The invention comprises a cordless power tool that has a power umbilical
in the form of a coiled cord that connects the power tool to a power
source, which in the preferred embodiment is a battery pack. In contrast
to prior art approaches, the invention integrates the power tool with the
power source in a holstered arrangement. Provision is also made for
operating the power tool from an AC source while the batteries are being
charged, in the event the battery charge is depleted during use. In this
way, the tool is operable at all times because the tool is logically and
readily integrated with the power source. Further, the removal from the
power source from the tool itself by means of the coiled cord umbilical
means that the power tool is lighter and easier to handle.