First power tool one should buy?

IronWing

No Lifer
Jul 20, 2001
72,852
33,912
136
What should be the first power tool a person should buy upon getting their own place?

Edit: Will add optionations to poll if requested and bribed with cookies.
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Definitely a drill..or a Dremel, but I wouldn't really classify it as a 'power tool' with everything else listed.

WTH would you want a lathe for? :confused:
 

GagHalfrunt

Lifer
Apr 19, 2001
25,284
1,998
126
C4. There is no household problem that cannot be solved with a suitable application of high explosives.
 

Drakkon

Diamond Member
Aug 14, 2001
8,401
1
0
lmao ive never seen a poll here with so many options remain so one sided....

if i could have a second choice (After drill) would be an electric screwdriver. Yeah you can use the drill for a screwdriver but sometimes its impracticle (too big). so i bust out the old wand style screwdriver and drive it in. Sears sells awesome craftsman tri packs with drill, wand type screwdriver, and circular saw and id say those are my top 3 tools :D
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
223
106
Originally posted by: Drakkon
lmao ive never seen a poll here with so many options remain so one sided....

if i could have a second choice (After drill) would be an electric screwdriver. Yeah you can use the drill for a screwdriver but sometimes its impracticle (too big). so i bust out the old wand style screwdriver and drive it in. Sears sells awesome craftsman tri packs with drill, wand type screwdriver, and circular saw and id say those are my top 3 tools :D

Looks like ATOT agrees on at least one thing.. :p
 

Kremlar

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,426
3
81
if i could have a second choice (After drill) would be an electric screwdriver.

I hate thoese things. They never seem to save any time for me.

I'll either use my drill, or a plain old screwdriver.
 

Kremlar

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,426
3
81
One recommendation - pick your tools carefully. If you're just using them for around the house basic tasks, don't break the bank buying the most expensive tools. However, don't get the cheapest stuff around either.

I've finally settled on Ryobi tools - they seem to be a perfect match for my skill/use level. I'll build furniture, built a shelf around my deck, lattice panel, crown molding, etc...

I like the Ryobi One 18V line because the batteries are interchangable.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: Drakkon
lmao ive never seen a poll here with so many options remain so one sided....

if i could have a second choice (After drill) would be an electric screwdriver. Yeah you can use the drill for a screwdriver but sometimes its impracticle (too big). so i bust out the old wand style screwdriver and drive it in. Sears sells awesome craftsman tri packs with drill, wand type screwdriver, and circular saw and id say those are my top 3 tools :D

The problem I have with power screwdrivers is that they USUALLY don't have variable speed triggers, which you really need for driving screws. And I don't mean two speeds, I mean a range of speeds as you pull the trigger farther. The ones I have seen that have variable speed triggers are DeWalts that cost $100.

So for that reason I'd just get a right-angle drill bit or use a hand screw driver if I have to screw in an uncomfortable place (like the backseat of a Volkswagen).
 

GalvanizedYankee

Diamond Member
Oct 27, 2003
6,986
0
0
Every guy gets a drill with his man card ;)

Battery operated drills are a pita. They are heavy and large compared to a 110V drill.

Buy a 3/8", variable speed, reversable drill. A Jacob's chuck is a plus and attach the chuck
key to the cord so you know where it is.

My next high speed rotory tool will not be made by Dremel but by Black&Deker.
B&D bought out Dremel awhile back and makes a better high speed tool.

For typical lite-duty home use I have no problem buying from Harbor Freight.

I have 50# of air tools here and rarely fire up the compressor to use them. (retired mechanic)

...Galvanized