5 Chicago Electric Power Tools Every Workshop Should Have

Chicago boasts one of the most vibrant construction industries in the United States. According to recent findings, an estimated $13.4 billion was invested directly into construction projects across Chicagoland in 2022 alone.  

Electric power tools are central to Chitown’s booming real estate market.  

However, power tools aren’t the only vital element in the construction industry. These implements drive several other sectors, including home renovation, woodworking, painting, and gardening, to mention but a few.  

The trick is choosing a power tool designed for the specific project. This article will highlight the top five electric power tools every Chicago workshop should have.  

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1. Oscillating Multi-Tool 

There’s no better place to begin our rundown of the best electric power tools for your Chicago workshop than with the oscillating multi-tool.  

Arguably the most versatile power tool ever invented, the oscillating multi-tool derives its name from its operational mechanism. The equipment works by oscillation rather than reciprocation, making it excellent for making clean cuts.  

Like other Chicago electric power tools on this list, the oscillating multi-tool works by electricity. It’s a more versatile and automatic version of the manual multi-tool popular with outdoor enthusiasts.  

Below are common tasks you can complete with an oscillating multi-tool; 

• Making openings in dry walls 

• Making plunge cuts in decking 

• Trimming protrusions from pipes, nails, and screws 

• Trimming wood and floorboards 

• Scraping adhesives and old paint 

• Sanding down rough furniture edges 

• Removing mortar or grout 

• Removing rust from metals 

2. Cordless Drill 

While the oscillating multi-tool is the most versatile electric power tool on this list, the cordless drill follows rather closely.  

A cordless drill is particularly resourceful while hanging a shelf in your home or office. You can also rely on the tool when installing ceiling attachments, such as fans and swinging chairs.  

Besides its diverse applications, the cordless drill is a more convenient than its corded counterpart. That’s because it uses rechargeable batteries rather than direct electric current from the main outlets. The apparent lack of a cord eliminates the risks of entanglements while using this implement.  

Since it relies on rechargeable batteries, the cordless drill is also remarkably portable. The tool provides the much-required convenience and flexibility while undertaking off-site projects.  

Moreover, top-of-the-range cordless drills come with powerful, fast-charging batteries. This helps minimize downtimes and supercharge your productivity. 

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3. Circular Saw 

Circular saws are effective for making cuts of different sizes on pieces of wood. You can use the tool to make different cut shapes, too, from plunge cuts to rip cuts, angle cuts, etc.  

Just like drills, circular saws can be corded or cordless. Insist on the cordless variety for unparalleled convenience and portability. The tool is lightweight and uses premium batteries that can last several hours without requiring a recharge.  

There are several other considerations when shopping for circular saws, such as blade size, type, and power rating.  

Most circular saws come with a carbide-tipped blade for all-purpose woodworking applications. However, blades are designed to cut other materials like metal, concrete, and tile.  

As for the blade size, 7 ¼ inches is an excellent starting point. Such blade sizes can make light work of materials as thick as 4 inches. Smaller blade sizes of 6 ½ inches are ideal for lighter-duty applications, while larger sizes like 8 ¼ inches would best suit heavy-duty usage.  

Lastly, prioritize circular saws rated for at least 15 amperage.  

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4. Jigsaw 

Staying with the saw family is one of the most underrated electric power tools.  

Smaller than most saws, the jigsaw is an excellent recommendation for newbies. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use, transport, and store.  

Although commonly used for cutting circular holes on wooden surfaces, jigsaws may also help in cutting out many other shapes from different materials.  

Most jigsaw models come with variable speed. This provides higher control of the cutting speed and precision by adjusting the amount of pressure on the trigger.  

Jigsaws also come in different blade and power ratings. Their blades are typically rated by teeth per inch (TPI), where a higher TPI corresponds with a faster and smoother cut.  

Regarding the power ratings, experts recommend a 10.8-volt or 400-watt jigsaw or higher. 

5. Angle Grinder 

It’s difficult to imagine a workshop without an angle grinder. Whether you’re a woodworker, metalworker, or mason, an angle grinder is indispensable.  

However, you’ll mainly spot angle grinders in metal fabrication workshops. The electric power tool is essential when cutting, grinding, finishing, or polishing metallic surfaces.  

Note that there’s a blade designated for each task. So, be sure to replace your angle grinder blade accordingly, depending on the project at hand.  

While most angle grinders are corded, the more convenient battery-powered options are equally available.  

You can also pick angle grinders based on their disc diameters, where bigger disks translate to higher efficiency. 4.1/2" (115mm) and 9" (230mm) discs are the most common, although you can experiment with different disc sizes in between. 

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Final Word 

The above-mentioned power tools should never be missed in a Chicago contractor’s workshop. While each implement is designed to perform certain specialized tasks, most have overlapping functions.  

As a parting shot, remember to exercise extreme caution while shopping for the best electric power tool for your Chicago workshop. Research brands carefully and invest in online reviews before making your pick.  

Most importantly, choose a power tool best suited for your upcoming project.