While we’re sure you have all the necessary skills to pull that endeavour off, you’ll need the right tools to execute your plans. Whether it’s maintenance, construction or any other kind of crafts, you can’t rely on skills and determination alone. When you’re at the cusp of your handyman journey, picking out the right equipment can be a bit tricky. Luckily for you, we’ll be giving you a checklist of all the essentials to get you started.

What Power Tools Do You Need?

Before we kick off our list, it’s important to note that there are two main types of power tools. The first and somewhat more traditional option includes the corded models that need to be attached directly to a power source in order to function. More often than not, this can be a nuisance because no one has constant access to electricity in all parts of their home. If you’re one of those people, then your best bet would be to go with the second and more convenient option – buying a compact battery powered tool that you’ll be able to use in all areas of your home. Plus, you won’t trip on any wires or take out any extension cords. This is why most people decide to opt out of corded models. Either way, let’s dive into all the specifics.

Drill

This is perhaps the first and most common power tool people buy. You’ll most likely use it to drill holes in all sorts of materials, including metal, wood and plastic. This function can come in handy when you’re trying to hang those new shelves or display a couple of family photos. Most models even have built-in sensors that prevent you from over-drilling. As a whole, the process of drilling holes is much more simplified and easier to navigate.

Screwdriver and Nailer

Once you get those holes ready, it can be a real hassle trying to get screws and nails into their designated place. Traditional screwdrivers are more than capable of stepping up to the task but you’ll have to use quite a bit of brute strength to push through harder materials. For this reason, we recommend getting a battery-powered screwdriver and nailer which will allow you to drive those little suckers into place with little to no resistance.

Saw

You’ll need this tool to cut through all kinds of shapes and sizes. Seeing as this is one of the building blocks of any DIY project, it’s no wonder that people pay so much attention to choosing the best cordless power saw for their needs.

Keep in mind though that you’ll probably need to switch the blades of your saw when you want to cut through different materials. You don’t have to be an expert in the field to figure out that the blade you’re using on plastic might not work on metal and vice versa.

Another important feature of every power saw is the speed at which the blades turn. Obviously, higher speeds will help you do your job much more efficiently but the saw itself might be somewhat difficult to handle for beginners. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to practice at lower speeds until you get the hang of things.

Sander

If you find yourself working with timber quite often, then you’ll definitely need a sander. Essentially, it’s just a fancier version of sandpaper that allows you to smooth the surface of any wooden area in your home.

This particular type of power tool might come in handy when you finally get around to painting your fence or front porch. You should definitely smooth it out before applying the first coat because it’ll look chunky and chipped otherwise.

Additional Tips on Using Power Tools

Now that you’ve got your full equipment list, it’s time to go over a few additional tips on how to make the most of what you’ve got. Whether you decide to opt for a battery powered tool or its corded counterpart, you’ll have to take the following factors into consideration.

Wear Safety Equipment

We can’t possibly stress this enough. Accidents can happen and it’s usually not because your power drill decided to randomly jump up and attack you out of nowhere. You have all the control here so it’s up to you to prevent unpleasant scenarios by taking matters into your own hands. Wearing safety goggles and gloves ensures that you’ll keep all of your fingers intact while finishing your task in the right way. In cases where things get a little messy, you should always have a first aid kit nearby to patch things up if necessary.

Keep Your Tools Sharp and Clean

Proper maintenance of your equipment is the key to ensuring maximum levels of functionality and safety. Read through the manual of all the tools you own to find specific instructions on how often you’ll have to sharpen and clean them.  In addition, always keep an eye out for anything out-of-the-ordinary when using them – whether it’s a funky smell, weird noise or awkward jerk. These are tell-tale signs of tool malfunction which you’ll have to take care of before you proceed.

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Angle grinders cut through hard metals with relatively easy, so just think for a second what they can do to the human body. In order to avoid this, you should handle the grinder carefully, with a lot of respect for its power. When looking for an angle grinder for sale, look for additional protection equipment as well, and read up on some safe handling tips, to ensure you’re well protected.

Traditional angle grinders feature an OFF/ON switch at the top which can be locked into the ON position. This can be problematic if you lose control, as the tool will continue to run and the grinding wheel will continue to spin, damaging anything and anyone that gets in the way. Because of these, when looking for an angle grinder for sale, try to get a non-locking paddle switch grinder.

Instead of a lock switch, these grinders have a paddle alongside the grip. So when you’re handling the grinder, you hold the switch that powers the grinder. If you lose control, you’ll no longer be pressing the switch, and the grinder will turn off. Using these grinders can become tiresome after a while, but the safety benefits always outweigh the disadvantages. In fact, the use of these grinders is advocated by safety personnel.

It’s important you are always on your toes, and expect the unexpected. Be aware of the situation and everything around you, be focused on the task and be prepared for kickbacks. If you’re aware, you’re in control, and you’ll be able to avoid potentially dangerous scenarios. Moreover, wear the proper work attire. Safety goggles protect you against sparks and flying metal, hearing and arm protection are also of paramount importance.

And last but not least, look for an angle grinder with all the necessary safety features – like a guard, which should be on the tool and used every single time. Even though some users are against using the guard, because it gets in the way of difficult-to-reach spots, technology has improved and now there are plenty of models with an adjustable guard. Moreover, look for a grinder that features a safety slip clutch which prevent kickback.

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