If you are renovating your home, there are certain power tools you will find indispensable. Good tools will make the work go much faster. Here are the basics for the beginning carpenter.
A good electric drill is the first of these necessary tools. The most convenient drills are cordless and have rechargable power packs. One power pack must be plugged in to an electric outlet so that it can be charging while the drill is being used. Some carpenters, however, prefer a drill with a cord because the power doesn't run down. A good drill is a must if you are installing a door knob or lock and need a perfectly round hole. They also speed up the job of screwing down plywood for a floor or attaching drywall to the wall studs. A good drill will allow you to make pilot holes for larger screws.
The drill you get should have variable speeds, including a very slow one for driving screws and reverse for backing screws out. Drill bits should include a variety of sizes as well as different screwdriver heads.
Power saws are absolutely essential for the do-it-yourselfer as well. There are two types of saws every home owner needs. The first is a circular saw. This model of power saw is often called a "Skilsaw" but that is a brand name. Circular saws are made by many different companies. They can be equipped with different types of saw blades which are designed to cut different types of materials. The standard sized saws use a blade that is is 7-1/4 inches in diameter. The circular saw is most useful for cutting through boards when framing. It is also useful for cutting paneling, siding, plywood, and other materials. To use it properly, the wood needs to be up on sawhorses. This saw, like all power tools, can be dangerous and must be used with care.
The other type of saw that is very useful to anyone doing home renovation is a reciprocating saw. These are often referred to by the trade name "Saws-all." A reciprocating saw has a forward facing blade that is able to cut a hole right through a wall. The reciprocating saw is versatile and powerful for cutting many different materials in awkward positions. It makes the tear-off work of remodeling much easier. It is good for cutting openings in drywall, plywood, siding, and floors. It is powerful enough to cut through nails embedded in wood, as well as through iron pipes. A variety of blades are available for a reciprocating saw, including blades for both smooth and rough cuts in lumber and special blades for cutting metal. Higher amperage indicates a heavier-duty saw. Heavier-duty saws are also heavier saws, so you might want to consider this when choosing one.
When buying power tools, remember you will also need a heavy-duty extension cord in most cases. To save money on this item, consider what you will be using it for. A 25-foot cord may suffice completely and save you the added cost (and hassle) of a 100-foot cord.
Though not technically a "power tool," a little electronic gadget that would come in very handy in home remodeling is a stud sensor. These tools, which come in a variety of styles, are able to locate studs in the wall so you don't have to tap with a hammer and guess.
One last power item the do-it yourselfer needs is a good shop vacuum cleaner. These have great suction and make cleaning up all that sawdust a snap. They do not require you to buy bags, and can clean up wet spills as well as dry. Even the less expensive shop vacs have good suction, but they may need to be replaced every few years if used a lot.
