STUDY GUIDE: POWER TOOLS Learning Objectives: • The features and benefi ts of power tools. • How to answer your customers’ product-related questions. • How to help your customer choose the right products. • How to increase transaction sizes by learning more about add-on sales. Chapter 1: Portable Tools Module 1: Drills and Drivers Product Knowledge: Power Drill • Has diff erent chuck capacities, such as 1/4”, 3/8” or 1/2”. For example, 1/4” means that is the largest diameter shank that will fi t the chuck. The speed of the drill also increases with the size. • Motor load limit can be light-, medium- or heavy-duty. The higher the amp rating, the more powerful the drill. Drills rated at 2A are generally considered light-duty drills, while 5A drills are considered heavy-duty. • Use a chuck to tighten the drill bit in place. A keyed chuck uses a rotary key to tighten and loosen the chuck. You can tighten a keyless chuck by hand. • Another feature on some drills is variable speed. Variable speed drills allow you to control the drill’s revolutions per minute, usually by varying pressure on the trigger switch. Some models also allow you to vary the torque. Higher torque is better for driving screws, and higher speed is better for drilling holes. • A drill should also have a reverse, which allows you to back a drill bit out from the hole. Hammer Drill • Drills quickly through concrete, stone, block and brick. • While the drill turns, it vibrates the chuck back and forth or side-to-side to help the bit chip the material while it is drilling. • Many models have a mode selector, allowing you to choose rotation only, like a conventional drill. You can also switch to hammer drill mode, which combines the drill and hammer action. Better models might off er a hammer only mode for chisel and scraper attachments. • Do not confuse with a rotary hammer, which can accommodate core bits up to 6” in diameter. These tools have unique bit drive and retention methods rather than the conventional geared chuck. • Manufacturers will measure speed by rpm (revolutions per minute), and the hammer action by bpm (blows per minute). © North American Hardware and Paint Association 1 Impact Driver • Drives or loosens long screws, bolts and other fasteners. • Where a hammer drill operates with a back-and-forth, hammer-type motion, an impact driver applies a rotary force. In addition, an impact driver applies a high-pressure torque when it encounters a higher opposing torque. • While this tool can be used to drill holes, it is not suited for delicate tasks, as its high power could cause damage to the work piece. • This tool requires a special hexagonal shank bit. • It is also non-reactionary, meaning that while a regular drill will seize and twist in your hands if it encounters resistance, an impact driver will not. • It is lightweight and easier to handle than a drill. It is also very loud, so you should use hearing protection when operating one. Angle Drill • Has an angled head designed for tight fi ts and close-quarter drilling. • Available in 3/8” or 1/2” sizes. • Some models feature an angle attachment that rotates the drill into any position, while a side handle allows one-hand operation and easy control. Power Screwdriver • There are several types of power screwdrivers. • A common type is a variable-speed, reversible drywall screwdriver. It drives drywall, decking and other self-drilling screws. It off ers higher speeds than a power drill. • A cordless screwdriver is handy for light-duty household applications. It has less power and speed than a power drill, but is easier to handle. Cordless Drill • In addition to the characteristics of cordless tools listed above, here are some of the features specifi c to cordless drills. • An adjustable clutch lets you select the degree of force applied to the drill. This helps prevent the motor from stalling and overheating, which can damage the battery. • Variable speed allows you to control the speed of the drill. This is important because harder materials require slower drilling, while a higher speed drilling is best for softer materials. Taking it to the Floor: Frequently Asked Questions Q: If I buy a cordless drill, what volt model should I buy? A: A 12V model will handle the needs of most d-i-yers. For bigger projects, a 14V or higher model is a good choice. For lighter duty, a 9.6V model should be suffi cient. For extended use, you should get two battery packs. Q: What size of drill do you recommend for do-it-yourself projects? A: Most consumers use a 3/8” model that reverses, has variable speed and has a keyless chuck. You should get one that draws at least 3.5A. You also need to consider what type of material you will be drilling into. Drill softer materials at higher speeds, while you’ll want a slower speed for harder materials such as metal or masonry. To ensure you’re ready for a vari- ety of applications, choose a variable speed drill. © North American Hardware and Paint Association 2 Q: How can I get more life out of my lithium ion battery? A: First, don’t let the battery completely discharge before charging it again. Don’t let it go lower than 20% before recharging. In fact, frequently charge the battery, even if it’s not at that 20% mark. You also want to store batteries in a place where it’s cool, but not freezing. Don’t charge them at temperatures below 32°F or above 105°F. Extreme temperatures will shorten their lifespan. Q: What are some qualities of a good battery charger? A: Better battery chargers have features that protect against overcharging and overheating, both of which can shorten battery life. Also recommend chargers with rapid charge times to decrease tool downtime. Upselling Skills • Gear construction is a key factor in determining quality. Less expensive drills have plastic gears. More expensive models have metal gears and will have longer life. However, some high-end models use high-impact plastic, which is lightweight and just as durable as metal. • Better drills have convenient features such as a built-in level or a depth gauge. • Some drills might have a D-handle or side grip mounted on the housing to improve leverage. • An electronic brake causes the drill to stop as soon as you release the trigger. (Typical drills take a few seconds to wind down). Braking gives you more control over the device. • Better cordless drills have brushless motors. Standard drills use brushes to relay a charge to the motor. Brushless motors instead are controlled by a microprocessor chip. This is a more effi cient design that results in a longer battery run time, as well as more power and durability. • Better drills have variable speed and a reversing action. • Some drills include built-in LED lights to help illuminate the area where you are drilling. • Better batteries have a fuel gauge that allows you to see if it’s time to charge the battery. Add-on Items • Recommend a set of drill bits so your customer will have a variety of sizes. • An extension cord will provide added reach to any customer buying a corded tool. • Customers buying a cordless tool may want an extra battery so they’ll always have one that’s charged. • Off er a battery charger for those customers not buying a tool where the charger is already included. • Recommend ear plugs, as many power tools can be noisy. • Also recommend safety glasses and a dust mask as additional personal protection products. © North American Hardware and Paint Association 3 Module 2: Saws Product Knowledge: Sidewinder Circular Saw • Designed to make straight cuts on a variety of materials, and diff erent types of materials generally require diff erent blades. • This saw is more compact than a worm drive saw. Has the motor mounted on the side of the blade. • It requires less maintenance than worm-drive saws and does not have an oil-fi lled crankcase. • The size of the saw tells you what is the largest size blade that you can use with it. Generally, blade sizes range from 5-1/2” to 10” in diameter. 5-1/2” and 7-1/4” are the most popular. The larger the blade, the thicker material it will cut. • Saws are rated by amperage. Better tools have higher amp and rpm ratings. Worm Drive Circular Saw • Designed to make straight cuts on a variety of materials, and diff erent types of materials generally require diff erent blades. • The motor is inline with the handle and at a right angle to the blade arbor. It also has an oil-fi lled crankcase. • The worm gear style of power transmission means this saw has plenty of torque, which keeps it from stalling in wet or pinched lumber. It also has better sightlines than a sidewinder style saw. • Quieter operation than sidewinder saws, but heavier, usually 14 to 19 lbs. • Most common blade size is 7-1/4”. Also available are 6-1/2” and 8-1/4” blades. Trim Saw • Small circular saw used to cut sheet goods, moldings and trim. • Designed to make straight cuts a variety of materials, and diff erent types of materials generally require diff erent blades. • Some models can adapt to cut glass and ceramic tile. • It is easy to handle and lightweight. Jigsaw • Also known as a sabre saw, it cuts with an up and down motion and is ideal for cutting curves and irregular lines.