Power tools! Those handy inventions were created to take the hard work out of DIY. With the right tools, DIY enthusiasts can build furniture, erect sheds, restore old cars, and even build entire houses. Gone are the days when manpower was the biggest resource available and the humble hand saw was run ragged with overuse. But, if like many you don’t know your drills from your circular blade or your screwdriver from your wrench, then fear not, I have compiled a list of power tool information in a handy article.

Saws (the modern kind) 

In this day and age, saws are powerful instruments required for a variety of tasks. The old hand saw cannot keep up with the modern demand for production. The circular saw is a handy handheld tool with blades sharp enough to cut through metal, plastic, or wood. There is no end to projects you can get your teeth into with a good quality circular saw. Its round blade and sharp teeth create a smooth cut due to its rotational ability. They are available as electric or manual. The electric saw is much easier to use with precise cutting. For a comprehensive saw guide, visit Sawshub.com; it has suggestions for projects and reviews on the various saws on the market. The great thing about some circular saws is the extra features that allow you to create decorative cuts. Some also come with LED lights and super-fast charging options. Left-handed? No problem. Some models provide left and right-handed options. Versatile and lightweight, the circular saw is a must-have for your toolbox. 

Drill 

The first time you use a drill, you may wonder why it’s taken you so long to buy one. Manual screwdrivers are great for minor jobs around the home, but when you invest in a drill, you save yourself a lot of hard labor. Drills can be used for hanging pictures, installing shelves, and putting together pieces of furniture. If you’ve ever had the joy of screwing in bed slats with a manual Phillips screwdriver, you will appreciate how labor-intensive it is, not to mention the blisters. A good drill is another necessity for the toolbox.

Sanders 

Does anyone still use sandpaper anymore? With so many sophisticated options to sand down those surfaces and create smooth, paint-ready walls, it can be challenging to choose which one. Or you may have picked up an old piece of furniture you want to restore and need to find the right sander for the job.

It’s a good start to decide if you need a sander for a specific one-off job, or if you want to invest in a multi-purpose model. If you envisage only needing it once, you could explore options to hire one for home or professional use or pick one up second hand from eBay or a local selling group. If you want one to add to your permanent power tool family, then make sure you research the various models available to find good quality and cost-effective options. 

One of the most popular types of sanders is the belt sander. A sanding belt is wrapped around two drums and is partly motorized. There are different sizes on offer, and they are useful for removing paint or varnish from wood. They are very powerful and essential for large woodworking projects. 

Another option is the disc sander. These are handy, and come as an attachment for a drill; if you are looking at buying both, an all-in-one combo may work for you.  Another rotational function, the disc sander,  can be used on large surface areas as well as smaller ones. 

Oscillating cutter 

An oscillating cutter may not seem the most obvious choice of power tool to add to your collection, but they are convenient for trim jobs needing precision and accuracy. The cutter has small blades that are perfect for hard-to-reach areas. There are also different blade attachments, and with little teeth on the bar, you can make exact little cuts. 

Another oscillation option is an all-in-one tool; this tool allows you to trim protruding screws or pipes, cut into your patio decking, or cut out wall openings. You can also use it as a sander to remove rust from surfaces and furniture. They also come with an attachment for scarping off kitchen grout or old paint. 

Owning power tools is a responsibility,  so make sure you read up on all safety precautions before you commence any tasks. Once you’re confident, you’re good to go!! Happy DIY.