The 4 Best Power Tools for Homeowners

Home maintenance can be a tough job if you are not properly equipped with the right tools. Something as simple as installing a shelving unit can become a laborious task using hand tools. Other than the old tool box and hammer, you may want to consider purchasing some power tools to make working on your home much easier.

Before buying any power tool make sure you know how to use it. If you don't know how to use it, it's not only useless but possibly dangerous. With the help of 4 or 5 different power tools repairing decks, drilling holes, fixing stairs, and other home repairs will be much easier. Here are some suggestions on what types of power tools homeowners should purchase.

Whenever possible your power tools should be corded. Batteries can be convenient but they aren't as powerful as a grounded source and they eventually die. For jobs that could last all day or all weekend you will want a reliable power source so you can get done on time. Corded power tools offer the user more power and never need to be recharged. If cost is a factor in your purchases, you may want to consider purchasing the battery powered tools because they are cheaper. Overall, power tools that have cords are more reliable, more powerful, and last longer than their counterparts.

It may seem obvious but all homeowners should purchase a good quality wet/dry vac. Shop Vac has been around for years and they make a very sturdy vacuum that's available in all sizes and price ranges. Of course bigger is better because a smaller vacuum requires you to empty the canister more often. A good Shop Vac can clean up saw dust, dirt, flood waters, car interiors, and more, easily.

Make sure there is an air filter somewhere on the vacuum so the air expelled does not contaminate the air you're breathing. Your Shop Vac should have a long cord of at least 20 feet or better so you can reach places far from an outlet. Most wet/dry vacuum's come with many attachments so you can clean a variety of things and spaces. The hose on some Shop Vac's is interchangeable from sucking to blowing so a vacuum like this can also help pile leaves, and blow dirt from sidewalks and driveways.

If you don't already own a drill you should buy one. Not only is a drill perfect for making holes, but you can put all kinds of attachments on it like buffing heads or screw bits. Of all the tools a homeowner will buy, the drill is probably the most important because of its ability to help with multiple tasks. When looking for a drill find one that is light and easy to handle.

The grip should be comfortable in shape, size, and texture. If you want to buy a cordless drill don't expect it to do wonders. Most cordless drills are weak in power and have a hard time turning into hardwoods and other hard surfaces. You are better off buying a corded model up to 20 amps. With the right drill and drill bit you could easily make holes in the hardest of woods and composite materials. For $40-$60 you can buy a drill that will easily last for 10-15 years, or more.

When it comes to cutting plywood and other boards you will need a circular saw. As with the drill, your circular saw should be lightweight and easy to use. If the circular saw feels heavy in your hand it is likely you will have trouble moving it evenly through wood and lumber. Choose a model that you are comfortable using. For about $100 you can buy a decent circular saw that will last a long time. Routine maintenance like changing the blade often will keep it in top shape for years. If you want to spend a little bit more money you can by a professional model for about $175.

Because a circular saw cannot cut circles or curves you are going to want a jigsaw as well. There are many portable jigsaws that can cut curves and patterns with ease. A jigsaw is a reciprocating saw that can cut through just about anything. For about $50 you can buy a great jigsaw but you can get a decent one for about $35. A jigsaw can come in really handy for small jobs like trimming tree branches, repairing handrails, and for cutting shapes or letters. As with the other power tools, your jigsaw should be easy to hold and lightweight, preferably with a cord for added reliability.

There are lots of other power tools that could come in handy for the homeowner, and even do it yourselfers will love these tools. The list could go on and on but the four tools named above should cover most jobs. For only $200-$300 you could buy the vac, drill, circular saw, and jigsaw. If you can spend more money you may also find it helpful to have an electric sander, air compressor, and reciprocating saw. Corded power tools will offer the best reliability and last for years, but battery powered tools are cheaper and you can run many on the same battery as long as you buy the same brand.

The power tool market offers a wide variety of price ranges and an even larger number of brands. Craftsman, Black and Decker, DeWalt, and Bosch all make great power tools. You may also be able to purchase a combo kit that has 3-5 power tools included and save money over buying each piece separately. You may be able to get a great deal on a combo kit which is ideal for smaller budgets. In combination with your power tools you should of course have some screwdrivers, a hammer, wrenches, pliers, wire cutters, electrical tape, masking tape, some nails and screws, lubricant like WD40, and some silicone sealer.