Contractormag 2374 Milwaukee
Contractormag 2374 Milwaukee
Contractormag 2374 Milwaukee
Contractormag 2374 Milwaukee
Contractormag 2374 Milwaukee

Contractors most likely to purchase tools from wholesalers

May 6, 2015
Survey results show contractors are now more apt to purchase tools at their plumbing/HVAC wholesaler. Regarding battery packs, the 18V battery pack is still the most popular with 81% of respondents most likely to use them, According to the survey, the most commonly used corded power tools include reciprocating saws.
The right angle plumbing drill is a favorite tool.

CHICAGO — Last month, CONTRACTOR surveyed readers to find out what are the most used corded and cordless power tools amongst contractors, where contractors prefer to purchase those tools, and what voltage battery packs they use.

Invitations to participate in this online survey were sent to a net 28,878 CONTRACTOR subscribers, and by April 24, 527 surveys were completed, for a response rate of 1.8%. Survey findings show that 82% of respondents are involved in residential construction; 71% are involved in commercial construction; 31% are involved in industrial construction; and 27% are involved in institutional construction. Seventy-two percent of respondents are involved in remodeling/retrofit work and 28% are involved in new construction work.

Based on type of contracting work, respondent firms are engaged in air conditioning (65%); warm air heating (57%); plumbing (58%); hydronic heating (47%): radiant floor heating (36%); and bath/kitchen remodeling (34%).

Survey results show contractors are now more apt to purchase tools at their plumbing/HVAC wholesaler. One year ago 39% of respondents were more likely to make a purchase at a plumbing wholesaler, and this year, 54% of respondents are more likely to purchase their power tools from plumbing/HVAC wholesalers. Home centers come in second with 51%, followed by industrial supply houses with 49%.  Thirty-one percent of respondents are most likely to purchase power tools online, 26% at the hardware store and 18% via a catalog.

Regarding battery packs, the 18V battery pack is still the most popular with 81% of respondents most likely to use them, followed by 12V battery packs at a distant 24% of respondents.

Reciprocating saws are popular amongst contractors too.

According to the survey, the most commonly used corded power tools include reciprocating saws (86%), hammer drills (83%), and power drills (83%), followed by circular saws (76%), rotary hammers (67%), pipe threading machines (66%) and drill drivers (63%); and the mostly heavily used corded power tools include reciprocating saws, power drills and hammer drills.

For cordless power tools, the most commonly used tools are power drills (80%) and drill drivers (77%), followed by reciprocating saws (69%). Half of all respondents use cordless circular saws (51%) and/or cordless hammer drills (51%), according to the survey results. And the cordless power tools most heavily used by respondents include power drills and drill drivers, followed closely by reciprocating saws.

Manufacturers’ perspectives

For trends in 2015, DeWalt is seeing a further shift to cordless tools as they become more capable.

“Longer runtimes, higher power and cordless tools that perform better than corded tools will become more relevant,” explained Chris Keffer, vice president of marketing for Professional Power Tools at DeWalt. “Also there will be a continuing evolution of solutions for the plumbing contractor with our systems moving forward.

“The key growth opportunities are to continue to effectively service the plumbing contractor, driving world class cordless and brushless tools on our 20V system and continuing to drive our product lines that are built in the United States with global materials,” added Keffer.

According to Paige Bovard, senior product manager for Milwaukee Tool, technologies that improve productivity and consistency are expanding rapidly, and plastic piping systems and pressing technology has been rapidly adopted recently for these reasons. 

“Plumbers and mechanical contractors will continue to look for solutions that improve reliability and productivity, ultimately saving time and money,” said Bovard. “Milwaukee will work hand in hand with these professionals to stay at the forefront of technology and deliver solutions that will increase productivity.”

A key growth opportunity for Milwaukee Tool is cordless solutions. “As we continue to drive breakthrough advancements in motors, lithium-ion batteries, and electronics, the types of tools that can be effective cordless solutions will continue to evolve,” said Bovard. “Coupled with the fact that that industry continues to explore alternative installation methods and materials, there is a large opportunity for Milwaukee to lead the industry with a growing mix of cordless solutions that will increase productivity.”

Bovard pointed out that in the last few years, Milwaukee has introduced several game-changing products for plumbing and hydronic contractors, like the M12 & M18 ProPEX Expanders, M12 PVC Shear, M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, and M12 & M18 Press Tools.

Also, in 2014-2015 specifically, Milwaukee expanded their Force Logic Press line to include solutions for pressing Black Pipe. Increasing the versatility of the M18 Force Logic Press Tool, Milwaukee’s new Black Iron Press Jaws and Rings deliver a faster alternative to threading, roll grooving and welding ½” to 2” Schedule 5-40 Black Iron Pipe.

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