Power Tools

Introduction Power tools are used in every construction industry so you will be using them on the job as well as at home. Since knowing how to identify and use power tools safely is extremely important, this module will provide invaluable information on the proper use and care for the various types of power tools.

Types of Power Tools Electric Tools – Powered by electricity. –AC (Example: wall plug) –DC (Example Battery) Pneumatic tools – Powered by air pressure produced by either electric or gasoline powered air compressors. Hydraulic Tools – Powered by fluid pressure from hand pumps or electric pumps.

General Safety Rules Always disconnect the power source for any tool before replacing parts such as bits or blades. Always disconnect the power source before performing any maintenance on the tool.

General Safety Rules Always wear appropriate PPE. Always use a GFCI when working with electrical tools. Never activate the trigger lock.

Power Drills Most have a pistol grip with a trigger switch for controlling power. Variable Speed – The harder you squeeze the trigger, the faster the drill turns. Reversing Switches – Allows you to reverse the spin in order to back out a bit if it gets stuck.

Types of Drills Electric Drills Cordless Drills Hammer Drills Electromagnetic Drills Pneumatic Drills (Air Hammers)

Electric Drills Most have a pistol grip with a trigger switch for controlling power. They use different types of bits. Screwdriver bits can also be used.

Types of Bits Twist (most common) – for wood or plastic and metal at lower rpm’s. Forstner – used for counter boring wood. Paddle – used for drilling large diameter holes in wood. Masonry – has a carbide tip and is used for concrete. Auger – used for wood but not metal.

Drill Chucks Holds the drill bit in place. Make sure the drill is unplugged before attempting to change the bit. Just match the gears with the gears of the chuck key and tighten.

Power Drill Safety Find out what is on the other side of the work before drilling. Always use a sharp bit. Always use the right bit for the job. Make sure the bit is tight in the chuck. Hold the drill with both hands and apply steady pressure.

Cordless Drills Used where power sources aren’t available. Have a rechargeable battery pack. Some have an adjustable clutch so that it can be used as a screwdriver. Most are available with keyless chucks.

Hammer Drills Has a pounding action that lets you drill into concrete, brick, or tile. The bit rotates and hammers at the same time. They have a depth gauge to control the depth of the hole.

Electromagnetic Drill Portable drill mounted on an electromagnetic base. Move the drill in place, turn the magnet on and operate it like a drill press. Make sure the power stays on during the drilling process.

Pneumatic Drills Also called Air Hammers. Powered by compressed air. Typically used where electricity is unavailable.

Saws

Types of Saws Circular Saws Saber Saws Reciprocating Saws Portable Handheld Bandsaws Power Miter Box Saws

Circular Saws Portable table saws. Saw size is determined by the diameter of the blade. –Size ranges from 3-3/8” to 16-1/4”. –The most common size is 7-1/4”. For safety, secure the wood you are cutting and use both hands when operating the saw.

Saber Saws They have very fine blades which them great tools for doing delicate and intricate work. Often used to cut out irregular patterns and shapes. The saw blade moves up and down to make the cut.

Reciprocating Saws Similar to the saber saw in that they can cut straight or curved shapes. It is designed for more heavy duty jobs than the saber saw.

Portable Bandsaws Capable of cutting pipe, metal, plastic, wood, and irregularly shaped materials. Especially good for cutting heavy metals. Has a one piece blade that runs in one direction through guides at both ends of the saw. Make sure the stop is against the material you are cutting.

Power Miter Saws Combines a miter box with a circular saw. Two types: –Power Miter Saw – The blade rotates horizontally to make angled cuts. –Compound Miter Saw – The blade rotates horizontally to make angled cuts and vertically to make beveled cuts.

Grinders and Sanders They power all kinds of abrasive wheels, brushes, and discs. They can drill, cut, smooth, polish, and shape wood, metal, glass, and plastics.

Grinders

Types of Grinders Angle Grinder –Used to grind surfaces such as pipe, plate, or welds. –The grinding disc is set at a right angle to the motor shaft. End Grinder/Detail Grinder –Used to smooth the inside of pipe. –The grinding disc is set in line with the motor shaft.

Types of Grinders Bench Grinder –Electrically powered stationary grinding machines. –Great for renewing worn edges on tools.

Grinder Safety Never wear loose clothing when operating the grinder. Never use the grinding wheel above its rated capacity. Inspect the grinding disk for chips or cracks before use.

Types of Sanders Portable Belt Sander –Used to remove rough areas from large, flat sections of wood. –Used for stripping old finishes such as paint and varnish. –Uses a continuous-loop abrasive belt that is stretched between two drums. –Heavy duty models have belt widths of 3-4 inches.

Types of Sanders Orbital Sander (Finishing Sander) –Used to create an even, smooth surface needed for painting or varnishing. –It has a circular motion that combines with the users back and forth motion. –Used with fine grit sand paper, it will create a smooth surface on the wood. –Do not light a match when sanding in a confined space, the dust can be explosive.

Spindle Sander

Nail Guns Pneumatically powered. They are designed for specific purposes. –Roofing –Framing –Finishing The nails come in coils or strips that load into the gun.

Safety and Maintenance Review the operating manual before using the nail gun. Keep the nail gun oiled. Use the correct nail gun for the job along with the correct type of nails. Disconnect the air hose before you attempt repairs. Keep all body parts away from the nail path.

Powder Actuated Fastening Systems A low-velocity fastening system. They are powered by gunpowder cartridges called boosters.

Safety and Maintenance Do not use a powder actuated tool unless you are certified on the model you will be using. Install the charger just prior to charging. Use the proper size pin and put the pin in before the charge. Use the correct booster charge.

Air Impact Wrenches Used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. The torque can be adjusted as needed.

Safety and Maintenance Always use clean dry air at the proper pressure. Stay clear of whipping air hoses. Keep the tool properly oiled. Disconnect the air supply before performing any maintenance.

Pavement Breakers Better known by the trade name Jackhammer. Used for large scale demolition work. It is pneumatically powered. It has different attachments.

Safety and Maintenance Make sure the air hose is connected properly. Wear hearing protection; these tools are extremely noisy. Be aware of what material is under what you’re about to break.

Hydraulic Jacks Two parts –Pump Applies pressure to the hydraulic fluid. –Cylinder Applies the lifting or pushing force.

Safety and Maintenance Check the fluid level before using it. Make sure the hose isn’t twisted. Make sure the cylinder is on a level surface to prevent the jack from kicking out. Watch for leaks.