Power tools are very expensive. When all said and done, these tools can add up to be a big expense. So when buying a power tool you want to make sure you are getting the most for your money, and also that you are buying the right power tool. Just because your buddy owns a certain tool that it’s the best tool for you. You don’t want to buy a tool that is pure overkill on power or even worse, underpowered.
That’s why when you buy a power tool you want to look at the important aspects of the tool. Sometimes this can be confusing. One important question to ask yourself is, “What kind of user am I ?” Once you find this out, choosing the right brand of tool is a lot easier. After you decide what kind of user you are, you need to look at some important aspects, such as corded vs. cordless, amps and horsepower, return policies and more.
Kind of User
A power tool is an extension of your hands, like Edward Scissor Hands. If you have the right tool and a quality tool, you can create or fix just about anything.
One important question you need to ask yourself is, “What kind of user am I ?” If you are a light homeowner user, you can get away with a less expensive brand such as Ryobi. A light homeowner user probably will not put a lot of use and abuse on the tools. In addition, power is not as big a deal. Remember more power usually means more weight in the tool. Ryobi designs their tools for the homeowner. They are quality built and inexpensive.
If you are a serious home user or contractor, go with a good brand name such as Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch, Makita or another professional brand. These manufacturers pride themselves on making the best tools. They are constantly putting money into their research and development process to make these tools even better. These professional power tools cost more, but they are made with better technology and materials. They also have a better design that causes less fatigue on the user. In addition, these tools are made to last the abuse of a job site.
Quality Tool
The tools mentioned above are good quality tools. I would suggest staying with a quality tool manufacturers for a couple different reasons, but the main reason is efficiency.
These power tools will last you a lifetime. They are designed by companies who have been in the business for a long time and they understand power tools. They understand quality, safety, and what makes a good tool. These tools are more efficient, meaning they can actually transfer more power from the input or battery to the output. This means less work for the user and less frustration for the worker. Learn more about the difference between cheap power tools and professional power tools.
Corded Vs. Cordless
Corded power tools tend to have a little more power and are great for high demand application, while the cordless have the versatility.
Battery technology has come such a far way in recent years, a cordless tool is really the way to go. Technology will only become better.
If you are going to mix mud or something that requires heavy use, then yes, corded is the way to go.
Return policy
Power tools are expensive and no matter how carefully any company watches for defects, they will always get one or two that pass them by. You never know what will happen. These companies do a very good job and have very low returns on their products, but as a consumer, you always want to be prepared. I would suggest going with a store that has an exceptional return policy, such as Amazon. They have been voted year after year as one of the most return friendly stores around. Amazon is also a good place to go because they have user ratings from real people who have used the tools. Just make sure you know your return policy from whatever store you buy from.
The Home Depot or other home centers are great because you can actually touch and feel the tool to make sure it’s right for you.