Previously, we talked about how to choose the right hand tools for your garage. Obviously, having a mechanic tool kit well-stocked with essentials like wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers is crucial.
So, where do power tools come in? Are they really worth the splurge? If so, which ones should you start with?
Let’s find out.
Benefits of Using Power Tools
Let’s say you’ve got all the hand tools you need.
Why would you want or need to add power tools?
Speed and Efficiency
For starters, power tools can produce better results- and in significantly less time too.
To illustrate, how long would it take you to complete a task using a manual hammer versus, say, using a power drill? What could take an hour or so with the former can be done in minutes with the latter.
Accuracy and Precision
Since they’re backed by either electricity or batteries, power tools can perform more accurately than hand tools - even when you’re working with tougher materials.
Take power sanders. These tools produce more accurate results that would require unimaginable patience and focus when done by hand.
Improved Safety
It’s far too easy for mechanics to overwork themselves when working on automotive tasks. Over time, the strain on their hands, muscles, and tendons can add up, resulting in fatigue or even minor injuries.
Power tools can greatly reduce these health risks by significantly reducing the effort you need to exert to complete each task.
Which Power Tools Are Worth Adding to Your Garage?
Whether you’re a professional mechanic looking to build trust and confidence among your customers by producing high-quality results faster or are an automotive enthusiast who wants to invest a bit more in your favourite hobby, the following power tools might be just what you need:
1.) Power Drills
Arguably the most versatile power tool and possibly the one that’ll give you the fastest ROI, a power drill makes quick work out of puncturing things. From neatly inserting screws to mounting a new component on your car, you won’t run out of uses for this one in any garage.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Milwaukee Electric Tools 2503-20 M12 Fuel 1/2" Drill Driver (Bare) ($161.26)
b.) Dewalt DCD800P1 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless 1/2 in Drill/Driver Kit ($292.64)
c.) MILWAUKEE 4272-21 1-5/8" Electromagnetic Drill Kit ($1,790.62)
2.) Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are another versatile power tool found in most garages. They’re equipped with a spinning abrasive disk or cutting wheel for cutting, grinding, and polishing tasks.
Most handheld ones are designed for easy maneuverability and control. They’re also especially suitable for tasks like removing rust, cutting through tough materials like steel, and smoothing rough edges.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Ingersoll Rand G5351 IQV 20V 4.5/5.0" Angle Grinder ($306.71)
b.) Chicago Pneumatic 8941075502 CP7550B 5" Angle Grinder ($390.84)
c.) AirCat 6380 2.3 HP Heavy Duty 5 in. Angle Grinder ($539.69)
3.) Reciprocating Saw
These are designed to slide into places where the usual cutting tools won’t fit, making them especially handy when working with vehicles.
Reciprocating saws usually have several sizes and designs available, so think about the kind of work you usually do in your garage before you purchase one.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) DEWALT Reciprocating Saw. Corded. 12-Amp (DWE305) ($151.93)
b.) Chicago Pneumatic 7900 Heavy Duty Reciprocating Air Saw ($199.31)
c.) Milwaukee 2722-20 Reciprocating Saw ($328)
4.) Impact Wrench
Equipped with a motor-driven mechanism that creates rapid, short bursts of rotational force, impact wrenches enable quick and effortless fastening or unfastening of stubborn or tightly secured nuts, bolts, and screws.
As a mainstay in automotive repair tasks, impact wrenches come in various sizes and power options, from handheld cordless models to heavy-duty pneumatic versions.
MPR’s Picks:
b.) NITROCAT 1200-K 1/2-Inch Kevlar Composite Air Impact Wrench with Twin Clutch Mechanism ($388.35)
c.) Ingersoll Rand 2146Q1MAX 3/4" Pneumatic Standard Air Impact Wrench ($957.74)
5.) Nailer
Sometimes called a nail gun, a nailer quickly and efficiently drives nails into various materials and is a time-saving alternative to manual hammering.
Available in different types, including pneumatic, electric, and cordless models, nailers propel nails into surfaces with precision and speed. Used properly, this tool significantly increases productivity, reduces fatigue, and provides consistent and reliable nail placement.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Milwaukee 2458-20 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer (Tool Only) ($156.27)
c.) Dewalt DCN623D1 ATOMIC COMPACT SERIES 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 23 Gauge Pin Nailer Kit ($470.11)
6.) Power Sander
Used for sanding and smoothing surfaces; power sanders are equipped with an electric motor that drives a sanding pad or abrasive disc in a circular or orbital motion.
They are commonly used to remove roughness, paint, or varnish from surfaces, and to achieve a smooth and even finish.
MPR’s Picks:
a.) Chicago Pneumatic 7255 6" Orbital Sander 3/16" Orbit ($260.55)
b.) Hutchins 700 Sander ($336.94)
c.) Makita 9237CX2 Polisher/Sander Kit ($369.98)
With Great Power Comes Great Productivity
There’s really no substitute for a toolbox of hand tools like wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, and drills. However, there will be times when you’ll need special power tools designed for a particular use.
Pretty much all vehicles, after all, have parts that will require more than what even the finest screwdriver set can do.
While some power tools might appear to do fewer things compared to hand tools, they can do those better and faster - allowing you to serve your customers better or simply get more satisfactory results while indulging in your automotive hobbies.
And for tools that do exactly what you need them to do, click here (or on any of the links to our picks above) to shop our full range of power tools - and enjoy free shipping for orders over $150!
Happy shopping!
Source:
https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28774/best-automotive-power-tools
