Cordless power tools have come a long way since the first nickel-cadmium drill packs. The real leap forward, however, is the brushless motor. By replacing carbon brushes with smart electronic control, brushless tools deliver higher power, longer runtime and far less maintenance—benefits every DIYer and tradesperson can feel on site or in the workshop.
Brushless vs Brushed: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Brushed Motor | Brushless Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Power Delivery | Loses energy to brush friction | Full battery power to the job |
| Heat Build-up | Higher, may shut off | Runs up to 50 % cooler |
| Runtime per Charge | Standard | Longer—up to 57 % more on some tools |
| Maintenance | Brushes wear; must be replaced | No brushes—minimal servicing |
| Lifespan | Shorter, more wear points | Longer tool life |
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Higher torque & speed — energy is not wasted as heat or friction.
- Longer battery life — work further between charges, ideal for remote sites.
- Compact & lightweight — no bulky brush pack, so tools shrink without losing power.
- Cooler running — protects electronics and hands during sustained use.
- Virtually maintenance-free — no carbon brushes to replace, less downtime.
Brushless Tools in Action: Upgrade-Worthy Examples
Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 18V Fuel 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (Body Only)
Milwaukee’s M18 mid-torque impact wrench proves just how much punch brushless technology can deliver in a hand-sized package, matching the muscle of heavier pneumatic tools while remaining cordless and highly manoeuvrable.
- Body-only format: accepts any existing Milwaukee M18 battery – an easy upgrade for users already on the 18 V platform
- Ultra-compact footprint: only 152 mm long yet comfortably one-handed
- Serious clout: up to 881 Nm “nut-busting” torque for stubborn fasteners
- POWERSTATE brushless motor + REDLINK electronics: maximum power with overload protection and cooler running
- 4-Mode Drive Control: three speed/torque settings plus
- Auto-stop to avoid over-tightening
- Bolt-removal mode for controlled loosening
Milwaukee M18 FMTIW2F12-0 18V Fuel 1/2″ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench (Body Only)
DeWalt DCS355N 18V XR Cordless Multi Tool (Body Only)
DeWalt’s DCS355N 18 V XR oscillating multi-tool shows how a brushless motor boosts efficiency and staying power, letting you cut, sand or scrape for longer without compromising speed or control.
- Quick-change system + 29 accessories included: rapid swaps for cutting, sanding and scraping tasks
- 57 % longer run-time: brushless motor squeezes more work from each charge
- 0–20,000 opm with constant speed: maintains pace even in tougher materials for cleaner, faster cuts
- Intelligent electronics: prevent slowdown under load and maximise motor life
- 18 V XR platform: accepts the same batteries as your other DeWalt tools
- Brushless design: no carbon brushes to replace, so maintenance is minimal
DeWalt DCS355N 18V XR Cordless Multi Tool (Body Only)
Milwaukee M18FSAGV115XPDB 18V Fuel 115mm Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch (Body Only)
Milwaukee’s M18 FSAGV115XPDB 115 mm angle grinder shows that an 18 V cordless tool can match a 1,200 W corded machine for sheer grinding power, while its brushless design unlocks extra safety, control and durability benefits.
- 18V M18 platform (body-only): works with your existing Milwaukee batteries, giving cordless freedom without extra chargers or packs
- Corded-class performance: POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers power equivalent to a 1,200 W corded grinder
- RAPIDSTOP brake: disc stops in under 2 s after the paddle switch is released for added safety
- 5-step variable speed dial: tailor RPM for anything from heavy grinding to gentle rust removal or polishing
- REDLINK PLUS electronics: protect against overload and keep the motor running cooler for longer life
- Removable dust screen: helps prevent debris ingress and extends tool longevity
Milwaukee M18FSAGV115XPDB 18V Fuel 115mm Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch (Body Only)
Makita DHP485Z 18V LXT Brushless 2-Speed Combi Drill (Body Only)
Makita’s DHP485Z 18 V LXT combi drill shows how a compact brushless motor can pack serious punch, letting you drive and drill (even into masonry) for longer without the weight, heat or upkeep of a brushed unit.
- 18 V LXT platform (body-only): works with all your existing Makita batteries
- Compact yet capable: only 182 mm long but delivers a solid 50 Nm of torque
- Hammer, drill and drive modes: tackles timber, metal and masonry with one tool
- Brushless runtime boost: more holes and screws per charge, fewer battery swaps
- Runs cooler under load: efficient motor resists overheating on tough, continuous jobs
- XPT dust & moisture protection: seals out job-site grime for longer service life
- No carbon brushes to replace: minimal maintenance, consistent peak performance
Makita DHP485Z 18V LXT Brushless 2-Speed Combi Drill (Body Only)
FAQ
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What’s a brushless motor? | It’s driven electronically, with no carbon brushes. That means virtually no friction, sparking or wear, so it runs cooler, more efficiently and lasts longer. |
| Are brushless tools more powerful? | Generally, yes. Higher efficiency delivers extra torque and keeps speed steady even under heavy load. |
| Do they improve battery life? | Absolutely. Less energy is wasted as heat, so you get noticeably longer run-time per charge. |
| Is maintenance lower? | Yes. With no brushes to wear out, there’s little to service beyond normal cleaning. |
| Worth the higher price? | For most trades and serious DIY, the better performance, runtime and lifespan repay the extra upfront cost. |
| Will my old batteries fit? | Almost always, provided you stay within the same brand and voltage platform—no special batteries required. |
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