About Power Tools

Mallory Kramer asked:


be easy to forget the importance of a good battery in the functioning of your cordless tools. As it turns out, however, a good battery is just as integral to a cordless tool as a healthy motor. Battery technology has come a long way since the introduction of battery powered tools. Since the development of the Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, power tool batteries have transitioned from NiCad to Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and most recently to Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery technology.

Nickel Cadmium batteries were the first on the market for cordless power tools and though the technology is older, it is still very reliable. NiCad batteries are less sensitive to adverse temperatures and have a high recharge cycle, meaning they can be charged and recharged repeatedly for a long period of time. NiCad batteries are also less expensive than NiMH and Li-Ion batteries. On the down-side, however, NiCad batteries tend to suffer from battery memory effect. This occurs when a battery can no longer accept a complete charge from the charger because it had been repeated charged without first being fully depleted. It seems the battery “remembers” how much energy it discharged, and only wants to accept back that much energy from charger. The element Cadmium is highly toxic making it the most harmful battery to the environment. The NiCad’s negative effects on the environment, in fact, cause them to be heavily taxed outside the U.S.A. As a result, many European vendors won’t sell NiCad batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries run on a higher amperage than NiCad batteries, because of this, they also have a longer run-time. NiMH batteries are lighter than NiCad batteries but they are far more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, in fact, NiMH batteries can’t work in below freezing temperatures (32 degrees Fahrenheit and below) and they degrade very quickly in intensely high temperatures (105 degrees Fahrenheit an up). Although the NiMH battery has a longer run-time than the NiCad battery it doesn’t accept as many charges. NiCad and NiMH batteries do, however, have very similar overall lifespans. NiMH batteries have a larger energy storage capacity than that of the NiCad.

Lithium Ion batteries have a higher energy density than most other rechargeable batteries. A high energy density means that the Lithium Ion batteries have a superior energy to weight ratio storing more energy for their size than most other batteries. Li-Ion batteries have a very slow self-discharge rate meaning they retain their charge for much longer. Most rechargeable batteries significantly deplete over periods of unuse, the slow rate of charge-loss in Li-Ion batteries, however, allows them to maintain most of their charge long periods, even in storage.

There are many benefits to working with Lithium Ion batteries from their light-weight, to their long run-time. Li-Ion batteries maintain their charge for much longer and have continuous max power throughout their energy discharge cycle. Other batteries consistently lose power as you work. Li-Ion batteries are light-weight, and have a huge storage capacity, this means you now have a lighter, more efficient and powerful battery without the bulk.

There are, however, some disadvantages to Lithium Ion batteries. Li-Ion batteries are a bit more expensive. The complexities of producing Li-Ion batteries accounts for this price difference. Each Li-Ion battery also requires a specifically built charger to accommodate that type of battery; this means that chargers are more expensive as well, and aren’t universal to all types of Li-Ion batteries. The Li-Ion battery has a built-in chip that protects the battery from over and undercharging, and ensures a longer battery life. This computer chip, however, doesn’t allow the battery to continue accepting charge once that battery’s energy level has dropped below a certain point. Once this happens the battery is essentially dead. Li-Ion batteries also rely on this circuit to stay cool. Since Li-Ion batteries lose charge so slowly, and the battery and charger are so advanced, it’s fairly simple to keep batteries temperate and at a safe charge level.

Lithium Ion batteries are by a landslide the least detrimental to our environment, and for many reasons they are the favorite of most craftsmen.

Remember, the quality of the battery you use is just as important as the quality of your power tool. The battery gives the right amounts of energy and finesse to your tools and their working parts.

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Ivory Baxter asked:


Most power tools on the market are designed for everyone to use. However, if you happen to be left handed, then you may realize just how difficult it is to operate particular power tools. The on/off switch being in a location that isn’t convenient or easy to get to in the event of an emergency is the most common complaint.

With saws, the most common complaint for left handed people is that the blade is on the right hand side which makes it difficult for them to operate. The left handed individual has two choices - hold it the wrong way and hope the cut ends up being straight or face it the other way around with the blade coming at you and the materials coming at you. Neither is a very effective option.

Still, many left handed individuals feel like they have been cheated by the power tool industry. In fact, the Left Handers Club, a group that was formed in 1990, has been sparking the interest in many power tool manufacturers to address the situation. It seems like saws are the one main power tool that hasn’t yet been adapted for left handed individuals. For them, a table saw works best because you can choose to cut on either the right side or the left side of the blade.

There are some great power tools on the market that can be used easily for left handed individuals including power screwdrivers, routers, nailers, drills, and sanders. This is because the manufacturers have worked hard to redesign them. The on/off switch is generally located in the middle of the power tool so it can be accessed from the right side or the left side.

A mainly unknown brand of power tool, Porter-Cable, has introduced a circular saw kit that features the blade on the left hand side. The reviews of this power tool show it is very inexpensive, around $100 and sees to work very well for a variety of materials. This might be a great saw for left handed individuals to try out. It seems like it would be much safer than the right handed saw options we discussed above.

Panasonic offers a cordless drill that is designed for the left handed individual. In addition, it is getting rave reviews for being a great working power tool that recharges very quickly. Unfortunately, there still aren’t enough to make a good selection.

Left handed tool belts are becoming a very popular item manufactured by many tool makers. This is very helpful and a step in the right direction, especially for left handed individuals who work in the construction industry. They commonly wear a tool belt for eight to twelve hours a day, five or six days per week.

It appears that the power tool industry has made some steps in the right direct when it comes to making the majority of power tools accommodating for both left handed and right handed individuals. Moving the power switch made a huge different on many of these power tools. In the past, left handed individuals had to reach in front of the power tool, and that could be a potential risk for injury. Now most of the major power tools have the power switch in the center.

Since there are so many left handed people in our society, and it is no longer something looked down on, there is a huge demand for power tools to work for them. Creating power tools that appeal to this market seems like a great opportunity for power tool manufacturers. There has been some progress in this area over the past ten years, and the trend indicates that more changes will continue to meet the power tool needs of left handed individuals. They will be able to purchase power tools that are effective, safe, and work with them instead of them having to find a way to adjust to the right handed set up.



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Mallory Kramer asked:


Heed these helpful pointers to keep your tools performing at their best:

Each tool should be blown out, wiped down, and properly oiled. Maintenance is the foremost key to keeping your tools in optimal working condition. Before we get started, please note: it is fairly common for contractors and other professional craftsmen to leave their tools to weather the, well – weather, on their own. We highly recommend that tool-users keep their equipment in a dry and temperate environment whenever possible. No man would like to lay tossed in the back of a truck in the storms, and snow, and freezing rain – your tools don’t either. That said, please remember these tips - and keep your tools running smooth and accurate.



 



Your power tools – especially your screw guns, grinders, and sanders need to be blown out after every use. The tool’s vents, chuck, and generally any other opening on the tool require special attention when blowing out. It would truly surprise you to know how much debris is found in tools that don’t get properly cleaned. This debris clogs internal mechanisms limiting- even quiting- the tool’s performance entirely. It is so crucial to keep your tools clean and to blow them out with every use - it will make a world of difference in your tool’s performance. Do it!

 



Wiping your tools down is truly as simple as wiping them down. Although simple, this step is vitally important in keeping your tools running at their best.

 

Oiling your (pneumatic air) tools is another crucial step. The “one drop” rule is generally the most effective method of oiling pneumatic guns. Simply plop one drop of oil into the end of your gun (before use) for every 3,000 nails shot. In other words, just “one drop” of oil for every 3,000 nails. Be weary of over-oiling! Over-oiling creates a sludgy, sloppy build-up that causes the gun to stick and perform poorly. Under-oiling is another common misstep that causes the tool’s o-rings to dry-up and crack. Under-oiling also creates a metal upon metal friction within the gun that can cause additional internal breakage.. An expensive fix for just missing a drop of oil.. Just remember: “One drop every 3,000 shots,” and your gun should stay smooth and precise.

 



Please, periodically (and routinely) top off the oil in your air compressor as well. The more you use your compressor, the more you need to check and refill the oil. Secondly, it is hugely important to drain the compressor’s tank after every use. If the tank goes undrained for even a short amount of time, it can cause irreparable rust damage to the tool.



 

It is easy to forget to maintain our power tools, but in following these few - and simple - upkeep steps, your tools will be much happier to work for you. Preventative maintenance is vital to the longevity and positive, powerful performance of your tools.



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Heidi Baker asked:


The ultimate do-it-herselfer, Heidi of BeJane.com demystifies the most important power tools used in home improvement.

“Power tools level the playing field between men and women when it comes to doing home improvement.”

I discovered power tools after I bought my first home and decided to take on the task of home improvement myself. Now, I can do anything that the biggest, burliest contractor can do if you give me the right power tools. It makes me just as strong, I can accomplish the same thing, and I love the feeling of empowerment it gives me. It’s so much fun.

“When I first started with tools, I was surprised at how similar some of the power tools were to things I use in the kitchen and office.”

A power tool set is like a shoe wardrobe. You can always justify adding to it. But I can tell you the six tools that every woman needs to begin making home improvements on her own.

1. The Power Drill

The drill is like the little black dress of power tools. You’ll always need one and as long as it’s a nice one, it’ll get the job done – whether it’s putting on new doorknobs on your kitchen cabinets or putting up curtains or installing floating shelves. And, like the little black dress, you’ll always find a reason to buy another one. I own 5 – from 9 volts all the way to 21!

My introduction to the drill came when I worked on my kitchen cabinets. After sanding, repainting and adding molding to the cabinets, I made holes with my drill and used it to attach new knobs. It was a little intimidating – it is shaped like a gun, you know – but after one hole, I was using it like an old pro.

2. The Power Sander

A lot of women are really into refinishing furniture, but you can’t get started without a sander. You do not want to sand by hand if you don’t have to. It’s just not worth it.

I use an orbital sander, which works really fast and moves in circles. Because it creates a lot of dust, I recommend wearing face and eye protection and sanding outside, if you can. Also, sawdust fries your hair by pulling all of the oils out of it, so if you still want to look like a girl after the project’s done, protect yourself!

3. The Reciprocating Saw

This tool still scares me because you can cut through some pretty major stuff with it, like studs, wallboard and paneling. But if you really think about it, it’s just like a carving knife. If you’ve carved a turkey, you can use a reciprocating saw. The saw shakes a little more than the turkey carver, but it’s just about the same thing.

You’re not going to let a little uncertainty about a carving knife scare you into carving it by hand, so why would you use a regular saw to cut through a wall when you can use a power tool for it?

4. The Power Stapler

I’m meeting more and more women who are interested in upholstering—myself included. I especially love upholstered headboards, which can cost anywhere from $1000 to $1500 if you buy them in the stores. With a power stapler and some supplies in tow, I can make my own for around $100.

What’s great about a power stapler is that it sinks the staples deeper than you’re going to be able to do it by hand, and it will enable you to have more cushion on whatever you’re upholstering. When you use a manual stapler or even a staple gun, your hand starts hurting pretty quickly and the staples never go in the right way.

5. The Power Nailer

With the power nailer, there’s no fear of getting a black thumbnail from hammering. On top of that, it makes your project go much faster—and it’s so much fun.

The first time I put up crown molding, I used a regular hammer and nails. The second time, I used one of these puppies. I did it in a third of the time, and it came out gorgeous. Also, because it sinks the nails in deeper, they are easier to hide.

6. The Compound Miter Saw

This compound miter saw is my favorite tool. It’s a little scary looking, but believe it or not, this is the safest saw that there is because it tells you where not to put your hands. There’s also a safety cover that protects the blade until you come down.

A compound miter saw is really the thing that helps you finish off a room. With it, you can create all the extra added touches like crown molding, baseboard molding and chair rail molding.

There are many other useful tools out there, but these are my favorites. Remember, it’s normal to be a little intimidated by these loud, scary-looking tools. When I first started doing home improvement, the only tool I’d ever used was my garbage disposal. But trust me, once you start figuring out what you’re capable of, you’ll want to push yourself more and more. And soon you’ll be ready to take on any project!

More at http://capessa.com/members/storyactions.aspx?g=126789&m=85406



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vicci asked:


whats that song where in the video girls use power tools?

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Jamie B asked:


your not allowed to use any power tools, a jack, or a hacksaw. whats the fastest way do you think??
ok, your not allowed to use boltcutters either, lol

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Jason Powers asked:


Experience God’s Grace and Mercy When You Give Your Personal Best to Him.

Perhaps the first and foremost problem that stunts the spiritual growth for many a new Christian is the false analysis of the personal best. Up to the waters of baptism, the would-be disciple is coached, guided, and spoon fed a host of truths and new information about God. It does not take long for the young Christian to experience the first stirring of understanding about God’s grace and mercy, and when the sinner commits to turn away from a life led for personal gratification and instead turns to a life of Christ-likeness, it is with earnest intent and desire.

Sadly, soon the notion of giving their personal best to God trips up those who fail to transition from accepting others’ instructions about a loving God to fixing their eyes on Jesus instead. As Satan seeks to snuff out the tender shoots of a growing love for the redeeming grace of Jesus’ sacrifice, feelings of inadequacy begin to multiply. You see, the new disciples are comparing themselves now to those who might have been in the faith for years or even decades, failing to see that the personal best is not quantitative but instead qualitative in nature.

Whereas for a well to do Christian it is easier to give a sizeable weekly tithe, the $5 the new Christian is able to scrape together suddenly appears paltry. In the same vein, when listening to the flowery prayers of some during get-togethers, the somewhat forced ovations to God that the new Christian has to offer seem meaningless. The results are dangerous: instead of experiencing God’s grace and mercy to the full, the new disciple in instead filled with feelings of shame, inadequacy, and subsequent emotional pain of simply not living up to anyone’s standards. Compounded with the guilt of just not being able to “get happy,” many Christians suffer in silence and puts on a good front.

Break through these chains and instead of guilt experience the emotional healing that stems from God’s power when you learn to recognize your personal best and resolve to offer it up to God on a daily basis. In keeping with Proverbs 12:28, righteousness is a path along which immortality is reached. It is not the actual perfection of the Christian walk but instead the stubborn persistence therein - by being the best you can be for God - that results in the final prospect of being made perfect when the Christian faces God and experience His grace and mercy first hand.

It is the spiritual growth along the way that also permits for the emotional healing for someone caught up in the self destructive clutches of feelings of inadequacy. A powerful tool in this endeavor is revealed in 2 Peter 1:1-11. In verse four it is revealed that the faith the Christian professes must be precious. In verses five through seven, a how-to manual is offered that helps anyone who doubts their Christian walk to get back on track and let go of the fears of an inadequate life that might have plagued them. Experience God’s grace and mercy today; allow yourself to experience spiritual growth and the emotional healing that comes in its wake.



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Ivory Baxter asked:


Most of us have operated a power tool at one time or another. They come in handy for a wide range of projects. It is very important that you always operate any power tool correctly. You should know exactly what it is to be used for, how it operates, and where the power switch is located in case you have to turn it off in a hurry.

Most injuries that involve power tools are the result of someone being inexperienced with that particular power tool or the tool being used for something it was not intended for. Take your time when you are operating power tools. Don’t let yourself become distracted. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential for accidents and injuries. They can happen no matter how many times you have picked up that power tool and used it without incident.

Cords are a common hazard when operating power tools. They can get in the way and accidentally get severed. There is also the potential of tripping over them and getting injured. Make sure all power cords are secured and out of the area where you will be operating the power tool. Keep all cords out of water and away from solvents or you could get shocked or electrocuted.

If you have never operated a particular power tool before, take your time getting familiar with it before you even plug it in. Read the owners manual that comes with the power tool. Find out about the types of blades and other accessories that can safely be used with it. If the power tool comes with any type of safety guard, take the time to put it in place. You will find information in the owner’s manual regarding possible safety hazards.

No matter how tempting it may be, never use a power tool for a project that it wasn’t intended for. This includes trying to cut materials with a saw or saw blade that was not designed for it. Don’t alter a power tool to make it faster or to do something that it wasn’t designed for. You really don’t know the effect that is going to have on the operating capacity of the power tool.

It is never a good idea to operate any type of power tool if you have been consuming alcohol. Your perception will be off and you could end up with a very serious injury. Some prescription medications and over the counter medications can made you groggy or sleepy as a side effect. You should stay away from power tools while taking them as well.

Some people just don’t feel comfortable operating power tools. That is fine, and you shouldn’t feel forced into doing so. This is just opening the door for potential accidents to happen. If you are willing to learn to operate specific power tools that is one thing, but if you feeling pressured to do so you are going to have too much anxiety to operate it.

Using power tools safely and under the right conditions will help reduce the possibility of any injuries occurring. They are a great way to get your projects and hobbies underway, but never forget the actual power behind them. The moving parts combined with that power can result in injury or death if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating them.



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Irene G asked:


Recently widowed and have a garage full of tools and electrical items as he was an electrician and want to get a fair price. Thank you

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leet asked:


I have inherited a collection of power tools including a jigsaw, two miter saws, a drill, a router and a belt sander. All but the router suffer from a mild to moderate case of rust. They are all still in fine working condition.

What is the best way to clean and polish them up for safe and proper use?

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