Do It Yourself Handyman - Finding Power Tools for Left Handed People

I May Be Left Handed But I'm Always Right Funny Gift T-Shirt T-Shirt

 Most power tools on the market are designed for everyone to use. However, if you happen to be left handed, then you may realize just how difficult it is to operate particular power tools. The on/off switch being in a location that isn’t convenient or easy to get to in the event of an emergency is the most common complaint. 

With saws, the most common complaint for left handed people is that the blade is on the right hand side which makes it difficult for them to operate. The left handed individual has two choices – hold it the wrong way and hope the cut ends up being straight or face it the other way around with the blade coming at you and the materials coming at you. Neither is a very effective option. 

Still, many left handed individuals feel like they have been cheated by the power tool industry. In fact, the Left Handers Club, a group that was formed in 1990, has been sparking the interest in many power tool manufacturers to address the situation. It seems like saws are the one main power tool that hasn’t yet been adapted for left handed individuals. For them, a table saw works best because you can choose to cut on either the right side or the left side of the blade. 

There are some great power tools on the market that can be used easily for left handed individuals including power screwdrivers, routers, nailers, drills, and sanders. This is because the manufacturers have worked hard to redesign them. The on/off switch is generally located in the middle of the power tool so it can be accessed from the right side or the left side. 

Left Handed Manual Can Opener, Orange Handle

A mainly unknown brand of power tool, Porter-Cable, has introduced a circular saw kit that features the blade on the left hand side. The reviews of this power tool show it is very inexpensive, around $100 and sees to work very well for a variety of materials. This might be a great saw for left handed individuals to try out. It seems like it would be much safer than the right handed saw options we discussed above. 

Panasonic offers a cordless drill that is designed for the left handed individual. In addition, it is getting rave reviews for being a great working power tool that recharges very quickly. Unfortunately, there still aren’t enough to make a good selection.

Left handed tool belts are becoming a very popular item manufactured by many tool makers. This is very helpful and a step in the right direction, especially for left handed individuals who work in the construction industry. They commonly wear a tool belt for eight to twelve hours a day, five or six days per week. 

It appears that the power tool industry has made some steps in the right direct when it comes to making the majority of power tools accommodating for both left handed and right handed individuals. Moving the power switch made a huge different on many of these power tools. In the past, left handed individuals had to reach in front of the power tool, and that could be a potential risk for injury. Now most of the major power tools have the power switch in the center. 

Fiskars 1294508697WJ Left-hand 8" Bent-left, Stainless Steel - Orange

Since there are so many left handed people in our society, and it is no longer something looked down on, there is a huge demand for power tools to work for them. Creating power tools that appeal to this market seems like a great opportunity for power tool manufacturers. There has been some progress in this area over the past ten years, and the trend indicates that more changes will continue to meet the power tool needs of left handed individuals. They will be able to purchase power tools that are effective, safe, and work with them instead of them having to find a way to adjust to the right handed set up. 

Do It Yourself Handyman - Factors to Consider when Comparing Power Tools

 

With the market being saturated with various brands of power tools, it can be a really tough decision to choose the right ones. Here are some basic areas of comparison that you need to take into consideration. They will also help you get the best deals on the power tools you do decide to purchase.

Of course, the purchase price is something we are all going to look at. It doesn’t matter how great of a power tool is, if it is too much for the budget then it can’t even be considered. Most power tools are reasonably priced but you are going to run across some heavy duty, top of the line power tools that have a price tag to reflect it. 

Keep in mind the cost is more than just the purchase price. Take the cost of essentials into consideration as well. Depending on the type of power tool, these essentials can be sandpaper, belts, blades, bits, or a number of other items. Optional accessories are also something to consider. 

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What features are you looking for in a particular power tool? Don’t get caught up in all the features that one has to offer. You may end up paying a great deal more for a power tool that has features you don’t intend to ever us. Take a good look at those features though because you may find a few you could really use that you didn’t think of. That will definitely make a particular model more appealing to you.

Since most power tools are designed to last a very long time, you want to find out about the availability of replacement parts. You also want to find out about customer support. It can be over the phone, by mail, or on the internet. It is important that customer support is available to you in the event you have questions, comments, or complaints about your power tool purchase. Manufacturers who have been in business for a very long time are likely to still be there down the road when you need a replacement part for your power tool.

The quality of a power tool is very important. A good way to compare the quality of a particular type of power tool is to check reviews online from other consumers. These reviews are free to look at and very unbiased. You can also check with magazines that do comparisons such as Consumer Reports. However, you will probably have to pay for a subscription to get this information. Their monthly magazine has features for a variety of products. You can search their archives online to find articles and reviews about power tools.

It is a good idea to purchase a particular model and brand of power tool only after you have physically looked at it and touched it. It is too heavy? Does it seem to flimsy for the job you plan to do with it? How noisy is it? Does it fit properly in your hands? These things are all very important and will affect how compatible the power tool is for you. 

Safety should be a top priority on your list when it comes to selecting power tools. What is their safety rating? How many accidents have occurred with a particular model of hand tool? What safety features does the power tool offer you? All power tools on the market have basic safety mechanisms in place, but keep in mind that some only offer the bare minimum as regulated while others go the extra mile to ensure their customers are safe while operating them. 

Sometimes walking into a store of power tools is like taking a child into a candy store. However, to get the most from the power tools you purchase, follow these guidelines. Don’t be blind sided by the brand name or the design of a particular power tool. Take the time to find out exactly what it has to offer you.