Best Power Tools for DIYers | Must-Have List
What are the Best Power Tools for your DIY projects? Whether you are doing some maintenance around your home or putting up a new structure, there are must-have power tools that you need to invest in.
Thanks to technology, there are so many tools, both simple and sophisticated ones, and ideally, there are tools for every skill level. The number of choices can get overwhelming, especially if you are getting started on DIY projects or home renovations, so it is always a good idea to consult a professional to ensure the power tools you get will suit your needs.
What Power Tools Do I Need For DIYs?
Drill
A drill is an essential power tool for home improvers and professional users alike. Typically, a drill comes fitted with a bit, either a drill or driver. Depending on the application, you can use it to make holes, remove away materials, or even loosen and tighten the screws. Some drills include a hammer function, which can be engaged and disengaged as required.
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What’s more, you can use it on different materials, making it one of the best power tools for use around the home or in any workshop.
Drills come in different sizes, and they vary significantly in power and speed. You can also choose between corded drills and cordless battery-powered ones.
Here’s a word of caution for my fellow DIY girls out there. There is a reason why Dewalt and Milwaukee drills are respected and come highly recommended.
You can get an entry-level drill for around $99 dollars which will have a stronger motor than any fashionable pink drill.
Corded Drill
Corded drills are electrically powered, and they are generally lighter since they don’t come with bulky and heavy batteries that come with cordless models. Also, they pack more power, and you will have an uninterrupted power supply.
However, they are less convenient in terms of restricted mobility, and they also tend to be noisier.
Cordless Drill
Cordless drills use rechargeable batteries, and they are the most common types of drills. Most use Lithium-ion batteries, which hold power for a long, and you can use the same battery with other power tools from the same brand.
A cordless drill gives you better mobility than its corded counterpart, and you can take it anywhere without having to worry about the extension cord.
| Uses of Drills |
|---|
| Woodworking |
| Hanging pictures |
| Putting up shelves |
| Metal fabrication |
| Construction and utility projects |
| Drilling into masonry |
Grinder
Grinders are versatile power tools that use various grinding and cutting wheels to cut, rout out mortar, sharpen, and even polish different surfaces. Grinders come in various shapes and sizes, but ideally, they serve the same purpose, and often they are driven by an air compressor or a small electric motor.
Types of Grinders
Angle grinder
An angle grinder is a powerful hand-held tool often used in larger-scale fabrication and construction work. It uses cutting wheels that are tilted at a right angle to the drive shaft hence the name angle grinder. The ability to use different wheels and attachments has encouraged its use in many applications, and it is common in most machine shops along with die grinders.
Die Grinder
Die grinders are relatively small hand-held power tools that are used for lighter-duty jobs that require more precision. And just like angle grinders, you can use different wheels and attachments to cut through materials, polish surfaces, smooth out surfaces, remove rust, and much more.
| Uses of Grinders |
|---|
| Metalworking and Construction |
| Autobody repairs |
| Cleaning and polishing metals |
| Removing rust |
| Sharpening metal tools |
| Grinding stone and mortar |
Rotary tool
A rotary tool also uses a rotating bit, but it is a bit smaller than a grinder or drill. You can use a rotary tool to accomplish different tasks, depending on the bit attached. This includes drilling, cutting, carving, polishing, and other vital tasks.
A rotary tool can be a perfect replacement for most tools in your toolbox, and it can do multiple jobs that can be done by relatively larger tools.
| Uses of A Rotary Tool |
|---|
| Ultra-crafty projects |
| Homebuilding tasks |
| Etching |
| Engraving |
Jigsaw
A Jigsaw is an essential toolbox power tool that uses a reciprocating blade to cut curves and patterns on metal, wood, and other material. A jigsaw is appropriate for cutting materials of different thicknesses, thanks to the wide range of blades available. Today, there are more portable jigsaws, and an electric motor mainly powers them.
| Uses of a Jigsaw |
|---|
| Cutting metals, drywall, and fiberglass |
| Making short crosscuts on boards |
| Cutting ceramic tiles |
| Cutting countertops |
Sander
Sanders are handy power tools used for repairs and simple home maintenance projects. They use abrasions to remove materials from different surfaces or to smooth surfaces. Also, the sanders come in different types to serve different purposes. These include belt sanders, disc sander, drum sanders, vibrating sanders, and more.
Most sanders are electrically powered, but those in heavy-duty applications such as auto-body repairs use compressed air.
| Uses of a Sander |
|---|
| Preparing surfaces for painting |
| Finishing curved surfaces |
| Removing unwanted material on surfaces |
| Finishing decorative edges |
Nail Guns
Nail guns are powered tools used to drive or push nails into wood and other materials. They are often pneumatically driven, and they are tools of choice among many DIY enthusiasts. The most obvious advantage of a nail gun over a human hammer is that it saves time.
Ideally, a nail gun can drive up to three nails when it takes you to nail one nail with a hammer.
There are tons of nail guns, and typically the type of nail gun you choose relates to the kind of tasks it can perform. They include brad nailers, framing nailers, flooring nailers, finish nailers, siding nailers, and pinners, among others.
| Uses of a Nail Gun |
|---|
| Installing moldings |
| Framing |
| Roofing |
| Installing floor boards |
| Installing siding |
| Trim jobs |
| Carperting |
| Decking |
| Finish carpentry |
Oscillating/Multiple Power Tool {Best Power Tools For Advance DIYers}
An oscillating tool is a do-it-all device that can handle a couple of tasks including, cutting, sawing, sanding, and grinding. It is compact, portable, and accepts a range of blades/bits used for different tasks.
Oscillating tools are widely used by home homeowners, carpenters, contractors, serious hobbyists, among others.
| Uses of Oscillating Power Tool |
|---|
| Cutting metal, plastic, wood, fiberglass, etc. |
| Grinding |
| Trimming wood flooring |
| Cutting-off nails and bolts |
| Hammering |
| Sanding, etc. |
Which Power Tool Brand Should I Invest?
Now that we know the best power tools for most DIY jobs, the next puzzle is deciding which brand to choose. Most of the tool brands are famous and are renowned in this trade for producing quality and long-lasting products.
Some of the best power tools brands include DeWalt, Milwaukee, Kobalt, Craftsman, and Black & Decker.
Ideally, the best choice will depend on your preferences and the tools you have tried and tested. However, judging from many customer reviews across several sites, DeWalt is the best pick over most. And is our favorite only second to Milauwkee for certain drills.
DeWalt offers value for money, and most tradespeople and DIYers consider this to be the best manufacturer for power tools.
Nonetheless, other less famous and newer power tool brands offer unique and high-performing tools and products, so the choice comes down to personal needs, experiences, and preferences.
How To Maintain Your Power Tools
If you take care of power tools, they will take care of you. Besides, they will make home improvement projects much more comfortable and less stressful. Additionally, proper handling and maintenance of the tools can help improve your power tools’ performance and longevity.
Here are some tips you can use to make your tools last longer;
Ensure the right storage
All power tools should be protected from dust and moisture, and other unfavorable conditions by ensuring proper storage after every use. If possible, store them in their original cases, and preferable, they should be kept in a garage or shed with moderately controlled conditions.
Clean your tools after every use
Dirt and dust can interfere with the performance of your power tools if left to accumulate over time. It’s best to clean your tools after every use or before storing them. You can use a clean rag to wipe the tools or an air compressor to blow dust and other accumulated dirt from inside the tools. Also, check for damages and defects and any signs of rust or corrosion.
Tighten loose screws and bolts
Bolts and screws may become loose after using a tool for some time. Using your tools in this condition can damage them or make them less efficient. Check your tools frequently for loose bolts and screws and tighten them accordingly. You might need to use a screw-tightening device for better results.
Sharpen all blades and bits
Dull blades significantly reduce the efficiency of any tool, so you’ll need to sharpen them regularly to get the job done. Also, always use the correct blade/bit for the job, depending on the material you need to work with.
Lubricate the moving parts
All moving parts need to be oil to keep them in shape and ensure optimum performance. This also prevents rust development and keep your tools running smoothly for an extended period.
Check the condition of the cords and batteries
Inspect cords and your batteries periodically for any signs of damage or wear. Pay special attention to exposed wires and have them repaired immediately or replaced if needed.
Be sure to check batteries are fully charged before use and try not to leave them unused for long.
In Conclusion
When embarking on any DIY project, most of the success comes from choosing the right tool for the job. As time goes by, you are likely to accumulate tons of tools, but the essential tools are hard to go without.
These power tools allow you to complete your task effectively and safely, and in turn, save yourself time and money. Check our Easy Woodworking Projects For Beginners | DIY Home Projects.
