The Problem With Power Tools
Ah, power tools. We love to buy them… but apparently we don’t love to use them. More often than not they sit in the garage gathering dust for years. People are afraid to give them away just in case they need them for the future. But, spoiler alert, you’re really not going to use them. Really. Here’s 20 power tools you’ve probably forgotten about by this point.
Jigsaw
No, not a jigsaw puzzle, a jigsaw. It’s what you use for awkward cuts… except you probably don’t use one any more. Multi-tools and compact cordless saws do the same tasks, so the poor old jigsaw is probably sitting around unloved. Give it away!
Corded Drill
Loads of people have one of these lying around in the garage and you just might be one of them. Forget corded drills - you want the cordless kind. They're just as powerful, much more portable, and way more convenient. No more tripping over extension cords!
Electric Staple Gun
Back when upholstery was a big deal, the electric staple gun was all the rage. But the “electric” part soon changed people's minds – put electricity in something and you instantly make it dangerous. Now, manual staple guns are smaller and much easier to control, so you should get one of those instead.
Palm Sander
How often are you really sanding furniture? For the odd scuff or distressing job, a sanding sponge or sanding block does the job just fine. Put your palm sander on eBay, there’s probably lots of people who would want one. You’re not one of them however.
Power Caulking Gun
Unless you redo bathroom tile for a living, you really don’t need a power caulking gun. A regular caulking gun is just easier. No batteries, no weight, no fuss! The power version sounds cool, but for most home jobs it’s overkill.
Rotary Tool Kit
These looked amazing on TV adverts, didn’t they? One little tool that does everything for you. But let’s be honest - most of those attachments never even left the box. You used a few of them and then forgot about the whole thing. Shame on you!
Electric Paint Sprayer
So many people have been fooled by these. In theory, an electric paint sprayer saves time. In reality? It clogs, it spits, and cleanup is a nightmare. Unless you’re painting fences as part of your job, a good old roller and brush are quicker and way less messy.
Corded Circular Saw
Nowadays, cordless circular saws are just as powerful, ten times more convenient, and less dangerous. Basically, if there’s anything corded out there that they now make a cordless version of, it’s time to get rid of it. Someone is bound to take it off your hands if you ask around.
Oscillating Multi-Tool
It was supposed to be the Swiss Army knife of power tools, but it went the same way as, well, the Swiss Army knife – better things came along and it got forgotten in a drawer. Chances are you used it once and then forgot about it, so you really should just sell it on.
Power Screwdriver
People bought these thinking they would be easier on the wrists, and then ended up disappointed. Power screwdrivers drained batteries quickly and didn’t really do anything a good cordless drill couldn’t do. Most of them ended up languishing in drawers for ages.
Electric Chainsaw
If you’ve got a forest in your backyard, sure, keep a massive chainsaw. But most folks just plain don’t need one. A decent pruning saw or battery-powered mini chainsaw does the trick without the noise or maintenance, and it’s safer as well.
Electric Nailer
People buy these because they’re cool, and then store them in the garage and forget about them. Oh, and don’t forget, they’re also dangerous! Never use one around children or pets. Maybe a regular hammer would do the job better, in fact.
Tile Cutter Saw
Unless you’re remodeling a bathroom every other month (and you’re probably not) this one's taking up way too much shelf space. For the occasional DIY project, you’re better off renting one or using a tile snap cutter.
Power Washer
Power washers are very popular right now, so you probably rushed out and bought one along with everyone else. Trouble is, you’re only going to use them a couple of times a year! Unless you have a cleaning business, you just don’t need a power washer.
Electric Planer
When’s the last time you needed to flatten a board or shave a door? Most folks aren’t building custom furniture, and that’s who the electric planer is really aimed at. Why not sell your electric planer to someone who will actually use it?
Power Miter Saw
They look impressive, and there’s certainly some jobs they’re great for. But for casual home use? Total overkill. A simple miter box and hand saw are easier, quieter, and don’t require a setup that looks like something out of a killer robot movie.
Angle Grinder
These are great for metalwork, tile cutting, or sharpening blades - if you’re doing that kind of thing regularly. But most homeowners simply aren’t. If you bought an angle grinder on a whim once and have yet to really use it, it’s time to pass it along.
Electric Edger
Do you really need an edger? Most people just don’t care about their lawns that much, or they hire someone to cut it and they bring their own edger. If it’s been gathering dust in your garage for over a year, it’s time to get rid of it.
Drywall Cutout Tool
It sounds specific because it is. You probably bought it for one drywall job, used it once (maybe), and haven’t touched it since. Unless you’re constantly cutting drywall, it’s just another oddly shaped gadget sitting on a shelf.
Electric Screw Extractor
This thing promises to save the day when a screw strips - but more often than not, it ends up stripping the screw even worse. Most DIYers end up grabbing pliers, a rubber band, or just drilling the thing out. Not worth it!
