Consider how latches and dials affect your grip along with how easy it is for you to reach any adjustments. Rubber overmold should also cover much of the gripping surface to provide some grip and comfort. While we tend to prefer smaller diameters, it’s just that-a preference. The size of your hands is a big factor in whether a slim or thicker barrel fits well. Still, some people prefer lighter weights and that’s perfectly okay! Ergonomicsįor cordless routers, weight isn’t a huge concern, but it does come into play because you’re almost always working on top of the material you’re routing. It can make the difference between finishing your project and having to wait for an hour for your battery to charge. They can extend your runtime up to 50% over brushed motors along with providing more power and extending the tool’s overall life. Just understand that you’ll need to slow down to let the motor keep its RPMs as high as it can.Īs you’re shopping, look for models with a brushless motor. That said, even lower-speed models can get the job done. If it’s slowing us down compared to a corded model, it lessens the value of cutting the cord. Beyond that, we check to see how well the router keeps up with the pace we naturally want to work. With a bit spinning at 10’s of 1000’s of RPMs, any wobble is an absolute failure for the tool. The top speed we’ve seen is 31,000 RPM and anything closing in on the 30,000 RPM mark should have no problem with most 1/4-inch shank router bits. That may change in the future as battery and motor technology improve. It also now applies to any batteries and chargers you purchase separately.Ĭhoosing the Best Cordless Router – What We Look For PerformanceĪs of right now, the best cordless routers are all trim routers. As you’re shopping, keep in mind Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement on the tool. Pricing on Ridgid’s cordless router is $169 as a bare tool (look for frequent discounts). You can use your thumb to accomplish that easily enough, but it’s counterintuitive. Another oddity is that you have to pull the power switch out rather than push it in. One design quirk that you may have to get used to is that the micro adjustment and speed dial are on opposite sides. It wasn’t quite hit the same level as our top performers, but its 30,000 RPMs were certainly capable of the routing we tested it on. Weighing just 2.3 pounds, it’s more than 1/2 a pound lighter than any of the other 18V/20V max models. What actually sets it apart, though, is how lightweight it is. Ridgid stakes its efforts in pursuit of the best cordless router title by relying on Octane’s improved performance.
So far, only the 18V router looks to be compatible with the Makita plunge kit. You can also jump into the 40V XGT model, with similar features, for $214. It’s $159 as a bare tool-far less than either Milwaukee or DeWalt. What’s interesting is that Makita makes a strong case for the best cordless router value. Both the power and lock/unlock buttons are blister buttons, something that PTR Reviewer, Tom Gaige doesn’t care for. While none of these routers are likely to turn on rolling around your toolbox, it is a nice bit of insurance to carry. Makita is the only model that includes an extra safety in addition to the power button. Its sightline is a bit better and it feels more powerful even though it has the same 30,000 RPM top speed. On the positive side, it matches Kobalt’s top ergonomics score but isn’t as top-heavy with a 5.0Ah battery on it. The collet lock is in a similar position, but the cutout area of the base is more generous and you’re able to change bits without removing the base if you like.
It shares the free-sliding micro-adjustment that may frustrate some folks. Makita’s design is very similar to Kobalt’s.
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