
There’s no denying that smart technology is the way of the future. In fact, from phones to our houses, smart tech has already become an integral aspect of our lives.
But did you know that even power tools are getting an overhaul and are merging with smart technology?
Power tools alone make tough jobs that much more straightforward, yet having a “smart” aspect can make even the longest, most demanding tasks feel like a breeze. Here, you’ll see how the best smart power tools can transform a project!
There’s an App for That
Applications are one of the most common forms of smart tech. After all, they’re on our phones, computers, and even our televisions. So it’s no surprise that smart power tools also take advantage of them.
For many smart power tool apps, battery control has become a valuable standard feature.
We can look at DeWALT’s Tool Connect app as an example. DeWALT designed this app to help keep track of expensive lithium-ion batteries that power many smart tools. These batteries can be tricky and potentially dangerous when not properly cared for.
Not only does this app monitor the state of your battery, but it will let users disable a battery remotely via Bluetooth. Incredibly, you can set a time limit for how long the battery will last, ensuring a tool doesn’t get overworked or overheated. That can be especially helpful if you need to lend your battery to someone else.
Like Milwaukee Electric Tool’s ONE-KEY, other apps let you pre-program the different drilling speeds and torque settings necessary for specific projects. Having preset control can eliminate any issues on a site, giving you peace of mind that workers will use the correct settings for each job.
Virtual Fences
Whether you’re working on a home project or a site with a large crew, power tool theft is a real threat. Before smart power tools, there wasn’t a way to keep your tools safe other than guarding them like a hawk.
Fortunately, many of these smart tools come with what’s known as a virtual fence. This feature allows you to define a specific area for a tool on your computer or phone, and then, if someone takes it out of the location you’ve set, you’ll be alerted instantly.
Longer Run Times
One of the clear benefits of using smart power tools on a tough job is that they tend to last much longer than other power tools. That extended life is partly because you can control and monitor your batteries much better, but that’s not the only reason.
Some intelligent batteries, like the FLEXVOLT, have different cells that workers can use in two ways: series or parallel mode. Parallel mode produces 20V at 6Ah, allowing you to connect with 20V tools for four times as long.
Then series mode produces a whopping 60V, the same as corded tools. Put two of these batteries together, and you can use up to 120V! It also runs at a cooler temperature, meaning you won’t have to worry about your tools overheating, even when you double up to get more power.
Plus, smart batteries often not only run longer, but they charge faster, meaning shorter downtimes as you work.
Conclusion
Technology is making even the toughest of jobs more straightforward than ever before while giving the ability to do them with greater accuracy. Smart power tools can help you finish your work faster, more precisely, and with more security. You won’t have to worry about battery compatibility or theft again.
That said, smart power tools are still a costly investment. What’s more, even the most well-designed tool can end up being a danger to the operator and those around them without the proper training. If you need some work done quickly and professionally around the house, contact us today for a free consultation here at One Man & A Tool Box. We’ll get back to you within one business day!