Your toolbox likely contains the usual suspects — hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers — but what about power tools? Some people prefer manual ones, but power tools can make your life as a prepper so much easier. They make your do-it-yourself (DIY) work much faster and often get the job done correctly.
These nine power tools are some you should keep in your arsenal because you never know when you’ll need them.
1. Cordless Drill
Some could argue the cordless drill is the most important item on this list. This tool is among the most versatile, so you’ll be able to use it for many tasks. Obviously, you’ll find cordless drills useful because of how portable they are. As long as you’ve charged it, you can take it anywhere and get into those hard-to-reach places that may be difficult with a corded drill.
When bad storms, like hurricanes loom, cordless drills can help you board up your windows quickly and make your house safe. Handheld drills have been around for over 100 years and are relatively easy to use, so consider adding one to your arsenal if you prefer a backup option.
2. Chainsaw
A chainsaw is another fundamental power tool every prepper needs. These machines are essential when clearing trees on your property, such as when trimming trees with limbs that reach over your home, because something small could turn into a disaster quickly in the wrong circumstance.
When storms with heavy winds wreak havoc around your house, your chainsaw will be your new best friend. They can quickly cut through debris from fallen trees and make the cleanup faster, including clearing driveways and roads.
You can get a gas-powered chainsaw, but an electric one may work better for you because it’s lighter, easier to handle and possibly even safer. But you’ll need to be able to recharge it, so consider whether that’s a possibility. If not, the buy a gasoline option and store gas. Remember maintenance tasks, too, including adding bar oil and sharpening teeth.
3. Bandsaw
If you do any woodworking, bandsaws are essential tools to have. Of the power saws in your arsenal and on this list, it may be the most functional because there are so many uses. For example, you can mill lumber, reset boards and make curved cuts in your lumber. There are a few variations of the bandsaw — horizontal and vertical.
Horizontal bandsaws have long blades that can easily slice through steel and metals. The heavy-duty nature of horizontal bandsaws makes them popular across many industries. This type of bandsaw has a high level of power, but it stays relatively quiet so as not to disturb others too much while you’re working. Horizontal bandsaws also operate automatically, taking some of the work off you.
You may also know vertical bandsaws as vertical contouring saws. The primary feature of these machines is their ability to make detailed cuts. You’d often use vertical saws for softer materials, such as aluminum. These bandsaws are smaller, so you’ll have more room in your shop. Bandsaws, as with any saw, require total concentration because of their sharp blades. One way to make your vertical bandsaw safer is to use an adjustable guard.
4. Circular Saw
Circular saws are another form of the bandsaw. They use a circular blade that cuts in short lengths. Given the right blade, it has many uses, such as cutting through aluminum, wood, plastic and more. There are several good things about a circular saw, including its portability, ability to repeat cuts, interchangeable blades, and ease of use. But, of the many saws available to us, it can be dangerous. You might, therefore, also want one or more handsaws.
5. Nail Gun
A nail gun is a simple yet effective power tool any serious prepper needs in their arsenal. You can forget the hammer if you have a nail gun because these machines drive nails into wood fast. They’re ideal if you’re working on construction projects, but require an air compressor to operate.
There are different types of nail guns you may come across. One widely-used version is the staple gun. It’s a must for preppers who are using thin sheets of wood. They can delicately handle the light lumber because it’s not as abrasive and won’t split the sheets. Framing nail guns are ideal if you’re trying to build a fence, deck or another heavy-duty project. If you need to choose, go with a traditional nail gun as opposed to the staple gun, but each have their uses.
6. Angle Grinder
One theme in this list is versatility, and angle grinders stay true to that word. They’re potent and can get the job done for a range of needs. Angle grinders are great for polishing, deburring, grinding and finishing. This power tool makes challenging jobs more manageable because they combine the work of many devices into one.
When using an angle grinder, your attachment will depend on the job you’re trying to do. Some of the extensions you may find yourself using are:
- Flap sanding discs: Sanding becomes much easier when using an angle grinder with a flap sanding disc. This attachment keeps your angle grinder cool while sanding because it dispels heat. The abrasive flaps overlap and they’re ideal for stock removal.
- Diamond discs: If you’re working with concrete or masonry, diamond discs are an excellent attachment for your angle grinder. Their diamond name derives from its toughness and ability to easily cut through rigid materials like marble, porcelain and granite.
- Wire brushes: Angle grinders are excellent for polishing and finishing — you can also use them for powerful cleanings. Wire brushes accomplish this and other tasks like paint stripping and edge cleaning. If you need to deal with iron or stainless steel, use a knotted wire wheel brush. This attachment removes rust from hard metals.
7. Air Compressor
When you think of the most vital power tools for your property, it may take a minute to get to the air compressor. Preppers shouldn’t overlook this and other practical but missable tools. Before a looming emergency, for example, you can use it to inflate vehicle tire pressure when you need to hit the road. You can use it to run the nail gun (along with any other pneumatic tool) mentioned previously. It finds use for cleaning machinery and a wide array of other applications.
Smaller ones are fairly portable, so you can have one by your side wherever you are. The only limiting factor for you is how large your tank is, but even smaller, pancake-style, compressors are better than nothing.
8. Reciprocating Saw
If you were hoping for more saws, you’re in for a treat. It’s hard to overstate how essential saws are to preppers. Most of them have a versatility that allows you to do so many things — reciprocating saws are no exception.
Many people use these saws in their demolition and remodeling projects. Like the other saws, your blade will determine the materials best for your reciprocating saw. Some you may encounter include:
- High-speed steel: These are among the most common blades you’ll see. They’re durable, heat resistant and can handle bending. High-speed steel is best for cutting hardwood and non-ferrous metals.
- Carbide grit: Carbide grit blades are tough and can cut through material like masonry and tile. They differ from carbide-tipped blades because they don’t have teeth. They’re abrasive and can last a long time due to their toughness.
- Bi-metal blades: Bi-metal blades typically have a body made from high-carbon steel. They have a high break resistance and their steel teeth operate at incredible speed. The blades perform well with heat resistance and sturdiness. A bi-metal blade will last a long time, so they’re well worth it. Preppers may use this saw for cutting pipes and sheet metal.
9. Impact Driver
Impact drivers are a terrific power tool because they take the best of both worlds from drills and wrenches. Its primary function will be driving in screws and bolts, especially on projects needing more power.
This power tool offers short bursts of maximum power with its rotational force, perfect for fasteners or long screws. They’re lightweight and small, so their portability is a huge plus. They’ll also need an air compressor to function.
Conclusions
Power tools are an excellent investment for preppers and anyone looking to do DIY work on their property. Although some folks fear the risk of their power running out, but even a modest off-grid power solution should keep these items running long enough to get the job done. And if you use their gasoline-powered counterparts, then there’s no risk of these crucial tools not working when needed.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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