Cordless Blowers

About Cordless Blowers

Cordless blowers have become essential tools for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need efficient, portable solutions for clearing dust, debris, and workshop waste. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, these versatile tools eliminate the hassle of trailing cables and petrol maintenance, making them ideal for both indoor workshop environments and outdoor jobsites. From compact dust blowers designed for precision cleaning of electronics and machinery, to powerful jobsite blowers capable of shifting heavy debris from construction sites, today's cordless technology delivers impressive performance without compromising on mobility.

Modern cordless blowers benefit from the same battery platform systems used across professional power tool ranges, meaning if you already own 18v batteries from brands like Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch, you can add a blower to your arsenal without additional battery investment. These tools are particularly valued for their instant start-up, low noise levels compared to petrol alternatives, and zero emissions – making them perfectly suited to indoor use where ventilation may be limited.

Whether you're a carpenter clearing sawdust from machinery, an electrician removing drilling debris before cable installation, or a general builder maintaining a tidy site, cordless blowers offer a practical solution that's always ready when you need it. Available in voltage ranges from compact 12v models for light-duty tasks through to powerful 40v XGT systems for demanding applications, there's a cordless blower to match every requirement and budget.

Jargon Buster

• Li-ion Battery: Lithium-ion battery technology that provides cordless power without memory effect, allowing partial charging without degrading battery life. Lighter and more efficient than older nickel-cadmium alternatives.
• Brushless Motor: Advanced motor design without carbon brushes, delivering greater efficiency, longer runtime, reduced maintenance, and extended tool life compared to brushed motors. Typically found in professional-grade models.
• Air Volume (m³/min): Measures the volume of air the blower moves per minute, indicating overall clearing capacity. Higher numbers mean more effective debris removal over larger areas.
• Air Speed (mph or m/s): The velocity at which air exits the nozzle, measured in miles per hour or metres per second. Higher speeds shift stubborn or heavier debris more effectively.
• Battery Platform System: Interchangeable battery systems (such as Makita LXT, DeWalt XR, or Milwaukee M18) that work across multiple tools from the same manufacturer, maximising your battery investment.
• Variable Speed Control: Allows adjustment of air output to match the task, preventing lightweight materials being scattered whilst still providing full power when needed for heavy debris.

Who Uses Cordless Blowers?

Cordless blowers serve a wide range of professional trades and applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: Clearing sawdust from workbenches, machinery, and finished pieces before applying finishes
• Electricians: Removing drilling dust from cable chase-outs and cleaning electrical enclosures before installation
• General Builders: Maintaining tidy jobsites, clearing debris from work areas, and preparing surfaces for following trades
• Plasterers and Drylining Specialists: Removing dust before applying finishing compounds and clearing workspaces
• Mechanics and Vehicle Technicians: Cleaning engine bays, workshops, and removing metal filings from work areas
• Landscapers and Groundsworkers: Clearing leaves, grass clippings, and light garden debris from paths and patios
• Maintenance Engineers: Cleaning machinery, removing dust from sensitive equipment, and general facility maintenance
• DIY Enthusiasts: Workshop cleaning, garage maintenance, garden clearing, and general household tasks
• Commercial Cleaners: Quick debris removal from difficult-to-reach areas and outdoor spaces

How to Choose the Right Cordless Blowers

Battery Voltage and Platform: Consider your existing battery ecosystem first. If you already use 18v tools from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch, choosing a blower from the same range maximises battery sharing. For occasional light-duty use, 12v compact models offer sufficient power, whilst 18v provides the sweet spot for most professional applications. Heavy-duty users may benefit from 40v systems like Makita's XGT range for maximum runtime and power.

Application Type: Dust blowers with precision nozzles suit workshop and electronics cleaning, whilst jobsite blowers with wider outlets excel at shifting building debris. Workshop blowers typically offer a balance between the two, making them versatile all-rounders for most trade applications.

Air Performance: Check both air volume and air speed specifications. Higher air volume (m³/min) provides better overall clearing capacity for large areas, whilst higher air speed (m/s) tackles stubborn or wet debris more effectively. Professional models typically offer 10-15 m³/min or more.

Variable Speed Control: Essential for versatility, allowing gentle airflow for delicate tasks like clearing sawdust from finished surfaces, and full power for shifting heavy debris. Look for models with multiple speed settings or trigger-controlled variable speed.

Weight and Ergonomics: Consider how long you'll hold the tool. Lighter models (under 1.5kg bare) reduce fatigue during extended use, whilst well-balanced designs with comfortable grips improve control and precision.

Noise Levels: Important for indoor workshop use and noise-sensitive environments. Cordless blowers are generally quieter than petrol alternatives, but check decibel ratings if working in residential areas or enclosed spaces.

Build Quality: Professional brands like Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch Professional offer superior durability, serviceability, and warranty support compared to budget alternatives. For daily trade use, the investment in quality pays dividends through reliability and longevity.

Popular Accessories

• Extension Nozzles: Precision attachments for reaching into tight spaces, machinery crevices, and confined areas where the standard nozzle cannot access effectively
• Dust Collection Bags: Convert some blowers into vacuum mode for two-way functionality, collecting fine dust rather than dispersing it – particularly useful in finished environments
• Additional Batteries: Extra capacity packs (4.0Ah, 5.0Ah, or higher) extend runtime for full-day use without charging breaks, essential for professional applications
• Rapid Chargers: Multi-amp chargers significantly reduce downtime, particularly valuable when working with multiple batteries on demanding jobsites
• Tool Bags and Cases: Protective storage and transportation solutions, often incorporating space for batteries and accessories alongside the blower unit
• Wall-Mounted Battery Charging Stations: Workshop organisation systems for keeping batteries charged and tools accessible

Safety Information

Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating blowers, as displaced debris and dust particles can cause serious eye injuries. This is particularly important when clearing construction sites or working with fine dust.

Hearing Protection: Whilst cordless blowers are quieter than petrol alternatives, prolonged use still generates noise levels that may require hearing protection, especially in enclosed workshop environments. Check manufacturer specifications and follow HSE guidance on noise exposure limits.

Respiratory Protection: When clearing fine dust, particularly from activities like sanding, cutting, or drilling, wear appropriate dust masks or respirators. Materials like silica dust, wood dust, and MDF particles present respiratory hazards that require suitable PPE under COSHH regulations.

Battery Safety: Only use manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers. Never use damaged batteries showing signs of swelling, leakage, or impact damage. Store batteries away from extreme temperatures and moisture. Follow proper disposal procedures for end-of-life batteries through appropriate recycling facilities.

Work Area Awareness: Before blowing debris, ensure the area is clear of people who could be affected by displaced dust or materials. Be particularly cautious around sensitive equipment, finished surfaces, and materials that could be damaged by high-velocity air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my existing 18v batteries with a cordless blower?

Yes, if you choose a blower from the same battery platform system. For example, all Makita LXT 18v batteries work across their entire LXT range, DeWalt XR batteries are interchangeable across XR tools, and Milwaukee M18 batteries fit all M18 equipment. This battery sharing capability makes adding a blower to your existing tool collection extremely cost-effective.

How long will a cordless blower run on a single battery charge?

Runtime depends on battery capacity (Ah rating), blower power consumption, and speed settings used. Typically, a 5.0Ah battery provides 15-25 minutes of continuous use at maximum power, or considerably longer at lower speed settings. For professional all-day use, having 2-3 batteries in rotation ensures uninterrupted operation.

Are cordless blowers powerful enough for professional jobsite use?

Modern 18v and 40v cordless blowers deliver sufficient power for most professional applications, including clearing construction debris, workshop dust, and garden waste. Whilst petrol blowers may still have the edge for extremely heavy-duty landscaping work, today's brushless cordless models offer impressive performance that meets the demands of professional tradespeople across most scenarios.

What's the difference between a dust blower and a jobsite blower?

Dust blowers typically feature narrower, precision nozzles designed for workshop cleaning, machinery maintenance, and detail work. Jobsite blowers have wider outlets and higher air volume for shifting larger quantities of debris over bigger areas. Workshop blowers offer a middle ground with versatility for both applications. Choose based on your primary use case.

Can cordless blowers be used indoors safely?

Yes, cordless blowers produce zero emissions, making them perfectly safe for indoor use unlike petrol alternatives. They're ideal for workshop environments, commercial premises, and any indoor space requiring dust and debris removal. However, always wear appropriate respiratory protection when clearing fine dust particles, regardless of working indoors or outdoors.