Editing Power tool (section)

==Energy sources==
As of 2021, an electric motor is the most popular choice to power stationary tools. Other power sources include [[steam engine]]s, direct burning of fuels and propellants, such as in [[powder-actuated tool]]s, or even natural power sources such as [[wind power|wind]] or [[hydropower|moving water]]. In the past, stationary tools were powered by [[windmill]]s, water wheels, and steam. Some museums and hobbyists still maintain and operate stationary tools powered by these older power sources. Portable electric tools may be either corded or battery-powered. [[Pneumatics|Compressed air]] is the customary power source for nailers and paint sprayers. A few tools (called ''[[powder-actuated tool]]s'') are powered by explosive cartridges. Tools that run on gasoline or gasoline-oil mixes are made for outdoor use; typical examples include most [[chainsaw]]s and [[string trimmer]]s. Other tools like [[blowtorch]]es will burn their fuel externally to generate heat. Compressed air is universally used where there is a possibility of fuel or vapor ignition - such as automotive workshops. Professional level electric tools differ from DIY or 'consumer' tools by being [[appliance classes#Class II|double insulated]] and not earthed - in fact, they ''must not'' be earthed for safety reasons.

=== Battery types ===
Different battery powered power tools often use batteries which are not compatible across brands and models. This may cause [[vendor lock-in]], and results in poor [[sustainability]] if and when either the battery, charger, or power tool component fails, resulting in potentially all having to be replaced.

Examples of battery differences include the battery technologies themselves, with [[nickel–metal hydride battery|nickel-metal hydride]] (NiMH) and [[nickel–cadmium battery|nickel–cadmium batteries]] (Ni-Cd) being common previously,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.drillsanddrivers.com/batteries/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160218184927/http://www.drillsanddrivers.com/batteries/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=February 18, 2016|title=Battery types}}</ref> but as of 2021, [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] have become the ''de facto'' standard for new power tools. The [[voltage]] is one of the most important factors for battery compatibility. In simple terms, a higher voltage rating on the tool often means that the power tool can deliver more power, with all else being equal. Using a battery with the wrong voltage rating may damage the tool, persons, or surroundings. As of 2021, 18-volt battery packs are the ''de facto'' standard in new power tools. The [[ampere-hour]], in simple terms, tells something about how long the power tool can operate before it needs to be recharged. If comparing two batteries with the same battery technology and same voltage rating, a battery with twice the amp hour rating should last about twice as long. In practice there may however be some variations to this. Also, batteries with a higher amp hour rating in practice can also often let the power tool deliver a slightly higher peak power due to the ability to deliver a higher current.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

Even when using the same battery technology, voltage rating and amp hour rating, the interface of batteries for power tools are often not compatible across different manufacturers, and sometimes also not even within the same brand or product line. There are examples of aftermarket adapters being made so that the user can mix and match batteries between well-known brands, but these often do not fully implement the tools battery safety and monitoring systems and the use is done at the user's own risk.

=== Battery alliances ===
There are initiatives with the goal that the same battery can be used across products from several manufacturers, mostly those who offer special tools rather than general ones. Mainly two German companies have opened their 18V systems for others:
* In June 2018, nine companies presented a manufacturer-overlapping system for rechargeable batteries called "Cordless Alliance System" (CAS).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.werkzeugforum.de/cas-diese-neun-firmen-nutzen-ein-gemeinsames-akku-system/ | title=CAS - Diese neun Firmen nutzen ein gemeinsames Akku-System | date=20 June 2018 }}</ref> It is based on Metabo's 18 Volt battery system.
* In 2020, Bosch initiated the "Power For All Alliance".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerforall-alliance.com/en/|title=THE battery for your home and garden|website=POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE}}</ref> Notably, the alliance consists of the brands [[Gardena (company)|Gardena]], Gloria,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gloriagarten.de/en/company/about-us/history/|title=Gloria: History|website=www.gloriagarten.de}}</ref> [[Wagner Electric|Wagner]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wagner-group.com/de/unser-unternehmen/news/detail/bosch-wagner-gardena-und-weitere-hersteller-gruenden-akku-allianz/|title=Bosch, WAGNER, Gardena und weitere Hersteller gründen Akku-Allianz {{pipe}} WAGNER}}</ref> and Rapid. However, the Power For All Alliance batteries will only be used on Bosch's consumer tools in the Bosch Home & Garden line and Bosch Home Appliances line.
* ''AMPShare – powered by Bosch Professional''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ampshare.com/|title=AMPShare|website=www.ampshare.com}}</ref> is the new name for the alliance using Bosch professional ("blue") tools with its own battery and charger system which is incompatible with the Power For All batteries. Aimed at most parts of the world except North America, it claims to be based on 80&nbsp;million batteries sold since 2008. Over two dozen companies take part.