BRUSHED VS BRUSHLESS
Have you ever staired at two comparable power tools and wondered why they had two different price points? Specifications and features are very similar, so what is the extra cash going towards to? In most cases, the difference lies within the electric motor. They may look the same, but it’s what’s inside that counts. Today let’s talk about the differences between brushed and brushless power tools. What are the advantages and is it worth the extra cost? Let me help you figure that out.
BRUSHED MOTOR
Brushed DC electrical motors have been around for a long time. It’s in a lot of other appliances, not just in our power tools. How they work is a long lecture within itself but let me try to simplify it as much as possible. The primary job for “brushes” (usually made up of carbon material) is to deliver/transfer electricity to the motor from the stored power from the battery. Due to friction between the brushes and the “commutator”, it would naturally cause the brushes to eventually wear out, just like brake pads in a vehicle. For manufacturers, producing brushed power tools is more cost effective. Which is great for consumers as it brings the price down and ultimately making power tools affordable. For many decades, brushed power tools have proven able to tackle jobs across the globe with authority. Making everyday task at a construction site or DIY projects easier. So why switch to brushless? The answer is efficiency and power.
TOP BRUSHED POWER TOOLS
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DeWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver Tool Kit SHOP ALL DRILLS DRIVERS |
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Milwaukee 2656-22CT M18 18V 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver Kit SHOP ALL IMPACT DRIVERS |
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DeWALT DCS391P1 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit SHOP ALL CIRCULAR SAWS |
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Milwaukee 2621-22 M18 18V 1-1/8-Inch Stroke SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Kit SHOP ALL RECIPROCATING SAWS |
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Milwaukee 2697-22CTP M18 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Drill/Driver Combo Kit SHOP ALL COMBO KITS |
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Makita XHU02M1 18-Volt 22-Inch 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit SHOP ALL CORDLESS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT |
BRUSHLESS MOTOR
Brushless DC motors is the latest innovation for cordless power tools a like. This new and improve version of the electric motor does not feature any brushes, hence the name “brushless”. Instead of brushes, the stored power from the battery is delivered to an electronic controller (usually located directly behind the motor) and optimizes the electricity. At this point, the power output is fed to the motor. This major component upgrade eliminates friction and reduces heat drastically. The end result is substantial, efficient brushless motors runs cooler which increases the lifespan of the motor itself. They consume less battery energy which increases the total run time per charge. When you add all of this up, what you also get is a tool with increase of torque and power! As you probably already figured it out, all this tech comes with a price. Producing brushless power tools cost a lot more to manufacture. Thus, a higher price tag on the shelve. So, is it worth investing your money for brushless power tools?
TOP BRUSHLESS POWER TOOLS
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DeWALT DCD701F2 12V MAX XTREME Brushless 3/8 Inch Cordless Drill Driver Kit SHOP ALL DRILLS DRIVERS |
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Milwaukee 2853-22PO M18 FUEL 18V 1/4" Li-Ion Cordless Impact Driver/PACKOUT Kit SHOP ALL IMPACT DRIVERS |
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Milwaukee 2830-21HD M18 FUEL 18V 7-1/4 Inch Rear Handle Circular Saw Kit SHOP ALL CIRCULAR SAWS |
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DeWALT DCS367D1 20V 2.0 Ah Cordless Brushless Magnum Reciprocating Saw Kit SHOP ALL RECIPROCATING SAWS |
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DeWALT DCK221F2 12V MAX XTREME Brushless Cordless Drill and Impact Combo Kit SHOP ALL COMBO KITS |
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Makita XBU02PT1 X2 36-Volt 5.0Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Blower Kit SHOP ALL CORDLESS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT |
It’s DEFINITELY worth investing in brushless power tools…if you’re a tradesperson. Personally, I enjoy working with brushed power tools. I’ve own the DeWALT DCD710B 12V 3/8” Drill for about 6 + years, still runs, and it has served me well around the house. I’ve recently switched platforms and bought myself the Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 Drill and Impact Driver Kit (GO RED TEAM!) and it’s a huge upgrade from what I had before. All of which is powered by brushed electric motors and honestly its enough for me. However if you're a Contractor, Construction Worker, Renovator, Maintenance and Repair worker, or any trade that requires you to work with power tools on a daily basis, do yourself a favor and go brushless! Trust me on this one! Quality brushless power tools will always last longer and always outperform brushed power tools 100% of the time. I hope by now you understand the differences between the two motors as this piece of information can play a major role on your next purchase!