As an amateur trying to keep your house together on your own, you’ve likely heard about power tools and their importance, and how to shop for the right ones. Tips like buy tools that use the same battery, buy refurbished, wait out for the best prices, shop during the holidays and so on and so forth, are all over the Internet.
One question that doesn’t get covered as often is, what power tools should you get started with as a newbie DIY-er? Here are five worth considering:
Drill/Driver
If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll get a drill/driver before anything else. And it makes perfect sense, knowing how much it comes in handy for common tasks like hanging things on the wall. Start with something built on intuitive technology that instantly determines when a screw is flush with wood. Usually with no physical clutch, the tool is self-adjusting.
Random Orbital Sander
Are drawn into woodworking? A power sander couldn’t be more useful. You’ll be fine with sandpaper and a sanding block for fine sanding and small areas, but for table tops and other bigger flat areas, a power tool is indispensable. Get one with variable speed and a dust bag to help you control the mess.
Jigsaw
Though used to cut curves and shapes in most cases, a jigsaw can also be great for making straight cuts with the help of a guide. It may not be the best tool for ripping long sheets of plywood, but it’s still generally preferable to a circular saw. A jigsaw with multiple orbital settings is best to ensure accuracy as well as speed.
Rotary Tool
There are many things you can do with a rotary tool, from grinding to cutting to sanding to polishing, and for basically all minor repairs around the house. The trick is to have several accessories and attachments. There are many high quality brands whose kits come with everything you need to get started.
Cordless Screwdriver
Yes, you can use a cordless drill/driver to drive screws if you have the right bit on it, and it’s also the perfect tool for tougher tasks, like driving a screw into a stud. But you can always store your cordless screwdriver in a kitchen drawer for everyone in the household to use. In simple terms, this tool can put an end to the fatigue and frustration that using an old-fashioned screwdriver usually brings. Preferably, buy a cordless screwdriver that has an adjustable handle that makes it more useful.
As you know, there are more power tools out there that you can explore. But for beginners, the above will be more than enough to help you establish your rhythm.