This is a guest post.
Whether you’re buying a new power tool for the first time or upgrading your DIY workbench, it can be very confusing picking out the right tool.
Here are few tips to keep in mind when you’re out shopping for power tools.
1. Figure out the project first.
How can you buy a tool if you don’t know what you’ll be doing?
2. Get the tool that’s right for the job.
Do some research ahead of time about what type of tool would be perfect for the job, and the differences among tools of the same type. Don’t go looking for a sander among the angle grinders or a jigsaw among the circular saws.
3. Know what doesn’t come with the tool.
Find out at the store whether you need any belts, bits or blades. Ask about a spare battery.
4. Decide on cordless versus plug-in.
Plug-in tools are great as long as you’re near a socket — but if you’re not, it doesn’t matter how cheap it was in the store. Cordless tools may be more expensive, but they are the sort of tool that can be used anywhere. Start off with one of those cordless drills.
5. Don’t worry about store-brand versus brand-name.
The DIY retailers often stock tools under their own house name, as well as tools under the brand names of the manufacturers. Which should you get? It doesn’t matter, because your goal is not the name on the tool, but a tool at a good price that does the job you want. If you need a heavy-duty tool, you get a heavy-duty tool. If you need a tool for once-a-month repairs, then you buy a tool that’s right for that.
6. Be sure you have the basics first.
Don’t go buying those specialist tools like mitre saws and tile cutters before you’ve got a power tool inventory: drill/driver, circular saw and cordless screwdriver. These three tools will easily handle most of the jobs you’ll throw at them.
7. Think ahead about storing the tool.
Once you get your new purchase home, where are you going to put it? You want it to be safe, away from tiny hands and secure from theft. Because it’s electrical, you want to keep it dust-free and dry. Look around the DIY store for a storage locker or make a storage cabinet your very first project.
8. Read the manual.
Don’t think you already know it all.
9. Lean towards safety.
Many electrical tools come with RDC plugs or circuit breakers for safety reasons — learn how they work, and do not try to bypass them. Buy for safety when you get additional items like dust masks, eye protectors, extension cords and stepladders.
10. Enjoy yourself!
There is no more satisfying feeling than standing back at the end of a project and taking a look at what you’ve done. Don’t turn a project into a chore — pick the tools that will help you do the work and not make it more difficult.
Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over the UK.
To view our range of power tools from Screwfix customers can visit the Screwfix website.
