Power tools make hard work easy. These tools use various gimmicks like combustion, compressed air, and electricity to finish jobs traditional tools can’t hope to touch.
Even if conventional means can do the work, it will take significantly longer to do a job in a world where time is money. There are many types of power tools. Some are stationary and must be fastened to an object to function correctly.
Others are portable, easy to move to various locations, and lightweight enough to use by hand. Let’s look at a few power tools below and their functions.
Types of Power Tools at a Glance
Whether you’re a professional handyman, a construction worker, or a DIY enthusiast, below are some common power tools to simplify hard work:
- Drills
- Saws
- Grinders
- Rotary and Oscillating tools
- Sanders
- Woodworking tools
- Concrete power tools
- Compressors and other accessories
Must-Have Power Tools
Whether you enjoy working with machines in your profession or use them to fix stuff around the house, you’ll likely use a power tool to solve the problem. Power tools are so common these days that we take them for granted.
1. Air Compressors
An air compressor uses electricity or gasoline to compress energy. This gadget stores compressed air in a storage tank until a certain limit.
The compressed air is released, changing from potential energy to kinetic energy to power nail guns and jackhammers.
Craftsman is an excellent example of an air compressor that requires no maintenance for lifelong use. It fills up rapidly, is perfect for inflating tires, and is portable.
2. Side Grinders
Side or angle grinders are power tools that grind, polish, and cut metallic and non-metallic objects. This handheld tool uses electricity, gas, or air compressors to power the motor.
You can smooth things like bowling balls, metal work, and other materials like stone and wood.
The Dewalt Side Grinder is a fantastic example of a heavy-duty power tool; it puts out so much torque and is a dangerous beast for real work.
3. Bandsaws
A band saw is one of the most popular power tools worldwide. This saw has a steel band with a jagged blade that splits materials precisely and easily.
However, the DeWalt Bandsaw is a portable version that’s easy to handle and fantastic for cutting Unistrut and Conduit.
4. Chainsaws
Chainsaws are simple power tools useful in many environments, including construction sites, car shops, machine shops, and homes.
The GreenWorks 40V is a battery-powered chainsaw suitable for cutting firewood, pruning trees, and other hobby work.
5. Circular Saws
You can identify a circular saw by its jagged, abrasive blade that spins in a rotary motion to cut through various materials.
You’ll love the Makita 5007Mg Circular Saw, which features a 15-amp motor and magnesium components to deliver 5,800 rpm, cutting through anything in its path.
It’s easy to adjust and has an LED light for low-light conditions.
6. Miter Saws
The miter saw is a heavy power tool with the sole purpose of making various angular cuts. It features a serrated blade and swing arm that can pivot to the left and right to make cuts.
Miter saws come in different types, including dual compound, sliding compound, and compound miter saws. Each of these saws features various tilting abilities for use in specific situations.
The Bosch GCM12SD is arguably the best sliding miter saw and uses an axial slide system for the best cuts on different materials.
7. Table Saws
A table saw is a stationary power tool fixed on a table. It trims objects that glide against it, splitting materials into neat sections.
Table saws use electric power and are easily adjusted depending on the user’s needs.
These saws excel at horizontal and vertical cuts, particularly for materials too strong for a regular handheld saw.
Occasionally, you can find portable table saws like the DeWalt Flexvolt, which offers efficient cutting, saving time and energy.
8. Scroll Saws
The scroll saw is a specialist power tool for crafters, tailors, and quilters. This saw excels at cutting delicate materials using a slim, high-precision blade.
The scroll saw is pedal-operated and is exceptional for splitting dovetail joints and creating intricate designs and art patterns.
The DeWalt Scroll Saw is an excellent example of such a powerful tool.
9. Reciprocating Saws
Reciprocating saws use a push-pull technique to cut materials. This saw has a blade that looks like a jigsaw, with jagged teeth and a long nose.
You need to steady it with both hands because of the powerful kick. The reciprocating saw features various blades depending on the cut’s precision and material.
BLACK + DECKER 20V Max Cordless is a fantastic reciprocating saw that’s extremely durable and rugged. The 3,000 spm and variable speed trigger are sufficient to cut through various materials.
10. Jigsaws
The bayonet saw, or jigsaw, is arguably the best power saw type to cut materials in various shapes. This handheld saw can cut through metal or wood in unique ways.
They are mostly in demand for home applications to carve pumpkins, cut bevels, and other materials.
The Bosch JS260 is one of the best jigsaws currently available, delivering 31,000 strokes per minute. It also has a multidirectional blade clamp for superior grip.
11. Biscuit Joiners
It’s debatable whether biscuit joiners are still useful today, as many woodworkers consider them a luxury item not worth their weight in salt. Still, a biscuit joiner helps to align wood pieces together.
Even though it’s not a must-have item, it helps to glue panels and can be set up in various ways.
The Makita XJP03Z uses a rack-and-pinion system to provide accurate adjustments and joining. More importantly, it offers up to 150 joints or 300 cuts on a single charge.
12. Power Sanders
Sanding is an essential part of carpentry to smoothen the wood and remove flaws, dents, and other marks.
The belt sander is the largest type and the most practical. An electric motor powers the machine, allowing it to trim and finish rough wood surfaces.
An orbital sander is another power tool that smooths surfaces in a circular motion. The Bosch GET75-6N uses an aggressive turbo motor to polish and finish large surfaces, edges, and corners.
13. Heat Guns
Heat guns use hot air to defrost pipes, bend plastics, and shrink materials like film, tubing, and dry wood. It’s a portable power tool that generates great amounts of hot air up to 932 F.
Heat guns feature a nozzle that directs the heat to the material and spreads the heat over an area via an electrical fan.
The DeWalt 20V is a cordless heat gun that can go up to 990F and has over 40 minutes of runtime per charge.
14. Power Drills
Tool collectors cannot own a complete set without the power drill. This heavy-duty machine is useful for various tasks, including fixing screws and drilling holes through hard surfaces.
The hammer drill and impact driver are two of the most common types of power drills.
You’ll appreciate the DeWalt Cordless Drill, which features a driver kit and 100-piece attachment for use in various environments.
15. Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are torque guns that use a small amount of exertion to create high amounts of torque.
They come in hydraulic and electric models and work best for loosening or tightening nuts on numerous machines and vehicles.
A protection aid is necessary due to the tool’s harsh whirring noise. The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a great impact wrench that produces 700 ft-lbs of torque.
16. Lathes
A lathe is a shaper for materials like metal, ceramics, and wood. It uses a rotational drive to spin a workpiece facing a cutting tool.
The versatile machine is useful for sanding, facing, turning, knurling, cutting, and drilling operations.
It’s the go-to power tool for metalworkers, watchmakers, and gunmakers. If you need a lathe, look no further than the JET JWL-1221VS, which features smooth directional control and a ratchet-style belt tension system.
17. Nail Guns
A nail gun is a powerful tool for driving different nails into concrete, wood, and other materials.
While a hammer is fantastic for doing the same job, it’s not as efficient or effective as a nail gun, which uses compressed air to drive the nail.
Carpenters and construction workers are two professionals that use this piece of equipment the most. The Ryobi P320 Airstrike is a cordless nailer that can drive 1700 nails on a single charge.
18. Routers
A router is an extremely versatile power tool that uses high-rotational speed to cut through different types of material.
Routers come with ¼” and ½” collets or bits useful for creating neat rabbets, carving contours, and round wooden edges.
The DeWalt Router is a powerful tool of immense value in the hands of an advanced woodworker.
19. Wall Chasers
Wall chasers are specialized power tools that cut channels and grooves into surfaces when you want to install electrical wiring or pipes in a home.
It’s a portable, handheld device useful in tight spaces and other hard-to-reach areas.
The VEVOR 4800W is an adjustable wall chaser featuring a brushless motor for quick and clean groove cuts.
Things to Consider
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Choosing the perfect power tool for your job is of utmost importance. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, below are some factors worth considering when opting for a power tool.
Weight and Handling
Power tools are usually heavy, even portable versions.
Using these tools for an extended period of time can create huge stress on the body, making long work hours extremely difficult to endure.
Corded or Cordless
A cordless power tool is best for users with premium storage space for heavy-duty pieces of equipment.
They are more wallet-friendly than the corded versions, and they use a battery to power the device.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of use determines whether or not the power tool in question is worth the investment.
It’s common sense to purchase a cheaper brand if you’re using it for a hobby or opt for a higher-end model if the tool is for professional use.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are some common questions about the various types of power tools we’ve discussed above:
What is an example of a power tool?
Sanders, routers, and circular saws are all excellent examples of power tools.
What are the three classifications of power tools?
Power tools are divided into household grades, professional, and industrial grades.
What are the most common power tool types?
The power saw is the most common power tool and has various subcategories, including the jigsaw and table saw.
How are power tools classified?
Power tools are either portable or stationary. Portable tools are handheld, while stationary stools offer more power and precision.
What is power tool equipment?
A power tool is any equipment that requires additional power to operate instead of relying on brute human force.
Which Type of Power Tool Will You Choose?
Power tools save time and are useful for complex jobs. These tools often have the steepest learning curves but are easy to use when you get the hang of the equipment.
Whether gasoline or electricity, the world wouldn’t be what it is today without these tools in the hands of professionals. Power tools are also great for home use and versatile for many applications.