Expert Tips To Buy And Work With Power Tools For Beginners – 2023 Guide

Whether you are buying power tools as a gift, trying your hands on a DIY project, or looking to dive into the market and commence a new venture, it is always perplexing to make the right choice. While their availability is not an issue as you can get them from suppliers such Sydney Tools.com.au, finding which tool is most suitable for your needs is a challenge. Another bump in the road is related to the usage of these tools. You need to have the right skills to ensure that you use them safely and effectively.

Most of these tools are used in heavy-duty jobs such as construction, renovation, and furniture making, metal fabrication, and many more. These powerful tools are highly efficient and help you accomplish the task at hand faster and with greater accuracy. While speed is their biggest benefit, it is also one of the biggest risk factors. Things can go wrong quickly and cost you significantly. Any wrong move can either make a massive dent in the project or result in serious injury.

Considering the difficulty you face in buying the right power tools and using them the right way for your benefit, this article brings some tips that can do wonders for you.

Tips to buy power tools

Let us begin with a little understanding of the basic tools that are commonly used in various domains including home improvements, woodwork, metal fabrication, etc. Also, the following explanation will throw light on the things that you should keep in your mind while buying each of these tools from the market.

Cordless power drill

Source: businessinsider.com

This is a multipurpose tool that is used to drill holes in masonry, glass, wood, and metal and it can help in driving stubborn screws like an electric screwdriver. As it is cordless, it can be used independently and reach every place without hassle. These can be used with single hands and has a better balance. An ideal cordless drill would be one with hammer action and a 10 mm chuck.

Corded drill

It is the most widely known and used power equipment that is used to drill holes in various materials such as wood, metal, concrete, brick, stone, tiles, plastic, and glass. You would find the drill bits in various sizes and types that are suitable for a specific type of drill. You should look for a 650 drill that is keyed with a 13 mm chuck.

Jigsaw

Jigsaws are used to cut plastic, metal, wood, and several other materials and come with different blades for each material. The blades are narrow and slim making it suitable to get a curved profile as well. Generally, jigsaw functions at 600 watts. You can look for the one with variable speed on the trigger.

Belt sander

A belt sander consists of a looped sandpaper belt that is driven with the help of a motor. These are used to remove paint, sending metal, and smoothing timber surfaces. The belt is replaceable and is available in variable width. Ideally, you can go for a 75mm wide belt.

Angle grinder

Source: trotec.com

This is the most versatile and popular tool for cutting materials. You can cut both lengths and sheet materials including masonry, plastic, metal, tiles, and roof sheets. It can also be used to grind materials and is ideally bought with variable speed.

Miter saw

A miter saw, also called a chop saw, is similar to a circular saw with larger blades of 8, 10, and 12 inches in diameter. These can be used to cut perfect 90-degree angles or cut out a square. When buying a chop saw, you can pick one with a sliding compound.

Circular saw

These are powerful saws fitted with wider blades that are around 184mm in diameter. These can easily cut through thick timber logs of up to 90mm in no time. You would buy a circular saw with 1300 watt power.

Reciprocating saw

These saws are also called rip saws and serve a similar purpose as circular saws. The difference between the two is that rip saws are more powerful and have bigger blades of up to 200mm in diameter. These are popularly used in demolition work and cutting length of timber, metal bars, floorboards, etc. You buy a rip saw with 800-watt power and variable speed control.

Why prefer cordless tools?

All the tools that are described above are also available in cordless versions with variations of 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 volts. You can also choose to buy cordless tools with a dual battery that allows you to continue working with one while the other is on charge. Cordless versions provide the following benefits that make them a preferred choice.

  • Tripping over and tangling in can be completely avoided.
  • These can be used remotely without extensions.
  • Batteries are available separately at low costs.
  • There is no risk of electrocution while working.
Source: homebuilding.co.uk

Safety while working with mechanical and electrical power tools

Power tools can simplify and accelerate your work to a great extent. However, these benefits also come with some risks that are involved in using this equipment. Here are some safety measures that you can follow and avoid accidents while working with them.

  • Ensure that extension leads and tool flexes are not damaged in any way and replace them if needed instead of tapping.
  • Avoid using corded tools around water or on rainy days.
  • You can use a plugin FGCI adapter between the socket outlet and power plug. When you are working with multiple tools simultaneously, you can also use it with the plug of the extension lead.
  • Have adequate lighting on the site of work so that you can clearly see what you are working on and do not end up causing unintentional damages.
  • Make sure you have disconnected the equipment while changing the blades and bits. Also, ensure the same while making adjustments.
  • Do not forget to wear proper protection whether it is gloves, boots, glasses, helmet, or a full PPE.
  • Keep the working place decluttered to avoid accidents.