What to look out for when buying a power tool

Power Tools are a blessing of modern day. Not only do they help to complete a job in a much shorter time but they also help to do a much neater job. Last but not least, they add fun to doing a job. It is no wonder that many people love power tools.

During many years as a contractor in the Housing industry I learned what to look out for when buying a power tool. Can the tools take a lot of stress, do they break when they fall off the scaffold or ladder, are spares such as brushes, drive belts, anchors, chucks, blades, chisels, drill bits etc. readily available?

Quality

Always go for a high quality power tool of a known brand such as Bosch, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Porter Cable or Makita. That will give you the greatest assurance of quality and availability of spares. The price is often not the most important aspect of the deal.

Cordless

A cordless drilling machine or screw driver is a very handy tool but that battery needs recharging after an hour or so. You need a corded machine if you have to work longer and harder. Read the power tool specs to find out when the battery must be recharged and how long a full recharge takes.

Electric or gas

In some cases electrically driven tools are easier and safer to use than gas driven tools. For instance, if you want to cap a tree top use an electric chain saw. You can control the tool far better than a gas driven one. Safety ware Talking about capping trees: When buying a chain saw consider also the necessary safety ware such as a helmet with a visor, suitable gloves and trousers that protect your legs when hit by the running chain. In most cases the use of a power tool requires the use of goggles and in some cases ear protection.

Return policy

Fortunately high quality tools of known brands have seldom defects and dealers will not easily give you your money back. But Amazon is one exception that I know of. You can send the tool back free of charge within 14 days. One should however not send it back after using it for a day or two if the color is not pleasing or something trivial.

Leading Brands / Manufacturers of Quality Tools

Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Dremel, Festool, Skil, Stihl

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