By Benjamin Hunting / Originally Published May 25, 2016 / National Automotive Parts Association /

Battery powered tools are some of the most versatile helpers you can have in your garage. Going cordless means the freedom to go wherever your project takes you, including those hard-to-reach angles, nooks and crannies where air tools or corded units simply can’t fit. You can also throw battery tools in your trunk and bring them with you to help out a friend or take care of business somewhere far away from the nearest outlet, like a camp site, a race track or on the trail.

Check out the top five battery powered tools you need for your garage.

1. Cordless Drill

You’re always going to need to make a hole somewhere — whether it’s to mount a new component on your car, drill out an old rivet or screw in some shelves. A cordless drill is one of the battery powered tools that should definitely be in your garage, and it’s also one of the least expensive and most useful members of the cordless family.

2. Cordless Impact Driver

Do you find yourself often changing tires on your car? Or maybe you’re tired of dealing with stubborn bolts that just won’t come off no matter how much elbow grease you apply. A cordless impact drive is a great addition to any toolbox, and it can speed up any number of maintenance jobs you’re working on.

3. Cordless Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw is one of the few battery powered tools that is recommended for cutting purposes. Whereas using most saws at an unusual angle is simply too dangerous, the design of this type of saw is almost perfectly conceived to slide in where other cutting implements can’t fit. It’s best to stay away from cordless circular saws for automotive work — they are simply too unpredictable — but a cordless reciprocating saw is a great option.

4. Cordless Rotary Multi-Tool

A multi-tool — that is, a device that can use multiple heads — is perfect for taking on smaller jobs or finishing work that a bulkier device would make a mess of. The ability to use a rotary multi-tool to cut, trim or polish any given surface is what makes it such a useful addition to your garage toolbox.

5. Cordless Grinder

You don’t always need the all-day power of a corded grinder while working on a project. Sometimes, it’s better to have the freedom of using a tool above your head without the cord getting in your way. The mobility of a cordless grinder makes it one of the battery powered tools you’ll be thankful you own.

For more information on battery powered tools, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo Credit: DeWalt Power Tool – Drill by digital internet (CC BY-ND 2.0).

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