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 operate.

— Network. Powered by a conventional household network of 230 V. This option allows you to create units of almost any power — within the range that can be useful for a hand tool. At the same time, such models, other things being equal, weigh less and cost less than battery ones, and when working with them, you do not need to monitor the state of the battery, 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 extra care (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 easy to use — it does not require a network connection, which allows you to work even if there are no outlets nearby. And the absence of a cable has a positive effect on convenience and safety. On the other hand, the power of battery models is generally lower than that of mains 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 when the charge is exhausted, the battery will have to be charged, which takes time and t...he availability of power. This disadvantage in some models is compensated by the presence of a spare battery in the delivery set (see "Replacement battery"), but only in part — the second battery increases battery life, but does not eliminate the need to charge dead batteries. In view of all this, it is worth paying attention to models with such a power supply only when the ability to work without sockets is critical for you.

— Batteries. Models powered by replaceable AA batteries and some of its derivatives. A similar way of power supply is implemented in low-power tools in the manner of compact rotary engravers.

The number of batteries supplied with the respective tool (see "Power Source"). Also, this item may indicate the presence of a built-in battery.

The most popular configuration option with a battery in our time is 2 batteries. This provides additional benefits, which are especially convenient for long continuous use of the tool. So, when the charge of one battery is exhausted, you can quickly change it to another; while one battery is in use, the other can be charged. This minimizes or eliminates interruptions in charging. Single battery kits are not particularly common: they are mainly entry-level tools designed for small amounts of work, when charging breaks are quite acceptable.

In addition, quite a few modern cordless tools come without batteries. This configuration assumes that the customer himself will purchase batteries at his discretion (many models are compatible with several brands of batteries at once). In addition, this option may come in handy in case the battery is already on the farm. This happens quite often, since many well-known manufacturers use universal batteries suitable for different types of branded power tools. So a battery, for example, from a previously purchased electric jigsaw or grinder may well be compatible with an engraver, a renovator of the same company.

As for non-removable batteries, this is a ra...ther rare and specific option. Such tools turn out to be as compact as possible, but the batteries themselves cannot be quickly changed - so you will inevitably have to take breaks for charging during work. Therefore, this method of supply is typical for low-power instruments. In them, small size is more important than a long period of continuous operation, in addition, a 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 type of battery supplied with the rechargeable model (see "Power Source").

— Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium). The most "old" option found in modern power tools. It is distinguished by high reliability, resistance to temperature extremes and good charging speed even with high capacity (which is important, given the "voracity" of the power tool). The main disadvantage of this type of batteries can be called a pronounced "memory effect" — a decrease in battery capacity if it is set for charging without being completely discharged. In addition, Ni-Cd cells are considered environmentally unsafe. Nevertheless, they are still widely used in tools — not least due to their low cost with decent performance.

— Ni-Mh (nickel-metal hydride). Such batteries were created as a development of the nickel-cadmium batteries described above. Retaining all the main advantages of their predecessors, they are at the same time devoid of most of the shortcomings — in particular, they are practically not subject to the memory effect. Of the own shortcomings of this option, it is worth mentioning a slightly lower durability and higher cost than the original Ni-Cd.

— Li-Ion (lithium-ion). A type of battery originally developed for use in portable devices; however, with the development of Li-Ion technology, it has also been used in power tools. The main advantage of such batteries in this case can be called a high capacity with small dimensions and weight. It is also worth noting...that they are not subject to the memory effect and are able to charge quite quickly. On the other hand, this option is not without its drawbacks — this is, first of all, sensitivity to too low or elevated temperatures, as well as a high price.

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.