POWER Tools Are Now The Staple of Most People's Toolboxes

POWER tools are now the staple of most people's toolboxes; whether it's a circular saw, a jigsaw or a power drill, even the most avid of DIY fans would struggle without them. Long gone are the days of repetitive actions that wear a person out; now anyone can pick up a power tool and have the job done in next to no time. Here are some of the many jobs in and around the home that have been made easier with the invention of power tools. Hanging shelves: If you've got a stretch of wall in your home, which has started to look a bit barren, hanging pictures or shelves are two popular solutions. While pictures may add a touch of sentimentality, shelves are much more functional. Hanging shelves used to be an arduous task requiring a hand drill, typically either an 'eggbeater' drill or even a 'brace and bit', and the driller to be stood uncomfortably applying lots of pressure to the wall. Now, with power drills, perfect holes can be drilled in a matter of seconds, transforming the task of hanging shelves into a two-minute job. Changing a tyre: Changing a tyre is a chore many people have to face up to, usually at the worst of times. While it may not be the hardest task on this list, getting it wrong can be disastrous. Everyone has his or her own techniques on how to do it, but the correct way is to use a torque wrench. Each car has its own specifications in terms of how tight bolts need to be; too tight and the wheel can rub against the inside of the wheel arch, too loose and the wheel can wobble and even fall off. Using a torque wrench allows you to apply the exact amount of pressure recommended in your car's handbook. Putting down flooring: Flooring options were limited before the arrival of power tools: carpet or floorboards. However, nearly everyone now has at least one room in their home which is laid with laminate flooring. The rise in popularity of laminate flooring can be traced back to the availability of power tools; because the shape of every room in the house can be vastly different, shaping the individual planks would be almost impossible with manual saws. Now with tools like the jigsaw or mitre saw straight, clean and above all fast cuts can be made to create a perfect match to your floor. Garden furniture: Even if you're lucky enough to have a garage or garden shed to store your furniture in during the winter, you can't protect it from wear forever. Applying a new coat of paint or varnish to your garden furniture every now and then can prolong its life, and to truly get the best finish, sanding is the only way. However, before the arrival of belt or sheet sanders, you would have to spend hours with a sheet of sand paper scrubbing away by hand. Whether you're building an extension to your house or simply assembling a coffee table, without power tools to help, even the most skilled craftsman can struggle. Source: strathspey-herald.co.uk