Most tradesmen start using versatile tools, which is justified by their wide range of applications and ability to cope with a huge amount of tasks. But when the same task becomes slower, harder or more frequent than usual, the situation can lead to the necessity of purchasing a specialist power tool.
The question is not in the need of power. The point is in purchasing the equipment, which is optimised for the type of task or the workload. When is it the case?
Criteria of a Specialist Tool
In terms of versatility, a specialist tool is defined as a device that was designed for narrower range of applications than the general-purpose tool. The examples of those are: SDS rotary hammer for masonry drilling, diamond core drill for large holes, impact wrench for high-torque nuts and bolts, plunge saw on a guide rail, wall chaser and autofeed drywall screwdriver.
The key feature of a specialist tool is the ability to cope with a specific type of work.
Why Versatile Tools Are Enough for Most Jobs
A specialist tool isn't always a must for any kind of work. In most cases, a general-purpose power tool is sufficient enough when the workload is not heavy, the task is occasional and the tool was designed for the job.
Besides, the finish you need to achieve is possible to achieve and there is no need to use another machine to save some minutes.
The advantage of carrying fewer tools can also play a role, especially for small jobs or working out of a van.
For instance, someone drilling holes in brickwork occasionally for wall plugs doesn't have reasons for buying masonry drilling equipment despite SDS drills' existence. Combi drill is enough for this task.
Criteria for Using a Specialist Tool
| Criteria | What it means |
|---|---|
| The task has become your regular work | Small inefficiencies accumulate during a week |
| Your current tool takes too much time | It is able to cope with the job, but productivity is the problem |
| You are working with more demanding materials | More durable or dense material changes the requirements for the tool |
| Precision or finish is more important | Dedicated equipment gives the control, which versatile tool cannot |
| The tool is working near its limits | It is used within the requirements, but the job is close to the limit |
It is important to note that the last criterion concerns the use of the tool for the job it was designed for. It means that the workload is increasing and the job requires using the tool for the tasks it is intended for.
The usage of a tool beyond the manufacturer's requirements is out of question.
Combi Drill to SDS Rotary Hammer
Versatility of the combi drill allows using it for huge range of drilling and fastening. But the usage of a SDS rotary hammer becomes reasonable when masonry drilling becomes frequent, hole size and depth increase, harder concrete occurs or a huge number of holes makes it necessary to speed up.
If you want to know more about detailed differences, read our full SDS and combi drill comparison. Now the key point is the change of the work load.
Drill Driver to Impact Driver/Impact Wrench
Fastening is the good example of the situations, when similar tools are intended for different loads. The drill driver is the versatile tool, which is used for drilling and screwdriving. Impact drivers are intended for repetitive screwdriving, that's why they are good for the jobs like deck building, framing and first fix. Impact wrenches can cope with high-torque nut and bolt fastening.
The choice depends on the fastening you perform, but not on the torque of the tools.
Multi Tool to Dedicated Saw
Oscillating multi tool is perfect for the plunge cuts, trimming in place and localised work, but it is not a universal replacement for other saws. Repeated long cuts become slow and tiring with a multi tool. Curved or complex cutting points at jigsaw and long straight cutting at circular or plunge saw depend on the material.
Standard Drilling to Diamond Core Drilling
Larger openings for pipes, ducting or other services through the masonry are the point when the standard drilling stops being sufficient. Increase in the hole diameter, hardness of the material and frequency of work requires the dedicated core drilling equipment.
Plumber or ventilation installer, which needs to make several large openings per week, works in completely different conditions compared to someone who needs one hole per year. Read the detailed guide to diamond core drilling.
Circular Saw to Plunge Saw and Guide Rail
This is the case, which concerns the accuracy of the work. Circular saw is one of the most valuable devices at site. However, when the task includes regular breakdown of the sheets, precise positioning of cuts or requirement of clean and straight cut right from the saw, plunge saws with a guide rail are the tool of choice.
Plunge saws don't replace the circular saw. Certain tasks justify the use of dedicated cutting equipment.
Compare Cost of the Tool with Its Capability to Do Work
When buying, think about how often you will use the tool and how much time you will save with it. Check if it helps you to achieve better results, removes the compromises you are forced to make and fits your upcoming jobs. Don. t forget that you will need certain accessories along with the device.
The time, which can be saved on the repeated task, can be valuable for a tradesman. But the value is determined exclusively by the frequency of the task appearance.
Don't Buy Specialist Equipment Just for High Specs
Specialist tools have additional expenses, which are not shown in the spec sheet. They are heavier and narrow in terms of applications, they require additional accessories and can stay idle in the van between the jobs. Additional capabilities are valuable only in case of work necessity. Bring the decision back to the application.
Build the Kit According to the Repeated Tasks
Practicality of the tool kit appears gradually. You need to start with the versatile equipment, which is able to cope with the most tasks, and then add the specialist tools according to the repeated jobs. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, builders and fabricators will have completely different kits due to the different tasks they perform.
Proceed in the simplest way. What is the job, how often do you do it, where is the limitation in the current tool and will the dedicated tool improve your work significantly? If the general-purpose tool copes with the job efficiently and accurately and works within the requirements, there is no point to replace it. When the same task reveals the limitations in the speed, workload or control, a specialist tool becomes the obvious choice.
FAQ's
Q1. What is considered a specialist power tool?
A1. The tool, which is designed for narrower application or type of work than the general-purpose tool. Examples are SDS rotary hammer, wall chaser and diamond core drill.
Q2. Do tradesmen need specialist power tools?
A2. It depends on the trade and the workload. Repeated task is more likely to justify the purchase of the specialist power tool than occasional one.
Q3. When should I use SDS drill instead of combi drill?
A3. When masonry drilling becomes frequent, holes get larger or deeper, or you are drilling hard concrete. Our SDS vs combi drill guide contains more details.
Q4. Is impact driver better than drill driver?
A4. Neither of them is better as whole. Drill driver suits drilling and screwdriving. Impact driver is optimised for repetitive screwdriving.
Q5. Can multi tool replace jigsaw or circular saw?
A5. They overlap in some tasks, but it is designed for access and localised cuts. Long, curved or repeated cuts are usually faster and cleaner with a dedicated saw.
Q6. Is specialist power equipment worth buying for occasional DIY work?
A6. Usually not. One-off job requires hiring the tool or using versatile equipment.
