A beginner’s guide to power tools

Power tools buying guide

With the right power tools, you can bring endless possibilities to your DIY projects and home improvements. Knowing where to start and what you need can seem daunting. If you’re thinking about investing in some power tools and starting your DIY journey, we’ve put together this helpful guide to navigate what power tools you need and what they do. 

The world of power tools

Power tools are operated by an external power source such as electricity or petrol, rather than relying on manual labour. They are important and often vital for completing certain DIY tasks. Power tools usually yield more precise results, plus they’re quicker to use than hand tools.

The different types of power tools

There’s a huge range of power tools on the market, here are the most common types of power tools for home improvement:

Power drills - Drills are used for making holes and loosening or tightening screws. You will need a drill for home DIY jobs like putting up shelves and assembling furniture. For more information on drills, take a look at our drill buying guide.

Impact drivers and wrenches - An impact driver is used for fastening or loosening bolts, screws and nuts into hard materials, although similar to a drill, impact drivers are usually more powerful and may be required for tasks such as screwing long nails into thick wood. An impact wrench (also called an impact gun) has the same use as an impact driver but with even more power and is used for heavy-duty nuts and bolts.

Electric saws - Used for cutting through hard materials, power saws are needed for cutting wood, masonry and metal. Find out more with our power saw buying guide.

Sanders - Electric sanders are perfect for getting a smooth finish on woodwork. You can use a sander to eliminate imperfections when upcycling old furniture or to remove old paint and varnish before applying a new layer and freshening up your space.

Angle grinder - An angle grinder is a power tool used for grinding, cutting, polishing, and sharpening hard surfaces like metal or concrete. If you are cutting ceramic tiles to redecorate, or taking up some landscaping and cutting pavers, you will more than likely need to use an angle grinder.

Nail guns - Nail guns are commonly used for laying floor or fencing. Essentially any job that requires repetitive and frequent nailing will need a nail gun. As you’ll get pretty tired using only a hammer.

Electric screwdrivers - Lighter and smaller than drills, screwdrivers are used for driving screws only. Screwdrivers are generally less powerful and easier to control, making them perfect for smaller tasks like tightening fixtures and fittings or flat-pack furniture assembly.

 Things to consider when buying power tools

Before diving right in and purchasing every power tool you see, you need to consider factors such as the power source and ergonomics.

Corded vs. cordless power tools - The choice between a corded or a cordless power tool will depend on the task, how long it will take, whereabouts in the home your DIY job is - and your personal preference. Corded power tools have a constant power supply and are generally more powerful. Cordless power tools offer more mobility and convenience, and you don’t have to worry about being near a plug socket. 

Ease of use - If you are a DIY novice and particularly if this is your first time using power tools, you will want to opt for equipment that is beginner-friendly. For example, you should choose power tools that aren’t too heavy or have a significantly high amount of power, as you may not be able to control them easily and could injure yourself or damage the material you’re working with.

Price range and budget - Depending on what DIY jobs you’re planning to do, whether they are regular maintenance jobs or a one-off project, will dictate how much you may want to spend on your power tools. A great solution to this is our tool hire service, where you can rent a power tool for a limited amount of time without fully committing to the product. 

Safety first: Power tool safety

It is very important to consider safety when using power tools. Always wear the correct safety gear and read all instructions carefully before using a power tool, ensuring you understand exactly how it works and how to use it.

Maintenance and care of power tools

The maintenance and storage of power tools are essential to ensure the longevity of your equipment and that they keep optimal performance.  Generally, regular cleaning, inspecting for damage, proper storage and using the right accessories are key to prolonging the life of your power tools. However, you should always read the manufacturer’s manual to know how to specifically care for your power tool.

Starting your DIY journey with the right power tools

You can start your DIY journey with confidence, equipped with the right power tools. For more guides and information on how to use power tools for home improvement, check out our tools and equipment advice.