Power Tools and Metalwork

Many people associate the use of power tools with woodworking – after all, power tools can be found on residential and commercial construction sites, in cabinet and furniture shops, and in home workshops around the world. If you’re a DIYer, you probably reach for power tools every time you want to install interior trim, modify a door, or build a birdhouse. However, most power tools aren’t limited to just working with wood – they can also be used when working on materials as diverse as laminates, plastic, granite, ceramic tile, and masonry.

One material you may not give much thought to when choosing your power tools is metal, but many of those same tools that can be so helpful when working with wood are right at home if you have a task that involves aluminum, tin, or steel.

Metalwork around the Home

Unless you restore old cars, trucks, or motorcycles, you may think metalworking isn’t going to play much of a part in your projects around the house, but it could be a more frequent task than you might imagine. Just a few of the home improvement projects that might involve metalworking tools:

  • Metal roofing
  • Flashing for windows and doors
  • Modifying or installing HVAC ductwork
  • Nailing plates for plumbing or electric jobs
  • Metal plumbing pipes
  • Working with metal buildings
  • Fencing

So if you encounter one of these metalworking tasks or a similar job that requires working with metal, what type of power tools should you reach for?

Types of Metalworking Tools

Just about any power tool that can be used on wood can also work on metal with the proper attachments and then there are a few tools designed specifically for the material. A few power tools that can be very handy when working with metal:

  • Drills – if you need to drill a hole in a piece of metal, just about any power drill can be used from 3/8 inch models all the way up to floor standing drill presses – just remember to install a bit designed for drilling metal before starting.
  • Saws – almost all woodworking saws including varieties such as jigsaws, reciprocating saws, and circular saws can be used for cutting metal products. However, one of the fastest methods for ruining a wood saw blade is to use it to cut metal – always use a saw blade specifically designed for metal cutting.
  • Grinders – most types of grinders can be used on metal when the proper attachments are used and even some sanders can be used to smooth metal providing the correct pads are installed
  • Power shears – this handy tool is designed specifically for working with metal – it can make quick work of any metal cutting you may have and may even be safer than using hand shears.
  • Multi-function oscillating tools – these versatile tools often feature attachments that can be used when working with metal.

This is just a small sampling of the many power tools that can be used for metalworking if the proper attachments are installed.

Metalworking Safety

Metalworking can require safety precautions even more elaborate than when working with wood or other materials. Most accidents when working with wood are due to improper or careless power tool use, but when working with metal, the actual material can also be very dangerous. Care should always be taken when handling the sharp edges found on metal – especially after being freshly cut. Eye protection should also be worn at all times to help prevent injuries from metal particles when cutting, grinding, or drilling the material.