Power!!

Power tools. Fun to use, they help the working man or do-it-yerselfer get the job done a little quicker, hopefully with a little less effort. I love my power tools. I use them almost every day at work, and could not get by without them.

I've always been partial to DeWalt tools. I like the design, function, features, durability, and reputation they build into their products. In 1999, I bought my first DeWalt cordless drill, a wimpy little 9.6 volt. In 2004, I picked up a little corded 1/4 sheet sander. Since coming to work for my current company, I've acquired a sawzall, drills, and an impact driver. All of the latter are of the cordless variety.

These tools have been babied. They have also been abused. They have seen light duty, and the worst of job sites. While I generally take very good care of my belongings, tools are just gonna get roughed up. They should be made for it. DeWalt might not be the tippy top of the tool world, but they make some pretty damn tough tools, with some nice little whistles and bells, for not too much money, in the grand scheme of things.

If you are in the market for a new power tool, consider the following before making your purchase.

1. Budget. Checking out a $600 circular saw does you no good whatsoever if your budget is $70. First figure out what you can spend comfortably. Then, after going over the rest of this list, if the tools in your range are falling short, bump up your budget and save up some more dough. 

2. Corded or cordless? Will you need to take the tool places where you won't have an A/C outlet? If so, and you go cordless, make sure you stock up on charged batteries. If you aren't near an A/C outlet, your charger won't be either. This also applies if you just want to go with cordless for the hell of it.

3. Brand. This may or may not matter to you up front. Make sure to do some research, get a little familiar with the brands in your budget range. Unless you like tossing your moolah out the window, go with a reputable brand with durability.

4. Icing. This will likely influence the brands you look at. Consider what toys you want/need on the tool. LED illuminators, belt hooks, bit holders, four position blade clamps, pivoting heads, self-sealing stem bolts, whatever tickles your pickle.

5. Accessories/Kit/Finish. What goodies come with your new tool? A bag or hard case? Charger and batteries? Bits/blades? What goodies will you need to buy? Keep these in mind when working up a budget. A gun's no good without ammo. Make sure that the doodads you grab are designed for the job, and will take years of punishment.

6. TOOL. Lastly, make sure you are looking at the right tool for the job. A cordless screwdriver is worthless for drilling. A hammer drill is overkill for putting plates on a lightswitch. Most decent hardware/home improvement stores will have at least one knowledgeable tool guy. If you see a grizzled old feller with more callouses than hair, that's your guy to go to for tool advice.

-Owen