Power Tools
Agenda
• What do we carry
– Brands
• Tool specifics
– Types of tools
– What to look for when purchasing
• Making the Sale & Add On’s
• Special orders
• Warranty & Repair Information
Haussmann
• Includes: Pro Pulse, Haussmann, and
Haussmann XPert
• Rona’s Private label products
• A full line of hand and power tools, with over
650 skus
• Able to meet the needs of the
– weekend warrior through:
– seasoned contractor through:
Bosch
• Includes: Skil, Dremel, and Rotozip
• Bosch tools is a small part of the Bosch Group,
which includes everything from automotive supplies
to household appliances
• We carry a broad spectrum of contractor
recognized tools and accessories sold under the
Bosch name
• Special orders available
Makita
• Offering tools since the early 70’s, Makita
has a full line of corded, cordless, pneumatic,
and gas powered tools
• Well received in both the contractor
community and the general public
• Special orders are available
Hitachi
• Another multi-platform company, Hitachi sells
electronics, automotive supplies, healthcare
supplies, and of course power tools
• Although not fully represented in-store, a full
line is available and can be special ordered
DeWalt
• Also includes the Porter Cable line
• A full line of over 200 tools and 800 accessories,
DeWalt is branded very well, and is used by many
contractors and home consumers
• Special orders available (through Black & Decker)
Bostitch
• Specializing in fastening tools and fasteners,
Stanley Bostitch supplies pneumatic staplers
and nailers
• Special orders are available (through Black
and Decker)
General International
• Primarily sold as workshop tools, General is a
Canadian company, with manufacturing plants in
Ontario and Quebec
• Though they have domestic plants, the General
International line of tools is imported from
manufactures in Asia (primarily Taiwan) “to their
standards”
• Special orders available
Tools
Now we will take a closer look at the different
tool categories, and see what to look for
when making recommendations
Before We Start
Purchase vs. Rental
This is a delicate topic now that we no longer
have a rental department
• The call is yours, but keep in mind it may be
better in the long run, for you to recommend
a tool rental rather than selling a tool the
customer will only use once!
– They will appreciate the $ savings and be more
likely to come back because they trust you
Drills
Drills
Probably the biggest staple for anyone’s tool
box
• We carry 3 types:
– Corded
– Cordless
– Hammer
• So what do they need it for?
Drills –
What to look for
Chuck:
• Size depends on the size of bits that will be used,
3/8” or ½” is most common
The Hammer function:
• This function pounds the bit into the surface as it
rotates
Torque & Variable Speed:
• Torque is a great way to determine the tools power
• The speed required for the job will vary depending
on the type of material and the bit being used
Drills –
What to look for
The most wear & tear a drill faces is from the
resistance of the screw or bit being driven
into the surface
An Adjustable Clutch will help
reduce this wear
• It works by disengaging the drive
shaft once resistance is met, the
motor will still turn but the bit
won’t
Drills
Corded Drills
• Are usually more
powerful than cordless
– The higher the
amperage the more
power
• The extra grip makes
hammer jobs easier
• As does a depth gage
Drills
Cordless Drills
• Voltage is the primary
indicator of power
• Are only as good as the
battery
– Lithium-Ion are the best,
up to 4x better than
previous generation
batteries
• Most have an
adjustable clutch to
help protect the motor
Drill or Impact Driver?
A Drill:
• Will provide constant
torque while your finger
is on the trigger
• Good for any job
An Impact Driver:
• Will store energy and
deliver maximum
torque in small bursts
(thousands of times a
second)
• Ideal for screw driving
and tightening or
loosening bolts & nuts
Drills
Although almost identical there
are 2 types of hammer drills:
Hammer Drill
• Much like a regular drill, has
forward and reverse functions
along with the hammer function
Rotary Hammer
• Much more powerful than the
standard hammer drill, it uses
special bits (SDS) designed for
its different chuck
Group iC4
Specialized Drills &
Screwdrivers
Drills
Most people gravitate to the cordless drills when they
are looking to purchase and they want the best!
But the best isn’t always the most powerful
• Which tends to be:
– More expensive
– Heavier in weight
• A $300+ 18volt drill would be over kill for someone
using it primarily for screw driving and drilling holes
around the house
Drill - Use
• When drilling, if you have to apply a lot of
force to make the bit go in, what could be the
problem?
• Keep the drill as level/plumb as possible
• If the bit is slipping out of the screw head
don’t force it either… this is the best way to
strip the screw and ruin your bit
Circular Saws
Circular Saws
Probably the most widely used saw,
Circular Saws can be used for:
• Cross cuts, ripping, beveling and plunge cuts
When determining what model you
want look for:
• Motor power, type of bearings, motor brake,
cut depth adjustment, and base plate
type/size
• Let’s take a closer look at all of these
Circular Saws –
What to look for
Motor Power
• The higher the amperage and the more RPM’s
generated, the more powerful the saw
Bearing Type
• Ball bearing & Needle bearings
– Both are more precise, heavier duty and found on most
professional grade models
• Bushings
– Heats up faster and doesn’t transfer precision to the
blade as well as the other types, typical for most DIY
models
Circular Saws –
What to look for
Motor Brake
• A safety feature that stops the blade, in 2 sec. or
less, when the trigger is released
Cut Depth Adjustment
• A lever or bolt that allows adjustment of the base
plate for deeper or shallower cuts
Base Plate Type/Size
• Look for models with larger plates (for stability)
made out of aluminum or rigid alloys (for lighter
weight)
Circular Saws –
Cordless
• Cordless circular saws are great for
convenience but can lack on power
• The same rules apply with cordless saws as
they do with cordless drills… look for higher
voltage for more power
• Blade size can vary from 3” up to 6 ½”
Circular Saws –
Types
Worm Drive Saws
• The motor is parallel
to the blade
• This makes the saw
more powerful
• Generally heavier
saws
Sidewinder Saws
• The motor is
perpendicular to the
blade
• This compromises the
power of the saw
• Generally lighter weight
Circular Saws
Other common options to
look for include:
• Bevel capability
• Laser line
• Rip fences
Group iC4
Specialized Circular Saws
Jig Saws
Jigsaws –
What to look for
A multi-purpose saw that is usually used
for detailed or precision cutting
Power
• Amperage is a key identifier when it comes
to power
Variable Speed
• Either 2 speeds controlled by a switch, or,
variable speeds, controlled at the trigger
Jigsaws –
What to look for
Orbital Action
• The blade moves back and forth as well as
up and down – a circular motion
– Improves efficiency, blade wear, and speed
Adjustable Shoe
• Like the base on a circular saw this allows for
bevel cuts
Jigsaws –
What to look for
Pivoting Head
• A button or release that allows the blade to
move laterally
Blade Replacement System
• There are various systems depending on
brand and model
– A lever control
– A screw attachment system
– A “click” system, with auto eject
Jigsaws
Other considerations
may include:
• The style of handle
Also, be sure you buy
the proper blades!
• It is common to use
either a ‘T’ shank or ‘U’
shank blade
Reciprocating
Saws
Reciprocating Saws
Reciprocating saws are generally used for
less precise jobs, rough cuts, and
demolition
• Will cut through almost anything…depending
on the blade!
• Corded models are more reliable for
professional use, were consistent power and
cutting ability is required
Reciprocating Saws
• Usually available from
5 to 15 amps
• Variable speed
available on most
• Orbital action similar to
jigsaws also available
on some
• Adjustable shoe to
control blade depth
Miter Saws
Miter Saws –
What to look for
When choosing a Mitre saw, the customer must
think in to the future…
• These saws are used for various straight, miter,
and bevel cuts, and are ideal for many jobs
• Not to sound like a broken record, but look at the
amperage
– The more amps and high RPM’, the more power!
• Cutting capacity will vary depending on blade size
and the saw’s sliding capability (if any!)
Miter Saws –
What to look for
Have the customer try them!
• Test the models to see how easy it is to set
the various cutting angles required, do they
lock into place to your satisfaction
• For extended use the saw’s handle can be
an important consideration
– Usually vertical or horizontal handles are
available, some are adjustable to either position
Miter Saws –
What to look for
• Depending on the job, included accessories
like clamps and extensions may be good to
look for
• Cordless is available but large jobs may
require multiple batteries to get through a
day!
Table Saws
Table Saws –
What to look for
Table saws are a staple for woodworking,
and come either stationary and portable
• You must know what capacity of work will be
done
• Although portable can be used for “heavy
duty” jobs, they aren’t really designed for
extended use on such jobs
Table Saws –
Stationary
• Generally have larger
cutting surfaces
• Usually the blade is belt
driven, which is better
suited for heavier use
• Their powerful motors are
demanding on electricity
– May require higher
amperage and voltage
Table Saws –
Stationary
• Look at both the amperage and the RPM’s of
the motor
• The higher both numbers are the finer the cut
(Though blade type will also play a factor)
– Typically a 15A motor @ 4,500 rpm is average
• Some models will automatically adjust the
power depending on the workload
Table Saws –
Portable
• Look at the same motor
capacities as previously
mentioned for power
• A smaller cutting surface
compared to stationary
• Also, the direct drive blade
is less powerful and can
jam if cutting too large of
materials
Table Saws –
What to look for
Other Table Saw considerations
include:
Fence
• A sliding fence can be less accurate
because it only has 1 anchor point
• Look for a rack and pinion system (2
anchor points)
Anti-Kickback Spreader
• A piece of metal with teeth to secure
the wood during cutting, preventing it
from kicking back
Table Saws –
What to look for
Safety Switch
• Prevents the user from “accidentally” turning
the device on, this is usually just a cover
• Usually the user can nudge the cover (while
the saw is in use) to turn off the saw
Expandability
• Higher quality saws can be expanded with
accessories to make jobs easier
Table Saws –
What to look for
Some common accessories include:
• Stand (stationary or portable)
• Out-Feed Table
– This provides support for large pieces of wood at the back
of the saw (after cutting)
• Extension wing
– Support for the left or right sides, again when cutting large
pieces of wood
• Dado Blades/Insert
– For cutting groves in wood where other wood would be
inserted (building drawers or boxes)
Table Saws – Use
• Before using the saw for the first time,
ensure the 0 mark of the scale is directly in
line with the blade
• The Blade Guard is there for safety
purposes, it should never be removed
• Blade height should never be more than ¼”
higher than the material being cut for both
safety and cutting performance
Blades
Blades –
What to look for
• When spending the money on a tool for
cutting, buying a cheap blade is the worst
thing you can do!
• The tool can only do so much, for quality
work, suggest the customer spend the
money to buy the right blade for the job
Routers
Routers
Common styles:
• Plunge base
– Permits vertical movement during a cut, allows
for more precise, deeper, work
• Fixed base
– Are a good all purpose router, but generally the
depth is preset and stays constant during use
• Interchangeable bases
– Simply remove the motor from one base, and
move it to another
Routers –
What to look for
• Available in ¼” to ½” collets
– ½” is more versatile as they usually come with
adapters to allow for ¼” or 3/8” collets as well
• Be careful when comparing hp on different
models
– Many manufactures represent hp in two ways:
maximum hp and sustained hp, make sure you
compare the same one
Routers –
What to look for
• Soft start motors
– A system where the voltage is gradually
increased (or decreased) until the motor gets up
to full speed (or stops)
• Variable speed models (EVS)
– Single speed motors are good when using small
bits, but the larger the bit, the slower the speed is
required, otherwise you risk burning the bit
Routers –
What to look for
Other things to look for:
• Microfine depth
adjustments
• 1 ¾ hp routers good for
most light-med jobs
• 2+ hp for heavy duty
work
• Laminate trimmers and
rotary tools for light
jobs
Sanders
Sanders –
Types
Orbital
• One of the most versatile, has a round pad
that moves in random directions, can usually
be adapted for polishing as well
Belt
• Good for large less precise job, loop & pulley
system spins belt, generally 2 motors are
available:
– Transverse motor
– Parallel motor
Sanders –
Types
Finishing
• Has a squared off pad that moves in a back
and forth motion, good for smaller jobs
Detail
• Generally, have triangular pads which are
good for tight to reach places
Sanders –
What to look for
Sanding Speed
• For orbital, look for revolutions per minute, for
belt look for feet per minute
• In both cases the faster the speed the higher
the abrasion factor
Dust Collection
• Sander can create a lot of dust so good dust
collection system is key
Sanders –
What to look for
Other considerations:
• Trigger locks allow you
to lock trigger in on
position for large jobs
• Comfort of the
grip/handle
• Minimal Vibration,
Compressors &
Nailers
Compressor –
Types
Portable Compressors
• Variety of shapes and sizes
• Brad nailing, inflating tires, etc…
generally an oil-free 2-6 gallon
tank will suffice
• Framing and other med. duty
jobs, suggest a 4-5 gallon tank
• Heavy duty work, like
automotive uses, a vertical
(wheeled) unit with a 20-30
gallon capacity should work
Compressors –
Types
Stationary Compressors
• Are meant to be stationary and wired
directly into a buildings electrical
circuit
• Generally have large capacity tanks
(60+ gallons) and larger motors (410 hp)
• Ideal for garages and workshops
because of their versatility with most
tools
Compressors –
What to look for
Performance
• Generally measured in SCFM (standard
cubic feet per minute)
– This indicates the air-flow required for optimal
operation
– To make accurate SCFM comparisons, always
look at the SCFM at 90psi, and ensure the tool
being used meets the SCFM requirements
Compressors –
What to look for
PSI
• Generally, light to med. jobs will require a unit
with around 90 psi
• Heavier duty jobs may require a unit around
150 psi
HP
• Horsepower is not as important as the SCFM
rating, but can be used in comparing models
Compressors –
What to look for
Tank Size
• Determines how long the tools will run for,
before the compressor turns back on
• When using tools that require high volumes
of continuous air, consider a larger tank
• Tools that use quick bursts of air (nailers)
generally drain the tank more slowly, 2-6
gallons will normally suffice
Compressors –
What to look for
Pump Type
• Single Stage
– Have one or more cylinders producing compressed air at
the same output pressure
• Two Stage
– First-stage cylinder feeds the second stage cylinder that
compresses the air to 135 psi, the second stage
increases the pressure to 175 psi
– This allows for more air stored in the same tank allowing
the tools to run longer, for higher demanding work
Compressors –
What to look for
Oil Lubricated
•
•
Requires oil to lubricate the moving parts to
prevent wear
Just like any other motor, it requires the oil to be
monitored and changed as needed
Oil-Free
•
•
Uses special piston rings made from a non-stick
material to lubricate the cylinder
This makes them smaller, lighter and quieter
Nailers –
Types
Finish Nailers
• Designed for light duty jobs such as mouldings,
baseboards, or furniture building
• Loaded with strip magazines, most are straight
loading angles, though some can be found on an
angle for hard to reach places
Framing Nailers
• Can be found in both strip and coil loading styles
• Used for framing primarily
Nailers –
Types
Roofing Nailers
• Designed for sinking roofing nails (a short
nail with a large head), usually found with a
coil loading system
Palm Nailers
• Used by placing the nail against the head of
the nailer and the tools hammering effect
acts as a traditional hammer, pounding the
nail into the surface
Nailers –
Types
Gas Powered
• Uses replaceable fuel cells to propel the
nails, cells can last up to 1200 nails
• More convenient than other nailers because
there is no need for a compressor, but the
cost of the cells make them more expensive
to run
Making a Tool Sale
Remember the Sales Circle?
• What are the 6 steps of the sales circle?
• Give me examples of how we can apply each
step with regards to a tool sale
Special Orders
• We are not limited only to the products that
we sell off the shelf
• We have to be flexible and adaptable to meet
our customers needs
Special Orders
If a customer needs a tool we don’t carry:
• Look it up in the vendor’s catalogue (or on-line) to
find the part number
• Call the vendor and ask for our cost
– Be sure to ask if there are additional shipping charges
• Add your mark up to our cost to get the customers
price
– Ask an MOD if you are not sure how much to mark up
Special Orders
• Now that you have all the necessary
information to begin, type the order
– The customer is required to pay the full
amount in advance
• Special orders can take 3 weeks or more
– Ask the Vendor when getting the cost as to its
availability to get an eta
Add On’s
• When it comes to tool sales some add on’s
are a must, whether they take it home now or
if it’s a special order, they need the right
accessories for the job
• If you haven’t already ask more questions,
out fit them with ALL they will need
Returns
When it comes to tools, RONA’s return policy is:
• Purchases made online and the purchase of power
tools/equipment, can be returned within 30 days of
the purchase date of the product
– Provided the product has not been damaged or
abused
– All oil and gas must be removed prior to the
return
– If the product is defective, the manufacturer’s
warranty will apply
Warranties
• Tool Warranty varies depending on the brand
and tool
• It’s best to consult the catalogues and/or
websites for more info
• Suggest the customer take advantage of free
extended warranties and other such
programs if available
Any Questions?
Thanks for Attending!