Power Tool Buying Guide | Screwfix

Home improvement and construction projects are made much easier when you have the right power tools. But, with so many different types of power tools available, how do you know which ones are right for your needs?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

This power tool buying guide will help. It tells you everything you need to know about the most popular power tools. It covers what they are, how they work, the types available, and what to consider when buying each type. In addition, we look at power tool accessories, storage, and maintenance and highlight some general things to consider when purchasing power tools.  

View our range of power tools here.

A power tool is a tool that operates with a power-driven motor (supplied by electricity, petrol, a battery or compressed air). The motor automatically drives a specific action in the power tool (depending on the type), exerting significantly more speed and force than is achievable through a manual tool. This means a power tool can make light work of any task it's intended for. As a result, jobs can be completed quickly and with a lot less effort, making power tools an essential part of a tool kit for tradespeople and DIYers alike.

There are many different types of power tools available, each with different considerations, which we’ll run through in the next section.     

The following sections cover the popular types of power tools used for various tasks and materials. There are power tools to suit every budget and skill level and for different home or work circumstances, such as whether you're working in one place or need the tool to be portable.

Corded vs cordless

Many power tools offer a corded and cordless option. Most corded power tools run on electricity, so they have a cord plugged into a socket. And a few corded power tools use compressed air, so they are attached to an air compressor via a hose. On the other hand, a cordless power tool is powered by petrol or a rechargeable battery, so it doesn't have a cord.

When deciding whether a corded or cordless power tool is best for you, consider the pros and cons below:

Corded power tool pros:

• The most powerful corded power tools are cheaper than their cordless equivalents

• They run for as long as you need them to without having to change batteries or add fuel 

• Their high power output lets you work on tough materials without any noticeable loss in performance

• As there’s no heavy battery, they tend to be lighter than cordless models

Corded power tool cons:

• Mobility is reduced The cord makes them unsuitable for working up a ladder or on scaffolding

• There are more safety risks 

Cordless power tool pros:

• They are convenient

• They give you greater mobility/portability than a corded power tool as you don’t need to be near a power supply

• They are safer to use than a corded power tool

Cordless power tool cons:

• The most powerful cordless power tools are more expensive than their corded equivalents

• The battery life or fuel tank size limits how long they can be used each time 

• They are usually less powerful than their corded equivalents.

Brushed vs brushless

On power tools, the terms brushed and brushless refer to their motor type. Brushed power tools have a motor that’s driven by small metal brushes. Whereas brushless power tools have a motor with an electronic circuit board and sensor.

For more information, please visit Senix.

The absence of brushes means brushless motors experience less friction and heat build-up than brushed motors, making brushless power tools more efficient and powerful. As a result, power tools with brushless motors are more expensive, but they have a longer lifespan. So, they are cheaper in the long run, particularly if the tool gets heavy, frequent use. 

A sander is used to give a smooth, professional finish to various materials. They can be used to sand wood or remove varnish, paint, and rust from wood and metal.

• How sanders work: All sanders have a base plate with sandpaper attached. When the trigger switch is pulled, a motor is activated, which causes the base plate to move at high speed. The type of movement depends on the type of sander. For example, some sanders have a disc that rotates, some base plates vibrate, and some have a continuous belt that moves round in one direction. The base plate is held against the material being sanded.

• Different types available: 

            - An orbital sander is a sander with a rotating base plate. It's ideal for quickly removing varnish and paint. 

            - A drywall sander is a type of orbital sander specifically designed for sanding down drywall. 

            - A belt sander is used to sand down wood quickly, as is a sheet sander. 

            - A detail sander has a small triangular head to reach corners and tight spaces, so it's best suited to precision work. 

            - A disc sander is a table-top sander designed to remove large amounts of wood.

A common question people ask is what does a hook and loop sander mean? Hook and loop is simply the system used to attach the sandpaper to the base plate. It works like Velcro. 

• Top things to consider when buying a sander: What type of base plate do you need? Choose a rotating base plate for removing paint and varnish, a vibrating or belt base plate for quickly sanding wood, and a triangular-shaped base plate for getting into nooks and crannies. Also, consider the base plate size and speed. A large and fast base plate will get the job done quicker than a smaller, slower base plate but with less precision. Also, does it need to be portable, and is it for infrequent DIY use or frequent professional use. This will help you decide between electric sanders or cordless sanders and power types.

View our range of sanders here.

All power tools must be stored and maintained carefully to ensure they always run safely and perform well. Regular maintenance also increases their lifespan and reduces the risk of breakdowns.

When it comes to storage, all power tools should be kept in a dry place, protected from frost, ideally in their own carry case.

Maintenance varies for each tool type, but generally, you should clear any debris after each use and check all the moving parts for wear and tear. Most power tools will also need their moving parts to be oiled regularly.

For more detailed maintenance tips, read our buying guides for angle grinders, air compressors, nail guns, and welders.

The efficiency of Power Tools is one of the biggest technological advancements that has had a positive effect on industries. One of the most anticipated instruments that are useful for minor tasks as well as in workshops is the power tool. We can provide you with some basic information regarding power tools if you're interested in learning more about them: 

Power Tools: What Are They? 

A power tool is one that uses energy from an additional source in addition to hand labor, which is what hand instruments alone require for operation. In addition to internal combustion engines and compressed air, standard power mechanisms also frequently use electric engines. 

Which is Better: Cordless or Electric Power Tools? 

An electric power tool has the ability to transform electrical energy from an external power source—such as the mains electricity or a battery—into one or more mechanical energy forms. A cordless power tool, on the other hand, is an electrically powered instrument that runs on rechargeable batteries. The most popular power tool in homes and workshops is the cordless drill, or simply cordless drill. Both cordless and electric power tools are equally effective and perform at the same level. There is a distinction between these tools, though.  

A cordless device is battery-operated, whereas an electric device is powered by electricity. Depending on what you need and what works best for your workstation, each has advantages and disadvantages. Boxer tools provides you with all the assistance you require, whether you need to purchase power tools from an online retailer or you just want to learn more about our offerings. Boxer tools stocks all of the hand power tools you might possibly need. The business has resources like:  

• Angle Grinder with Polisher  
  
• Impact wrench 
  
• Impact drill 
• Bench grinder 
  
• Metal cutter 
  

With Boxer tools, you can navigate the process of acquiring the best power equipment for your upcoming project. 

Here are some pointers to help you maintain the condition of your power tool:  

Maintain Power Tool Cleanliness. 

Maintaining power tool cleanliness and dust-free conditions is crucial for maximising their overall longevity. To ensure that the tiny particles adhere to the various components of the apparatus, it is advisable to eliminate the particles that are present on the power tool's events. Alcohol can be used to remove stains on power equipment, keeping them clean. 

Wipe the Power Tools Before and After Use. 

Using a microfiber towel to wipe the power tool is the best option because it eliminates the minuscule particles that are present on its parts. Using a brush or a moist cloth, one can also eliminate the tiny particles from the air vent. To avoid negatively affecting the tool's longevity, the particles must be removed from it. 

Refer to The Power Tools' Manual. 

It is common knowledge that in order to maintain the durability of the moving portion of how to return, maintenance is necessary. Read the handbook to determine the precise kind of oil that works best for the tool's external moving parts if you want to preserve power.  This also holds true for gadgets that need batteries. You should carefully study the instruction manual to learn more about how to extend the life of your battery. 

Keep power tools dry and cool. 

Your efforts will be in waste if you take every precaution to maintain your tool and neglect its most important feature. This includes keeping it in an unclean location. Maintaining your powertools in a dry, cold environment is crucial to preventing moisture from shortening their lifespan. In order to prevent the two from freezing, it is also better to store it in a warmer area throughout the winter. 

Adhere to Power Tool Safety Instructions. 

Because accidents can happen at any time when using power tools, overall safety is the most crucial consideration. Always make careful to unplug the hose or cord when not in use to prevent similar accidents. In order to prevent mishaps, it is also crucial to clean and maintain the tool by replacing the accessories on time. 

Are you interested in learning more about power tool accessories supplier? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Build Your Own Collection of Power Tools.