the X-Series, the DCS-2500T oozes professional design. It starts with a muscular brushless motor and builds out the drop protection (including a quickdraw harness ring) you expect from a professional gas top handle saw. It’s definitely not your least expensive top handle option, but it is designed with the demands of professional tree care use in mind.

Price: $429.99 bare, $499.99 kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Husqvarna Cordless Chainsaw

In the end, Husqvarna’s 540i XP is one of the best cordless chainsaws for professionals. Though not as powerful as the Greenworks Commercial 82V, its balance of 40cc power and weight makes it an excellent all-rounder for cordless cutting.

We also like the option to use a standard battery pack or switch over to a battery backpack for extended cutting.

Price: $589 bare (14-inch bar), $599 bare (16-inch bar)

Best Greenworks Cordless Chainsaw

Take the Greenworks model we recommended as the best value cordless chainsaw earlier, flip out the 16-inch bar for an 18-inch, and you get our favorite Greenworks chainsaw for homeowners. With performance that rivals a 42cc gas engine, its 18-inch bar offers excellent capacity you’ll get plenty of runtime from the 4.0Ah battery that comes in the kit.

Price: $279.99 bare, $429.99 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Makita Cordless Chainsaw

Makita’s cordless chainsaw didn’t take long to get dialed in really well and they make some of the best cordless chainsaws in the industry. The XCU08 top handle we recommended earlier is a sold choice for arborists.

For a rear handle design, go for the XCU04. It’s a 16-inch 36V (18V X2) model that’s reasonably lightweight at 11.1 pounds with batteries. Like Makita’s other cordless chainsaws, expect smooth cutting and exceptional balance. Its 32cc gas equivalence isn’t quite as strong as some of the competition, but its refined design makes up for it and then some.

Price: $299 bare, $329 with two 5.0Ah batteries and dual-port rapid charger

Best Milwaukee Cordless Chainsaw

Milwaukee had one of the first really great cordless chainsaws and the M18 Fuel 2727 is still an excellent choice. It sports a brushless motor that runs its 16-inch bar and chain to levels that exceed 40cc gas power. It has a quality build with metal bucking spikes and dual captured bar nuts.

Even though other brands have pushed the power boundary forward, we still highly recommend this saw. Now that Milwaukee has raised the bar with its self-propelled lawn mower, there are whispers beginning to ask if there’s a new high-performance chainsaw in the works for later this year.

Price: $329 bare, $499 with 12.0Ah battery and charger (also available with a 14-inch bar for $319)

Best Ryobi Cordless Chainsaw

Ryobi’s launch of HP Brushless tools has been impressive and it’s a game-changer for the 40V lawn care and landscaping line. The 40V HP Brushless 18-inch chainsaw is a fantastic example. With cutting performance far ahead of any other chainsaws we’ve tested from Ryobi, it earned our respect and recommendation.

While it’s not completely Pro-style with its plastic bucking spikes, property owners looking for a high-performance cordless option to replace gas can rely on Ryobi.

Price: $189 bare, $349 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Battery Chainsaw Buying Guide | What We Look For

Performance is King

Thanks to advanced brushless motors, electronics, and batteries, voltage no longer tells the entire story. However, cutting speed with the torque to get through thick hardwood species is the number one priority for us.

Runtime is (Sort of) a Big Deal

Ideally, a battery-powered chainsaw balances cutting speed and power with runtime. Larger batteries are certainly helping. Advancements in battery technology are as well. Denser cells with more robust connections are able to more efficiently transfer energy from the battery to the chain, giving you higher performance without a drop in runtime that makes the saw irrelevant.

The other side of the conversation involves rapid chargers. Most brands offer them now and several include them as a standard part of the kit. With today’s cordless technology, two batteries and a rapid charger can be enough to keep you running continuously all day.

Triggered

Most chainsaws are similar in form and share all of the same basic operational features. Where the best cordless chainsaws differ in form is primarily in their switches and triggers.

All of the saws have a UL or similar test lab certification on them, but they’re not all the same. In use, some of the saws in our test have more defined two-step triggers while others can be easily activated with a single grasp around their lockout button and trigger. At the end of the day, we expect our chainsaws to have a trigger mechanism that will keep us from accidentally activating the motor, and all of our recommendations meet that requirement. From there, it’s just a matter of the feel or function you prefer.

The true two-step lockouts aren’t difficult to operate in normal conditions. In odd positions, such as reaching around a tree while limbing, sometimes the mechanical lockouts can be tricky to slide.

For select cordless chainsaws, the first of two (or sometimes three) stages of starting is an electronic power button.

Some electronic switch saws can be run with a single grab once powered on. You just have to be mindful of the auto timeout feature. It can be frustrating the pull the trigger to no effect when you thought the saw was ready.

Ease of Adjustment

Chainsaw bars need to be adjusted nearly every time you use the saw. A new chain stretches out pretty quickly. You need to snug it up at least a few times as it breaks in.

If your chain gets tight rather suddenly, it usually means the bar is not getting oil. Don’t loosen it until you make sure the saw is oiling properly.

Pro Tip: Get into the habit of loosening your chain at the end of the day. Cold weather can cause it to tighten as it cools and damage parts.

A saw’s bar will be designed for either tool-free adjustment or will require a screwdriver-wrench combination tool called—yep, you guessed it—a scrench. Tool-free adjustment is the quickest and easiest with plastic knobs and/or dials built into the saw. They loosen the bar, move the bar forward or back to properly tension the chain, and lock the bar down tight again.

Dual Studs vs Tool-free Adjusters

Saws with tool-free adjusters use a single stud to attach the bar to the saw, but manual adjusting models typically have two mounting studs. Some old-school users view dual studs as an indication that the saw is geared toward professionals, but we don’t think that’s a hard, fast rule. Not for modest-sized saws anyway. However, the biggest and strongest chainsaws made all have dual stud bar mounts.

Pro Tip: Be sure to snug the nuts evenly because torquing down on only one can loosen the other.

Aw, Nuts!

Lost bar nuts are a frequent occurrence during regular use in the field. To prevent this, some saws have the added feature of captive nuts that won’t come all the way off the cover no matter how much you spin them.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare nut on hand if the ones on your saw aren’t captuve—it’s not unusual to lose one in the field!

To keep your adjustment tool close at hand, look for models that have storage slots built into the saws.

Your preferences may vary, but I can appreciate both adjustment methods. We like the speed and convenience of tool-free adjustments for my small saws. For big saws, we feel more confident securing the business end of these powerful tools down with a wrench.

It’s not a deal-breaker either way for the saws in our test unless the mechanism itself is flawed. The best battery-powered chainsaw for you is the one that instills a sense of both confidence and convenience.

Bars and Chains

Most chainsaw brands don’t try to reinvent the wheel by making their own bars and chains. Instead, many use quality Oregon components, though Stihl makes their own bars and chains. Most cordless chainsaws use 3/8-in. pitch, 0.043-in. gauge chains while stronger models are moving up to 0.050-in. gauge.

Oiling Systems

Bar and chain oil is the lifeblood of a chainsaw as the saw cannot run without it for very long. Most saws oil readily, but we occasionally run across models that have issues after a while. If a saw oiled well out of the box, it usually just needs a good cleaning to unclog it.

Oil Visibility

Most battery-powered chainsaws have translucent windows that let you check if there’s oil in the tank, and most let you estimate the level pretty well. If yours has a small window or none at all, be sure to stop and check the oil level frequently. About every hour of working time or anytime you notice a change in performance is a good rule of thumb.

Oil Caps

The ease of filling the oil reservoir is a noteworthy convenience factor when considering the best battery-powered chainsaw. We don’t like having oily fingers, so being able to fill the tank while leaving our work gloves on is our preference. Look for oil caps with lugs that are easy to turn with gloves on and/or flip-up tabs that provide an even better grip.

Spills & More Spills

Chainsaws often leak oil while sitting because daily heating and cooling shrinks and expands a plastic tank like a rudimentary pump. Some saws are messier than others.

Wherever you store your saw, put a piece of cardboard underneath it to collect any oil. You can switch it out as needed and whenever an Amazon order arrives.

Be careful when filling your chainsaw. Some have a large section of the cap that goes inside the tank and displaces a surprising amount of oil when you fill it anywhere close to the top. Wiping gooey oil off a chainsaw is an annoying waste of time.

Another cause of spills is an oil tank with a filler neck that is too narrow. Bar and chain oil is thick and tacky. It can pour like molasses in the cold, so it easily “piles up” and overflows in a narrow neck.

Pro Tip: Only poke a small hole in the foil of your oil container or use a (clean) syrup bottle to dispense oil into your chainsaw’s reservoir.

Providing another challenge, plastic filters at the inlet of its tank can constrict the diameter.

Caps that cross-thread easily can also make the oil-fill process more of a chore.

Environmental Sidetrack: Try Biodegradable Bar and Chain Oil

The other part of this cleaner, greener, lithium-ion-powered story is you can pair your battery chainsaw with a biodegradable bar and chain oil made of vegetable-based ingredients, such as Stihl Bio Plus. Those barrels of useful wood waste also contain a few gallons of oil from the saws.

Aside from having to landfill all of your petroleum-preserved sawdust, it’s just good practice to minimize your exposure to petroleum oil on your skin, clothing, and the atomized portion that you breathe in.

Naked? Don’t Use a Cordless Chainsaw Like This Guy!

Back on Track… Bucking Spikes

For pushing a saw through wood more efficiently, chainsaws come fitted with bucking spikes (a.k.a. bumper spikes, felling spikes, or dogs). These spikes sit against the body of the saw alongside the bar and anchor the saw in place while the bar pivots through the cut.

The spikes allow you to apply a lifting motion of the rear hand instead of pushing downward. Holding the saw tight to the wood, the motor can exert its maximum pulling power. This saves you from some of the cutting vibrations and especially the jerking common to holding a saw away from your work.

Our battery-powered saws all have some semblance of spikes. Most aren’t as long or as sharp as those on large gas saws, but actual steel spikes are becoming more common. We prefer those to the simple plastic ridges on other models.

Pro Tip: Applying leverage with spikes adds control, but go easy and listen to the pitch of the motor. You can overload battery chainsaws with too much pressure, and the weaker models stall easily.

Balance

While it’s true that the comfort and feel of a tool are largely subjective, it’s also true that some designs work better than others. Most Pros and experienced homeowners can immediately tell.

For the best battery-powered chainsaw, a balanced feel in your hands and the ability to cut straight without introducing a twisting motion to overcome are both important ergonomic factors.

Holding a saw with your left hand on the front handle in front of you should have the saw balancing fairly flat. Being a bit front-heavy is okay, but a rear-heavy saw lifts the cutting end of the saw up towards you and requires more effort and vigilance to use and carry safely.

Cutting Sideways

Determining a good feel for felling cuts while holding the chainsaw sideways is more about the comfort of applying force to the front and rear handles as you grasp it from the side, and also the ease of operating the trigger while sideways.

Handles

In general, chainsaws with thicker handles are more comfortable to grasp in use because have more surface contact and soften that contact with your hand. Of course, rubber handle surfaces help too, not only for padding but also for the increased grip they provide.

Trigger Comfort

Most cordless chainsaw triggers are large enough for two fingers to fit on them. Some have an extra-long trigger with more room to vary your grip stance for comfort. The best feeling triggers retract flush with the handle instead of leaving a raised bump your fingers have to push against.

Weight

The dry weight of the best battery chainsaws can swell to well over 15 pounds. Experience shows that a saw’s weight is less important than proper balance overall as you only feel the full weight when you’re NOT cutting.

But carrying around and positioning a heavy saw can certainly be more taxing over a long workday. The catch with these saws is that the batteries are a major part of the weight. So the stronger, longer-lasting saws with high-capacity battery packs and longer bars that we prefer end up being the heaviest.

Battery Selection

While we do the majority of our testing with the kitted batteries, it’s worth looking at the full range a manufacturer has available for your cordless chainsaw. If you end up investing in the entire lineup, you’ll likely want to consider the biggest batteries you can buy for it to get all of your lawn chores done efficiently.

You might also want a lower-capacity battery to shave some weight when you don’t have a lot of work to complete.

“Current” State of Affairs

Voltage

Higher voltage means more power, right? There’s certainly an argument for that, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.

Power is measured in watts and that comes from multiplying the voltage times the current. You can make a 36V chainsaw with the same power as a 56V model. The lower voltage simply has to produce more amps (current) to get there.

That’s why you see chainsaws with 40cc gas performance at 18V, 36V, and 60V. It’s all about the combination of volts and amps.

Watt-Hours

Another thing that is interesting to note is the discrepancy between the amp-hour and watt-hour ratings on some of the batteries in our tests for their given voltage. We’ve covered the subject of battery voltage, storage capacity, and current output many times. To review simply:

Volts x Amp Hours = Watt Hours

It’s the same basic equation we use for power, just applied to energy storage instead of output. It’s an easy way to compare the available energy of one battery to another when they have different voltages.

We’re increasingly finding that manufacturers—perhaps to simplify things for consumers—are rounding amp-hours. Some calculate their watt-hours with maximum voltage while most use nominal. Unfortunately, this makes some comparisons more challenging and adds to potential confusion.

“Nominal” Differences

When you charge a lithium-ion battery, it will reach its maximum voltage. Shortly after putting it to use, it settles into a slightly lower voltage—its nominal voltage. The nominal voltage is where the battery spends most of its working life and is roughly 90% of the maximum voltage.

Brands have to choose which one to display. When you see numbers such as 60V Max, that’s a battery that settles into a 54V nominal voltage. When you don’t see “Max” on the battery and packaging, you’re usually looking at a battery that is displaying its nominal volts.

We say “usually” for a reason. Some brands market their maximum voltage but don’t make it clear.

Some European countries regulate stated voltages more stringently, and it seems that it could only serve to help if the simple math all added up.

Buy Into a System

One other consideration for these saws is the system of battery-powered OPE to which they belong. Like other cordless tools, you can purchase some of our best battery-powered chainsaws as bare tools at significant savings over the kit. If you’re already invested in one of these systems, the overall winner may not interest you as much as seeing which model from your brand is the best in the lineup. Though not the best overall, it might be the best balance of performance and value for you.

Look at the Entire Model Lineup

If you haven’t bought into a system yet and may pick up more outdoor power tools in the future, check out the entire lineup from a brand. Make sure they can fulfill your wish list before going after just the chainsaw. For many users, the saw functions as a secondary tool when compared to the hours you spend with a string trimmer or mower.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers?

That’s not us. We only recommend what we’d actually use, even if we don’t earn a commission from it. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Battery Chainsaw Reviews 2022 | Best Cordless Chainsaws appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Drops Size and Weight for Smaller Pipes

Milwaukee’s original cordless threader is a really big deal in a couple of ways. Not only does it give tradesmen a cordless option for threading pipe, but it is also a hefty tool. While convenient, it can be a bit much if your needs are primarily on smaller-diameter pipes. If that sounds like you, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is right up your alley.

Pros

• More compact
• Much lighter
• Excellent threading speed
• Kickback control
• Head extension (Side-Grip) eliminates contact with the dies during use
• One-Key onboard
• Easy die changes

Cons

• No significant drawbacks

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Performance

The trade-off for going with a more compact threader is that you have a smaller capacity than the full-size version. The compact threader is compatible with 1/8-inch to 1 1/4-inch dies whereas the 2874 can thread up to 2 inches.

Speaking of dies, there’s news on that front, too. Milwaukee is launching a line of die heads that claim to be the industry’s lightest—50% lighter than the competition. These compact forged aluminum die heads are compatible with the new threader but not the larger model. If you have the 2-inch threader already, Milwaukee has dies for it, too.

Between the dies and the tool’s brushless motor, you can thread rigid conduit, stainless steel, and even black iron pipe at speeds up to 35 RPM. That’s slightly lower than the larger version’s 41 RPM top speed. The compact model also sports one speed compared to 2874’s two speeds.

The Milwaukee 2870 shares the Autostop kickback protection of its big brother. If the tool senses kickback, it automatically shuts down the motor before it can cause an injury.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Design Notes

Size and Weight

Without a doubt, size and weight are the two biggest talking points on Milwaukee’s latest threader. The compact 2870 is 19.7 inches long as a bare tool. That’s more than 6 inches shorter than the original 2874.

The weight is significantly lower, too. Where the original weighed 22.3 pounds bare, the compact version is just 14.3 pounds… with a 1-inch die and 8.0Ah High Output battery. Bare, it’s 10.6 pounds. That’s a HUGE drop!

Die Changes

Another big advantage the Milwaukee 2870 has is that die changes are super-easy. Just turn the collar to the unlock position, slide the new die in, and turn the collar back to the lock position. It’s much easier and faster than we found with DeWalt’s cordless threader.

Additional Highlights

• Side-Grip eliminates hand contact with the die head before and during threading
• Dedicated support arm included
• One-Key integrated for tracking, inventory management, and security

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Pipe Threader Vs M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Price

Look for the compact threader as a kit for $2199.99. It includes the tool, two 8.0Ah High Output batteries, and an M12/M18 multi-voltage rapid charger along with the lightweight 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4-inch dies. There’s no bare tool option at the moment.

Milwaukee backs the threader with a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

Whether you deal exclusively with pipe and conduit 1 1/4-inch or less, or you want a compact supplement to your larger threader, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is incredibly convenient. It’s lighter, smaller, and still has excellent threading speed. Of course, it’s cordless, so you can take it anywhere without needing to worry about a separate power source.

Specifications

• Model: Milwaukee 2870-22HD
• Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery (High Output recommended)
• Die Range: 1/8 – 1 1/4 inches
• Length: 19.6 inches
• Weight: 10.6 pounds bare, 14.3 pounds with 1-inch die and 8.0Ah battery
• Warranty: 5 years

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader 2870 Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ryobi Adds Long-Anticipated Cordless Framing Nailer To 18V Lineup

Ryobi has a tool solution for pretty much any application you can think of, but there actually are a few gaps. The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer fills one of the big ones that fans have been asking for. It enters the ring with two separate models and we wanted to know how they compare to other nailing solutions.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer: The Big Deal

These two models mark Ryobi’s first venture into the cordless framing nailer world. They include a 21° full head nailer and a 30° full and clipped head nailer. The nailers’ brushless motors allow the driving power to sink nails from 2 inches to 3 1/2 inches in length and claim the power to drive flush in hardwoods.

Thanks to Ryobi’s Airstrike Technology, these cordless framing nailers don’t require wrangling around air hoses or consumable gas cartridges. Instead, this technology utilizes an internal piston to compress enough air to each nail you’re driving with just an 18V lithium-ion battery.

A couple of things stand out in the design. One is that there is a field-serviceable air-fill valve on the tool. Unlike some designs that require you to take the nailer into the service center for filling, you can do it yourself when you notice you’re not getting the driving depth you’re used to.

The other element is a shock absorber for the battery. We first saw this kind of feature on high-vibration tools, such as Milwaukee’s monster M18 Fuel 1-inch impact wrench, but it’s not so common on nailers. Still, vibration can significantly reduce the life of your battery, so its inclusion gets two thumbs up from us.

Additional Features

• Tool-free drive depth adjustment
• Single and bump fire modes with a selection switch (no trigger changes required)
• Integrated rafter hook for easy on-the-job storage
• 21° capacity: 33 nails
• 30° capacity: 60 nails
• Drives up to 750 nails with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer Price

Both nailer models have a retail price of $329 for the bare tool. Kit options are also on the way. You can find them exclusively at The Home Depot starting in 2023. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

The post Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Gives You The Control You’re Craving

Cordless jigsaws have been a part of our lives for years and have really come into their own as full corded replacements. We got our hands on the Hilti Nuron cordless jigsaw to see how it compares to the other major players in this space.

Pros

• Excellent cutting speed
• Outstanding vibration control
• Three orbital action modes plus off
• One-hand bit insertion
• Spring-loaded blade eject
• Low shoe friction
• D-handle (tested) and barrel grip options are available
• Includes splinter guard, dust shield, and vacuum port attachment
• Available onboard dust collector

Cons

• Bevel adjustments require a tool
• No onboard tool storage

Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Performance

Power Plant

Not every tool on the Nuron platform is brushless. The Hilti Nuron cordless jigsaw is among the brushed models, but don’t let that make you shy away from it. Considering professional corded models tend to be in the 7-amp range, this is a tool that doesn’t need a brushless power plant to reach the same performance.

It’s able to churn out up to 3000 SPM with a 1.1-inch stroke length. Combine that with the three orbital action settings and you’ve got an extremely capable and competitive jigsaw.

Under the handle, there’s a variable speed dial to control your maximum speed. There’s also a lock-on button for the trigger. When you’re making long cuts, it’s a very handy combination to have.

There’s plenty of power for jigsawing, even when you’re cutting material on the fringes of what most people consider “typical” use. Here’s are Hilti’s cut capacity recommendations:

• Wood: 5.9 in.
• Mild Sheet Steel: 0.39 in.
• Aluminum: 1.0 in.

As part of Hilti’s Nuron lineup, this jigsaw uses 22V Nuron batteries. While all of them are compatible, some are a better fit than others. We recommend the 4.0Ah B 22-85 for the best performance and runtime. The 2.5Ah B 22-55 is also a good option for a bit less weight and size.

Vibration

Active Vibration Reduction technology helps to reduce handle vibrations compared to traditional models. When we put it to the test out in the shop, we couldn’t believe how little vibration we felt in our hands. There are several cordless models that do a great job in vibration control, and Hilti tops them all in our opinion.

Visibility and Dust Collection

Hilti has a very good sight window to the blade while the cutline blower and LED light do a great job of keeping your line visible.

Visibility is still excellent when you add the splinter guard. Like every jigsaw we’ve tested, when you add the dust shield, it’s more challenging to keep as good an eye on the line.

Hilti offers a couple of ways to collect dust. They include a dust port attachment that pulls air from both sides. Low-CFM vacs don’t do a lot good with this (but it is better with the dust guard on). Stick with a vac that has at least 100 CFM for the best results.

We didn’t get a chance to test it, but there’s also an attachable onboard dust collection system. The SJD 6 DRS installs where you see the electrical connections on the base of the motor housing. It has an automatic on/off function tied to the trigger pull and it eliminates the need for a hose dragging behind you.

Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Design Notes

Ergonomics

As a bare tool, the jigsaw weighs 4.9 pounds. Using a 2.5Ah battery brings it up to 6.1 pounds and the 4.0Ah pack puts it at 6.6 pounds. That’s heavier than some of the options out there, but some additional weight isn’t a very big deal. In fact, the weight working with the low-friction shoe can help stabilize your cut and give you more control.

The contoured D-grip top handle, low weight, and slim profile make this cordless jigsaw more comfortable to guide through complicated cuts. Looking at it from the side, it’s not quite as tall as some other jigsaws and that lets you get a little closer to the cutting surface.

If you prefer a barrel grip, Hilti has you covered. Just look for the SJT 6-22 instead.

Bevel Adjustments

Hilti sticks with a standard bevel adjustment system, however, it’s not tool-free and the tool doesn’t store on the tool. You need to use a hex wrench to loosen the bolt before sliding it to your desired angle.

The only detent on the shoe is at 0°. However, there are markings on the shoe at 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45° to help you dial in angles for your bevel cuts.

Blade Changes

Blade changes are super-easy thanks to Hilti’s spring-loaded design. To install a blade, just push it into the clamp. You don’t even need to flip the lever. When it’s time to remove the blade, pull the lever out and a spring actively ejects it.

Additional Features

• Compatible with T-shank blades
• Tether-ready using the handle

Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Price

This jigsaw retails for $269 as a bare tool. Hilti allows you to customize your kit by selecting your batteries and chargers based on your needs. If you happen to be on Hilti’s Fleet Management service, the tool is only $8.50 per month and includes regular maintenance, no-cost repairs, and world-class customer service.

The tool carries a 20-year warranty and a 2-year free service agreement.

Compatible Batteries

• 2.5Ah (B 22-55): $99.75 each (best for the lightest weight)
• 4.0 Ah (B 22-85): $136.00 each (best for balancing size and weight with performance and runtime)
• 8.0 Ah (B 22-170): $207.00 each (compatible but not recommended due to size and weight)
• 12.0 Ah (B 22-255): $243.00 each (compatible but not recommended due to size and weight)

The Bottom Line

Hilti does so many things right with the Nuron jigsaw’s performance and design that it’s easy to give it a pass on the minor areas for improvement. If you’re looking for a strong cordless jigsaw that offers low vibration and outstanding control, the Hilti SJD 6-22 is for you!

Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Specifications

• Model: SJD 6-22
• Power Source: Hilti Nuron battery
• Speed: 3000 SPM
• Stroke Length: 1.1 in.
• Blade Type: T-shank
• Blade Change: Keyless
• Orbital Settings: 3
• Speed Settings: 6
• Max bevel: 45° left and right
• Weight: 5.06 lbs. (bare), 6.25 lbs. (with B 22-55 battery)
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.25 in. x 3.12 in. x 8 in.
• Dust extractor diameter: 1.08 in.
• Warranty: 20 years
• Price: $234.00 (bare tool), $7.50/mo. (fleet pricing)

The post Hilti Nuron Cordless Jigsaw Review SJD 6-22 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Weller 30-Watt Soldering Iron Kit Gives Hobbyists And DIYers Versatility

Soldering irons can help electricians, hobbyists, and others with a variety of tasks, like repairing small electrical components or wires. Weller is one of the leaders in the soldering industry, and the Weller soldering iron kit with LED Halo now targets higher visibility.

Weller Soldering Iron Kit with LED Halo: The Big Deal

This soldering iron features an LED halo light on the handle that provides 360° illumination while you work on your projects. It gives you focused, bright light to ensure you have the best lighting for high-quality solder joints. While you can often solder on a benchtop, the additional light makes working on installed components in low-light areas much easier.

Additionally, the tool’s ergonomic pencil grip handle design makes it easy to use in precision applications.

One of the sides bordering the LED halo light is flat, giving you an integrated safety rest that holds the iron when you’re not using it. The handle also features a heat deflector, so it stays cool to the touch while you work.

Additional Features

• Six-second heat up
• Provides continuous, non-stop soldering

Editor’s Note

Adding 360° light is huge, especially for electricians and techs in the field who can’t always work in ideal conditions. Rather than positioning a work light just right or relying on a headlamp, the soldering iron itself puts light where you need it at an intensity level that’s not going to blind you.

Kenny Koehler, Pro Tool Reviews’ Managing Editor

Weller Soldering Iron Kit with LED Halo Price

There are three ways to get the LED Halo function. The 30-watt soldering iron kit retails for $22.98 at The Home Depot, and it includes the iron, conical, screwdriver, and chisel tips, plus a small coil of solder.

There’s also a 60-watt version available for $32.98 that includes the same accessories as the 30-watt version and adds a soldering aid.

Finally, an 80-watt version runs $35.97 with the screwdriver and chisel tips (no conical tip), the soldering aid, and solder.

Weller offers a 1-year warranty with your purchase.

The post Weller Soldering Iron Kit with LED Halo appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Tackle Tough Sealing Jobs With Ox’s Dual Thrust Caulking Gun

Ox’s Rodless Caulk Gun raised our eyebrows with its unconventional design. Now, the brand turns to a more traditional caulk gun blueprint while still giving you the flexibility you need. Find out how the OX Tools Dual Thrust Caulking Gun can help both DIYers and Pros with all of their sealing and caulking tasks.

OX Tools Dual Thrust Caulking Gun Performance

For this caulking gun, Ox implements a dual-thrust formula. You can set the thrust ratio to either 12:1 or 24:1 with the flip of a switch.

If you’re working with thicker caulks and sealants such as construction-grade adhesive or epoxy sealant, you’ll want to use the 24:1 ratio setting. However, if you’re using something thinner like water-based caulk, then the 12:1 setting will work well for you. Just remember, the thicker the material, the higher the ratio should be.

Also, working with corners or at awkward angles doesn’t have to be as much of a hassle with the 360° rotating barrel. All it takes is a twist to achieve the perfect tip angle for the application.

Editor’s Note: I’ve used plenty of caulk guns and they get the job done for the most part, even with thick products. What sets OX’s design apart is that you can apply those thick caulks/sealants with much less hand fatigue or cramping, then flip the switch to use thinner products without forcing them out at a ridiculous pace and making a huge mess.

Kenny Koehler, Pro Tool Reviews Managing Editor

OX Tools Dual Thrust Caulking Gun Design Notes

Ox Tools tells us that they used high-quality materials like steel in the construction of this tool. Common impact points like the handle also have a shock-absorbing rubber overlay to increase user comfort and absorb harsh impacts.

Additionally, like many other caulk guns, there is a tab on the back of the gun that allows you to control the inner rod. To push in or retract the rod, hold the tab to unlock it and then push or pull the metal hook to control the rod’s position.

Additional Features

• Integrated metal tube puncture rod
• 10 oz tube capacity

OX Tools Dual Thrust Caulking Gun Price

This caulking gun retails for $39.99 and you can find it on Amazon and other Ox Tools retailers.

The Bottom Line

In the saturated caulking gun market, it’s important to have a tool that stands out from the rest. Ox Tools did just that by including the dual-thrust mechanism in this gun’s design. Whether you’re a seasoned Pro or a DIY beginner, this tool makes it easy to tackle all of your sealing and caulking needs.

Specifications

• Model: Ox Tools ‎OX-P045430
• Length: 13.94 in
• Width: 8.07 in
• Height: 3.78 in
• Weight: 1.65 lbs
• Material: Steel
• Capacity: 10 oz

The post OX Tools Pro Dual Thrust Caulking Gun appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Metabo HPT Launches Its First Cordless Random Orbital Sander

Metabo HPT is no stranger to the woodworking sector, making excellent miter saws among other things. However, they’ve been lagging behind when it comes to cordless sanders. That’s beginning to change with the Metabo HPT 18V cordless 5-inch random orbital sander.

Metabo HPT Cordless 5-Inch Orbital Sander: The Big Deal

In the past, Metabo HPT has had several models of orbital sander, but this one stands as Metabo HPT’s first cordless dedicated sander to date (technically, an oscillating multi-tool is a sander and Metabo HPT has had cordless models for a while). As a result, it’s the first brushless model in Metabo HPT’s sander lineup and is suitable for sanding tasks on both metal and wood. Perhaps more importantly, Metabo HPT tells us this model leads its class in performance and dust collection.

It achieves no-load speeds from 7,000 OPM to 11,000 OPM with an orbit diameter of 3 mm. A variable speed dial lets you control the speed with settings from 1 to 6.

The sandpaper attachment system has a hook-and-loop design (or more commonly, Velcro). To attach a piece of sandpaper, simply align the holes in the sandpaper with the holes on the hook-and-loop pad and press firmly.

Metabo HPT went for a lightweight and compact design with this sander. As a bare tool (including the dust bag) it weighs just 2.6 pounds. It’s also compact enough for one-handed use.

Additional Features

• Compatible with Metabo 18V and 36V MultiVolt batteries (not AC adapter compatible)
• Dust-resistant power switch
• Includes 1 1/2-inch and 1 3/4-inch dust collection adapters
• Electric brake
• Rubberized soft grip

Metabo HPT Cordless 5-Inch Orbital Sander Price

This sander retails for $119, including two sanding pads, a dust bag, and the two dust collection adapters. Metabo HPT backs your purchase with a 5-year warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Metabo HPT SV1813DAQ4
• Length: 6.25 in
• Width: 6.25 in
• Height: 6 in
• Weight: 2.6 lbs
• Voltage: 18V
• Pad diameter: 5 in

The post Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Random Orbital Sander appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Brushless Update Gives Ryobi’s 18V Pruning Shears A Greater Cutting Capacity

Getting your yard whipped back into shape can be a daunting task for the best of us. This goes tenfold when your pruning tasks have to be done using a hand tool. Enter the Ryobi 18V brushless pruning shears. These shears improve the brand’s existing cordless pruner with a brushless update. We’ll go over this tool’s features to see how they compare to others on the market.

Ryobi 18V Brushless Pruning Shears: The Big Deal

The Ryobi 18V brushless pruner replaces a manual tool, so your hands will thank you at the end of the day. Its 2-inch cutting blades feature a bypass design—just like manual shears—giving you clean and complete cuts.

These shears have a cut capacity of up to 1 inch. For reference, the brushed Ryobi P2540VNM pruning shears had a cut capacity of 3/4-inch. This extra capacity comes in handy when you have branches and limbs a bit on the thicker side.

To activate the blade, these shears feature a safety “lock-out trigger” that you engage before squeezing the switch trigger. To open the blade (if it’s closed), you simply squeeze the switch trigger. Once the blade is opened (its normal resting position), place a branch you want to trim within the open shears and squeeze the trigger until the blade closes completely. The blades will remain closed until you release the trigger.

Tool-free Removable Blade

For super-easy sharpening, Ryobi included a tool-free blade removal system. For a homeowner, this is a really nice feature. Both the Milwaukee M12 brushless pruning shears and the DeWalt 20V cordless pruner require a tool to remove and/or change the blade.

Simply flip up the tab on the blade-change knob and unscrew it to release the blade. Now, you can sharpen or replace the blade as needed. When you replace the blade, simply reverse the process and flatten the tab. Locking pins built into the tab keep it from accidentally moving or loosening during use.

Additional Features

• Included plastic sheath protects blades from coming in contact with any materials while in storage
• Soft-grip handle design for extra comfort
• LED work light located underneath the blades helps you see in low-light conditions

Ryobi 18V Brushless Pruning Shears Price

These pruning shears retail for $179 for the bare tool. There’s also a kit option that includes a 2Ah battery and a charger for $209. The kit seems like a good deal for just $30 more. Like with all Ryobi products, you can find both versions exclusively at The Home Depot. Ryobi also backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

Looking for the bare tool? Get it here.

Specifications

• Model: Ryobi P2505BTLVNM (bare) / P2550VNM (kit)
• Length: 11.5 in
• Width: 2 in
• Weight: 1.8 lb
• Blade length: 2 in
• Max cutting capacity: 1 in
• Voltage: 18V

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Z Turf Releases Z-Spray Spreader Sprayers In Four Different Sizes

Landscaping Pros need a spreader sprayer that can keep up with the wide range of properties they service. It’s important to use machines that are both versatile and maneuverable to keep up with production demands. The Z Turf Z-Spray stand-on spreader sprayers took concepts from earlier Z-Spray models and included some new innovations to help Pros stay on top of their goals. We’ll go over the new lineup so you get an idea of what each model can help you and your team accomplish.

Z Turf Z-Spray Stand-On Spreader Sprayers: The Big Deal

Z Turf tells us that they had four main priorities while designing the new and improved Z-Spray models. They focused on machine dynamics, operator comfort, innovation, and durability. On top of that, the lineup includes four models/sizes. As a professional, that lets you choose the right machine for your particular needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2023 Z-Spray spreader sprayers:

Operation and Design

The Junior, Mid, and Max models feature zero-turn mobility. This gives you more control over where you can place seeds and/or fertilizer. Conversely, the LTS spreader sprayer differs by using lean-to-steer maneuvering. It also holds less material in its hopper, making it a great choice for light-duty tasks.

Z Turf tells us that these machines simultaneously spread seeds and apply granular and liquid fertilizer, saving you precious time. Also included is an ergonomic operating system with one-handed steering capabilities. This makes it so that you can use one hand to steer the machine and the other to adjust the spread and spray of the product.

The design of these machines places the heaviest components low and central within the stainless-steel frame. This new design helps you keep the machine balanced, regardless of how much material you carry in the hopper and tanks. Additionally, the Mid and Max models include a heavy-duty engine air filter.

The Z Turf Z-Spray Stand-On Spreader Sprayers have spray widths adjustable from 2 to 8 feet in 2-foot increments except for the Max model which can spray up to 10 feet wide. As for the spread width, expect 3 to 25 feet in the Junior, Mid, and Max models, and 4 to 22 feet in the LTS.

Additional Features

• Floating operator platform
• Commercial-grade parts
• Ceramic spray nozzles
• Fast ground speeds
• Optional accessories available (hose trays, etc)
• Needs only annual maintenance

Price

The prices for these spreader sprayers vary based on which model you prefer.

• Z-Spray LTS: Starts at $12,999
• Z Turf Z-Spray Junior: Starts at $16,099
• Z-Spray Mid: Starts at $17,199
• Z-Spray Max: Starts at $17,699

Each model includes a 1-year limited warranty from Z Turf.

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