As the cheap power drill ground to a halt in my hand and blew the circuit breaker, my friend the contractor told me one thing that I’ve taken as gospel since that day: “You can skimp on some things, but not on power tools.”
Since that unfortunate and embarrassing experience with power tools in front of a guy who depends on quality tools to make a living, I’ve been a convert. I believed the promotional drill from the discount store would be just as good for my use as anything from Makita Tools, Bosch Tools, or Milwaukee Tools. I was wrong. At the first sign of pressure, that cheap little drill bit the dust.
Buying the Right Tools
So, I started building a collection of quality power tools from companies like Festool, Dewalt, and Makita. These aren’t the heavy-duty professional-grade versions my contractor buddy would use on a job, but they have the quality I need as a busy homeowner.
If you’re a home-owner, that also makes you a tool-owner. There’s always something going on around the house that requires good power tools.
You Know the Drill
My drill is from Makita Tools. I chose the 9.6 volt cordless version. It amazes me what that rechargeable drill can do. There are jobs I’ve used it on that I was sure would require a power cord. Just as a backup, I also have a corded drill from Dewalt Tools. The 1/2 inch chuck is good for drilling masonry or thick beams.
Sanders That Aren’t Burn-ie
I had a sanding project on my hands when I decided to refinish the kitchen cabinets on my own. This is dirty work that puts a lot of pressure on a sander. I didn’t mess around with any false bargains. I bought a palm-sized quarter-sheet sander from Festool. Not only is it durable and effective – it doesn’t even make my hand heat up like so many others.
A Perfect Vacuum
Even my shop vacuum needed an upgrade. I found the old one didn’t stand up to any abuse at all. I found my 7.5 gallon vacuum from Milwaukee Tools can take anything I throw at it, and still asks for more.
Reciprocation is Nice
I think my best purchase was my Bosch reciprocating saw. That thing is unstoppable on any project. I’ve installed pet doors, dryer vents, and even opened a new doorway with it. It takes any size and type of blade necessary to get the job done.
Owning a home isn’t cheap, so the tools you use to maintain and enhance that home shouldn’t be cheap, either. There’s an old adage about “penny-wise and pound-foolish” that still applies, even if we don’t use British pounds anymore. Buy the right tools the first time, and you won’t have to buy them again. You may be able to learn more information at Mississauga Hardware.