When professionals and do-it-yourselfers need powerful tools, they reach for their power tools. Power tools are great for getting jobs around the home done quickly. Finding discount power tools on Overstock.com will help you complete your collection. Or if you're just beginning a collection of tools, we can help you get started. We've created this power tools buying guide to help you decide which power tools are best for you.
Power tools are either corded or cordless, meaning that they use a battery. Power tools can also include gas-powered tools, such as a chain saw or weed/yard trimmer. The first rule for buying power tools is to buy quality tools. Don't skimp and buy cheap power tools thinking that you'll make them last. Cheap power tools are cheap for a reason. Overstock.com has a great selection of power tools that are anything but cheap; quality power tools at discounted prices are what we're known for.
Cordless power tools use batteries to provide power and torque. Their batteries are rechargeable, which enables them to last longer.
Drills and BitsDrills are used for drilling holes in various materials and are most commonly used in woodworking and metal working. Most drill sets come with a variety of the most used sizes of drill bits. You can also find drill bit sets.
A handy tip for using cordless power drills is to have one or two spare battery packs charging while you're drilling. This way you can easily switch out batteries without waiting hours to charge them.
Saws and bitsSaws and bits are used for cutting wood or other materials. Power saws aren't usually cordless; however, they certainly can be. The most common cordless saws you'll find are:
Corded power tools are often viewed with more favor than cordless power tools because of their ability to provide continuous power. The only draw back for corded power tools is their cord, which limits their portability.
Drills and BitsCorded power drills have continuous power which makes them ideal for slightly tougher jobs that a cordless power drill may struggle with, especially as its battery life wanes. Drill sets are usually the best deals since they include the drill bits you'll need and use most frequently.
Saws and BladesSaws and blades are used for cutting wood or other materials and can be hand-held or table-mounted saws. If you have a large building project, then you should have a variety of saws on hand.
Routers use a variety of bits and attachments for cutting and carving, sanding and grinding as well as polishing wood. Wood routers are great for pattern makers and staircase makers because of their decorative cutting and routing abilities.
The common router cutters are: beading, chamfer, cove, dado, dovetail, rabbeting, Roman ogee, round nose, round over and V-groove.
SandersSanders are rotary tools used to smooth wood and automotive or wood finishes. Auto body sanders are pneumatic and work with compressed air, while woodworking sanders are usually powered with electricity.
Sanders include: belt sanders, disc sanders, oscillating spindle sanders, orbital sanders, random orbital sanders, stroke sanders and drum sanders.
LathesLathes are also rotary tools; these tools spin a block of material to perform a variety of operations such as cutting, sanding, knurling (diamond-shaped, criss-cross pattern is cut or rolled into metal), drilling or deformation. Lathes are used in woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, glass working and pottery (potter's wheel).
Heat GunsHeat guns emit a stream of hot air ranging in temperature from 200-1,400°F. Heat guns are used to dry and strip paint, heat-shrink tubing, dry damp wood, bend and weld plastic, soften adhesives and thaw frozen pipes. There are smaller versions with lower heat output that are used in crafting, specifically in embossing.
Yard power tools are generally gas powered tools. They make yard care easier, but because of the gas tank, they can be heavy. There are corded versions of some of these power tools. Yard power tools include yard trimmers, lawn mowers and cultivators. Chain saws can also be considered yard tools if you have a lot of timber to clear in your yard.
Power tool sets are an inexpensive way to purchase the quality tools you want. Tool sets come with all of the attachments you're likely to need. To find the power tools you'll use most at the best prices, shop for power tool sets in the tools department.
Power tool accessories include many things, such as lights. Look for accessories for your power tools and keep working on your projects after the sun goes down. If you are working with metal and would like a more polished piece, look for metal polishing kits in power tool accessories.
Are cordless or corded power tools better?
They are both great tools; however, their usefulness to you depends on what you want to do with them. If you plan to work in one area, such as with house building, corded tools are great. They will deliver the power and torque you need. If you plan to be wandering around the house fixing things, go for cordless power tools. There is no reason to tangle yourself up in cords. Remember to always have one or two battery packs charging so you can swap out the old for the newly charged.
What about air tools? I've heard those were pretty powerful.
Indeed they are powerful, and perfect for those hard jobs around the work site. Air tools are also called pneumatic tools and use compressed air to power the tool; the hose acts as a cord and the air compressor is the power outlet. However, for most around-the-home types of jobs, they may have too much power. If you work on cars a lot, air tools may be a worthy purchase. Also, if you are planning to build something large, such as a house, then you definitely want air tools. For more information on air tools, browse the home store and check out the air tools buying guide.
What kind of torque settings should I look for in a power drill, and how will that affect my work?
For cordless power drills there are generally two ratios or settings which are normally selected by changing gearing. The high setting is for drilling; the low setting is for driving screws. When buying, look for cordless power drills with the widest range between the two. Remember: a higher voltage means more drilling power, but it can also mean more weight. Don't buy a drill you won't need just because it has more voltage. Regular 12-volt power drills are powerful enough for most do-it-yourself users.
For corded power drills find one with a larger motor that you are still able to handle. A smaller wattage, such as around 500 watts, is fine for drilling small holes and infrequent use, but for more heavy-duty usage, a larger motor with more wattage will last longer.
Torque will affect your work if you use either too much or too little. If you start drilling without care you risk stripping your screw or bolt and destroying the wood or metal you are working with. Be careful to only use enough power to finish the job. Also, if you're using too low of a setting, you'll be at it for a long time.
What kind of safety features should I get on a circular saw?
Power saws can be pretty dangerous if used incorrectly. Knowing which safety features your circular saws, as well as other power saws, have is a great idea, and a good question to ask. Your power saws should have blade shields if they are table saws or the blades are exposed anywhere but the bottom where you cut. There are drop-down shields as well on many power table saws. Also look for anti-snag guards for other hand-held power saws. For all power saws, look for double insulation to protect the user from electric shock. If your power saws don't offer double insulation you will need to ground the saw.
Remember these things about saws:
Gifts
Power tools make great gifts for men and women. There are even pink handled tool sets being made (probably to keep the guys from taking tools from girls) as well as a plethora of lighter versions of tools. Men love tools, women will love their tools, and as we all know, kids love tools; pick up a tool set for your teen before he wanders off with yours. Tool sets make great gifts for shop and auto students. With power tool sets, be wary. Make sure your teen is ready for these tools.
Home Improvement
Is your home beginning to be the home that not a single home on the block envies? Even that crazy neighbor with all of the cats turns her nose up at your home.that's never a good sign. It's time to pick up some power tools and fix up your home! Don't wait until the stair railing falls off; start your home improvement efforts now. If you are a beginner, it's always a good idea to have help. Find books and DVDs on home improvement projects or pick up DVD sets of your favorite do-it-yourself home improvement shows from television.