Power Tools
Of all the toys that boys collect, perhaps no category is richer than power tools. There are many kinds of power tools and many famous makers of them. Here is a brief high-level survey of the wonderful world of power tools.
Electric power tools are by far the most popular type. Electric power tools contain powerful motors which turn shafts to drill, screw, grind, sand, and perform other circular motions. Add a simple cam mechanism and you convert to circular motion to a reciprocal motion good for sawing and hammering. What more could a guy want?
Suction, of course. No power tools collection is complete without a ShopVac® to clean up the mess made with other power tools. ShopVacs are also powered by electricity. But there are at least two strengths of electricity.
Serious power tools run off electricity that comes out of a wall socket. It's 110 or 220 volt stuff with amperage limited only by the house wiring. Plugged in, a power tool can run all day or until its motor bearings burn out. It keeps running at the same speed, torque, etc., too.
Battery-powered electric power tools are portable but limited in power and stamina. Even today's high-tech batteries can only crank a screw so tight. They start to slow down as the battery runs down. And no battery ever lasts until the job is done, right? Cordless power tools must be used carefully to conserve battery power.
Power air tools are driven by compressed air. You have to buy a gas- or electricity-powered compressor. To make power air tools more portable there are steel bottles that you can fill with compressed air; but just like batteries they slowly run out of fuel.
Many large industrial companies around the world make power tools. Bosch power tools are famous for their black-and-yellow color scheme. Black & Decker favors orange and black, or blue and grey; but mostly, Black & Decker power tools are known for being wimpy little power tools sized for ladies' hands -- they're kids' power tools. Hitachi power tools are relatively inexpensive and come in a wide range of sizes and types, but are not noted for durability. Makita power tools are "contractor grade" things that will last well if maintained properly.
Garden power tools such as lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and cultivators are often fueled with regular gasoline. Electric garden power tools require very long cords which can be heavy and get in the way. But electric garden power tools are generally quieter and pollute the air less than gas-powered tools.