Comparison Black&Decker MT218KB vs Black&Decker MT350K

The electrical power consumed by the tool during normal operation. Usually, the characteristics indicate the power at the maximum speed / frequency of movements of the working nozzle.

Usually, the higher this indicator, the more intense the tool can act on the material being processed, the better it is suitable for difficult conditions (large volumes of work, hard materials). At the same time, note that high power significantly affects energy consumption; in mains-powered models (see below), this puts strain on the wiring, and in battery-powered models, it requires the use of bulky and heavy batteries and significantly reduces battery life. Yes, and this parameter significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool itself. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model according to power consumption, taking into account the specifics of the work for which it is planned to be used: for example, it hardly makes sense to purchase a high-performance professional tool for minor repairs around the house or in the country.

Specific recommendations on the optimal power values, depending on the type of tool and the purpose of its use, can be found in special sources.

The speed of rotation of the working nozzle provided by the tool. Some models have a fixed rotation speed, others allow you to adjust it within a certain range (see "Number of speeds").

For different types of tools and types of work, different values of this parameter will be optimal; therefore, it is worth choosing taking into account the tasks that are planned to be solved using the tool (it is best to consult with special sources). We note only a couple of general patterns. So, for engraving on relatively soft and pliable materials (wood, glass, soft metals), high speed is not required, but for hard and difficult to process (steel, precious stones), a high-speed tool is better suited. But when drilling, note that for the same power consumption (see above), more revolutions, usually, means lower torque values. That is, here “high-speed” tools are better suited just for soft materials, and low-speed tools are better suited for hard and heavy materials.

The type of power used by the tool to perform its work.

— Network. Power supply from a regular household 220 V network. This option allows you to create units of almost any power - within the limits of what can be useful for a hand tool. At the same time, such models, all other things being equal, weigh less and are cheaper than battery-powered ones, and when working with them, you do not need to monitor the battery condition, risking being left with a "dead" tool at the most inopportune moment. Their main disadvantages are dependence on sockets and the presence of a power cord, which limits mobility, can create inconvenience and requires increased caution (so that the cable does not get under the working nozzle).

— Battery. Powered by its own built-in battery. Such a tool is extremely mobile and convenient to use — it does not require a connection to the network, which allows you to work even in the complete absence of sockets nearby. And the absence of a cable has a positive effect on convenience and safety. On the other hand, the power of battery-powered models is generally lower than that of network-powered ones, and the battery itself significantly increases not only the price, but also the weight and dimensions of the unit — modern tools consume a lot of energy, which means that they need appropriate batteries. In addition, the battery life is limited, and after the charge...is exhausted, the battery will have to be charged, which takes time and requires power supply. This drawback in some models is compensated for by the presence of a spare battery in the delivery set (see "Replaceable battery"), but only partly — the second battery increases autonomy, but does not eliminate the need to charge dead batteries. Taking all this into account, you should pay attention to models with such a power supply only if the ability to work without sockets is critical for you.

— Batteries. Models powered by replaceable AA batteries and some of its derivatives. This method of power supply is implemented in low-power tools like compact rotary engravers.

The number of batteries supplied with the respective tool (see "Power source"). This item may also indicate whether the tool has a built-in battery.

The most popular battery-powered kit option these days is 2 batteries. This provides additional benefits that are especially convenient for long-term continuous use of the tool. So, when one battery runs out of charge, you can quickly replace it with another; and while one battery is in use, the second can be charged. This allows you to minimize or even eliminate breaks for charging. Kits with one battery are not very common: these are mainly entry-level tools designed for small volumes of work, when breaks for charging are quite acceptable.

In addition, many modern cordless tools are supplied without batteries. This configuration assumes that the customer will purchase additional batteries at his own discretion (many models are compatible with several brands of power elements at once). In addition, this option may be useful if you already have a battery on hand. This happens quite often, since many well-known manufacturers use universal batteries suitable for different types of branded power tools. So, for example, a battery from a previously purchased jigsaw or grinder may well be compatible with an engraver or renovator from the same company.

As for non-removable batteries, this is...a rather rare and specific option. Such tools are as compact as possible, but the batteries themselves cannot be quickly changed - so during work you will inevitably have to take breaks for charging. Therefore, this power supply method is typical for low-power tools. In them, small dimensions are more important than a long period of continuous operation, in addition, low capacity allows you to achieve good autonomy even with small sizes (and, accordingly, capacity) of batteries.

The name of the battery platform supported by the device. A single battery platform is used to combine various power tools of the same brand into one line (renovator, engraver, screwdriver, grinder, circular saw, etc.). Devices on the same platform use interchangeable batteries and chargers. Thanks to this, for example, there is no need to select a battery for each individual model of a power tool, because one purchased as a spare battery can be used in various power tools, depending on the situation or as needed. Batteries of the same platform basically differ from each other except perhaps in capacity.

Nominal voltage of the battery supplied with the appropriately powered tool (see above).

This parameter is usually selected by the manufacturer in such a way as to optimally match the specifications of a particular model. Therefore, in fact, it is more of a reference than really meaningful. However, in some cases, voltage information can be useful — for example, if you are looking for a spare battery or want to replace a failed battery.

The capacity of the battery that the tool with the corresponding type of power is equipped with (see above).

Capacity is essentially the amount of energy a battery can store. The more powerful the device, the more energy it needs to work and the higher the battery capacity should be so that it does not have to be charged too often. At the same time, capacious batteries have a large weight and dimensions, which significantly affects the convenience of work. Therefore, the power of the battery tool is relatively low — otherwise, too bulky batteries would have to be used.

To some extent, this parameter also determines the time that the tool is able to work without recharging. However, taking into account the fact that different models can noticeably differ in power consumption, it makes sense to compare with each other by battery properties only tools with very similar specifications — and even then very approximately.

Note that the same tool can work with batteries of different capacities — it is enough that they are compatible in terms of connectors and operating voltage. However, if you are looking for a spare battery or a replacement for a failed battery, it is best to choose a variant of the same capacity as the original one.

The model of a standard battery allows you to find out its characteristics in more detail, and also helps you understand what devices it is like and which one should be purchased in case of a replacement due to a malfunction or, if necessary, buy another similar one.

Battery models compatible with the tool.

When choosing a tool, this information is relevant mainly for models without a battery in the kit (see "Complete battery"). For tools that come with batteries, the battery model is more of a reference—it's mostly "for the future" if a spare or replacement battery is needed. However, this data can also be useful in the selection process - for example, to assess compatibility with an existing battery on the farm, or to find detailed data on compatible batteries and determine how they meet your requirements (in particular, there are formulas that allow you to determine the time of continuous operation from a specific battery; these formulas can be found in special sources).