Do you know brushless technology? Do you want to know what its advantages are? If so, don’t miss this practical guide on brushless or brushless motor tools. You will learn how it works, as well as the pros and cons of using this type of technology.
Although brushless technology has existed for more than 50 years, it is in recent years that it is booming among cordless or battery-powered tools. The main reason is because brushless motors offer less maintenance and more powerful and long-lasting performance.
What is brushless technology?
To explain what the brushless or brushless technology It is useful to know how a brushed electric motor works.
Operation of a brushed motor
In general and very briefly, a DC motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, causing a rotary movement due to the action of a magnetic field. To do this, it is made up of the following elements:
- Electromagnets that are coupled to the axis of movement
- Fixed magnets that surround the electromagnet and create a magnetic field that causes the shaft to rotate
- Switch that acts as an electrical switch by changing the polarity of the electromagnet
- Brushes that conduct electricity from the battery to the commutator
In short, the brushes are what make the current that comes from the battery start the electric motor. However, they also create resistance and waste energy. Also, since they are continually in friction, they wear out over time. For this reason, they cause failures in the motor of power tools and must be replaced by others.
Operation of a brushless or brushless motor
The brushless or brushless motors they dispense with both brushes and commutator. In addition, the fixed magnets are located on the motor shaft and the electromagnets on the fixed part, just the opposite of a brushed motor.
On the other hand, the power supply is done electronically through a circuit card or motherboard that acts as a motor controller. In this way, the relationship between speed and motor torque is improved, making the brushless motor more efficient.
Brushless tools vs tools with brushes
Apart from those already mentioned above, brushless tools have a number of advantages versus tools with brushes:
- They are “smart” tools thanks to the electronic circuit that controls the current. This is because they are able to detect the lack of resistance of the material and use only the energy that is needed.
- With no brushes and no friction, heating of the tool is reduced.
- They require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.
- Its operation is quieter.
- They are smaller in size, compact and weigh less.
- They prolong battery life.
Nevertheless, not everything is advantages since brushless tools are more expensive than tools with brushes. In addition, you will have to add the expense of a couple of batteries and the charger in the cordless tools.
For this reason, if we are DIY enthusiasts and do not make intensive use of power tools, it will surely not be worth the investment. In the event that we use them daily or several times a week, as is my case, brushless tools guarantee a duration, power and reliability that compensates for the higher cost.
On the other hand, it should be taken into account that, although in performance they outperform brushless cordless tools, a brushless tool is less powerful than its corded counterpart.
My personal experience with brushless tools
It’s been over a year since I purchased a Ryobi brushless drill (it can be purchased at this affiliate link). I’ve done pretty much all my DIY projects with it ever since. In the following video that I published a few days ago on Instagram you can see how he drills concrete:
Actually, since I have had it there have been very few occasions in which I have had to resort to a corded hammer drill. The performance is being very good and for me it has been an investment. In addition, the battery seems to never end, showing that it is capable of making the most of it. In short, it has become an essential in my workshop and I would not hesitate to repeat the purchase.
did you know the brushless tools? I hope that this practical guide has helped you better understand how it works, as well as whether it is the most suitable for you.
If you liked this post, you will find more practical guides and DIY projects at .
