Choosing the Right Tools to Get the Job Done Right
June 23, 2010, By Greg Hoard 0 comments
After a tough week at work, nothing takes the edge off like tackling a project around the house. But nothing makes it worse than not having the right tool to complete the job: can’t get that last screw in to a tight spot; don’t have the right saw to make the proper cut.
Here are a couple of suggestions guaranteed to save the day and your state of mind.
Ryobi® 18V 7-Piece Renovator Combo
This is perfect for general work around the house. It includes:
- Half-inch two-speed drill
- Circular saw with Exactline™ Laser Alignment
- Reciprocating saw with tool-less blade clamp
- Jigsaw with four orbital positions
- Sander
- Tuff Sucker Vac with wet/dry capability
- MSRP -- $349
The inside word. This is a good versatile combination tool and enough for light to general work for any DIY guy, and a good buy to boot.
One tip. Spend a little more money and buy a back-up charger and extra battery, especially if you are looking at a daylong job that will require the use of most of your tools in the combo pack.
One plus. Ryobi even offers a radio to compliment this and other power packs. Great stuff. You can get the job done and catch the game.
Rigid® 24-Volt Lithium-Ion 4-Piece Combo
This is heavy-duty, big-boy stuff. Contractors go for these right and left. They will work all day and take a major beating. Drop one from the second story, not a problem.
The elements are hammer-tough, strong and powerful. It includes:
- 24-Volt XLi™ battery pack which supplies 3.0 amp/hour
- Hammer drill. You can take on concrete with this baby.
- Circular saw
- Reciprocating saw
- Work light
- One-hour diagnostic charger
- MSRP -- $699.00
This is a great tool with better guarantees than others sometimes offer. This is a workingman’s combo-kit. If you don’t have calluses and scars on your hands, it just may be too much to handle.
Choosing a combo kit comes down to a simple decision. Factors to consider: how much, how long and what kind of work are you going to do. Measure your workload against investment and make a choice.
Once you have made your choice and started work, as always, be smart, be careful and follow all safety instructions.
Greg Hoard is the senior writer and former editor of Cincinnati Profile magazine. He is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.
