Elevate Your Woodworking Prowess with the HART Cordless Trim Router
Learning how to use a router unlocks one of the best tools for adding stylish details and creative touches to your woodworking projects. Oftentimes, though, full-sized models are either a little heavy, expensive, or bound by the confines of a power cord. HART is expanding its 20V lineup, which now includes a compact Cordless Trim Router that delivers both competitive power and value.
Author’s Note: Be sure to check out our top picks for the Best Cordless Routers to get our top picks.
HART Cordless Trim Router Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-29000 RPM
- Collet: 1/4 in.
- Adjustments: Micro and macro
- Motor: Brushed
The HART 20V compact trim router is the first of its kind for the company. It has a brushed motor and just one speed setting—29,000 RPM. While this is a little lower speed than some of the more premium models, it has plenty of power to handle most routing tasks in low to medium-density woods.
Once you move into higher-density material, such as oak or maple wood, we expect to see a drop in performance from the brushed motor. This makes it a good choice for working with softwoods or as a router dedicated to edge work on denser woods.
HART provides a pretty decent sightline to the bit and material thanks to the width and shape of the cutout in the base. This is especially helpful when you’re doing intricate trim and dovetail work.
HART Cordless Trim Router Design
- Model: HART HPRR01
- Power Source: Hart 20V battery
- Dust Port: 1-1/4 in. and 1-7/8 in.
- Weight: 2.5 lbs. (bare), 3.3 lbs. (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Height: 8-5/8 in.
- Base Plate Dimensions: 2-1/2 x 2-3/4 in.
HART’s cordless trim router has a fairly traditional look and design. The 20V battery sits on top and the tool body features a textured rubber overmold that helps you maintain a secure grip while working. All in, including the 2.0Ah battery, it weighs a very manageable 3.3 pounds.
Like most routers, it features an adjustable die-cast base with a removable dust port and a quick-release lever for easy tool-free removal. The base has a macro adjustment lever for making changes on the fly and a micro adjustment dial for fine-tuning the cutting depth within 1/64 inch.
The spindle lock position and base cutout allow you to change the bit without removing the base if you like. Most of the Pros we talk to are in the habit of taking bases off their trim routers to have easier access for the wrench. Either way, you have the option with this design.
Additional Features
- Compatible with all HART 20V batteries
- LED work light
HART Cordless Trim Router Price
You can pick up this router for $88 as a bare tool and as a kit for $119. The kit includes a single 2.0Ah battery and charger. As with all of HART’s 20v tools, this router comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
By all measures, the HART 20V Cordless Trim Router is one heck of a value, especially for a cordless tool. It’s more than capable of working efficiently in soft to medium-density woods, but may still struggle to cope with denser materials. There is definitely some room for improvements on future models, such as adding a brushless motor, but the value is pretty hard to beat. That said, we think it’s a great way for DIYers to get a start in the world of cordless routing.
