For years, the rattle of air compressors and the tangle of cords were synonymous with garage work, especially for automotive enthusiasts diving into modifications and repairs. Think back to the early days of Mighty Car Mods – much of their tool arsenal likely consisted of corded relics, perhaps even borrowed from family members! Fast forward to today, and the landscape has dramatically changed. Cordless power tools have revolutionized how we work on cars, offering unparalleled freedom and convenience.
The market is now flooded with battery-powered options for every task imaginable, from automotive repairs to home DIY and garden maintenance. Brands like Ryobi have become leaders in this cordless revolution, offering a vast ecosystem of tools. You’ve likely seen the Mighty Car Mods team put various Ryobi tools to the test over the years, a testament to their belief in and personal use of these tools. But what does a seasoned professional mechanic, accustomed to traditional air tools, really think about this shift?
Enter Paulie, the resident mechanic at Super Garage. Paulie spent years relying on air tools in his professional work. However, he’s experienced the cordless transition firsthand and has strong opinions. “My absolute favorite tool is the bendy light,” Paulie states. “I’ve bought several for my home garage, and it’s the first thing I reach for whenever I start a job, whether at home or in the shop.”
The convenience of cordless tools is undeniable, but with a workshop full of them comes the challenge of battery management. Paulie elaborates on this, drawing a contrast between home DIY and a professional garage setting. “At home, with just a single charger, I’ve often run into the frustration of heading to the garage ready to work, only to find two flat batteries. That’s simply not an option here at Super Garage.” To avoid downtime, Super Garage has invested in a robust battery ecosystem. “We’ve made sure we have more than enough batteries to power everything – not just the grinders, drills, and impact drivers, but also the shop vacuum, workshop fan, and lighting,” Paulie explains.
Paulie emphasizes the importance of using the right battery for the tool and the task. He keeps a variety of battery sizes readily available. “I use 5Ah, 6Ah, and 9Ah batteries here. I generally reserve the larger 9Ah batteries for high-demand tools like vacuums, work lights, or fans – tools that either require significant power or need to run for extended periods. Conversely, I use the smaller 5Ah batteries for lighter tools like drills or right-angle impact wrenches. Sometimes a larger battery just adds unnecessary weight and bulk, especially when you’re working in tight spaces.”
Having spent his early career working on rally cars in South Africa, Paulie is no stranger to the power of pneumatic tools fed by large air compressors. However, he’s fully embraced the advantages of modern lithium-ion cordless technology. “Coming from a background heavily reliant on air tools and corded power tools, the sheer power of the 18v brushless drill was a real eye-opener for me,” Paulie admits. He recounts a specific instance that solidified his belief in cordless power: “I recently needed to drill some holes in our welding table, which is incredibly thick steel. I was genuinely surprised when the small cordless drill bored through it like it was butter!”
The evolution of power tools is undeniable. Cordless technology is no longer just a convenience; it’s a performance-driven solution that’s transforming workshops and garages worldwide, even earning the approval of seasoned mechanics like Paulie and the Mighty Car Mods crew. If you’re looking to upgrade your toolkit and experience the freedom and power of modern automotive tools, exploring the world of cordless options is a must.
