WORX WX099L 20V Cordless Blower/Inflator: features, specs and who it suits

The WORX WX099L is a compact 20V cordless tool that does two jobs: it blows sawdust, wood chips or leaves off a work surface or a car, and with a different nozzle it inflates things like air mattresses. It belongs to WORX's PowerShare battery range and comes with a battery, a charger and three nozzle tips.

What 470 MPH and 39 CFM mean

Blowers are described by two numbers. Air speed, in miles per hour, is how fast the air leaves the nozzle; high speed helps lift dust and debris that cling to a surface or hide in corners. Airflow, in cubic feet per minute (CFM), is how much air the tool moves; more volume pushes larger piles along.

The WX099L reaches up to 470 MPH with 39 CFM (about 1.1 cubic metres per minute). That's a fast, concentrated jet with a modest volume. Full-size leaf blowers typically move several hundred CFM, so this is a tool for detail work and small areas, such as a workbench or a car, rather than for clearing a whole yard.

Brushless motor and runtime

A brushless motor drives it. Brushless motors switch the current electronically instead of through carbon brushes, which cuts friction and wear, and WORX says this one gives more power, longer runtime and a longer life than traditional brushed motors.

With the included 20V 2.0 Ah battery, it runs for up to 21 minutes. "Up to" figures usually reflect lighter use, so expect shorter runs at the highest speed. A 2 A quick charger comes in the box.

Four speeds and a lock-on

There are four digitally controlled speed settings, plus a variable-speed trigger for fine control within each one. Lower speeds help keep fine dust from scattering everywhere; higher speeds suit wet leaves or wood chips. A lock-on holds the blower running without keeping a finger on the trigger, which is handy for longer passes.

Three nozzles: blowing and inflating

Two blowing nozzles come in different sizes: 0.37 inch (about 9 mm) and 0.53 inch (about 13 mm). A narrower nozzle concentrates the air into a faster, more focused stream, while a wider one spreads it over a larger area.

The third is a pinch valve nozzle for inflating. Pinch valves are common on air mattresses and similar inflatables. A blower moves a lot of air at low pressure, so it suits large, soft inflatables, not tires or anything else that needs a set pressure; that's a job for a compressor.

An accessory bag keeps the nozzles together, and a belt hook lets you hang the tool while you work.

One battery for many tools

The battery is part of WORX's PowerShare platform. The same batteries and charger work across WORX's 20V, 40V and 80V tools, with the larger tools typically taking more than one battery at a time. If you already own PowerShare batteries, they'll fit this tool, and a spare battery is the simplest way to extend working time.

Who it suits

It suits woodworkers and DIYers who want to clear sawdust and chips from a work surface, car owners who want to blow leaves or light snow off a vehicle, and campers who want to inflate air mattresses, especially anyone already on the PowerShare platform.

What to check before you buy

• Job size: it's made for small areas and detail work; a whole lawn calls for a full-size blower.
• Inflating: check that your inflatables have valves the pinch valve nozzle fits, and use a compressor for tires.
• Runtime: up to 21 minutes on one 2.0 Ah battery; consider whether you'll need a second battery.
• Batteries: whether you already own PowerShare batteries and a charger.
• What's in the box: the tool, a 20V 2.0 Ah battery, a 2 A charger, three nozzles, an accessory bag and a belt hook.

The short version

• A 20V cordless air duster and inflator with a brushless motor.
• Up to 470 MPH air speed and 39 CFM airflow, for detail work and small areas.
• Up to 21 minutes per charge on the included 2.0 Ah battery; 2 A quick charger included.
• Four speeds, a variable-speed trigger and a lock-on for hands-free blowing.
• Two blowing nozzles and a pinch valve nozzle; the battery fits WORX 20V, 40V and 80V PowerShare tools.

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