Choosing the right power tools for the job may seem like an easy task at first, but when you start to consider all the factors involved, you might want to take a minute to reconsider your choices. It’s not as simple as picking up a drill and jumping headfirst into a cabinet. To get the job done right, no matter what it is, you have to be smart, and the best way to be smart is to first sit down and plan ahead. A drill may seem like a drill, but choose the wrong tool and it could be your worst enemy.
Let’s say that you have a few projects that you want to complete around the house. To do them you will need a drill. Do you want one with a cord, or one that is cordless? Cordless may seem like the way to go, but remember that they are heavier, and if used a lot, require charging on a regular basis. Scope out the tasks at hand and see if there are any outlets around. A drill that has a cord is lightweight and usually more powerful, and it may be just what you need. There’s also brand to consider. Black and Decker? Makita? There are so many choices. Craftsman are pretty loyal to their brands and can give you some tips if needed, so don’t be afraid to speak to some friends to see what they use.
Of course, power tools aren’t just about drills. You might have a more ambitious project that needs completing. Perhaps you want to build a treehouse for your kids, or a set of kitchen cabinets for the wife, or a coffee table with built in beer fridge for yourself. Those will require more than just a drill. In fact, this is where we get into the area of power saws. Jigsaws, table saws, circular saws, flooring saws; the list is almost endless, so choosing the right one for the job could be difficult. Should you just want to cut a simple piece of wood in half, a circular saw is probably your best bet. In this case it’s also probably best to go with cordless, since you will most like be in an area like your backyard or garage, and will need the flexibility to move around without worrying about getting your feet caught in a bunch of cords. Safety first, right? Let’s say you’re getting fancy though, and want to add some scrolling designs to your coffee table or cabinets. A reciprocating power saw is good in this instance, as the blades can be changed to suit your needs and they are good for tight spaces, thus providing you with the design you desire.
Power tools aren’t just limited to drills and saws, though. There’s also the power sander to consider if you want to smooth down a surface before painting or shellacking over it. What about the power washer if you want to tidy tough to clean surfaces? There’s even an electric screwdriver that can do the work for you. For almost any job you have, there’s a power tool for that.
Don’t be foolish, though. It’s always good to ask for help regarding power tools before you start whatever job you are doing. Places like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware have expert staff and departments that will be happy to provide you with the information you need, and they might even recommend a power tool that you never thought to consider. That’s what they’re there for. They can help you in the early planning stages, and if you get stuck halfway through the job, they can work to get you out of a jam.
Finally, when it comes to power tools, another important thing to consider is the warranty. Most manufacturers carry a one year warranty on corded power tools, and three years on cordless. This anything less than that and you might be stepping into dangerous territory, as the less time on the warranty there is, the better your chances are of getting a sub-par power tool. It is one of the most underrated assets when choosing a power tool, so be on the lookout for manufacturers that have good warranties, meaning they stand behind the power tools they make.
Whether you’re working around the house, or need power tools for work, choosing the right one is important. Brand, task, price and warranty all come into play, and you might find that going with a full-on power tool kit is you best bet, or not, depending on your needs. As long as you sit down and plan things out ahead of time, you should be able to have all the information you need when you go to buy your power tools. From there the possibilities are endless as to what you can accomplish.
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