An Upgraded Tool Kit

We have previously discussed basic tools for a basic household tool kit, BUT to upgrade your basic tool kit you MUST add power tools. Power tools run on electric energy as its source of power that can either be stored in a battery or enabled using a power plug-in cord. Power tools give rise to efficient repair and building of structures which will ultimately reduce work time. Power tools were initially engineered by our ancestors of ancient Egypt, they were used to design the various pyramids and ruins that remain standing today. In this article I will discuss the MUST have power tools to upgrade your basic tool kit. ***SAFETY ALERT!! Use caution and wear protective equipment for your eyes & hands when operating power tools,  they move very quickly and small objects may fly when working. 

The power drill

I have had the privilege of living in a few major cities and one thing that they all had in common was construction. I frequently observed the paving of roads, the installation of beams & bridges, the building of housing units & businesses, as well as, the placement of signs; all of this work required the use of power tools. We previously discussed the manual phillips and flat-head screwdrivers to repair and build structures that are necessary but time consuming. Fortunately our Ancestors laid the foundation for power tools that we have today. One can conclude that time and precision were factors in their pursuits to assist us with building today. 

A drill is multifunctional around the house, it can drill holes by removing material using drill bits of various sizes. A drill bit is a smaller tool used to cut and crush materials. They enable the drill to create holes through wood, metal, plastic, ceramic tile, porcelain and concrete. There are 20 types of drill bits including types that act as a flat-head and phillips screwdrivers. 

☆ The main parts of a drill are:

1. Chuck- area where drill bit is placed

2. Grip

3. Power source

4. Reverse switch 

5. Trigger

Power Saws

Although manual saws were not mentioned in this article series they do in fact serve a purpose from cutting 2x2's to particle board. However the wear and tear on your body may not make the manual saw your go to when repairing and building. The first circular saw was invented by a woman in 1812 and the first power saw invented in 1923. 

A circular saw is a portable tool that can cut straight lines on wooden boards and saw 4x4's to a specific length; some circular saws have enough power to cut metal and concrete. The circular saw can be powered either by an electric cord or battery that must be charged for the cordless function. 

☆ The main parts of the circular saw are:

1. Angle scale- used to measure and mark angle

2. Blade

3. Blade guard- it covers the blade and is retractable 

4. Electric cord

5. Handle

6. Power switch 

The jigsaw can be used to cut irregular curves, shapes and designs into wood, metal and other materials. 

☆ The main parts of the jigsaw are:

1. Electric motor- housed in the body of the machine 

2. Saw blade

The electric chain saw is powered by either an electric cord or cordless function and can be used for trimming trees, tree removal and chopping firewood. 

☆ The main parts of the electric chain saw are:

1. Hand guard- a release for the chain brake

2. Power switch

3. Rear handle

4. Saw chain

5. Tubular handle 

Power Sanders

Sanders are an underrated tool that deserves some shine as if not for them wooden surfaces could never achieve their smooth texture without them. Prior to the invention of the power sander carpenters and builders had to rely on the manual use sandpaper and a block requiring them to push back and forth to obtain the desired smoothness. Imagine the number of splinters had to be removed during this process. A power sander can be used to smooth, polish or clean wood, plastic and metal surfaces. There are three types of sanders: belt sander, disc sander and orbital sander. 

A belt sander is used for sanding smoothing and leveling wood surfaces; they can strip down a piece of wood rapidly. 

The main parts of a belt sander are:

1. Belt guards

2. Power switch

3. Sanding belt

4. Tension knob

A disc sander can be used to smooth wood and prep metal prior to welding. 

The disc sander has the following parts: 

1. 10" disc

2. Adjustable work table and table lock

3. Motor

4. Power cord

5. Wheel guard

The orbital sander is used for the utmost smooth sanding of wood, plastic and metal; they serve as a finishing type of sander.

☆ The main parts of an orbital sander are:

1. Body- houses the motor

2. Handle

3. Palm grip

4. Power cord

5. Power switch

6. Sanding pad