The recent technological advancements we have experienced over the last few decades have opened the way for the development of various applications and tools. These tools and applications have been designed with the sole aim of reducing the time, resources, and energy that you would ordinarily use to carry out an activity. Many of these tools are currently used in various industries, homes, professions, and even hobbies.
In fact, power tools are used in virtually every profession, in one form or another. Through the use of electricity, compressed air, or combustion, these tools afford users the opportunity to complete tasks easily and faster than almost anyone using traditional tools.
For clarification, it’s fair to say that power tools are any tools that are activated or actuated by an additional power source or process that is completely different from what hand tools offer.
Currently, most of the power tools available today are powered by an additional electric motor, while others make use of combustion engines, steam engines, fossil fuels, propellants, and compressed air. To help you grasp the idea behind the development of these tools, this piece will discuss a few types of power tools, their benefits, as well as other key aspects of these tools.
Types of Power Tools
Whether you love working with machines or hand tools, there’s a possibility that you reach for them all the time to complete tasks at home or at your job. The ubiquitous nature of power tools has made people take them for granted. Prior to the invention of power tools, most people did not have efficient and powerful tools to make use of, which is why industrialization of the world did not occur until power tools became readily available. This simply means that before people had power tools, they had to use handmade tools to carry out all types of activities, in the process spending hours, days, weeks, or years on a single small project.
Fortunately, things have changed. Power tools have been designed to enable us to carry out tasks easily and efficiently.
A list of every power tool ever invented could fill a skyscraper, so this only includes some of the most common power tools.
1. Air Compressor
As the name implies, this power tool compresses air using either electricity or gasoline usually. The compressor has been built to discharge pressurized air into something like a storage container until its maximum pressure limit has been achieved. The idea behind this tool is that it sucks in air in its tank until it creates a condensed version that can then be used to power other tools or shoot jets of air out for a variety of purposes. The tank capacity and the power will depend entirely on the type of air compressor you choose.
This power tool comes in two different options: portable and stationary. Currently, there are tons of air compressor brands out there, endeavor to pick one that suits your needs. This power tool is specifically used in the cleaning industry. It can be used to paint, clean, fill air tires, power up pneumatic tools, and also fill gas cylinders. They are also one of the essential devices you will find in an air conditioner.
2. Electric Jackhammer
This is one of the powerful power tools you will find on the market at the moment. Basically, an electric jackhammer offers chiseling and hammering functions. Some electric jackhammers make use of air compressors while others make use of power from electric motors.
To get started with this powerful tool, all you need to do is drive the hammer down to touch the back chamber, then power it up, moving the hammer back to its starting position.
The speed and efficiency of the hammer will depend on the amount of force you put into it. Just like your hammer, this electric-powered tool can be used to break hard surfaces and even rock in construction works that are similar.
3. Trimmer
This is the tool you make use of when you want your garden to look good. This power tool has been designed to help you cut or trim your garden. Unlike the traditional option of using a machete to trim your garden or lawn, this power tool is capable of efficiently carrying out this task without stress: all you need to do is turn it on.
Instead of a regular blade, trimmers have been built with monofilament lines. This tool has proven to be quite helpful when it comes to cutting grass and weeds, as well as cutting irregular terrain.
This tool is usually powered by a gasoline engine. However, there is an influx of electric-powered trimmers all over the market right now. As mentioned earlier, trimmers are primarily used for cutting grass, cutting irregular terrain, as well as giving your plants a beautiful structure. Interestingly, it can also be used for various other gardening practices as well.
4. Angle Grinder
Commonly referred to as side grinders or disc grinders, angle grinders are handheld power tools that are capable of cutting and grinding through basically anything, from various objects like railings to materials like stone.
Like some of the power tools, the angle grinder is powered by compressed air using an electric panel or motor. As the name of this power tool implies, it is geared at a right angle, mounted on a disc, and uses an adjustable handle or guard to help you reach those tiny spaces you can’t fit into.
This tool can be used to remove excess materials from pieces as well as tough edges on a rough surface. While making use of this tool, it is advised that you are careful as this tool makes a lot of noise and can be dangerous if used improperly like any other power tool.
5. Table Saw
This power tool, as the name suggests, has been attached to a table with the blade positioned in such a way that it sits through a slot. With the saw positioned in this way, whatever you need to have cut or sawed can be easily moved around the machine.
Like most of the other power tools mentioned, the table saw is powered by electricity. Most often, table saws are designed to be driven by a gear or even belts.
One of the core features of this tool that sets it apart from any of the other tools is the singular fact that it can be easily adjusted to meet the needs of the user. Depending on the length, you may move this saw to enable you to carry out various cutting tasks or activities efficiently. They are also ideal for horizontal and vertical cuts, especially those cuts that are quite difficult to make with either a skill saw or any other hand-held power tools.
Unlike the traditional table saw that lacks portability and convenience, this power tool happens to offer rare features. Unsurprisingly, the table saw is commonly used in construction sites.
For additional comfort, most table saws have been built with wheels that enable users to move them around.
The idea behind the development of a power tool is to lessen a burden by making the job easier and more efficient. The table saw offers these features and more.
6. Drill
This is one of the most common home power tools ever invented. While there were hand-cranked drills in the past, the advancement of technology we have experienced over the last century has ushered in different types of drills, some more efficient than others. Power drills have been built to enable you to carry out many different jobs. Whatever you want to drill, this tool affords you the opportunity to do so easily.
Drills are one of the most essential tools you will need to have in your home. They are mostly used for putting things on walls or assembling furniture. It is an ideal power tool that can be used in the making of furniture, metalwork, construction, as well as other valuable uses.
To enable you to pick out the best drill for your home, it is important that you take into consideration the type of work you will be planning to use it for in addition to the size of the drill.
7. Paint Sprayer
If you’ve ever used a brush to paint a large wall, then you will agree that it is one of the most tedious jobs out there. Aside from being difficult, normal brushes take a lot of time to get the job done. Depending on the size of the wall or object, you may spend days if not weeks painting with a brush. Paint sprayers, like most of the other power tools, have been designed to help you complete these tasks easily. In addition to that, this tool tends to leave evenly-smoothed surfaces better than traditional paint brushes.
There are tons of paint sprayers out there that you can choose from. Some come with different power sources and different nozzles for various textures. Some, on the other hand, are pneumatic, meaning that you may need to get tiny airbrushes for certain tight corners. The ideal paint sprayer to choose should have a sizable reservoir and should also be easy to fill.
8. Miter Saw
This is a practical power tool that has been built for cutting single pieces of wood. Unlike the traditional pieces of equipment, this power tool makes your work easier while saving you time that can be used to carry out more tasks. While this tool usually uses 10-inch blades, there are tons of 14-inch models you can get your hands too. Either size will fulfill most of your cutting needs, though a 14-inch blade is generally better for large projects.
Like the table saw, the miter saw is capable of cutting through objects at an angle. Although it is not as adjustable as a table saw, it is capable of getting the job done. There are actually different miter saw types, including:
- Compound miter saw — its blade has been built to turn in a single left to right position.
- Sliding compound miter saw — this type of miter saw uses a circular arm that makes it incredibly easy for you to chop specific lengths of wood easily.
- Double compound miter saw — as the name implies, the double compound miter saw slopes in multiple directions, thus, making it flexible.
Like other power tools, the miter saw has been built to be convenient and powerful tool for carrying out all cutting tasks.
9. Jointer
Jointers have been built to help you smooth out or flatten the edges of a surface, wood especially. In addition to smoothing out wood pieces, it can also be used to cut the width and breadth of a piece as well.
One of the core reasons for the development of this tool is offering accurate and precise cuts. Most times, when you cut wood with traditional tools the edges are mostly rough and uneven. Fortunately, with a jointer, you never have to go through this. You can easily sharpen the edges for more accurate and beautiful work.
Jointers are sometimes referred to as planners or buzzers too.
10. Nail Gun
Otherwise referred to as a nailer, a nail gun is used to drive nails into wood or any other material. While hand-held hammers can give this same result, there are a couple of things that sets this tool apart from hammers. Nail guns are used in situations where hand-held hammers will not be as efficient, such as roofing.
This tool, depending on the model and brand, is either powered by compressed air, flammable gases, or electricity. It is most of the time used by carpenters for flooring, finishing, and also roofing. Workers can also make use of this tool when carrying out woodwork projects.
Benefits of Power Tools
Clean Regularly
This is the very first maintenance rule you need to take to heart. These tools, regardless of their functions or type, should be cleaned properly after each shift and should also be cleaned before they are stored away for the night. With the help of a clean cloth, you should clean out specks of dirt as well as other particles from these tools.
One of the best power tools to use for this is the air compressor. Instead of using a brush to clean large tools, an air compressor can easily reach tight spots for easy cleaning. A brush may push the dirt further into tight spots and may advertently cause serious damage to your tool.
Allow Hot Tools to Cool Down
Using a tool regularly puts stress on this tool and may result in the tool becoming overheated before breaking. Your tool tends to overheat when you’re working on tough materials that are hard to break.
It can also happen when you use a tool for a long time without letting it cool off. If your tool starts to heat up while making use of it, you need to immediately turn it off. This will ensure that certain parts do not get burned.
Use Lubricants
To keep all the moving parts on your tool working perfectly, lubricants are a must. Lubricating differs from one tool to another. To help you do this the right way, you need to consult the manufacturer’s manual. Most power tool brands have a step-by-step guide on how you can lubricate their tools. Endeavor to follow the guidelines.
Constantly Sharpen Blades
This is as important as lubricating the moving parts. Blunt or dull blades will not get the job done. You need to regularly sharpen the blades to ensure accurate and precise cuts. Consistently making use of dull blades will affect the overall tool and may result in overheating.
Although there are several blade sharpening tools out there, it is important that you opt for one that is capable of giving your power tool razor-sharp blades (usually).
Have Worn-Out Parts Replaced Immediately
Most people tend to ignore this important maintenance tip. If you own a power tool, then you should know that you need to replace worn-out tools regularly. Before each work shift, it is advised that you take a careful look at your tool. Your attention should be on the parts: look out for any damage or something that looks odd.
Switch assemblies and power cords are some of the parts that tend to get damaged quicker. Change them as soon as they get damaged. In addition to changing worn out parts, it is equally important that you store these tools in a safe, clean, and dry place. This prevents dust and other particles from getting in and damaging vital parts.
Conclusion
In this piece, we have discussed some of the power tools you can get your hands on right now. This piece also shares maintenance tips that are oftentimes overlooked.
