Selecting Small Power Tools
If you have used hand tools for any amount of time for drilling holes, driving screws, or hammering nails, then the first time you use a power tool for the same job, you will feel an incredible sense of possibility. Things don’t take near as long to do or require a large amount of human energy. You feel like you can do anything. Power tools also make routine tasks of building a smaller piece of the whole package, leaving more time for creativity.
The first question when it comes to power tools is: corded or cordless? Corded tools are frequently more powerful than their cordless counterparts, but you have to have electricity or a lot of extension cords around when you run them. Cordless tools give you freedom, but when the battery runs out they are useless and replacing the battery is an expensive proposition. If you use your tools a lot in a shop, you may want corded versions of tools so that you have the power, since a shop is a confined area. If you use tools just occasionally around the house for minor repairs, you might want cordless because you won’t have to haul around an extension cord every time you want to do something.
Another choice you have is air versus electricity. Air tools are hooked by a hose to a compressor which pumps air to the tool. Air pressure causes the tool to work. Tools that drive nails and staples are commonly run on air but you can also get sanders and drills that run on air. There is a small subset of these tools that use air cartridges instead of a hose attached to a compressor (of course the air cartridges add significantly to the expense but there are situations where a cartridge-powered tool would be the only choice). If you have already invested in a compressor because of the need to use a nail gun or staple gun, then you may want to look into some other tools that run on compressed air, keeping in mind that a hose is even more of a pain in the neck than a cord because it is much bulkier.
Finally, you have to decide how much power you need. For example, cordless drills come in a range of voltages, from eight or so to nineteen. The higher voltage tool is going to be more powerful, but you pay for the power. If you use the tool every day, the extra cost will be worth it. If you are a weekend carpenter, go middle range.
The last thing (really the first thing) about power tools is this: the need for safety. You can hurt yourself easily and permanently with a power tool. Wear safety glasses, ear protection, and read those manuals.