Time is money. Power tools can help your business grow more profitable by getting tough jobs done faster and better.

What are power tools?

Power tools are tools driven by a motor that is powered by electricity, gas, batteries or compressed air. There is a power tool to serve every conceivable purpose within offices and residences. Often seen in the hands of carpenters, contractors, and handymen, these power tools also enable regular people to do small jobs themselves.

Types of power tools available in the market are:

Corded power tools are sourced by electricity, hence the cord. Though they are high powered and efficient, the cord can cause tripping and comes in the way of doing the job. A power outage makes it useless.

Portable power tools can be held in the hand.

Cordless power tools work on rechargeable batteries, are usually portable and easy to handle.  However, the battery life is short; they are not as high powered as their electrical counterparts are and are much more expensive. You need to remember to recharge the batteries to keep the tools ready for use. Cordless power tools come with batteries and chargers.

Compressed air power tools or pneumatic tools are powered by an air compressor that is attached to the tool with a small pipe. These tools are lighter than their electrical versions, but equally powerful if not more. Drillers, wrenches, nail guns are some examples.

Where should you purchase power tools?

You can choose to purchase a power tool from a wholesale distributor or a dealer. This choice is easily made by identifying your business needs:

• Do you need power hand tools?
• How many power tools do you need?

Usually, power tool manufacturers sell only to distributors and suppliers, not the public directly. However, you can take advantage of closeouts at the distributor's site to purchase tools in bulk at very competitive prices. You should also stock up on tool accessories such as sockets and battery packs at a discount.

How to get the most out of your power tools?

Power tools will give you long years of service if you treat them well. Here are some tips to get the most out of your power tools:

• Many power tools can be multifunctional with different accessories. Get the right accessories for various jobs.
• Store the tools in a designated place – a hook on the wall or a storage chest.
• Maintain your tools.
• Check the power tool regularly for broken power cords, housing and battery connectors.
• Look for backward compatibility with accessories when purchasing an upgraded model of a tool. This saves a considerable amount of money.
• Train staff on the correct and safe use of tools to avoid breakage due to misuse.
• Train staff to return tools and battery packs to their charging points so that the tool is ready for use the next day.

Power tools are an investment that guarantees high returns. Make sure you survey the market for models, reviews and prices before finalizing your purchase.