Power Tools & Accessories: Complete Buying Guide for Cordless & Corded Tools 2025

Power tools have transformed how we work, delivering speed, precision, and capability that hand tools simply cannot match. At Rock Bottom Northampton, we stock over 13,600 power tools and accessories from industry-leading manufacturers including DeWALT, Makita, Bosch, and Draper. Whether you're a professional tradesperson requiring reliable daily-use equipment or a DIY enthusiast tackling home projects, our Northampton NN4 7BF location provides access to comprehensive power tool solutions at competitive prices.

This guide examines the power tool landscape in 2025, exploring cordless versus corded options, explaining battery platforms, and helping you navigate the thousands of accessories available. With brands like DeWALT offering over 2,100 power tool products and Makita providing 1,000+ options, understanding your choices ensures you invest in the right equipment for your specific needs.

The Cordless Revolution: Battery-Powered Tools in 2025

Cordless power tools have reached a point where they rival and often exceed corded equivalents in performance. Modern lithium-ion batteries deliver sustained power output, rapid charging, and extended runtime that makes cable-free operation practical for even the most demanding applications. The convenience of cordless tools—no trailing cables, no need for generators on remote sites, instant mobility between work areas—has made them the default choice for most tradespeople.

The key to cordless tools lies in battery platforms. Major manufacturers like DeWALT, Makita, and Bosch have developed comprehensive ecosystems where one battery fits multiple tools. A DeWALT 18V battery might power your drill, impact driver, circular saw, grinder, and vacuum. This interchangeability represents enormous value, as each additional tool purchase requires only the bare unit rather than batteries and chargers.

Battery capacity matters significantly. Compact 2.0Ah batteries suit light work and reduce tool weight for overhead applications. Mid-range 4.0-5.0Ah batteries balance capacity and weight for general use. High-capacity 6.0-9.0Ah batteries power demanding tools like large saws and provide extended runtime, though they add weight. Many professionals carry multiple battery capacities to match the tool and application.

When Corded Tools Still Make Sense

Despite cordless dominance, corded tools retain advantages in specific scenarios. Stationary workshop tools—table saws, bench grinders, pillar drills—benefit from unlimited runtime and consistent power without battery management. High-power applications like large angle grinders or demolition breakers often deliver superior performance when mains-powered.

For site work requiring continuous operation—mixing concrete, pumping water, extended grinding sessions—corded tools eliminate battery swapping and charging logistics. They're also more cost-effective for occasional use where you cannot justify investing in a complete battery platform. A corded drill for infrequent DIY use makes more financial sense than a cordless system you'll rarely deplete.

Essential Power Tool Categories

Drills and Drivers

Every toolkit needs a drill, and modern options provide remarkable versatility. Combi drills combine drilling with hammer action for masonry, making them ideal general-purpose tools. Impact drivers deliver superior torque for driving screws and large fixings, with less user fatigue than traditional drills. SDS drills tackle serious masonry drilling and light demolition work that would destroy standard drills.

Our range includes over 400 drilling solutions from brands like DeWALT, Makita, and Bosch, covering compact 12V models for precision work up to heavy-duty 36V and corded SDS-Max breakers for commercial applications. For metalworking, magnetic drilling systems and low-speed high-torque drills provide the control needed for accurate hole placement in steel.

Saws—Circular, Reciprocating, and Jigsaws

Cutting power tools dramatically accelerate work compared to hand saws. Circular saws remain the workhorse for cutting sheet materials and dimensional timber, with cordless models now matching corded performance while offering far greater mobility. Sizes range from compact 165mm models for tight spaces up to 235mm saws for heavy structural work.

Reciprocating saws excel at demolition, cutting in confined spaces, and working with mixed materials where blade changes allow cutting wood, metal, and plastic with the same tool. Jigsaws provide curved and intricate cuts in various materials, essential for worktop installation, flooring work, and detailed carpentry.

Specialized saws in our range include mitre saws for precise angle cutting, track saws for ultra-accurate sheet cutting, and plunge saws for kitchen fitting and joinery. Each serves specific applications where standard circular saws prove inadequate.

Grinders and Sanders

Angle grinders rank among the most versatile power tools available. With appropriate discs, they cut metal, stone, and concrete, remove rust and paint, grind welds smooth, and polish surfaces. Our selection spans 115mm compact grinders for confined spaces up to 230mm industrial models for heavy cutting and surface preparation. Bosch, DeWALT, and Makita provide the bulk of our grinder range, with over 400 angle grinders available.

Sanders come in several forms, each suited to specific tasks. Random orbital sanders provide swirl-free finishing on flat surfaces. Detail sanders reach into corners and tight spaces. Belt sanders remove material quickly for dimensioning work and heavy stock removal. Each sander type serves distinct applications—using the wrong type creates more work rather than less.

Routers and Planers

Woodworkers rely on routers for edge profiling, joinery, and template work. Our router range includes lightweight palm routers for small-scale work, mid-size plunge routers for general carpentry, and heavy-duty production routers for commercial joinery shops. With over 400 router accessories from Trend alone, you'll find bits for every conceivable routing application.

Planers dimension timber and clean up sawn surfaces, essential tools for anyone working with rough-sawn wood or reclaimed materials. Cordless planers now provide the freedom to work without cables while maintaining the performance needed for serious stock removal.

Impact Wrenches and Ratchets

Mechanics and steel workers depend on impact wrenches for fastening and removing nuts and bolts. Cordless impact wrenches have revolutionized automotive work, providing hundreds of foot-pounds of torque without air compressors or impact sockets rattling loose. Available in ½-inch, ¾-inch, and 1-inch drive sizes, they handle everything from wheel nuts to structural steel connections.

Cordless ratchets complement impact wrenches for work in confined spaces where full-size tools cannot fit. With both 3/8-inch and ¼-inch drive options, they accelerate assembly and disassembly work while maintaining access in tight engine bays and machinery.

Power Tool Accessories: The Hidden Investment

Power tools represent only part of the equation—accessories determine what you can actually accomplish. We stock over 8,400 power tool accessories covering every conceivable application. Quality accessories dramatically affect both results and tool longevity.

Drill Bits and Cutting Tools

With over 2,700 different drill bits in stock, we cover drilling in wood, metal, masonry, and specialized materials. Metal drill bits from brands like Dormer and Starrett provide the precision and durability needed for metalworking. Wood bits include brad point bits for accurate location, Forstner bits for flat-bottomed holes, and auger bits for deep holes in timber.

Masonry drilling demands proper drill bits—our range includes over 470 SDS Plus bits for standard work, with SDS Max bits available for heavy-duty applications. Holesaws, with over 750 options in our catalog, cut large diameter holes in various materials, essential for electricians, plumbers, and anyone installing pipework or cable runs.

Saw Blades and Cutting Discs

Blade quality directly affects cutting performance and safety. Cheap blades dull quickly, produce rough cuts, and can kick back dangerously. Our range includes TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) circular saw blades for all materials, reciprocating saw blades for demolition and pipe cutting, and jigsaw blades for wood, metal, and plastic.

Cutting and grinding discs for angle grinders span thin metal cutting discs, stone cutting discs, flap discs for surface preparation, and diamond discs for masonry and tile cutting. Using the correct disc type and specification ensures both safety and effective cutting.

Sanding and Abrasive Products

Abrasives represent consumable items that significantly impact work quality. Random orbital sander pads, sanding sheets, and belts in various grit sizes allow progressive refinement from heavy stock removal through to final finishing. Hook-and-loop backing systems speed pad changes, while specialized abrasives like mesh sheets reduce clogging and extend life.

For metalworking, flap wheels, wire wheels, and polishing mops handle surface preparation, rust removal, and finishing work. Quality abrasives cost more initially but last longer and deliver better results than economy alternatives.

Choosing Between Tool Brands and Battery Platforms

Selecting a battery platform represents a significant decision, as switching platforms later proves expensive. DeWALT dominates professional construction with comprehensive cordless ranges and widespread trade adoption. Makita offers exceptional build quality and an even larger tool selection, popular with joiners and specialized trades. Bosch provides innovative features and professional performance, while Milwaukee has rapidly gained market share with high-output batteries and specialist tools.

For serious tool users, committing to one platform makes sense—you'll accumulate batteries, chargers, and bare tools over time. For occasional users or those with limited cordless needs, buying complete kits with batteries and chargers costs less than investing in a full platform.

Consider what tools you'll actually use. If you primarily need drills and drivers, any major brand serves well. If you require specialized tools—large breakers, track saws, site vacuums—check which brands offer those tools within their platforms before investing.

Safety and Proper Power Tool Use

Power tools demand respect and proper technique. Always use appropriate PPE—safety glasses for any cutting or grinding, dust masks when creating airborne particles, hearing protection for loud tools. Many injuries occur from complacency with familiar tools—maintain vigilance regardless of experience.

Keep tools maintained with sharp blades and bits, secure guards in place, and proper adjustments before use. Never remove safety guards to access difficult areas—improper guard removal causes severe injuries every year. If a tool seems inadequate for a task, use a different approach rather than forcing equipment beyond its design parameters.

Battery tools remain powered even when not actively running—remove batteries before changing blades, bits, or adjustments. Corded tools should be unplugged for the same reason. These simple habits prevent serious injuries from accidental activation.

Why Buy Power Tools from Rock Bottom Northampton

We stock over 13,600 power tools and accessories from major manufacturers including DeWALT (2,100+ products), Makita (1,000+ products), Bosch (850+ products), and Draper (1,780+ products). This comprehensive range means you'll find what you need without ordering from multiple suppliers or paying premium shipping costs.

Our pricing remains competitive with online retailers while providing the immediate availability and expert advice that online shopping cannot match. See and handle tools before buying—weight distribution, grip comfort, and control placement significantly affect how tools feel in use.

Free click and collect service provides the convenience of online ordering with same-day pickup from our Northampton NN4 7BF location. For bulk orders or contractor requirements, contact us directly for trade pricing on volume purchases. We supply building contractors, electrical firms, and mechanical services companies across Northampton and surrounding areas.

Shop Power Tools at Rock Bottom Northampton

Browse our power tools collection at www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk/collections/power-tool-accessories for drilling, cutting, grinding, and fastening tools plus thousands of accessories. Filter by brand, tool type, or power source to narrow your search.

Visit our showroom on Queensbridge in Northampton NN4 7BF to discuss your specific requirements with knowledgeable staff who understand the tools because they use them. We can advise on tool selection, battery platform decisions, and accessory requirements based on real-world experience rather than just product specifications.

Contact Rock Bottom Northampton

Rock Bottom Northampton Ltd
Artisans' House
7 Queensbridge
Northampton
NN4 7BF

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed

Phone: 01604 720272
Email: sales@rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk
Web: www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk

From single drill bits to complete cordless platforms, Rock Bottom Northampton provides the power tools and accessories that professionals and serious DIYers rely on. Quality tools at fair prices, backed by knowledgeable advice and convenient local service.