by Joseph McCann

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 10, 2011

Of all the hand tools I've ever used, I always gravitated toward those that offer a lifetime, replacement warranty if the tool breaks. Tools such as Craftsman, Husky, Snap-On and a few others are easy examples. The problem, however, lies in Power Hand Tools.

In the vast world of Power Hand Tools, how can anyone possibly dig through the maze and make sense of the specs, usages, cord or cordless, and all the other choices available out there?

Those employed in construction get to learn very quickly all the nuances and requirements favored by other, more experienced builders. They quickly become sold on a particular brand based on the experience of others close to them. But how does someone who is a novice, learn about brand loyalty without paying the price of making a bad decision about the wrong tool for the right job?

Consider this, only a handful of brands represent almost the total spectrum of power tools: Delta Power Tools, Dewalt Power Tools, Bosch Power Tools and Ryobi Power Tools. Under the Delta umbrella comes Porter Cable Power Tools, while Bosch includes Skil Power Tools, Dremel Rotary Tools and Rotozip Spiral Saws. All brands can be purchased on-line; Delta, Bosch and Dewalt all have their own on-line factory outlets. Ryobi appears to be sold in North America only through Home Depot Stores, although, they too can be purchased on-line.

And just when you think this is starting to make sense, they all make just about everything there is to make in the line of power tools; from hand held power tools to table mounted, every accessory known to man (and woman), and a large array of specialty tools and equipment like nailers, compressors, measuring devices, automotive tools, gardening tools, woodworking tools, to name a few.

In order to reduce the complexity of power tools, I've decided to limit my example to circular saws. Incidentally, cordless circular saws are measured in volts while plug-in circular saws are measured in amps. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges, and I'm convinced, simply can't be done. Or can't be done simply!

While building a tree house for my grandchildren, I liked the cordless circular saw. I simply refused to run a 100 foot extension cord over wet grass. However, while cutting in my workshop, I wanted the added power of a plug-in, and I wanted to use it all day without worry of running my battery low, or having to replace an expensive battery pack.

All the companies have a large selection of blades, from carbide

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>