How to Benefit the Most Out of Your Power Tool Purchase?

Whether you’re a homeowner who likes taking on household tasks every so often or you’re just an avid DIYer, having the right tools will help you get the job done more efficiently and faster. If you’re just looking to start your collection of power tools, there are a few important things to keep in mind in order to make sure you get the ideal tools for the tasks you frequently perform, and to get the best value for your money in the long term.

Corded vs. Cordless Tools

When looking to buy power tools, you’ll come across corded and cordless models. Corded models can be either pneumatic and electric, whereas cordless are typically electric (battery-powered). Both types offer a range of benefits but your choice will depend on how you intend to use the tools. Corded tools are more powerful, but they require a constant source of power either from power mains (for electric) or an air compressor (for pneumatic). Cordless tools, on the other hand, give you more freedom, allowing you to work on projects in remote areas and in any position or angle you choose. Besides being less powerful than corded models, you need to keep an eye out on the batteries and have them recharged before any job you do. Depending on the battery and the tool, you may need an extra pack at hand.

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of corded and cordless power tools and consider what you’re buying them for. If you’re going to use the tool for a long period of time, a corded model is probably better. If you need to perform tasks in narrow spaces, however, a cordless model would be more suitable.

The Features That Matter

Just like most other products, power tools come with a variety of features, some of which are deemed essential, while others are nice to have but are not really necessary. Before buying, do some research to see which features most models have, and decipher which ones you find essential and which ones just add to the convenience or versatility of the tool. If you’re buying a drill, for instance, a specific bit size may be required for a project, or a certain power level to work with the materials at hand. These features are absolutely needed to complete a task, whereas things like a comfortable ergonomic grip may be nice to have but aren’t essential.

The Safety Rating

Safety is one of the biggest concerns when buying power tools online. And while buying from a reputable brand doesn’t guarantee safety, chances are their products have some added safety features and designs. Nevertheless, it’s best that you read through some genuine buyer reviews, find out how many accidents have occurred with the product you’re considering, and if you like what you read, check out the product and read through its spec sheet for the safety features it includes. Every tool needs to have a couple of safety mechanisms, but those are just the bare minimum. A good quality manufacturer will go above and beyond to ensure the tool has extra safety measures.

Type of Battery (For Cordless Models)

If you’re buying cordless power tools, you’ll notice that you can shop from a selection of bare tools. Bare tools are just what they sound like – you only get the tool without the charger and batteries. The great thing about most cordless tools is that they oftentimes use the same type of battery, so you can just have one or two battery packs and use them for different tools. As a result, bare tools are also much more affordable, so you can consider getting tools that use the same type of batteries and only get one tool with the batteries included.

The True Price of Buying the Tools

The true price of the tool sometimes goes beyond the sticker price. Depending on the type of tool you’re buying, other essentials and accessories can include bits, belts, blades, etc. that you might have to purchase separately. So, find out what’s included when buying the tool and consider the extra costs. Only then will you have an idea of the tool’s true price and decide whether it fits your budget or not.

The Projects You’ll Use the Tools For

Lastly, you have to consider the type of projects you’ll be tackling with the tools. People working on major construction projects may require heavy-duty or generally more powerful tools than the conventional models you’ll find in most hardware stores. Getting an idea of what you’ll be using the tool for can make the shopping process much easier. This will not only make completing the tasks easier, but it will also ensure you aren’t buying something that’s more powerful and thus more expensive than you actually need.