Whether you are a DIY-er or a regular homeowner that owns many tools, you might have asked yourself which is better to buy: hand or power tools. The answer would depend on what type of job it will be used and how much money you have to spend.  We all know that power tools can be expensive, so it’s best to assess things carefully before purchasing one.

The Difference Between Hand Tools and Power Tools

What is the difference between hand tools and power tools?

Hand tools are exactly what they sound like, they are tools that require manual labor to use. Power tools have the power source to allow them to operate automatically, and without human intervention.

That power source may be a battery, air compressor, or electricity.

Manual tools have fewer moving parts, and their design is simple by nature.

To summarize: Power tools use a power source (battery or electricity) to run, while hand tools rely on human power to operate.

A. Hand Tools

What is a hand tool?

A hand tool doesn’t require a battery, cord, compressed air or power source to operate.

Since no motor is necessary to run them, these tools can be used anytime, anywhere by almost anyone.

Different types of manual hand tools include hammers, pliers, manual saws, screwdrivers, and wrenches. It is important to know that portable power tools, even though they can be carried by a tool belt or easily transported in a tool box, are not considered hand tools.

Examples of these include, abrasive wheels, circular saws, grinders, portable belt sanders, and battery-operated drills.

What advantages do hand tools have over power tools?

Both hand tools and power tools come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage of hand tools over power tools is precision. Fine carving and intricate detailing are easier to do with hand tools. You can also use hand tools anytime, anywhere as they don’t require a power source to work. Hand tools are also lighter, quieter, safer, and easier to transport.

Here are the main reasons why you should choose a hand tool over a power tool:

1. More Precise

Hand tools are more precise than power tools. Fine carvings and intricate details in wood, metal and other materials are easier to achieve with hand tools.

Since they can be fully controlled and maneuvered, hand tools are better for jobs requiring a high level of precision, such as building musical instruments, or wooden art work.

2. It is not loud

Hand tools are much quieter than power tools. When deeply focused on your work, the last thing you need is a loud, buzzing tool distracting you.

3. It always works

Hand tools always work! They don’t need a power source to run nor do they have any mechanical or computerized parts that could break down and/or need repair. They last longer because they have fewer moving parts.

4. It is safe to use

Hand tools are safer to use. The risk of injury is far less than with power tools.

Power tools often run at high speeds. This significant increase in power makes them more dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended that only those with experience and training should operate power tools, as safety is of the utmost importance.

5. Lighter Weight

Hand tools aren’t usually as heavy as power tools. This makes them easier to handle and work with.

Since most are designed to be used with just one hand, they tend to weigh less than 3 pounds each as opposed to power tools, which can weigh up to 10 pounds.

The lighter weight makes hand tools simple and safe to use.

6. Easier to transport

Hand tools tend to be smaller or more compact than power tools, making them easier to transport. This is ideal for those who need to take their tools with them from one job to another.

Travel-friendly hand tools are also less expensive to purchase and operate since they don’t require electricity to run.

They are hassle-free when it comes to maintenance. You only have to keep them rust-free.

Pros of Hand Tools:

• Hand tools do not require many supplies to operate. They rely on your body’s power and there is no need for electricity nor cables.
• Since they do not require power, they can function longer until you get tired.
• Hand tools can give you more control over movement and accuracy from you manually moving them.
• Hand tools are smaller and lighter, and you can easily carry or move them from one place to another. Also, they are not restricted by cables, tubes, or range.
• They are easier to maintain and cheaper to buy or repair.

What are the hazards of hand tools?

Hand tools, for the most part, are generally safe to use. Provided you maintain and use them properly.

Accidents happen when tools (especially those that are loose or broken) are used incorrectly.

Cons of Hand Tools:

• They are limited to your effort and when you get tired they will slow down
• They take much longer on repetitive and physical tasks like cutting or nailing.
• They are less precise than power tools; machines are better at certain tasks, and by working with your hands you will miss out on the precision and accuracy of certain tasks.

A few examples of the possible hazards that come when using hand tools inappropriately include the following:

• Using a chisel as a screwdriver, thus increasing the odds of the chisel tip breaking off and possibly injuring the user.
• Using a hammer with a loose, cracked or splintered handle whereby the head can fly off when struck, possibly striking the user.

The lesson to be learnt here is to always use a hand tool the way the manufacturer intended. Never use tools that are loose or broken. Inspect your tools beforehand and make sure to store them properly afterwards.

B. Power Tools

What is a power tool?

Power tools are the tools that are powered by electricity. They are widely used in construction, electricity, plumbing, and other industrial jobs. Right from home improvement projects to plumbing, and damage repair, power tools have multiple applications in homes and commercial establishments. Power tools enjoy many advantages over hand tools. They can be used to complete several constructions and repair tasks in minimum time and with fewer efforts.

In recent years, the demand for power tools has increased considerably. This has increased the demands for power tools online shopping.

Main advantages of power tools:

• The first and foremost benefit of using power tools is the high speed. Many of the time-consuming tasks can be easily completed with the help of power tools. For example, driving screws into concrete with hand tools is not only difficult but time-consuming as well. This task can be easily done with a reliable power tool.
• Power tools are more effective. Using a drill driver will allow you to drive larger screws into tougher materials. Power tools can be used to perform several tasks that can’t be performed with single hand tools.

• These tools can increase the efficiency of workers by simplifying their work and completing different tasks in less time. Power tools can save precious time for the workers and increase their efficiency. That way, the workers are able to focus on quality rather than wasting their time on small, unproductive tasks.
• Power tools can be used to complete construction and repair tasks cleanly, and without causing any major disruption in homes or offices. Top-quality power tools ensure that the repair work is completed in a hassle-free way.

Other Pros of Power Tools:

• Power tools are much faster than hand tools and can make repetitive tasks like hammering nails more efficient.
• They are stronger than your hand and can do more difficult tasks like cutting wood.
• They are more precise than hand tools; cutting and drilling with a power tool is much easier and stable than using a hand drill or saw.

Disadvantages of Using Power Tools:

Power tools, even if they are fast and accurate, have some drawbacks. The reliance of a power source to work is the main one.

Another disadvantage is the potential for parts to fail, requiring costly repair and/or replacement.

Even if they’re battery operated, should the tools run low or die, they won’t function properly.

Here are other cons in using power tools:

• They are expensive to buy and more difficult to repair, requiring more advanced and frequent maintenance.
• They can be heavy and cumbersome to move; also, they may have wires or tubes that restrict your motion.
• They have a limited run time whether it be gas or electric, and when they die you can’t just use them slowly- but they are completely dead.

Why are power tools more dangerous than hand tools?

A key point to mention when it comes to power tools is the danger factor involved. Tools that spin or cut at a rapid rate are hazardous, should the operator not be paying full attention (or have an unfortunate accident) while handling them.

Power tools are most likely to cause health issues related to harmful dust, fumes, gases, vapors or other toxins being emitted during use.

When to buy which:

Power tools are an investment, and if you just need to nail a few hammers is likely not worth the cost. However, on production sites when time is money having a pneumatic nail gun or drill is a requirement as you can work longer hours much more efficiently than by hand. 

In conclusion, it’s always important to know the scale of the projects you are working on and how much money you will save in physical money, and time spent using a hand tool. Both hand and power tools are important and should be kept as backups for each other, but only you can decide whether a power tool will be worth the effort and money you spend.