Questions tagged [powertools]

Power tools are any tool that uses electricity or compressed air to perform a given action. Use with the [tools] tag

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Is it OK to use an AC power supply with output voltage lower than specified on the original power supply to recharge a cordless tool?

I need a new power supply for my Black and Decker GS500 3.6V DC cordless grass clipper. I have not been able to find a Black and Decker replacement power supply. The original power supply label shows ...
user78602's user avatar
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1 answer
164 views

What does a Mitre Saw offer that a Table Saw does not?

I have a range of MDF Panels and strips of Solid Wood that I would like to turn into Picture Frames. As such, each piece of MDF/Wood will need to have a 45-degree angle cut into each end. In order ...
Craig's user avatar
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1 answer
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Chargers for NI-CD versus NI-MH batteries

Is it safe to use an original DeWalt 9 volt battery charger (DW9118) made for NI-CD batteries on a non-OEM NI-MH type 9 volt battery made for DeWalt products?
appltech's user avatar
1 vote
4 answers
3k views

Feasibility of using 18V batteries to power AC tools

I have a few (working) 18V batteries (Makita, LXT) and I would like to be able to power some AC (220V) power tools with them. Many of the AC power tools have electronic control and simply applying DC ...
Andrei Rînea's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
578 views

Why does my framing nailer ocasionally leak from around the trigger?

I have a Hitachi NR90AC5 framing nailer that still functions correctly, but some air leaks from around the trigger. Sometimes, after firing a few nails, it doesn't leak air anymore. Then later after ...
Nick's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
314 views

How/why is a driver better at screws than a combi drill?

The first decent power tool I bought was a DeWalt combi drill. It's good but I know contractors always have dedicated tools and it seems other than convenience switching bits, a driver is just better ...
Mr. Boy's user avatar
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19 votes
4 answers
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Is this saw blade faulty?

This may be the stupidest DIY question ever, but I want to make sure before I return it: is this non-ferrous metals saw blade faulty? In the picture, see where one of the titanium carbide teeth seems ...
RustyShackleford's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
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Want to know how hex bit shank works and the history behind it's design

I have tried to search this in google but I haven't found a complete explanation, so I ask this here. I also have read other answers related with hex bit socket, but it still not satisfied. How the ...
Donny Kurnia's user avatar
-1 votes
2 answers
1k views

Fixing broken cast aluminum?

My drill press was dropped and the table broke off. The break is shown in the picture. Nothing got bent out of shape the table part fits this break perfectly. Is there a reasonable way to re-attach ...
Wynne's user avatar
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3 votes
2 answers
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Will I have to chuck my Drill Press Chuck?

The Drill Press in question is a Wen 4214. I had originally seated the chuck by tapping it with a hammer by way of a piece of scrap and then, for good measure, pressed it into a piece of scrap. It's ...
Hueco's user avatar
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8 votes
3 answers
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okay to use fatter/longer extension cord than spec'd for power tools?

I want to buy an electric chainsaw, rated at 15A (125V). Manufacturer specifies max 50' extension cord (no gauge spec). There are 50' 14 gauge extension cords that are rated at 15A/125V. Could I use a ...
TimCO's user avatar
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When splitting a 240v circuit, what happens to neutral's amperage?

My garage has very limited power with only one outlet that I share with 3 bathrooms and every outdoor outlet, 4 total, on a 20 amp breaker. (House hastily thrown together in 97' for your reference) I ...
BST Love's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
53 views

Switching drill batteries [closed]

I have a Porter-Cable 20 volt impact drill and circular saw... I just came across to 6 amp hour Milwaukee M18 batteries for free... I want to run my Porter-Cable impact off the M18 battery how do I ...
Robert's user avatar
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3 answers
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How are mini drill bits mounted on a regular sized drill?

I have no prior knowledge of drilling but I've stripped a screw on one of my electronics so I need to drill it out to access the insides for a fix. From basic research, I understand that the 'drill ...
HelloWorld's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
491 views

Which type of site tool box/vault is most secure

I've been investing quite a lot of money in power tools trying to up my game in the world of carpentry construction and feel that's it's just a matter of time before I lose the lot to thieves unless I ...
Michael Sherpa's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
329 views

Makita Power tools identification help

I hope I am in the right stackexchange domain for this question. I have acquired an old Makita SDS-MAX drill hammer in a garage sale for almost nothing because the rotor of the electrical engine is ...
TimK's user avatar
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2 answers
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Increasing the Maximum Shank Dia [closed]

There is a device in my head that I know must exist, but I can't seem to find it. I own a drill. Kinda small. It has a small chuck so the shank dia of the drill bits that I can use is limited. Is ...
Sky High's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
14k views

How do I fix a sewer snake cable that has kinked inside the spooler cage?

I had to snake out my sewer this weekend and rented a large sewer snake from the hardware store. When I hit the problem area the cutting tip on the end of the cable apparently got stuck and I didn't ...
Nicknamednick's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
95 views

making shallow angle in wood

I'm thinking how to make a shallow angle - not too important what it is - in wood plank about 3'7" long (see cross section below). I was thinking maybe a power planer might do but they're for making ...
onepound's user avatar
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0 votes
2 answers
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Should the cord on my miter saw have a grounding wire and plug?

I have inherited a chop saw, hooray, but it only has 2 prongs on it’s power cord. Is it safe to use? Is there a way to ground it? Thanks!
user89432's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Power Drill emits a bright spark and stops. Can fix?

I have one of these and I recently lent it to someone. Now when I tried it after a while, it runs for a second or two (if I press the trigger all the way), and then emits a bright spark or two from ...
Karthik T's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
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Remove Tight Decking Screws

I'm trying to remove 1 decking plank to access a blocked drain underneath. The decking was installed about 6 months ago (not by myself). The screws appear to have been countersunk far below the ...
Fraser's user avatar
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2 answers
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Making a square - Joining two pieces of wood cut at 45 degrees with a circular saw

I am trying to create a 90 degree angle from two pieces of wood so that I can eventually create a squared enclosure. I have cut two pieces of wood at 45 degrees with a circular saw's angle adjustment. ...
E. Camus's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
656 views

Porter Cable NiCd 18V batteries - Lithium replacements?

Does anyone here have any experience with these tools and battery options? What about chargers? I understand the need for a different charger; my specific question is whether anyone has experience ...
Donald Locker's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
90 views

How to make a cavity in a stone?

I'm installing a firewood rack outside, and want for one side of it to stand on a large stone we have there. The boulder is irregularly shaped and the metal legs of the rack may slip off -- so I'd ...
Mikhail T.'s user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
737 views

Should the bit in my impact driver have free play?

I bought a cheap impact driver and I noticed that the bit is moving inside the chuck, like back and forth. Is this normal, like part of the hammer mechanism, or should the bit stay fixed?
minny's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
1k views

"power buffer" in front of generator for peak power shaving?

I need to do some work off-grid, and I only have a 1000W generator to drive my power tools, which easily draws twice that (and probably more when starting up) when cutting steel. Instead of getting a ...
oligofren's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
18k views

Difference between angle grinder and circular saw

From what I've read on google, angle grinders and (portable) circular saws appear to be quite similar. Aside from a circular saw being perhaps a bit larger and maybe having some supports on the bottom,...
Rafael's user avatar
  • 187
1 vote
2 answers
2k views

Is there a piece of equipment that protects against vibration?

I'm doing a lot of work with a Sawzall reciprocating saw and the vibrations are very uncomfortable. After about 30 seconds, I have to stop because my arms are itchy from vibrating too much. In ...
Nick's user avatar
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2 votes
3 answers
5k views

Alternatives to circular saw for cutting 2x6 wood?

I need to make straight cuts to several 2x6" pieces of wood and I don't have a circular saw. I was checking several stores and a decent circular saw costs over $70. What alternatives do I have for ...
rbhat's user avatar
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12 votes
3 answers
8k views

Does a 2100W angle grinder need an earth pin?

I have recently purchased a Makita 2100W angle grinder. It has just the live (L) and neutral (N) connectors unlike the one I previously used, which had a third protected earth (PE) connection. Would ...
Emmanuel Sillah's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
165 views

Impact driver issue: Intermittent springy/twang sound

I suspect my impact driver is starting to bust. Every so often, I hear a soft 'twang' sound shortly after pulling the trigger. I don't remember hearing it in the past, but I'm not 100% sure, maybe I ...
Kalnode's user avatar
  • 101
0 votes
2 answers
5k views

How to change the blade on my mitre saw?

Helllo i just got a firestorm black and decker 10 inch mitre saw off one of my buddies for free because he upgraded. I was looking at some videos (none for this saw) and i couldn't figure out how to ...
SGREY's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Will hex shank drill bit fit a 3 jaw chuck?

Is it possible to fit a hex shank drill bit (masonry) onto a 3 jaw chuck ?
sridhar's user avatar
  • 111
2 votes
2 answers
378 views

Router table: bit positioning and guard?

I bought the Craftsman fixed-based router + table for DIY home projects. I am in the process of getting familiar with the router/table operation + safety rules. I have the following questions. ...
user4979733's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
92 views

Could a long time in storage cause my Black+Decker circular saw to lose power?

I have a 15amp Black+Decker Circular Saw about 8-10 years old (with a cord). I used it once when it was first purchased, and it has been stored ever since. I went to cut a 2x4, plugged it in and the ...
DSS987's user avatar
  • 1
0 votes
2 answers
8k views

DeWalt nail gun leaks air when trigger is pulled

DeWalt D51257 has been lightly used for home projects but it stopped working. When trigger is pulled, only air is coming out (through the trigger area) but no nail is fired. Should I replace the ...
user74219's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
398 views

Differences in capability between cross-cut, plunge, and traditional circular saws?

I just purchased a new house that needs a lot of work. I'm looking to purchase my first circular saw. I'm in Europe and like Mafell, but I'm struggling to understand the trade-offs between their: ...
rcampbell's user avatar
  • 184
0 votes
1 answer
7k views

How do I install floating shelves on drywall using a drill?

I am installing some some floating shelves on drywall using a drill. What's the best way to ensure the shelves are a sturdy foundation that can support stacks of heavy books? Should I use a stud ...
lizasperling's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
10k views

Drilling a 1-1/8" hole in plastic with a Dremel

Forgive me for being a complete beginner to this; I have a Dremel 3000 with the standard complement of attachments, and it's been useful to sand some items and brush up others. I have a piece of ...
Dan's user avatar
  • 143
1 vote
0 answers
989 views

are 15 degree and 16 degree coil nails interchangeable?

Will a fencing/siding nailer that accepts 16 degree coil nails also accept 15 degree nails, and vice versa?
mr blint's user avatar
  • 1,840
0 votes
1 answer
482 views

Skillsaw 5150 - blade won't turn if blade stud tight but blade won't cut if any looser

Blade won't turn if blade stud tight as I would normally have it. Any looser though it won't cut and the blade stops once it makes contact with the wood but the motor is still running. I assume I ...
Corey's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
90 views

Use of a cordless drill

I recently bought a Makita cordless drill w/no battery i have a battery for this model but it says it uses a NiCd battery which mine isnt. can i still use this battery? Thanks
TR860's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
3k views

My drill can't cut a circular hole in wood - do I need a more powerful drill?

I have an electric cordless drill that my father handed down to me. Recently, I needed to drill a hole in a desk to allow for computer cables to pass through. I bought an appropriate drill bit, ...
CGriffin's user avatar
  • 113
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Can I use an electric plane to to smoothen large boards/planks?

I'm working as carpenter with a lot of recycled wood which I plane on a circular saw (Bosch GTS 10 XC) from both sides (in both senses) which has an acceptable result, but is never perfectly straight ...
Kalle Richter's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
149 views

Need new converter or special hose?

I would like to connect my bike nozzle to a new compressor I just bought. However the compressor have an odd (?) connector. Can someone from the pictures below see if I need to buy a new converter ...
Jasmine Lognnes's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
126k views

What do the diagnostic flash codes of Milwaukee tool battery packs mean?

When I press the fuel gauge button on my Milwaukee M28 battery pack for a bit longer (some seconds), the four fuel gauge LEDs start to blink out what seems to be diagnostic codes. I just tried it ...
tanius's user avatar
  • 223
0 votes
1 answer
134 views

What is involved in replacing a missing speed selector on my two speed hammer drill?

I have a Bosch CSB 500-2 2 speed hammer drill for wood, concrete, and steel. As can be seen in the image below, the speed selection knob is missing. Would it be simply buying a new selector, which I ...
ProfK's user avatar
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5 votes
4 answers
32k views

Is it bad to leave batteries in my cordless tools?

I have a set of Dewalt cordless tools with both 18V NiCad and 20V LiIon batteries (I also have an adapter that lets me use the 20V batteries in the 18V tools). The tools are only a few years old, and ...
mmathis's user avatar
  • 8,863
4 votes
1 answer
989 views

SDS drills with advertised chuck sizes

I am looking to buy a hammer drill, but have no experience in this area. Everywhere I look, it seems that SDS/SDS+ is a universal chuck design, in that any SDS bit will work with any SDS drill and ...
Kyle's user avatar
  • 143