New construction power tools combine muscle of mains power with freedom of cordless

RS Components now stocks the new DEWALT XR Flexvolt 18/54V battery pack system and an accompanying range of heavy-duty cordless power tools for use on construction sites and in plant maintenance. Until now, power tool users have faced a straight choice between the convenience and portability of cordless tools, and the raw muscle and uninterrupted running of mains power. The new product range boasts, what is claimed to be, the world’s first convertible 18/54V battery pack, capable of powering heavy-duty 54V cordless construction power tools while remaining backwards compatible with their existing XR 18V cordless tool range. The new 54V tools combine the power of corded tools with the portability and freedom of cordless, while the 18V tools benefit from unprecedented running time: typically over a full day’s use on a single charge. The product range comprises a 6.0Ah battery, a fast battery charger, a dual-port charger, and a selection of 54V industrial-grade power tools that would previously have required mains power: a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, a grinder, an alligator saw, a 216mm mitre saw, a table saw and a plunge saw. The system gives construction and plant maintenance staff the flexibility to mix-and-match new 54V cordless construction power tools with existing 18V devices. For example, a roofer working at height can avoid trailing cables and gain freedom of movement by using a 54V circular saw — for trimming heavy timbers — alongside conventional 18V tools powered by the same battery pack.