In the days before power tools, the image of the muscle-bound tradesman reflected the strenuous reality of countless days spent hammering, sawing, sanding and nailing. Since the advent of electricity and the rising tide of DIY enthusiasts, manufacturers have become ever keener to provide tools that can be operated by anyone.

There are now a bewildering number of these labour saving devices, some better and/or more expensive than others. As a general rule, when it comes to power tools, consumers get what they pay for.

Low-cost tools usually have less power and a shorter life-span. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean it's worth splashing out on re-mortgaging the house for a set of professional power tools. It all depends on what the tool is used for. Occasional DIY-ers can get away with a lower quality tool than a professional who needs something that can take the strain of being used to its maximum capacity.

Battle of the brands

For those without the time to spend weighing up the pros and cons of each individual tool, it's worth having a working knowledge of the main manufacturers and who they're targeting their products at. Anyone browsing a site such as Tool-NET will quickly realise who the main contenders are.

Black & Decker is a trusted name for tools aimed at the home hobbyist. Its sister company, DeWalt, is aimed at professional users and the more advanced amateur dabbler. Ryobi produce relatively cheap tools for the non-professional hobbyist.

Bosch is a German company that has been in operation for more than a century. It invented the jigsaw and continues to make top-end tools, usually with a price to match. Metabo is another German company with a similar target market and strong reputation.

Though it made its name in electrical goods, the Japanese company, Hitachi, makes high-end tools for demanding users. Makita produce affordable tools that are targeted at both the weekend hobbyist and the professional user.

Saws

For the average DIY enthusiast, a jigsaw is a good investment. This will prove useful for a more varied range of cutting tasks than a circular, miter or reciprocating saw. Some of the best jigsaws are made by Bosch and Metabo. DeWalt are known for making quality circular and miter saws.

Sanders

Out of the three types of sander available – orbital, belt and rotary – most hobbyists opt for an orbital sander as they can be used without consideration of the grain of the wood. Belt sanders are more effective but require more skill to use. Hitachi and Makita have a good reputation for belt sanders.

Multi-tools

Most DIY jobs need a number of tools. For this reason, most manufacturers produce MultiMaster tools that can do a little of everything. Bosch, Black & Decker, and Dremmel all produce reputable all-in-one tools that sand, cut, grind, clean, drill and polish.