If you’re a homeowner who does their repairs, there are some power tools that you need. Many of these tools make typical repair jobs easier, which is why we recommend most homeowners have them on hand. While you don’t have to go out and purchase every power tool on this list today, it is a good idea to refer back to this power tools list often and slowly add these essential items to your set.
- CORDLESS DRILL
There’s a reason this tops our power tools list because if you’re going to purchase anything, you should purchase a cordless drill. These drills are usually powered by a battery, which makes them very portable. They also have enough strength to drive screws through thicker materials, like planks of wood. They’re used for many different projects. If you need to put a hole in a wall, wood, or other challenging surfaces, this tool can do it. Corded options are available as well, but they are not as portable as their cordless cousins. - IMPACT DRIVER
This power tool is similar to a cordless drill – and looks like one too. However, they can produce a lot more force than your average drill. They can place larger screws into harder surfaces thanks to their concussive action. They usually accept many different kinds of bits, which makes them very versatile. They’re an excellent tool to have around for more extensive and more demanding projects. - ANGLE GRINDER
Angle grinders are used to grind, cut, and polish a variety of materials. They can even be used to cut through things like steel and tile. Some are powered by compressed air, which will require an air compressor, though others run on electricity or petrol. Angle grinders are different from other grinders because they are at a 90° angle. This helps you get into places you wouldn’t be able to reach otherwise. It also decreases some of the side forces that other grinders produce. - ORBITAL SANDER
An orbital sander is a tool with a circular sanding surface that vibrates in a very confined area. The sanding disk spins while also moving in small ellipses, like the planets orbiting around the sun. Because of this, they are best for getting into corners and against edges. They also leave less apparent marks. These sanders are used for very light sanding, so they’re usually best when used to end a project. They are great for refinishing wood or removing a layer of paint. - IMPACT WRENCH
Next on our essential power tools list is the impact wrench. An impact wrench is a wrench that exerts a large amount of pressure with little work from the user. They create tons of torque. Usually, they used compressed air, though you can find electric models as well. These are great for loosening lug nuts that are too tight or removing screws that are stripped. You should have at least one of these in your toolbox since you don’t know when you’ll need to remove an impossibly tight lug nut. - HEAT GUN
These little devices are straightforward. They beam hot air at a particular target. They’re a lot like a hairdryer, but the air is much hotter. There are many things you can do with a heat gun. Many people use them to shrink material, dry wood, bend plastic, and even thaw frozen pipes. Because they’re so versatile, they’re an excellent tool to have around.