Powered Tools vs Hand Tools for Flooring
The question of whether you use flooring power tools or not only refers to a few circumstances. There are no powered carpet cutters, impact bars or screeding trowels, so considering power tools is not such a general question as it might seem. In this article, we will discuss some of the occasions in which flooring power tools are right to use, and when you should stick with manual tools.
Pros and Cons
Flooring hand tools are generally more affordable up-front, as they are simple machines that don’t require power sources, sensors or programming. You don’t need to charge manual tools or change batteries, and they produce fewer mechanical failures. Simple and reliable, manual tools for flooring are the best option for most tasks.
Power tools, on the other hand, can be faster and more efficient than their unpowered counterparts. They also produce more consistent results than hand tools. This saves time and reduces the manual labour required for use. These are tools like jamb saws and orbital sanders, and they are the most effective option for large, commercial flooring jobs.
When Flooring Power Tools are Essential
In some cases, your only option is a power tool. For example, welding seams in sheet vinyl requires a thermoplastic welding kit.
Moisture readers are essential when laying laminate or vinyl tiles, as damp or humidity can cause the tiles to warp.
Orbital sanders are excellent for large wooden or concrete floors. When you need to quickly remove old varnish or adhesive or sand down raised areas, these machines can save hours. For a more compact version, try this Roberts concrete grinder.
A mixing drill is brilliant to have on hand when you need to make up screed or cement. Achieve an even consistency in minutes with minimal vibrations.
Flooring vacuums are not to be underestimated. Sanding and cutting can create a lot of dust and debris, and it’s essential to remove all of this before laying flooring of any type.
When Flooring Power Tools are Nice to Have
- Heat guns can make materials and old adhesives more pliable and easy to remove.
- Nail guns and electric staplers provide extremely fast nailing and stapling for attaching tack strip or plywood to subfloors.
- Hot-melt glue guns create faster bonds than traditional adhesives, as the glue dries within seconds.
- Jamb saws can speed up cutting through door jambs and profiles when fitting LVT.
- Laser-guided Distance Readers are time-savers that make quoting and inspections far quicker and easier. Simply line up the reader at the corner of the room – the laser sensor will read the distance to the far wall in a fraction of a second.
- Electric flooring strippers can change the game when it comes to removing old flooring and adhesive, providing powerful action and thin blades to work between adhesive and subfloors.
When To Buy Flooring Power Tools
Large Projects
For small projects, a hand tool is usually the appropriate choice. However, when you’re working on multiple rooms or large commercial spaces, hand tools are labour-intensive and will waste valuable time. If power tools are available, invest in these time-savers and you’ll also be better able to provide a consistent, professional finish.
Higher Budget
Power tools can save money in the long term, as you’ll be able to complete jobs more quickly and fit more into your schedule. Balance the additional earnings against the initial investment when you’re considering adding a new power tool. Remember that they often require more maintenance and repairs than hand tools.
Frequent Use
If you will only use the tool occasionally, you may not be able to justify the cost of a powered flooring tool. Frequent, professional use of these tools results in a higher return on investment, so make sure it is worth your while.
This doesn’t apply to those tools where there is no reasonable manual alternative, such as heat guns, moisture readers or concrete grinders. If you need the tool for one job, you’ll need it in the future.
To power or not to power?
When stocking your floor-fitting tools, it’s important to choose the right tool for each job. If you are a professional floor-fitter, power tools can be a good investment where they apply, as they will speed up your work and provide a more consistent effect than hand tools. However, the investment must balance against the returns from this improvement.
Whatever flooring tools you need, Re-New Flooring Tools are here for you. As the UK’s trusted flooring tool suppliers, we have a wide range of flooring power tools and manual tools to choose from.
