There are a certain few things that no household should be without - warm beds, a full refrigerator and power tools, to name only a few. Having just a few basic power tools around the house (garage or shop) can simplify nearly every household task. More specifically, there are five life-changing power tools that no homeowner, handyman, or hobbyist should be without.
1. Power Drill
Every household on the block should have either a corded or (preferably) cordless power drill on hand. Having a good drill will simplify common household tasks like tightening the screws in your cabinets, hardware, light sockets, etc; and any repair, renovation, hobby, or do-it-yourself project becomes that much more professional with a good power drill at your disposal. Corded drills are generally a bit more powerful, but present the problem of being anchored to a wall with a power cord. This limitation doesn't present too great an obstacle unless, of course, you need to move from one location to another. The mobility of cordless drills, on the other hand, makes them much more practical for household repairs. Because of their battery, however, cordless drills do tend to carry a bit more weight, but with battery technology advancing nearly every day, cordless drills are becoming as lightweight and powerful as their electrical counterparts. There are many types of drills on the market today from hammer drills with percussive action, to right angle drills for tight-space accessibility. Each of these tools have special designs and capacities to better perform different applications, but a standard power drill is perfectly qualified (if not absolutely necessary) for most household tasks.
2. Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are generally designed for demolition and construction jobs, but at your house, the recipro saw is the master of outdoor landscaping projects and disposal jobs. For all-purpose outdoor pruning, shaping, and cutting (e.g. tree branches) a reciprocating saw completes the outdoor tasks of homeowners with surprising ease and efficiency. Household disposal or demolition applications are also made more simple with a reciprocating saw; its powerful oscillating blade is ideal for dismantling old furniture and outdoor equipment (swing sets or fences), or consolidating yard debris. The very best thing about reciprocating saws is that they will truly cut anything. The saw and blades are designed to slide through nearly any material so no (reasonable) household and backyard chore is too much for a reciprocating saw. It is worth noting, however, that many recipro saws are relatively large and heavy. Of course there are many smaller, more portable varieties that are perfect for yard and household maintenance. Both corded and cordless models are available to best suit specific needs.
3. Circular Saw
A hand-held circular saw is a must-have tool for any homeowner. The circular saw is extremely versatile, probably the most versatile of the power saws, offering up a huge range of applications from rip and cross cutting to cutting slats for fences and decks. Most circular saws are specifically designed to cut wood but most can also be used with specialty blades to cut metal, plastic, and other such materials. Because saws can certainly be intimidating, especially for first time users, the saw does have a blade guard which covers the blade almost entirely to protect users from the notoriously thin and sharp teeth of a circular saw blade. On possibly the most positive note, however, circular saws are incredibly lightweight, versatile, portable, and comfortable to use. Although even the electrical models are surprisingly portable, owning a cordless model eliminates any dependence on outlets or power cords. Ultimately, these saws can go anywhere, and in one package, can do more than most saws on the market. There are certainly specialty saws that may do it a little better than a standard circular saw, but none that do it all so conveniently. Its portability, versatility, and compact size make the circular saw a wonder tool for do-it-yourself-ers.
4. Miter Saw
Ideal for the quickest and most accurate cross cuts, every household should have a miter saw for the inevitable (both indoor and outdoor) remodeling and renovation projects. From household improvements like crown molding to hobby projects like picture frames, miter saws offer a huge variety of benefits to a homeowner. They are simple to use and provide greater precision than most saws on the market. Miter saws have what's called a miter index which allows users to cut at any angle by changing the cut angle in one degree increments. The saw also features built-in capacities at common cut angles for the most precise angled cuts. Because they are large and built with a fence and saw table for accuracy, miter saws are a bit more difficult to move around than a standard circular saw; their mobility, however, rarely presents too great a hindrance to be significant, and the ease and accuracy of their performance makes their relative bulk worth any potential limitations. Ideal for any renovation project or carpentry application from bookshelves, tables, door frames, and fence and deck slats, the miter saw is a dream tool for every homeowner, hobbyist, and do-it-yourself-er. The saw cuts angles with superior exactness and brings a profession appeal to all household projects.
5. Finishing Sander
For home or hobby projects like refinishing, painting, and spackeling, a finishing sander is an indispensable tool. Most finishing sanders are lightweight, and comfortable and easy to use so refinishing an old table top or sanding a rough patch in hardwood flooring, fences, or decks is something most homeowners can easily manage. These sanders are incredibly handy for restoration work, removing paint, or preparing a surface for paint, or stain. Designed to quickly produce the smoothest surfaces, finishing sanders are ideal for every carpentry application from finishing furniture, birdhouses, hardwood floors, and other woodworking projects. Finishing sanders are the most delicate in the sanding family and don't remove all that much material with each pass. This means that, though still in some danger, users are in much less danger of removing too much material from a workpiece. Finishing sanders yield the smoothest results, and with superior comfort and ease of use every homeowner should have a good finishing sander on hand.
As with all power tools and industrial equipment, it is insurmountably important to always be cautious. Even the most seasoned craftsmen can lose a finger if he is not entirely focused and devoted to the task at hand. These five power tools will enhance your home (garage and shop) and your ability to care for it efficiently. In short, love your power tools, use them cautiously, and let them fill your home with the warm glow of professional craftsmanship.
