Over the last few decades, power tools have revolutionised the way that we build and maintain homes (to say nothing of other structures and devices). The development of the lithium-ion battery has made these tools more portable, reliable and convenient than ever before – and so, naturally, they’ve found their way into homes, garages and sheds across the world.
But when handled improperly, these tools are capable of inflicting serious injury. As such, it’s essential that we treat them with caution and respect.
On this page
Why safety is paramount
Whether you’re dealing with a small tool or a large one, safety is critical. In some cases, power tools come with essential safety features that you’ll need to be familiar with before you get started.
For example, the riving knife that sits to the rear of the blade on a table saw will prevent a workpiece from sliding into the back of the blade. This can vastly reduce the likelihood of kickback, which is among the most common causes of serious injury with a device of this kind.
Five features help you choose the right power tool
There are several things we might want to consider when shopping for a power tool.
Cords
For every cable trailing through your workspace, there’s the potential for a trip hazard. By shopping for cordless tools, we can eliminate this risk. When the battery is capable of delivering five amps or more at 18 volts, the power of a mains outlet is mostly unnecessary. A cordless angle grinder, for example, can be wielded without fear of a cable dangling between your legs.
Materials
Quality tools from reputable brands are more likely to last for years to come. As such, they tend to represent a wiser investment than cheaper tools, which will eventually break down. You can usually get a good idea of the tool’s longevity by looking at the length of the manufacturer’s warranty.
Lock switches
There are some tools that come with two handles and a second switch to prevent the tool from being activated inadvertently. To use the tool, you’ll need both hands – which limits the likelihood of your fingers going astray. You might find these on hedge trimmers and circular saws. They could save your fingers one day.
Soft start
Many modern mitre saws come with ‘soft start’. This means that, when the trigger is depressed, it takes a second or two for the blade to accelerate to its maximum speed. When fingers happen to be in the way, the damage can be reduced substantially.
Storage
When tools are stored safely, they tend to last longer – and there’s a much-reduced chance of them being triggered accidentally. The ideal here is a large pegboard, where all of your tools can rest until called upon. You can even build a charging station into your pegboard, so that there are batteries ready to go at all times.
