Hardware Buying Guides

Power Tools Buying Guide

From quick home repairs to renovating cooking spaces and tackling large-scale building projects, a versatile toolset is crucial for safely and effectively carrying out tasks on site. This power tools buying guide covers the must-haves for any trade professional, from preparing pipes to sanding surfaces, and keeping yourself protected. This guide also covers what gear to keep on board, so you are always covered for the day job.

What types are available?

Power drills

No professional should be without this trusty kit at their side and depending on wattage or drill bit type, it is one of the most versatile tools in your arsenal. Some models will allow for powered screwdriving, so be on the lookout for direction control, enhanced torque, and speed. These will make for quick work and will also save space in your van.

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Angle grinders

This powerful equipment is a staple when dealing with heavy-duty materials. They are effective for achieving a clean cut through ceramics, making it essential for jobs in cooking areas or washrooms. Rough surfaces and joins can occur when working with metals, so a grinder will also smooth them out for a flush finish.

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Power multi-tools

Different blade types allow a multi-tool to cut or grind most materials on site, so you can cater for a variety of tasks with just one tool. The parts are easy to switch out on the fly, allowing you to move swiftly from woodwork to metal or tile cutting. This means you save time trekking to the van for equipment or lugging around several bits of kit.

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Power saws

While a hand-operated saw is a must-have, sometimes only a powered model is up to the task. Circular blades are the most robust option, with a rotating disc making precise cuts on big jobs, like cutting work surfaces down to size. Jigsaws use a straight blade and are hand-held, so they are easy to manoeuvre when cutting curves and shapes.

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Impact drivers and wrenches

Designed for large fixings, impact drivers make it easy to create a sturdy fit and professional finish on any project. They have efficient motors that deliver the power needed, saving time and effort on the job. Meanwhile, wrenches can make light work of outdoor decking and floorboards.

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Routers

Some jobs require identical cuts and precise incisions to fit pipework or cabinetry securely. Routers make it simple to achieve this quickly and efficiently. These versatile devices can be used on metal, wood, or plastic, and come with a variety of features to take your cutting game to the next level.

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Essential spares and accessories

Angle grinder discs

To make the most of a powered grinder, different disc types and sizes should always be at hand. Changing accessories for specific tasks, such as cutting or grinding, is vital as it allows for a clean finish. It also helps keep people safe. Using the wrong disc for cutting, for example, could result in flying fragments that put you and others at risk.

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Saw blades

Whether for circular sawing or hand-held equipment, replacement blades provide numerous options for different tasks. Jigsaw spares are designed with specific materials in mind – such as longer blades for deeper cuts in wood. Circular blades feature numerous teeth. Usually, lower numbers cut quicker, while higher numbers offer a neater finish.

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Drill bits

Getting the right drilling bits is crucial for both safety and accuracy. For example, HSS bits are required for drilling metal as they are made from steel and longer in design. Heavy-duty masonry bits must be used for concrete as they are stronger, preventing damage to powered tool motors. Always keep them in good supply – they are easily lost.

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Screwdriver bits

There is nothing worse than being on the job to find the right head is nowhere to be found. Having a varied supply of bits means there is no need to interrupt your work, or rummage for a hand-held screwdriver in the depths of your cab. The right bit will also prevent you shredding a screw, and make sure you achieve a tight and secure fit.

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Multi-tool accessories

The main draw of these are their versatility. So, having various spares and accessories close by is a must. Rounded, segmented blades accurately make deep or long cuts in materials – including wood, metal, or plastic. Other parts can quickly be changed, such as scraping attachments for fiddly renovations tasks on floors or papered walls.

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Routing cutters

Precision is crucial to achieve a clean finish when routing. Choosing a suitable cutter and having multiple types in your kit will make life easier. Standard straight cutters are versatile and cope with most woodworking tasks, while a specialist profile edge cutter is designed to help with bespoke countertop jobs.

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Power tool batteries

Stay topped with the correct batteries, which easily connect to cordless devices. Great for providing backup energy, they will ensure a project runs smoothly without wasting time charging equipment. A wide selection of voltage and brands is available, so it is simple to find a compatible option.

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What to consider before you buy

Safely store away

Exposing powered kit to liquids, dust, or the elements is a sure way to shorten its life. The proper containers keep this valuable gear covered and safe when not in use. Opting for an organiser helps keep different blades, drill bits, and cutters neatly grouped and easy to find. Remember to lock your tools up safely too.

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Illustration of a dust mask and respirator

Keep dust at bay

When working with materials such as brick and wood, powerful cutting and drilling can kick up plenty of dust. In the same way floors and furniture are protected with sheets, personal safety needs the same consideration. Filtered face masks or respiratory equipment will protect against dust and other small particles in the air.

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Keep an eye on danger

With more powerful equipment comes the need to consider safety more seriously. Due to the speed at which blades move and drills rotate, there is a greater risk of injury. When working with materials like metal or glass, eye goggles and glasses protect from small sharp offcuts causing scratches or serious damage.

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Illustration of construction site ear defenders

Stay safe from sounds

Ringing in the ears after a long day on site is more than annoying – it can be a sign of long-term damage. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can have serious effects on your hearing. Ear defenders feature a noise rating measured in dB, so check this to make sure it can cope with the work and tools being used.

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