Four Reasons You Should Upgrade to Smart Power Tools
Power tools make everything easier, and your work becomes more professional. You might think that connecting your power tools to a phone app via Bluetooth is an unnecessary upgrade. Why, pray tell, does a drill need to be connected to a phone? In fact, smart power tools with Bluetooth connectivity offer many real benefits, and you should definitely consider upgrading yours.
More control
The main reason smart power tools are a worthwhile investment is the improved control they provide. If you’ve ever spent time fiddling with your drill’s torque settings (and then forgotten about them the next time you tackle a similar project), you know how often you’re working blindly, relying on feel. With a smart drill, you have incredibly precise control. For example, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill not only lets you set a specific drill speed but also adjusts the torque range at which the drill shuts off when struck. No more broken or stripped screws.
These intelligent tools also allow you to select or create profiles for specific tasks. You can select the material you’re drilling, the drill size, and other parameters, and the app will select the ideal settings for the task. If you change these settings or create your own, you can save them as a custom profile to avoid having to experiment every time you face a similar task.
Best security
Anyone who’s worked with power tools knows how dangerous they are. I’m still haunted by a near -injury incident with a chainsaw several years ago, and I consider myself a fairly conscientious DIYer.
Smart tools offer a range of advanced safety features. Smart saws, like the Milwaukee Sawzall M18 Fuel, monitor vibration, temperature, and motor load and shut down the tool if it’s at risk of overload, overheating, or running out of control. This protects not only your vulnerable parts and fingers, but also the tool itself. Instead of a burned-out motor or bent guide, the tool simply sounds a warning signal and shuts down, allowing you to safely turn it off, catch your breath, and start working again.
Rich data
Have you ever found an old power tool and wondered if it’s in good condition? Does the battery have enough capacity to be useful, and does the tool deliver acceptable performance? With a smart power tool, you take the guesswork out of it. Bluetooth-connected power tools typically collect a wealth of data about their condition and performance, and can tell you how good the battery is (and how long it lasts on its current charge), the motor’s condition, and whether it needs maintenance. You’ll avoid unnecessary replacements for tools that only need calibration or cleaning, and you’ll also know when to replace a tool before it fails you at a critical moment.
Location tracking
Most smart power tools come with a tracking feature that shows where your tool is. While this is probably most useful for professionals working over a large area, if you tend to share tools with others or aren’t the only one using them, being able to see who’s run off with your drill or saw is a godsend. And if you have a bad habit of leaving tools where you last used them, this feature can also save you time searching for them.
Smart tools, especially those purchased from a single manufacturer, can also track your inventory, showing you exactly which tools you have—or don’t have. Didn’t you once own a reciprocating saw? The inventory screen can tell you, and the tracking feature will show you where the tool is currently located, preventing you from accidentally buying a duplicate of one you already own.
Disadvantages of smart power tools
Simply put, it’s all about price. These tools tend to be significantly more expensive than their more basic counterparts. For example, the M18 drill mentioned above costs over $100 less if you buy the version without the smart controls. But if you use your tools frequently and need precise control over their settings and the ability to monitor their condition, the extra expense may be worth it.