A cordless reciprocating saw is a versatile tool for demolition, renovation, pruning, cutting lumber, plastic, metal, and other materials when equipped with the appropriate blade. Its ability to make rapid back-and-forth cuts makes it useful in situations where other saws are difficult to maneuver. That versatility also exposes the tool to demanding conditions. A reciprocating … Read more

A cordless angle grinder is one of the most versatile power tools in a workshop. It can be used for tasks such as cutting, grinding, deburring, surface preparation, and other applications when equipped with the correct accessory. Its versatility also means that the tool can be exposed to some of the most demanding workshop conditions. … Read more

A cordless sander can save a great deal of time when preparing wood, removing old finishes, smoothing surfaces, or completing renovation projects. Because sanding creates large quantities of fine dust, however, the tool is exposed to one of the most persistent forms of workshop contamination. Dust can collect around the sanding pad, ventilation openings, battery … Read more

A cordless impact driver can make repetitive fastening work dramatically easier. It is compact, powerful, and particularly useful when installing long screws, structural fasteners, deck hardware, cabinetry components, and other applications suited to its design. Because an impact driver delivers rotational force through repeated impacts, however, it experiences stresses that are different from those of … Read more

A cordless circular saw is one of the most useful power tools for cutting wood and other approved materials, but it can also accumulate a surprising amount of dust and debris during normal use. Sawdust can collect around the blade guard, base plate, battery compartment, ventilation openings, and housing, while resin and other residues may … Read more

A garage can be a convenient place to store drills, impact drivers, sanders, saws, grinders, and other power tools. It keeps equipment close to the workspace and avoids taking up valuable room inside the house. The problem is that garages can also expose power tools to humidity, condensation, temperature changes, and moisture from vehicles, floors, … Read more

Cordless power tools are only as useful as the batteries that power them. A drill can remain mechanically sound, a saw can be perfectly clean, and a charger can work normally, yet a poorly stored battery can leave the entire system unreliable when the next project begins. Battery care is therefore an important part of … Read more

Power tools naturally generate heat while they are working. A drill, impact driver, circular saw, sander, grinder, or other powered tool can become warm during normal operation, particularly when it is working under significant load. The problem begins when heat becomes excessive, develops unusually quickly, or is accompanied by other warning signs. A tool that … Read more

Dust is one of the most persistent enemies of power tools. A drill used for woodworking, a sander working on painted surfaces, a circular saw cutting boards, or a grinder used on metal can produce enough particles to cover the outside of the tool within minutes. The visible dust is usually easy to deal with. … Read more

Cordless power tools are convenient because they can be used almost anywhere without a power cord getting in the way. Drills, impact drivers, circular saws, reciprocating saws, sanders, grinders, and other battery-powered tools have become common in home workshops and garages. But convenience during use does not mean the tools can be stored without care. … Read more