There is a proper tool for every job or project, and a great deal of them require power tools. These tools are not only useful around the house, but professionals also use them.Some of the tasks performed with this type of tool can be done manually, but power tools cut down on the time needed while boosting the quality of the results. This makes them very practical for DIY and professional projects.
The internet, as always, offers you a wide selection through a multitude of online retailers that offer a large assortment of brands at competitive prices. It is not an extremely easy task to assess the tools needed. Most tools can get the job done, but not all of them are equally precise, efficient, durable or priced. The right tool tool is generally determined by expected frequency of use and the task it is meant to perform. With some general knowledge of the features of tools and careful estimation of these factors, you might be able to browse through online stores or visit your nearest tool shit and make a good, economically sound purchase.
Assessing the Use of Power Tools
Professionals usually have a clear idea about what they need from different tools. For all professional work, tools with durability are required, and the precision varies according to the tasks they perform. Greater precision and efficiency typically mean greater price, but this is something that professionals are used to.
On the other hand, home users can make a few sacrifices when it comes to selecting power tools. Even when restricted by a limited budget, there are still some pretty good tools to be found. Household task usually do not require millimetre precision, and even though the tools need to last long, they do not need to be durable enough to withstand a fall from a construction scale. Also, cheaper models might have shorter battery life, but they should be adequate enough to handle the demands of DIY projects.
Store brand power tools offer good value for money. However, these only offer regional coverage, so if one moves away from the area of purchase, it can prove to be difficult to find replacement parts, accessories, or qualified service providers. An advantage of purchasing power tools from a well-known brand means that you have access to a high availability of replacement parts and accessories. With proper care, a tool can serve its purpose for decades. Some brand even offer maintenance kits for their tools.
Features of Power Tools
When looking at different power tools, it is virtually impossible to use any kind of generalisation. There are many types of tools and all have different features that are considered to be important. A good approach is to divide the tools into categories and discuss the features within each type separately. Following is an overview of some of the more popular types of power tools.
Power Drills and Impact Drivers
The drill is a power tool that finds a lot of use at home and industry. With a good drill, you can hang a picture on a wall, mount kitchen cabinets or install a bookshelf in a matter of minutes. A particularly useful drill is one that act as an impact driver as well. An impact driver is a tool much like a drill, but it serves the purpose of an electric screwdriver. It does the job faster, tightens the screws stronger, and protects the wrist from repetitive strain injury. Impact drivers are even sold separately at tool shops but purchasing it as a feature on a drill is more cost-effective.
The main feature of the drill is its torque. Keep in mind that greater torque means more power consumption and generally a more expensive tool. Some drills have the option of adjusting torque. Homeowners just need one that is powerful enough to drill through concrete. When buying a drill, you don’t need to pay for torque that is not needed.
Power Saws
A saw is a very general term. As a power tool, there are various types of saws with its own characteristics. Listed below are common saw types that fall within the power saw category:
Saw |
Description |
|---|---|
| Chainsaw | A popular type of saw designed for cutting raw wood. |
| Circular Saw | A handheld saw with a circular blade. |
| Concrete Saw | A heavy-duty compact saw designed for use in construction that cuts through concrete, brick, and asphalt. |
| Reciprocating Saw | A lighter compact saw used in construction for cutting pipes and drywall. |
| Tile Saw | A heavy-duty fixed saw model that is used for cutting stone, ceramics, and tiles. |
| Miter Saw | A stationary saw used for precise cutting and forming exact angles. |
| Table Saw | Stationary saw used for precise cutting of straight lines. |
| Steel Cut-Off Saw | A portable saw used for cutting metal. |
A saw is only as much worth as its blade. Different types of saws have different blades, with their efficiency being largely dependant on the quality of the blade. It is important to do research on the blade materials and them decide which one satisfies the needs of a project. Make sure you find a nice balance between a quality blade and enough torque to acquire a fitting tool. Safety guards are a very important feature on both on the stationary and the compact saws. Be mindful that power saws should be handled only when wearing safety equipment.
Power Sanders
Sanders are among the popular tools.Their application is generally confined to woodwork and automotive projects. They are used to remove varnish or layers of paint and provide a smooth finish to a surface. The quality of sanding divides sanders into three types, shown in the chart below.
Type |
Sanding quality |
|---|---|
| Belt Sander | Rough sanding for large surfaces |
| Orbital Sander | Finer sanding for large surfaces |
| Palm Sander | Fine sanding for small surfaces, remove less amount of material than belt and orbital sanders. |
Sanders used for automotive purposes are air tools, while wood sanders are mostly electric. Choosing the correct sander will depend on the task you need it for.
Power Supply for Power Tools
The power supply should never be overlooked as a decisive factor when purchasing power tools from tool shop or website. Going cordless is a nice choice, as it allows greater freedom of movement. Cordless power tools run on different types of batteries. The operational time of the tool is largely dependent on the capacity and quality of the battery itself. To ensure uninterrupted use, it is a good idea to have a fully charged spare available, as recharging can take a while.
Multiple Tools and Batteries
When purchasing multiple power tools, it can be a great help if all of them use the same kind of battery. Seek information about the battery used by speaking to a salesman or reading the product description on the website. If all tools run on the same kind of battery, there is no need for a spare. Also, if the spare runs out of power, there is no need to stop working, as switching batteries between tools provides as many spares as there are tools. Another benefit of using the same type of batteries is that they need the same type of charger. This can be used to one’s advantage as the chargers can all be kept in different locations, eliminating the need to carry them around.
Corded Power Tools
Many of the difficulties that arise from being constantly plugged in on a power source can be eliminated with a long enough extension cord. This makes corded power tools an option worth considering. Some of the corded versions are even deliberately made that way, because a battery is not capable of storing the amount of power it needs. Different power grids can also pose a compatibility problem, but tools are typically designed to be universal. A diesel power generator solves all issues regarding blackout, power grid incompatibility, and it allows corded power tools to be used in areas that have no other power supply. Of course, a power generator should only be considered for industrial use.
Air Tools
Air tools are rarely considered when purchasing power tools for a home. When compared to others, they are usually superior in power, but they do require an air compressor to operate. An air compressor is usually quite an investment. Basically, air tools are the choice of professionals who have compressors at their disposal on job sites.
Ergonomics of Power Tools
Ergonomics is another factor that should play a role in the decision-making process. A tool with good ergonomics is a safe tool. Those who spend a lot of time using tools know how important it is for a tool to rest easy in their hands. When purchasing power tools from a store or website, you should talk to the salesperson or read reviews placed by other customers.
Conlcusion
There is a lot to know before choosing any type of power tool. With so many to choose from, it cannot be an easy decision even for those familiar with the tools.A strategy that uses both knowledge of tools and assessment of needs must be employed in order to make a proper decision.
Assessing the needs generally depends on defining the expected use of the tool. Once the use is defined, it is easier to seek a tool within the budget. If more than one tool is needed, there are ways to make the purchase even more economical. A smart way of saving money is by purchasing products that use the same type of batteries.
The search for power tools on the Internet can be conducted easily, and the right tool for any job can be found. Just make sure you don’t buy a second hand or refurbished tool in order to get a full warranty.
