9 Things To Look For When Buying Power Tools

Before investing in any power tools, you should do some research. Here are 9 things you need to look for when making a purchase.

Did you know the global power tools market was valued at $32.3 billion in 2020? It’s only expected to keep growing from there.

Power tools are essential for many homeowners. While you can usually rent what you need, sometimes buying one is going to be your best bet. If you’ve never bought a power tool before, though, the entire process can be daunting.

How do you know what you need? Why do these tools look so similar yet so different? Luckily, we’re here to help.

Read on to learn more about the best things to be on the lookout for when buying power tools.

1. Know the Job You’re Doing

It’s essential to get the right tool for the job.

If you’ve never bought a power tool before, take some time before making your purchase to research all your options. Knowing the difference between things like a circular saw and a jigsaw are going to be important.

Different tools have completely different functions. So, if you can’t describe exactly what the thing you’re buying does, it might be best to skip out on it.

2. What’s Included?

Next, you’ll need to know what’s included with the tool you’re buying and what might need to be purchased separately.

One of the most frustrating things in DIY is just getting home with your tool kit, only to realize that it doesn’t have everything you need. It’s important to not get so excited about the new tools that you forget to look and ensure that it’s going to come with everything necessary.

Remember, make sure that you have all the extra blades, drill bits, or sanding belts that you need before you get home.

It’s also smart to ask about battery life and the cost of replacement. If the battery life on the tool you want isn’t that great, but you can swing a second battery, it might be worth it in the end. However, if the cost of replacements is more than it’s worth then it might be best to go with a different option.

3. Don’t Buy More Than You Need

When you’re shopping around for new power tools it can be easy to get excited and buy more than what you need, but that’s a mistake first left avoided.

Pay attention to things like power level or battery life when you’re shopping. A 12V drill is great for a lot of different projects around your home, and even for lighter professional work, but anything higher than an 18V is likely to be more powerful than you need.

If you don’t know what you need, it’s best to just ask for help when you go into your local shop. You’re better off using it and upgrading rather than being so intimidated that you never touch it.

4. Kits Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Don’t overlook tool kits.

A basic set of tools might include a decent electric drill or cordless drill, a circular saw, and maybe a cordless screwdriver. This is more than enough to help you get started, and it’s going to give you a chance to figure out what you do and don’t like.

With some tool kits, you can even customize them so it only contains what you need. A lot of them even come with cases to help you keep everything together.

A kit is also a great place to start building up a collection of drill bits. While these usually come in multi-packs anyway, using the ones that are included with your drill is going to make things a lot simpler throughout your projects. You’ll also have a great handle on the basics, and if you need specialty bits, you can always purchase them separately.

The only time tool kits might pose a problem is if they come in bulky packaging or containment. If this is the case, and you find yourself struggling to take your tools where you need them, it can be smart to invest in a smaller toolbox that you keep empty. When needed, all you have to do is go to your bigger tool collection and fill your smaller bag up with everything you need.

5. Branded or Off-Brand?

Your biggest goal in buying tools should be something sturdy, right for the job, and good value for your money. Buying on brand tools filled with unnecessary features can be exactly that — unnecessary.

It’s important to consider what you’re going to be using them for. If you need something for heavy-duty, intense work during a long term project then your needs are going to differ from a tool that you’re only going to be using around the house occasionally.

6. Storage

As you’re selecting new power tools, it’s important to know where you’re going to store them. They need to be in a place where they won’t cause hazards for children or pets, or by cutting or falling on someone. You should also ensure their storage is secured and locked if they’re left in an area easily accessible to strangers.

Things like extra garage shelving units or lockable storage boxes are great for this purpose — just make sure that your electrical equipment or other battery-operated tools are kept in a cool, dry place. Getting creative with your tool organization is always a great idea too. Also, be careful to not stack all your tools on top of one another. Cords can easily be tangled, and if something happens with one tool in this position, then they’re all going to suffer.

7. Cord or Cordless?

When you’re shopping, you’re going to find plug-in tools are a lot cheaper, more powerful, and more convenient to run than cordless ones are, but they also come with the restriction of a socket. Cordless tools, on the other hand, allow you the freedom of not getting caught up in cords, and they don’t leave you struggling.

Sometimes cordless tools are also less bulky and therefore easier to get into inconvenient corners that you might encounter during your jobs.

No matter what, though, the first cordless tool in your toolbox should be a drill or driver. Which you choose to go with is going to depend solely on the types of projects you’re going to be using it for.

If you get a corded drill, though, it might also be smart to invest in an extra-long extension cord.

8. What Type of Battery?

One benefit that comes with buying power tools in the same brand is the fact that a lot of them come with the same battery. Regardless, many tools tend to share the same type, and you should be on the lookout for those.

Be sure to double-check the battery type before you buy, and remember that certain models are going to last longer than others. Also, be sure to consider their run time and rechargeability.

9. Consider Costs

While considering the initial cost of your power tools is important, it’s also crucial for you to consider the upkeep costs that come with them.

With proper care and maintenance, power tools can usually last a lifetime. Often, your tools will come with a care manual, and following that can get you through, but you must pay careful attention to them.

Reading through reviews on the tools you’re considering can also be helpful here, as a lot of consumers are willing to go in-depth about things like battery life, how often they clean the tool, and any problems they’ve run into with it.

On the other end of that, it’s also crucial to keep your budget in mind. When you’re looking at different tools, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of shiny new toys, but if you’re not careful, you can end up spending a lot more than you originally intended to. Look carefully for deals different hardware stores have during your process as well.

Ready to Start Your Search for Power Tools?

Now that we’ve gone over our best tips for finding power tools, are you ready to get started? Whether you’re building your toolkit for the first time or you’re simply looking to replace the ones you already have, these tips can help you out along the way. If you need help at any point, our guide will be here to help you.

If you still have questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today for more information.