Power tools - drills, sanders, nailers, screwdrivers, glue guns, grinders, welders - the list of available power tools could go on and on. So what are the must-haves? How do you know which power tools are the best and what importance does the torque rating or power rating have?

As work slowly moves forward on my own property renovation, we continue to learn many lessons. We now fully understand why investment into the right power tools for the job is so important. My new tool of choice is a hot air gun (after a kind relative donated one to us) - paint stripping is now fun and not painful! Why did we not get one of these before?!

Photo: Phil working his power tools (drills) on the towel rail

Investing in the right power tools can save time and money, we spoke to retail store Wickes, to find out more.

So which power tools and how do you choose the right one?

"When planning how to approach a job, be sure to consider your tool's power rating and torque rating.

"All Wickes power tools come with a power rating; not only defining the electrical power required by an individual tool, but also highlighting the robust build of a tool. This is great for higher-power units requiring stronger bearings and gearboxes."

What are power tool ratings?

"A power tool rating defines the speed with which the drilling or cutting edge of a power tool can spin, meaning the higher the power rating, the faster the speed. Tools with a higher power rating are best-suited for applications involving harder materials (e.g. Concrete & brick), whereas those with a lower power rating should be used with softer materials (e.g. Plaster, breeze block or wood). Using a low-powered tool with harder material can be both a frustrating experience and potentially damaging for motor."

• Tip 1 - Choose a higher rating power tool for more frequent usage
  
• Tip 2 - Corded tools (as opposed to cordless) generally offer more power

What is a torque rating?

"A torque rating is very different from a power rating. Power is derived from voltage and defines the potential speed of a drill bit or blade, whereas a torque rating describes the potential pressure a tool can exert on a material. In basic terms, a torque rating defines the strength of the power tool.

"Torque is created via the internal gearing and physical properties of the tool's motor. In real-world terms, this means that low torque rating tools are best-suited for applications involving materials of a low-resistance (thinner & lighter), and high torque rating tools are recommended when more power is required, such as the mixing of plaster or the cutting of concrete block."

• Tip 1 - Variable-speed power tools drills offer a high torque rating, low-speed starts. Great for accuracy when cutting and drilling
  
• Tip 2 - Choose variable-speed power tools drills if you plan to use as a screwdriver

Visit Wickes for further advice on which power tools to buy, the power rating and torque rating and don't miss out on current power tool offers!