Chargers
Chargers keep cordless kit working, whether you're turning around flat packs between first fix runs or keeping spare batteries topped up in the van.
If your gear stops because the battery bank is dead, the whole job slows down. These chargers are built for cordless tool batteries and chargers setups used day in, day out on site, in workshops, and out the van. Match the charger to your battery platform, check charge speed if you're running multiple packs, and buy chargers that keep your kit moving without guesswork. You can also sort the rest of your Power Tool Accessories, pair them with Batteries, or tidy the setup with Battery and Tool Mounts. Get the right charger sorted and keep the day on track.
What Are Chargers Used For?
- Keeping cordless drill, impact driver, grinder, and saw batteries charged through full site days, so you are not stood waiting when one pack dies halfway through the job.
- Turning around spare battery packs in the van, workshop, or site cabin, which matters when one crew is sharing the same cordless tool batteries and chargers setup.
- Supporting first fix, second fix, snagging, and maintenance work where fast battery rotation keeps Power Tools earning rather than sitting idle.
- Charging platform-specific packs safely with the right electronics, so the battery charges properly and you avoid the hassle of damaged packs or poor runtime.
Choosing the Right Chargers
Sorting the right charger is simple: match it to the battery platform first, then think about how fast you need packs turned around.
1. Platform Compatibility Comes First
If your tools run on one cordless platform, buy the charger made for that exact system. Do not assume voltage alone makes it compatible. A 18V pack from one range usually will not fit or charge on another, even if it looks close.
2. Standard Charger or Fast Charger
If you only use a couple of packs for light snagging, a standard charger is normally enough. If you are on the tools all day with drills, grinders, and saws rotating through batteries, a fast charger saves a lot of standing about.
3. Single Port or Multi Port
If it is just your own kit, one charging port often does the job. If the van carries a shared battery system or a crew is using several tools at once, multi-port chargers make more sense and keep the queue down.
4. Site Setup and Storage
If your charger lives on a bench or in the van, think about cable length, mounting options, and how tough the casing is. A tidy charging area stops packs getting knocked about and works even better if you are using tool storage mounts nearby.
Who Uses These Chargers?
- Sparkies use chargers to keep impact drivers, combi drills, lights, and testers running across first fix and board fitting, usually with one pack on the tool and one on charge.
- Chippies and fitters rely on them when saws, planers, nailers, and drills are all pulling from the same battery platform, especially on kitchen fits and second fix runs.
- Groundworkers, roofers, and landscapers keep chargers in the van or cabin because outdoor jobs chew through packs quickly and downtime costs more than a spare charging slot.
- Maintenance teams and site managers use them to keep general cordless kit ready for snagging, small repairs, and quick call-outs without hunting for a half-flat battery.
The Basics: Understanding Chargers
The main thing with chargers is not just getting power into a battery. It is using the right charger for the right platform, at the right speed, so packs charge safely and last properly.
1. Platform Specific Charging
Most power tool chargers are built around one battery system. That means the contact layout, charging controls, and battery communication are made for that exact range. On site, that keeps charging straightforward and stops costly mix-ups.
2. Charge Speed Changes Workflow
A standard charger suits lighter use and overnight charging. A faster unit is better when batteries are constantly rotating between drills, saws, and grinders, because it gets packs back in service quicker and cuts downtime.
3. Single Bay and Multi Bay Setups
Single bay chargers are fine for one user with a small battery setup. Multi bay chargers make more sense for vans, workshops, and crews sharing cordless kit, because you can keep several packs lined up and ready without a mess of separate chargers.
Useful Extras for Your Charging Setup
A good charger matters, but the right add-ons stop flat packs, cluttered benches, and wasted trips back to the van.
1. Spare Batteries
A charger only helps if you have another pack ready to rotate in. Keeping spare batteries on hand means the tool stays in use while the flat one charges, instead of the whole job pausing for an hour.
2. Battery and Tool Mounts
Mounts keep chargers, batteries, and bare tools organised in the van or workshop, so packs are not sliding about, terminals are better protected, and you are not wasting time hunting through boxes.
3. Storage Cases and Van Organisation
If your chargers are always being thrown in with loose gear, they will not stay tidy for long. Proper storage keeps leads, plugs, and charging bays from getting battered between jobs.
Choose the Right Chargers for the Job
Use this quick guide to match the charger to the way your cordless kit actually gets used.
| Your Job | Charger Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Snagging, maintenance, and occasional tool use | Standard single port charger | Simple setup, steady charging, ideal when packs can be left overnight or between short jobs |
| Daily first fix and second fix battery rotation | Fast charger | Shorter turnaround times, better for keeping working packs in circulation through the day |
| Shared van stock or small crew use | Multi port charger | Charges several packs in one place, cuts cable clutter, and keeps battery queues down |
| Workshop bench or fitted van setup | Mountable charger system | Better organisation, more secure storage, easier to pair with battery platform accessories and mounts |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying on voltage alone is a common mistake. Just because a battery says 18V does not mean it will fit your charger, so always check the exact battery platform before ordering.
- Trying to run a full cordless setup from one slow charger wastes time. If you are using several packs a day, step up to a faster or multi-port unit so tools are not waiting for power.
- Leaving chargers loose in the van shortens their life. Leads get trapped, housings get cracked, and contacts get dirty, so store them properly when they are not in use.
- Ignoring how many batteries the crew actually uses leads to bottlenecks. Count the packs in rotation and buy enough charging capacity to support the workload.
- Using damaged batteries on a charger is asking for trouble. If a pack has cracked casing, bent terminals, or charging faults, pull it from service and replace it rather than risking the rest of the setup.
Fast Chargers vs Standard Chargers vs Multi Port Chargers
Standard Chargers
Standard chargers suit lighter use, smaller tool kits, and lads who can leave packs on charge between jobs or overnight. They usually cost less, but if your batteries are constantly cycling, they can become the holdup.
Fast Chargers
Fast chargers are the better shout for daily site use where drills, impacts, saws, and grinders are all sharing the same battery platform. They reduce waiting time, but only if you are using compatible packs designed for that setup.
Multi Port Chargers
Multi port chargers make sense for teams, fitted vans, and workshop charging stations. They help organise several batteries in one place, though they are more useful for shared setups than for one person carrying only a couple of packs.
Maintenance and Care
Keep Contacts Clean
Dust, plaster, and site muck around the charger terminals can stop proper contact. Give the charger and battery rails a quick wipe now and then so packs seat properly.
Store Them Dry and Secure
Do not leave chargers rattling about in damp van floors or open site areas. Dry storage helps protect plugs, leads, and electronics from damage and keeps them ready to use.
Check Cables and Plugs
If the cable is pinched, cut, or pulling away from the charger body, stop using it. A damaged lead is not worth bodging when replacement is cheaper than lost kit or downtime.
Do Not Force Damaged Packs
If a battery no longer slides in cleanly or looks swollen, cracked, or overheated, do not try forcing it onto the charger. Sort the battery issue first rather than risking the charger as well.
Replace Worn Units Before They Cost You Time
A charger that cuts in and out, charges inconsistently, or runs hotter than it should will slow the whole battery setup down. Replace it before it starts taking packs out of rotation.
Why Shop for Chargers at ITS?
Whether you need a single replacement charger, a faster unit for busy battery rotation, or a full cordless tool batteries and chargers setup, we stock the range that trade users actually need. From everyday power tool chargers to wider battery platform accessories, it is all in our own warehouse and ready for next day delivery across the UK.
Chargers FAQs
What are chargers used for?
Chargers are used to safely recharge cordless tool batteries so your drills, drivers, saws, grinders, and lights stay in use. On site, they are what keeps battery rotation going between jobs, breaks, and van runs instead of leaving tools sat flat.
How do I choose the right chargers?
Start with your battery platform, not the price. Make sure the charger is built for your exact battery range, then choose between standard, fast, or multi-port charging based on how many packs you use in a normal day and how quickly you need them back in service.
How do I check compatibility for chargers?
Check the battery system name and the charger listing carefully. Voltage alone is not enough. A lot of cordless tool batteries look similar, but if the platform does not match, the charger usually will not fit or charge the pack properly.
Are chargers suitable for professional cordless tools?
Yes, provided you buy the correct charger for the professional cordless platform you are running. Trade users depend on these every day for battery turnaround on live jobs, so the right charger is a standard part of any serious cordless setup.
Can I buy chargers online from ITS?
Yes. You can buy chargers online from ITS, with a wide range held in stock for next day delivery. That is handy when a charger has packed up and you need a replacement on site fast.
Will one charger run every battery in my van?
No, not unless every tool you own is on the same battery platform. Most chargers are system-specific, so if you run more than one cordless range, you will usually need separate chargers for each.
Are fast chargers worth it for site work?
Yes, if you are constantly rotating packs through working tools. They make the biggest difference on busy jobs where batteries are draining all day. If you only use cordless kit now and then, a standard charger is often enough.
