Buying Tools the Smart Way: A Guide to Purchasing Tools for Your Home

Buying Tools the Smart Way: A Guide to Purchasing Tools for Your Home

Avid DIYers agree that being able to do your own home improvement projects is an incredibly useful skill to have. Making repairs and upgrades yourself gives you the satisfaction of seeing the results of your efforts, and can save you a lot of money.

Deciding which tools to buy can be overwhelming. There are so many brands, models, battery-powered or electric, different amps, volts, and price points!

If you’ve been thinking of adding to your toolkit, our team at Bay Street Castle and Cook Street Castle will be happy to help you learn more about the best tools for your DIY projects.

Decide What You Are Planning to Build

Think about the repairs and projects you plan to do around the house, then make a list of the tools you will need.

There’s no need to buy a complete workshop full of tools right away. Start by buying only the tools you need for your upcoming projects. Many repairs can be done with a hammer, drill, pliers, screwdrivers, wrench, hand saw, tape measure and a spirit level.

Once you have an idea of the tools you need, start comparing their features. If you need power tools, look at the power level, energy source, weight, and size in relation to your skill level, project requirements, and how much you want to spend.

For example, if you need a power drill, determine the drill size to purchase by the types of projects and materials you will be using. Basic household jobs can be completed with a 3/8-inch drill that has a wide range of bits. If you are doing heavy-duty projects, you will likely need a ½-inch drill.

Assess Your DIY Skills

Are you just starting out with minor repairs, or are you an experienced renovator? Maybe you have always been interested in expanding your skills and will be taking a woodworking course.

You will also need to take your physical strength into account. With some tools, especially those with heavy batteries, weight will make a difference if you need to use your tools for long periods of time.

Be Mindful of Your Budget

It’s good to know that you don’t have to buy the most expensive tools for most household projects. You can purchase affordable – yet reliable and durable – tools that will last for many years and help you get the job done efficiently. If you become interested in more advanced DIY projects, you can always upgrade your tools later.

Put Safety First

No matter what tools you decide to buy, you will need to protect your vision, hearing and lungs. Power tools have safety features such as an automatic shut-off mechanism if they become overheated, and a switch you can turn off quickly in an emergency. Read the safety instructions in the manual before you start using your tools. Always use tools for the purpose they are designed for to avoid damaging them or injuring yourself.

Consider Portability and Weight

Make sure the tools you choose will be easy to transport if needed. It’s always better to use lighter-weight tools if you can, or tools that can be moved around on wheels.

Will your project require using your tools in tight spaces? Then a compact tool would be best for this project. An example of this would be nailing metal joist hangers onto joists for a deck. A metal nailer connector with a low profile will help you get the job done easier.

Understand Volts vs Amps

Volts tell you the amount of power a tool will have to get the job done, so the higher the volts in a tool, the more power it will have. If you need more power to drill through a thicker material, then choose a drill with a higher voltage.

The higher the amp, the longer you will be able to use your tool with one battery charge. To prevent having to stop in the middle of a project, check the length of time the tool’s amp rating will give you to work.

Check for Cordless Options for Lighter Tools

More and more power tools are being manufactured with rechargeable batteries. Battery-powered drills are becoming more commonplace now than corded drills. In some cases, corded tools are still the preferred choice, especially for heavier equipment like circular saws.

Learn About the Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are gaining in popularity for cordless power tools. They are smaller, weigh less than traditional batteries, and remain charged for longer, even if you haven’t used the tool for months.

Nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries are less expensive but more robust in extreme weather conditions.

Tools with Compatible Charging Systems

The beauty of buying tools with compatible battery-charging platforms is that you can charge all your power tool batteries with the same charger. For example, a drill, flashlight, and other power tools can all use the same charger, if compatible. However, it is still possible that different tools from the same brand will need different chargers, so always double check.

Maintain and Clean Your Tools

Extend the life of your tools and keep them working well by regularly cleaning and maintaining them. Store them in a safe, dry place to prevent rust and damage caused by moisture. Organize your tool storage area so you can quickly find them.

Get to Know Popular Brands

There are many trusted manufacturers of power and manual tools: Apex Tools Canada, Bosch, DeWalt, King Canada, Klein, Kuny’s, Orgill Canada, Makita, Milwaukee, Simpson Strong-Tie, to name a few. Read product reviews to learn more about the tools from people who have used them.

Our team at Bay Street Castle and Cook Street Castle would be happy to help you choose the right tools for your DIY projects. Drop by today!