Do you know that around 55% of Americans own at least 5 power tools, with 23% owning 10 or more? (Globe Newswire: Power Tools Stats) This indicates that a significant percentage of people use these tools for DIY projects at home.
Well, it doesn’t matter if you are a mechanic, a construction professional or just using these items for DIY purposes, you should be aware of some common types of power tools and their specific uses. This is especially important since mistakes in this context can lead to serious injuries.
In this comprehensive guide, we will do just that and learn about the top 9 most used power equipment and their practical uses. So stay tuned to familiarize yourself with power mechanic instruments.
Impact Wrenches
Impact wrenches are widely used to tighten and loosen bolts and lug nuts. Typically, mechanics, construction workers, furniture builders, and sometimes woodworkers utilize these heavy-duty impact wrenches.
These tools are helpful across a variety of industries due to their high torque and ability to loosen even the tightest bolts or nuts. They are also affordably priced, which makes them a great investment for contractors who need the most valuable tools but don’t have massive budgets.
Drills
Drills are used so commonly that most of you must already be familiar with them. They are used for driving screws into walls, pieces of wood, or even metal. There are many various types of drill, from high-torque ones to the relatively low-power types used by homeowners.
Drills are used by many different professionals, be they carpenters, plumbers, or sometimes even mechanics. Screws are not always used by mechanics, however, since bolts and nuts are more common. Similar is the case in construction, other than when small pieces of wood or plastic are being fastened to walls or support beams.
TRIVIA The first electric drill was a bulky machine primarily used in industrial settings, not for home DIY projects.
Impact Drivers
Impact drivers are closely alike to impact wrenches, although they don’t provide as much torque. Also worth mentioning is that impact drivers do not tighten or loosen nuts and bolts–they are used for screws and fasteners.
Still, they are used by construction workers and mechanics and can be just as helpful when used correctly. Homeowners often own and use these tools, as well.
Rotary Hammer
Rotary hammers are often employed for doweling and drilling through holes into masonry and concrete walls. Usually, homeowners do not own these tools, due to their powerful nature. Their most common applications are in construction and masonry, therefore, they are often very expensive.
For those planning on buying a rotary hammer, make sure to shop around and get yourself the best deal possible. A product’s reviews can provide a lot of insight into its usefulness and can help avoid buying an unreliable product that isn’t right for you.
Angle Grinder
Angle grinders are another tool almost exclusively employed by professionals. The average homeowner has no need whatsoever for this gadget.
These instruments are dangerous to operate and require extensive training. These can cut metal, concrete, and tile. As well as cutting, they can also be utilized to smooth these materials down.
Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws are used primarily by professionals like demolition workers, plumbers, and electricians. They offer quick, effective cutting, and cut through wood, metal, or even pipes.
These handheld, yet high-powered gadgets are mainly owned by industry professionals, not homeowners.
Table Saw
Table saws are a popular power tool among woodworkers, contractors, and also hobbyists. These can be used to make straight lines in a broad range of materials, from metal to wood, and even plastic.
They are widely available and offer great value for money. However, a certain amount of training is required to effectively use them.
Air Compressor
Air compressors offer broad usage, be it filling gas cylinders or even inflating tires. They are mainly owned by mechanics and carpenters, but sometimes construction workers also use them. Working with these devices is extremely risky if not used correctly, so proper training is key to their use.
DO YOU KNOW? As of 2025, the power tool market is worth $36.60 billion, it is projected to reach $68.04 billion by 2034.
Cordless Multi-Tool
Cordless multi-tools can be employed for a variety of purposes, from sanding to cutting and even grinding. Professionals sometimes utilize them to cut through drywall, while others might cut electrical boxes.
Like every other tool mentioned here, proper training is key. It is never wise to use this tool without at least reading its safety manual first. Improper use of power tools can result in serious injuries, which is why training is important. It won’t take you more than 20 minutes to educate yourself on how to use a tool, but an injury from improper usage can cost a lot.
Power tools are an excellent way to simplify otherwise complicated industrial tasks. If you are considering buying and using some, be sure to shop around and find the highest-quality products available. Do not forget to read reviews before making purchases, so you can ensure that products are right for you.
