Power tools are mechanized devices designed to perform tasks more efficiently and quickly than manual hand tools.
Power tools are powered by an external source, such as electricity, internal combustion engines, or compressed air, rather than manual labor.
While both power tools and machine tools are used to perform mechanical tasks, they differ in their application and scale.
With some exceptions, power tools are typically portable and handheld, designed for tasks that require mobility and flexibility. Machine tools, on the other hand, are generally stationary and larger, designed for precision and heavy-duty tasks in industrial settings. However, while table saws are not readily portable and certainly not handheld, they are considered power tools.
Power tools are widely used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and home improvement tasks, such as drilling, cutting, sanding, and grinding.
Power tools can be classified according to their power source and applications. For example, electric power tools are powered by corded or cordless electricity. Examples include electric drills, circular saws, and sanders. Cordless electric power tools are often referred to as battery-operated tools. Pneumatic power tools are powered by compressed air and are common in professional settings. Examples include air hammers and impact wrenches. Gas-powered tools run on gasoline, diesel, or a mixture of fuels. Examples include chainsaws and leaf blowers.
Early tools were manually operated, relying on human strength, although it wasn't long before some tools, such as horse-powered lathes, were driven by animals. Before the advent of electricity, stationary tools were often powered by water wheels and windmills. During the 18th and 19th centuries, steam engines were used to power larger machinery. Internal combustion engines are still used in several power tools, such as chainsaws.
The evolution of power tools attests to human ingenuity and the quest for efficiency. The first portable electric hand drill was invented by C&E Fein, marking the beginning of modern power tools. Founded in 1910, Black & Decker developed the first portable electric drill with a pistol grip and trigger switch in 1917. Cordless drills revolutionized the industry in 1961 by introducing cordless drills, allowing for greater mobility and convenience.
Continuous advancements have led to the development of more efficient, powerful, and versatile tools, incorporating features like variable speed settings and ergonomic designs. Power tools make various tasks easier, faster, and more precise. Their development reflects the continuous technological advancements and the ongoing quest for efficiency and innovation.
Power tools can complete tasks much faster than hand tools, saving time and effort. They offer greater accuracy and consistency, particularly in repetitive tasks. Many power tools come with adjustable settings and interchangeable parts, making them suitable for various applications.
On the other hand, power tools are generally more expensive than hand tools and require more maintenance. The requirement for a power source limits mobility and usage in remote areas, and they are often bulkier and heavier than equivalent hand tools.
Thus, there is a market for both hand and power tools. Hand tools may offer greater control and precision for delicate tasks, and they can usually be fit into places too tight for a power tool. Most people who own a power tool will also have the equivalent hand tool and will probably use both.
Both power tools and hand tools have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice often depends on the specific task, the user's skill level, and the working environment.
Examples of common power tools include, but are not limited to, air compressors, alligator shears, angle grinders, bandsaws, belt sanders, biscuit joiners, ceramic tile cutters, chainsaws, circular saws, concrete mixers, concrete saws, die grinders, disc cutters, disc sanders, drills, floor sanders, grinding machines, hedge trimmers, impact drivers, impact wrenches, jackhammers, jointers, jigsaws, knitting machines, lathes, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, miter saws, nail guns, pneumatic torque wrenches, power wrenches, pressure washers, radial arm saws, reciprocating saws, rotary saws, rotary tools, rotary tillers, saber saws, snow blowers, string trimmers, table saws, and wood routers.
Recommended Resources
Since 1985, DR Power Equipment has been manufacturing and selling professional-grade power equipment. It is now a subsidiary of Generac Power Systems and offers an extensive line of gas and battery-powered equipment that is available factory direct or through its family of retail partners. Its products include wood chippers, lawnmowers, field and brush mowers, edgers, leaf blowers, vacuums, log splitters, power graders, pressure washers, roto-tillers, stump grinders, and others.
http://www.drpower.com/
Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, Evolution Power Tools specializes in multi-material cutting technology and steel fabrication tools, offering a range of products designed for professionals and do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, including saws, drills, and other power tools, known for precision and durability. Shoppers may browse by type, category, new, refurbished, or special offers. Instruction manuals, parts lists, diagrams, a FAQ, and contacts are available.
https://store.evolutionpowertools.com/
Honda Motor Company is a Japanese multinational conglomerate that manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, and battery-powered equipment. Its power tools and equipment include engines, brush cutters, tillers, water pumps, cultivators, lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, sprayers, pumps, snow throwers, and generators. Honda dealers may be located through the website, and special offers are highlighted. Other resources include owner's manuals, shop manuals, and contacts.
https://powerequipment.honda.com/
Opened in 1997, Jack's specializes in selling outdoor power equipment and parts, such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, pressure washers, snow blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and generators. Online shoppers can browse its product categories for parts by brand, engine type, power equipment, DIY repair guides, and parts lookup by model. Jack's carries several brands, which are featured here, and its engines include Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kawasaki, and Kohler. Testimonials are posted.
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/
In business since 1963, Manufacturer's Supply opened as a family-operated mail-order catalog offering small engine parts, and it launched its online shopping site in 1996. Specializing in power tool parts, its products include parts for ATVs, chainsaws, go-karts, lawnmowers, mini bikes, motorcycles, personal watercraft, snowblowers, snowmobiles, trimmers, trailers, and parts. An introduction to the company, payment options, and contacts are published on the website.
https://www.mfgsupply.com/
Headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, MTD was founded over eighty years ago as a tool and die supplier to the local manufacturing community. Today, MTD is a worldwide dealer of outdoor power equipment with facilities in North America, Asia, Australia, and Europe, serving both residential and commercial markets. Specializing in parts, shoppers may browse by parts diagram, part type, machine type, engine parts, accessories, and attachments, although equipment is also offered.
https://www.mtdparts.com/
Family-owned, Small Engine Warehouse is a global purchaser and reseller of small gasoline engines and outdoor power equipment parts. Founded in 1974, the company initially served the needs of the local Muncie, Indiana community but now ships to customers in most of the United States, as well as serving repair shops and small manufacturers. Available engines are listed by brand or mounting type, and their parts are sorted into several product categories. Dealer opportunities are featured.
https://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/
