Power tools

Portable cordless

There is a wide range of portable battery powered tools available. These tools are very useful and have the great advantage of not requiring mains power during use. This makes them safer, more portable and easier to use than mains powered tools. The disadvantage is the need for spare charged batteries. Because of the battery they tend to be heavier and bulkier than the equivalent mains powered tool.

In the electrical trade the most commonly used portable battery powered tools are drills and screwdrivers.

Drills and screwdrivers

These are used for drilling holes in a wide variety of materials when used in conjunction with twist drill bits, auger bits and holesaws. Hammer drill versions are used with masonry bits to drill holes in brick, concrete, etc.

Battery operated screwdrivers come in a range of sizes and quality. In most cases they are a screwdriver as well as a drill. They are fitted with a forward and reverse function, and adjustable torque settings for different screw types and sizes.

Be careful not to over tighten screws causing breakage or stripping the drive slot out of the screw head.

Battery powered screwdrivers help prevent wrist and elbow injuries that you can get from continually using a manual screwdriver.

 

Power saws

A variety of cordless power saws are available. Types that are used in the electrical trade include:

• Circular saws.
• Jigsaws.
• Reciprocating saws.