Portable Electric/Power Tools
Tool Choice: An important consideration before beginning any project is making certain of having the right tool. Whether the work calls for drilling, cutting, routing, or sanding, choosing the proper tool is the first step to success. While portable power tools may seem complex, they are relatively straight-forward to differentiate. Each tool has its specific purpose, and understanding that purpose leads to your desired end result.
Drilling
Grab hold of a drill and you've just opened up a world of power and possibility. Drills are the go-to tool for both beginners and pros alike, a versatile ally that helps accomplish many tasks. The functions they perform include drilling holes, driving in screws, and even sanding, buffing or polishing when fitted with the proper accessory.
Nearly all drills today feature reversibility, which is a counter-clockwise movement used for removing screws and nuts
Variable speed operation is an important point to consider, different materials require different speeds for best results
Chuck size
Drill size is determined by the largest bit shank the chuck accepts. There are three sizes: 3/8", 1/2" and 1/4". The 3/8" size is ideal for most everyday jobs and can handle projects that call for light-to-moderate duties. The 1/2" accepts larger bits, has a higher torque and is designed for heavy drilling applications. The 1/4" is less commonly used, although useful for boring small holes.
3/8" produces a higher RPM and lower torque for quick and powerful drilling
1/2" is great for extended use in wood, masonry and steel
Keyed vs. Keyless Chucks
Keyed chucks are tightened and loosened with a small hand tool, achieving a tighter and more secure lock on the drill bit than keyless chucks. They also provide greater torque for when you need extra power. On the other hand, keyless chucks require you to manually turn the chuck, making for quick and easy bit changes.
Keyed chucks are especially advantageous when removing screws
For those who may be prone to losing a key, a keyless chuck would be a sound selection
Hammer Drills
When working with heavier materials, consider the hammer drill. The hammering motion quickly and easily bores into concrete, stone, block and brick. The motion is measured in blows per minute (b.p.m.), and is designed to tackle projects that need more force.
Right Angle/Close Quarter Drills
For tight spaces that a standard drill is unable to access, try the right angle drill. It drills holes at a 90-degree angle, so you'll be able to easily access hard-to-reach areas.
Impact Drills
The impact drill is similar to a hammer drill, but is designed for other useful purposes, such as removing stuck bolts. Tough jobs and heavy materials are no match for an impact drill.
Cutting
When your materials need to be cut in a specific size or shape, there is a wide selection from which to choose. Blades are the key element, and are generally made from steel or are carbide tipped. Steel blades often require more sharpening; carbide blades (named for the carbide tips on the blade's teeth) are harder and stay sharper, longer.
Steel blades often require more sharpening
Carbide blades (named for the carbide tips on the blade's teeth) are harder and stay sharper, longer
Circular
For general purpose sawing tasks, consider the circular saw. Effective on most material types, this saw makes straight cuts as well as crosscuts. Design variations include In-Line, in which the motor housing is perpendicular to the blade; and Worm Drive, where the motor housing is parallel to the blade. The In-Line is more for general use, while the Worm Drive is aimed toward heavy-duty projects.
Jigsaw
Also known as a saber, the jigsaw is a highly versatile tool that features a vertically set blade that moves up and down. Since the teeth face outward, you are able to move the saw in either a straight or curved line.
Reciprocating
For those projects that require rough cutting and demolition, the reciprocating saw is an ideal choice. They possess the ability to cut through pipes, rebar or support beams, and can also function like a power hacksaw on branches and debris.
Sanding
Sanders are used to improve the surface quality and finished appearance of wood. While a particular job might seem completed, no project reaches its full potential until it is "finished". Finishing involves selecting the proper speed and the proper sandpaper grit to achieve your desired look and feel.
Belt
Belt sanders remove a great deal of material in minimal time. If you're working on a project that requires smoothing out large surface areas, stripping paint or removing rust, the belt sander is an ideal choice.
Detail or Contour
Designed for more detail-oriented jobs and hard-to-reach places, detail or contour sanders are great for corners. They are designed to work in small and tight spaces that would otherwise present a challenge to belt or orbital sanders.
Finishing/Pad
Built for smaller jobs, finishing/pad sanders come in handy when space and size is a concern. These sanders employ squared-off pads to produce a smooth, even finish on a variety of woods. The finishing sander is needed when it's essential that the sandpaper move only along a given plane.
Orbital
Whether your project requires rough-sanding, finish-sanding or preparing wood for staining, consider the orbital sander. Random orbit sanders move the pad in a circular motion to help prevent gouging.
Maintenance & Care
A well-treated power tool will deliver successful, long-term operation. Taking the time to properly clean tools can save money and frustration. While it may seem obvious, each year many people still re-purchase tools due to the lack of simple maintenance.
Battery Care
When nearing the time to recharge a battery, make sure all of the power has been drained out beforehand. Also, take note of the recharge time, and be careful not to overcharge batteries when recharging. The best way to ensure long-lasting battery usage is to reference the owner's manual and follow accordingly.
Maintenance
Proper cleaning of each tool takes only a few minutes, but is essential for a tool to maintain optimal performance. For drills, regularly lubricating the chuck with 10WD40 oil will help provide long life. For items that routinely work with wood, including saws, routers and sanders, blowing away sawdust with an air compressor is a good idea.
Storage
The best place to store tools is in a dry area. An organized storage area saves time and makes it easier to find the right tool at just the right time. Tool users with small children should store power tools out of reach and in secure compartments.
Safety
While it may seem obvious, it still bears repeating that the most successful type of power tool operation is safe operation. With proper precautions and a bit of common sense, most accidents can be prevented. Take the time to become familiar with each tool and remember to respect the power that each possesses.
General Safety Guidelines
These basic guidelines are a good starting point for ensuring safe usage:
Always operate portable power tools according to the manufacturer's guidelines
Avoid using tools powered by an electrical charge in a damp or wet area
Work in a well-lit area with plenty of room to move
Always wear appropriate gloves, footwear and goggles when required, and avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing
Don't use a tool for a purpose that it is not intended
First-Time User Concerns
Anyone new to a specific tool should read all operating instructions thoroughly and develop a firm grasp of safe and successful usage.
Carefully plan and prepare before starting any job
Measure twice, cut once
Consulting an experienced user can also help
Built-In Protection Features
Most portable power tools made today do not continually operate without a button and/or a trigger being pushed. This prevents the tool from accidental operation and secures shut off.
Physical Requirements
The ability to safely operate a tool is something to carefully consider.
The demands of any project should not exceed your physical limitations
Tools which contain a higher voltage generally weigh more