If a power tool has brushless technology, it typically means that the motor has permanent, rotating magnets, along with a fixed armature. These features eliminate the problems you may encounter with a brushed motor, associated with connecting current to the moving armature. A brushless motor contains an electronic controller, which continually switches the phase to the windings to keep the motor turning. This feature distributes power in timed intervals by using a solid-state circuit, as opposed to the system which can be found in a brushed DC motor.
Some notable advantages that come with brushless technology are:
- No brushes, which- of course- means no you longer have to change them.
- Less friction/resistance, which means a longer life for your tool and motor. Some manufacturers claim up to 10x longer than other brands!
- More efficient use of battery – brushless tools are smarter: the battery and motor communicate with one another and work in tandem, with the battery distributing an accurate amount of power to the motor as needed.
- Less heat build-up and longer run-time.
You can find lots of brushless tools in our newest Hardware Investor Flyer, and, check out these manufacturer resources to learn more:
And for more on the science of brushless motor technology, see here:
- http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/brushless-motor.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushless_DC_electric_motor
So, though brushless tools are a wee bit pricier than their predecessors, the longer life of the brushless tool you buy will likely recover your initial costs. As you can see, the numerous advantages of a brushless tool make it a technology worth trying!
