In a recent article, I discussed the basics of hand tools and how to choose the best ones for your application. In this article, we will be discussing power tools for the do-it-yourselfer. Power tools can take your projects to another level, and they open up a whole world of possibilities for those who are willing to get their hands dirty. Power tools can make repairs go faster and allow you to tackle jobs you never thought possible. Here are some tools you will find handy, how to choose the best ones and where to find them for the best price.
If I could only have one power tool, it would be a cordless drill. I use this constantly as a power screwdriver, and it really makes life easier on me and my wrist. From hanging a picture to hanging drywall, this tool is as useful as they come. They come in all shapes and sizes. Get one that feels comfortable in your grip and isn’t overly large or heavy. The batteries come in many different sizes: from 6-volt to 24-volt. For the weekend warrior, I would suggest a 12- to 14-volt battery. They have plenty of power and will drive screws and drill holes until the cows come home. When buying a drill, pick up a good set of drill and screw bits so you are ready to put that new drill of yours to work.
A circular saw is another tool a do-it-yourselfer should have handy. A circular saw (also known as a Skil saw) will get you well on your way to all those projects you wanted to get done over the summer. Fences, decks, tree houses, nothing will seem out of reach once you get one of these babies in your hands. The basic size for these saws is 7 ¼.” This measurement comes from the size of the blade the saw uses and will be fine for most of your cutting needs. Saws come in corded and battery operated models. With the circular saw, I prefer the corded, but there are many good battery operated models out there. This tool requires a lot of power and will use up your batteries faster than a drill will, so I go with the cord so I won’t have to stop and wait for a battery to charge. When you buy a saw, make sure and get a good general purpose blade to start with.
For notching, cutting circles, and rounding off a piece of wood, look no further than the jigsaw. This is a very handy tool for fine cutting and making those sharp turns a circular saw can’t make. Basically, a jigsaw is held like an iron but has a blade about the size and shape of your finger (except much thinner) and moves up and down (or back and forth as you would do with a handsaw). Jigsaws will allow you to take a basic project and add some flair to it. Again, make sure and get a pack of good general purpose blades for your saw at purchase.
A power sander is another tool that can save you a lot of work and time. They come in a variety of sizes and styles. The two basic styles are vibrating and belt. The vibrating sander works much like your hand except it goes much faster and doesn’t cramp up. The belt sander is typically used for bigger jobs. You can decide which you need depending on your application.
The reciprocal saw is the beast of the power tool world. It is a two-handed monster that, with the right blade, can cut through metal, wood, plastic, screws, nails and even kryptonite. Their blades move much like a jigsaw with a push and pull motion, but without all the social graces. It can comfortably be used both vertically and horizontally.
These to me are the must-have basics for power tools. The list is endless when it comes to what’s available, and you could spend a fortune getting them all. That brings us to what to get and how much to spend. High-end brands like Dewalt and Makita are awesome tools and would be a great addition to your tool collection, but really aren’t necessary for the weekend warrior. Brands like Black & Decker, Skil and Craftsman are just as good and much more affordable. Craftsman can be picked up at your local Sears and the other brands are available at most hardware stores and some of your bigger retailers like Walmart. Avoid cheap knock-off brands, and remember: you get what you pay for.
One last thing. No matter what tools you settle on, get a pair of safety glasses and ear plugs. Power tools can be dangerous, and safety is something that should be in the forefront of your mind at all times. Watch your fingers and always know where your electrical cords are. Make sure whatever you’re cutting is well supported and read the manuals that come with your tools.
Tools pay for themselves the more you use them. So tackle those projects you’ve always wanted to and let the saws sing!