FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tool Hound

High-Tech Brushless Motors Hit the Cordless-Tool Marketplace

By Justin Fink
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Sweeping changes to power tool technology don’t come very often, but there’s one coming, and it’s brushless motors. To be fair, brushless motors aren’t new. But only a few power-tool companies offer them. But that’s what’s about to change. Every major tool manufacturer is about to get on board with this technology. So, as a buyer, you’re going to be faced with a decision: stick with the traditional brushed-motor tools you’ve been using for years, or shell out the cash for the new wave of premium-priced brushless motors that will be sold right beside them.

      The claimed benefits of a brushless motor over a conventional motor include:

      • lower maintenance
      • longer battery life
      • more power

      All of these perks are a result of one major design difference. In a brushed motor, the electromagnet that makes the tool spin is on the rotating shaft of the tool. This requires brushes-floating electrical contacts that transfer power from the stationary battery to the spinning magnet. The friction caused by these brushes robs a motor of power. A brushless motor uses a stationary electromagnet that wraps around the tool’s driveshaft, so there’s no need for brushes to power up the magnet. But it does take expensive computer circuitry to make this happen, hence the premium price.

      Bottom line: Aside from a slight up-charge, and assuming the electronics don’t lead to any problems out in the field, it sounds like brushless is going to be a really good step forward for cordless power tools.

      For a more detailed explanation of the difference between brushless and brushed motors, read How it Works: Electric Motors.


      Watch more Tool Hound tool reviews

      Lenox’s Speed Slot hole saw
      Seven steps to choosing the perfect circular saw
      Kobalt’s Impressive new 18v drill driver
      Throw away your hammer stapler and get a pneumatic cap fastener

      Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      View Comments

      1. TheTimberTailor | Mar 23, 2012 03:14pm | #1

        Justin,

        Thanks for sharing this cutting-edge tool info.

        My battalion of cordless tools are on the short list for an upgrade so brushless options are of particular interest as I shop and consider replacement tools.

        You covered the aspect of brushes vs brushless in cost benefit terms for life of brushes and cost of replacement that shines a bright light on any potential manufacturer hype.

        You also mention power loss in friction from brushes and that eliminating brushes saves battery power. Do you have any in-depth figures of what the power saving percentage might be? I'm (clearly) not an engineer so just looking at those little brushes with such small contact surface on the armature makes me curious of the net effect of eliminating friction from brushes. Since rubbing brushes aren't making a direct connection like wires in brushless are I can imagine other inefficiencies which would contribute to power savings from the new brushless design as well.

        I'd sure appreciate any info you might have access to.

      2. geryfrie | Mar 25, 2012 11:08am | #2

        Another feature of Brushless Motors that I am wondering about:
        In the chemical plants here in Louisiana, often the sparks created by electric motors are considered a fire hazard. This has often meant using pneumatically powered tools instead.
        Brushless motors could qualify as a safe alternative!

      3. JFink | Mar 28, 2012 02:12pm | #3

        TimberTailor,
        Glad you found the information to be useful. I don't have numbers from every manufacturer, but I can say that Milwaukee and Makita are both claiming about a 50% increase in run time when comparing brushless to brushed.

      4. William306 | May 14, 2014 12:24am | #4

        Makita and Milwaukee produce great brushless motors. And thanks for sharing those info.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More Tool Hound

      View All
      • Update on Bosch's New Finger-Saving Portable Saw
      • Video: Bosch Reaxx Finger-Saving Tablesaw Demonstration
      • Mosely Infinity Level System - Very impressive
      • Bosch's New Finger-Saving Portable Saw
      View All

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Scaled to Suit the Site

      This thoughtfully designed home preserves the character of its neighborhood while maximizing space for a growing family through careful attention to scale, rooflines, and material choices.

      Featured Video

      Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

      No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

      Related Stories

      • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
      • Podcast Episode 683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
      • Podcast Episode 682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
      • Fine Homebuilding Issue #331 Online Highlights

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      Video

      View All Videos
      • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
      • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
      • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Larsen-Truss Retrofit to Existing Stud-Frame House
      View All

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work
      • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
        • How a Pro Replaces Columns
        • Passive House 3.0
        • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
      • Issue 327 - November 2024
        • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
        • Plumbing Protection
        • Talking Shop

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

      Subscribe

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data