For customized orders, quantity discounts, or help locating an item not listed on our site, call us at 1-866-601-8105

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Printed Extension Cords

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Printed Extension Cords

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to custom printed extension cords. Whether you’re looking for heavy-duty extension cords, custom lengths, or personalized options, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of extension cords, sharing expert advice and practical tips to help you find the best custom options for your specific needs. From understanding different gauges and amp ratings to considering safety certifications and customization options, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

Understanding Heavy Duty Extension Cords

Heavy-duty extension cords are essential tools for various applications that require reliable and durable power sources. Whether you’re working on construction sites, outdoor events, or DIY projects, using heavy-duty extension cords with the appropriate gauge and length can make a significant difference in getting the job done efficiently and safely.

What are Heavy Duty Extension Cords?

Heavy-duty extension cords are designed to handle more power than regular extension cords. They are made of thicker wire gauge sizes, usually between 10 and 12 AWG, and are available in longer lengths, often up to 100 feet. Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for industrial and commercial applications that require a reliable power supply.

Why are Heavy Duty Extension Cords Important?

Heavy-duty extension cords are essential in situations where there is a need for a high power supply. They are particularly important in industries such as construction, agriculture, and entertainment, where large equipment and machinery require a significant amount of power. Heavy-duty extension cords allow these applications to function with the necessary power supply, without causing undue strain on the electrical system.

Choosing the Right Gauge and Length Extension Cord

When choosing a heavy-duty extension cord, it is essential to consider the gauge size and length that best suits your needs. A shorter and thicker gauge cord will provide more power than a longer and thinner gauge cord. Therefore, it’s essential to choose an extension cord that can handle your power requirements and avoid overloading or overheating your equipment.

Gauge Size Wire Diameter (inches) Amps Length (feet) Max Watts
10 AWG 0.104 15A 100′ 1875W
12 AWG 0.0808 13A 50′ 1625W

As shown in the table above, a 10 gauge extension cord can handle more amps and provide more power over a longer distance compared to a 12 gauge extension cord. However, a 12 gauge cord may be suitable for shorter distances and less power-hungry equipment. It’s crucial to choose the right gauge size and length to ensure your equipment runs smoothly and safely.

Overall, heavy-duty extension cords play a critical role in providing reliable power to various industries and are essential in any DIY project that requires a lot of power. Choosing the right gauge and length extension cord is crucial to ensure safety and avoid overloading your equipment.

Choosing the Right Gauge Extension Cord

When it comes to extension cords, the gauge rating is an essential factor to consider. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) rating measures the thickness of the electrical wire inside the cord, with lower gauge numbers indicating a thicker wire and higher amp capacity. Choosing the right gauge extension cord is crucial to ensure it can handle the power needs of your devices and appliances.

For short extension cords, a 12-gauge cord is suitable for most applications. However, when using longer cords or powering higher wattage devices, a thicker gauge, such as 10-gauge or 8-gauge, is necessary to avoid overheating and damage. Even if a device’s power consumption is within the limits of a 12-gauge cord, a thicker gauge extension cord provides added safety and prevents voltage drops.

It’s also important to note that extension cords with thicker gauges and higher amp capacities tend to be more expensive. However, paying a little more for a quality cord can save you money in the long run by protecting your devices and avoiding costly repairs.

Remember, choosing the right gauge extension cord is not just about power needs, it’s also about safety. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your devices and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct gauge and amp rating extension cords.

High Watt Extension Cords for Heavy Appliances

When it comes to powering heavy-duty appliances, it’s important to use a high watt extension cord that can handle the necessary power. These types of extension cords are designed with a higher amp rating to ensure that they can safely handle the current needed to power appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and power tools.

Using a low wattage extension cord with a high wattage appliance can result in overheating and damage to both the cord and the appliance. In some cases, it can even lead to electrical fires or other safety hazards. It’s essential to choose the right extension cord for the job to avoid any potential dangers.

When searching for the right high watt extension cord, it’s crucial to pay attention to the amp rating. Look for cords with a rating of 25 amps or higher, as these are typically suitable for powering most heavy appliances. It’s also important to choose a cord with a length that’s appropriate for your needs, as longer cords can lead to power loss and decreased efficiency.

Finally, always make sure to use high watt extension cords safely. Avoid running cords under carpets or furniture, and never use cords that are damaged or frayed. It’s essential to follow proper safety procedures when using any type of extension cord to prevent electrical hazards and ensure the longevity of your appliances.

Custom Printed Extension Cords: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a way to increase your brand visibility and enhance safety, custom printed extension cords are a great option. By adding your name or company logo to extension cords, you can make them easily identifiable and promote your brand at the same time.

Custom printed extension cords are ideal for a range of applications, including trade shows, events, construction sites, and more. They can also be used for personal use, such as at home or in the garage.

Customization Options

When it comes to customizing extension cords, there are several options available. The most common customization is adding your name or company logo to the cord. This can be done through screen printing or heat transfer methods, depending on the material of the cord.

You can also choose the color of the cord or add additional safety features, such as LED lights or locking connectors. This ensures your customized extension cords meet your specific needs and requirements.

Benefits of Custom Printed Extension Cords

The benefits of custom printed extension cords are numerous. They can improve brand awareness, help prevent theft or loss of cords, and promote safety by making cords easily identifiable. Plus, they add a professional touch to any event or job site.

Custom printed extension cords can also be made with high-quality materials and proper safety certifications, ensuring they meet the necessary standards for safe use.

Safety Considerations

When ordering custom printed extension cords, it’s important to consider safety as a top priority. Make sure the cords have the proper ratings for their intended use, and that they have been tested and certified by reputable organizations.

Additionally, be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using extension cords, such as avoiding overloading them and keeping them away from water or other hazards.

By choosing custom printed extension cords, you can enhance your brand image and promote safety at the same time. Consider the available customization options and benefits when selecting the best custom options for your needs.

Custom Length Extension Cords for Precise Fit

When it comes to extension cords, sometimes one size doesn’t fit all. That’s where custom-length extension cords come in. They offer a tailored solution for your specific needs, ensuring the extension cord fits precisely where it’s needed.

Custom-length extension cords are particularly useful in scenarios where standard lengths won’t suffice. For example, if you need an extension cord for a specific workstation setup or a uniquely shaped space, it’s likely that a custom-length cord is the best option.

With custom-length extension cords, you can specify the exact length you need, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety. Unlike standard extension cords, which may have excess lengths that can become tripping hazards or get tangled, custom-length cords can be designed to fit the exact distance required.

Custom Made Power Cords for Unique Requirements

When it comes to powering specific equipment, standard power cords may not always be suitable. This is where custom made power cords come in. They can be designed to meet unique requirements and specifications for specific equipment.

Custom made power cords offer a multitude of customization options. One of the primary advantages is the ability to choose different plug types, wire lengths, and colors to match specific applications or branding needs.

In addition to customizing the physical appearance of power cords, they can also be tailored to meet specific safety standards and requirements. This is especially important in industries with strict safety regulations or hazardous operating environments.

Custom made power cords are commonly used in the medical, military, and industrial sectors. Medical equipment often requires specific power cords to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare professionals. Military applications require durable and reliable power cords to withstand harsh environments and extreme conditions. Industrial equipment often has unique power requirements, which can be met by custom made power cords.

Overall, custom made power cords are a versatile solution for equipment that requires unique power requirements. They offer a wide range of customization options and can be designed to meet specific safety standards and regulations.

Custom Power Cables: Enhancing Safety and Convenience

Custom power cables can offer several benefits to businesses and individuals. While most are familiar with off-the-shelf power cords, custom power cables provide a level of flexibility and safety that off-the-shelf options cannot match. One of the primary advantages of custom power cables is safety, as they can be designed to meet specific electrical requirements and safety standards. In this section, we will discuss the safety and convenience aspects of custom power cables.

Safety Considerations for Custom Power Cables

Custom power cables are designed with safety in mind. They are engineered to meet specific electrical requirements and safety standards, which ensures that they are safe to use in different environments and with different types of equipment. For example, power cables used in hazardous environments may require special insulation, shielding, or grounding to prevent electrical arcing and sparks.

When ordering custom power cables, it is essential to specify the safety requirements for the intended application. Electrical specifications such as voltage, current, and frequency must be provided to ensure that the power cable is rated correctly. Additionally, specifying the required safety certifications such as UL, CSA, or CE ensures that the custom power cable is compliant with industry standards and regulations.

Convenience Features of Custom Power Cables

Custom power cables are also convenient for users. They can be designed to have custom lengths, connector types, and color choices, making them well-suited for specific applications and environments. For example, custom length power cables can eliminate the need for cable ties, reducing clutter and making installations tidier. Moreover, custom connector types such as NEMA 5-20P, IEC 60320-C13, or IEC 60320-C19 can be specified, making them compatible with different types of equipment.

Custom power cables can also be color-coded, which can enhance safety, organization, and identification. For example, blue power cables can be used to signify that the cable is part of a critical system that should not be unplugged or disconnected. Similarly, red power cables can be used to signify that the cable is for temporary use only and should not be used for a long-term application.

Custom power cables can offer a high degree of flexibility and safety. They are engineered to meet specific electrical requirements and safety standards, which ensures that they are safe to use in different environments and with different types of equipment.

Custom power cables are becoming increasingly popular across a range of industries, including healthcare, IT, and manufacturing. By offering safety and convenience features, custom power cables can help businesses and individuals optimize their operations and reduce the risks associated with using power cords that are not designed for the intended application.

Benefits of Custom Made Extension Cords

Custom made extension cords offer a wide range of benefits for both personal and professional use. Here are some of the advantages of choosing custom options:

Improved branding Custom printed extension cords with your company name or logo can enhance brand visibility and recognition, making your business stand out.
Easy identification Having extension cords with personalized colors, labeling, or length can help identify them quickly and reduce the risk of accidental unplugging or tripping hazards.
Enhanced safety Custom made extension cords can be designed to meet specific safety standards and requirements, ensuring that your electrical equipment is protected from hazards such as electrical shocks, overheating, or short circuits.
Flexibility Custom options allow you to choose the length, gauge, plug type, and other specifications that suit your unique needs and applications, providing maximum flexibility and convenience.

Whether you need custom printed extension cords for trade shows, events, or construction projects, or personalized power cables for your office, factory, or laboratory, custom-made options can provide a cost-effective, reliable, and safe solution.

Factors to Consider When Ordering Custom Extension Cords:

Custom extension cords can be an excellent solution for your unique power needs. However, to ensure you get the best-fit cord, there are several factors you should consider before placing an order:

Factor Description
Length Requirements Determine the exact length of the extension cord you need. Consider getting a cord that is slightly longer to provide some flexibility.
Plug Types Identify the type of plug required for your equipment or application. Common options include NEMA 5-15P, NEMA L5-20P, and IEC C13.
Wire Gauge Consider the gauge of the wire required to power your device adequately. Thick wires are suitable for high-power tools, while thin wires are ideal for low-power devices.
Color Options Choose a color that complements your branding or other aesthetic requirements. Custom extension cords are available in a range of colors, including black, white, and orange.
Safety Certifications Ensure that the extension cord complies with industry safety standards such as UL or CSA. Check with your supplier for specific certification requirements.

By considering these factors when ordering custom extension cords, you can ensure that you receive the perfect cord for your needs. Be sure to provide accurate information to your supplier to ensure the customization process is seamless.

Tips for Finding the Best Custom Printed Extension Cords

Custom printed extension cords can be a valuable asset to your business or personal needs. However, finding the best option can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right custom printed extension cords:

Tip Description
Research Do your research and compare different suppliers and their offerings. Look for reviews, ratings, and testimonials to gauge their reputation and quality of service.
Consider Quality and Safety Make sure that the custom printed extension cords are of the highest quality and meet safety standards. Check for the AWG rating, the insulation material, and the plug type to ensure that they are compatible with your electrical equipment.
Look for Customization Options Check if the supplier offers various customization options, such as different cord lengths, colors, or plug types. This way, you can ensure that the custom printed extension cords fit your specific needs and requirements.
Check for Minimum Order Quantity Make sure to check for the supplier’s minimum order quantity requirement. Some suppliers might require a minimum order quantity, which might not be feasible for your needs.
Consider Lead Time Check the lead time for producing and delivering the custom printed extension cords. Make sure it aligns with your project or event deadlines.
Check for Warranty Information Make sure to check for the supplier’s warranty information. This way, you can ensure that the custom printed extension cords are covered in case of any manufacturing defects or issues.

Tip: Don’t compromise on quality for the sake of cost. Custom printed extension cords are an investment and should be treated as such. Choose a supplier that offers the best balance between quality, customization, and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Printed Extension Cords

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about custom printed extension cords:

What is the minimum order quantity for custom printed extension cords?

The minimum order quantity can vary depending on the supplier and the customization options you choose. Some suppliers may have a minimum order requirement of 50 or 100 units, while others may offer smaller quantities. It’s best to check with the supplier to confirm their minimum order quantity.

How much do custom printed extension cords cost?

The cost of custom printed extension cords can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the length of the cord, the wire gauge, the customization options, and the minimum order quantity. It’s important to request a quote from the supplier to get an accurate price.

What customization options are available for custom printed extension cords?

Customization options can include adding your company name or logo to the cord, selecting specific wire gauge and length requirements, choosing different plug types and colors, and incorporating safety features such as surge protection and circuit breakers.

What safety certifications do custom printed extension cords have?

Custom printed extension cords can have various safety certifications, such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), or ETL (Intertek). It’s important to check with the supplier to confirm what safety certifications are available for your specific customization requirements.

What is the lead time for custom printed extension cords?

The lead time can vary depending on the supplier and the customization options you choose. Some suppliers may offer a faster turnaround time for smaller orders, while larger or more complex orders may take longer. It’s best to check with the supplier to get an estimate of the lead time for your specific order.

What warranty is available for custom printed extension cords?

The warranty can vary depending on the supplier and the customization options you choose. Some suppliers may offer a warranty on the cord itself, while others may offer a warranty on the customized printing. It’s important to check with the supplier to confirm what warranty is available for your specific order.

What are the best work gloves for  construction

What are the best work gloves for construction

In this post, we wish to inform the reader of some key factors to consider when it comes to buying the best work gloves and safety gloves for construction. This is important information to know for multiple reasons. Having the right glove for the construction industry application you need it for can greatly improve your work performance and protect your hands at the same time. These are the main reasons for using construction work gloves in the first place.

You always want to keep your hands in gloves with a comfortable fit and keep them dry when you’re working. Just ask anyone who’s ever had to mix mortar in cold weather or swing a hammer all day with a cheap pair of split leather palm gloves. No matter how tough we are mentally and physically it’s human nature for us to avoid physical pain. So it’s only common sense that you’ll get a lot more work done with a pair of comfortable well-protected hands than you ever will with a pair of cold, blistered, red chafed hands.

You also want to keep your hands fully protected from any one of the many elements that can hurt them when you’re working such as cold weather, cuts, and abrasions. Whether you’re swinging a hammer, installing a toilet main, digging a ditch, or replacing an engine you’ll want gloves that will keep your skin safe, comfortable, and protected whilst you perform that task to the best of your ability.

This guide will focus on three main areas:

  • What matters most in choosing the best gloves
  • How to choose the best work gloves for your industry
  • Top 10 picks for the best work gloves for the construction industry

What matters most in choosing the best gloves.

No matter what the specific application for the gloves are there are some key factors that apply to all gloves universally. First off, they need to fit right. Having gloves that are too small will cause discomfort and restrict movement. Having gloves that are too large or that stretch too much won’t feel right either and that excess space will undoubtedly rub against your skin the wrong way and leave you with blisters. Try to look for a glove that fits you well enough that you don’t feel the need to keep taking them off between tasks. Whether you’re buying really high-quality Mechanix wear gloves or cotton jersey work gloves you should always look for the best fit and try to choose ones that have really good elastic cuffs or some type of closure strap that keeps them secure on your hands. This is especially important with winter work gloves.

Secondly, they need to protect your hands as much as possible. There are different levels of padding and different materials that will give you different levels of protection. For instance, leather is going to be the best choice for protection against abrasion while the choice in padding thickness will play a role in cutting down on fatigue. If you’re working outside in a cold environment you’ll want to choose thermal gloves that are properly lined for the winter and preferably waterproof. Nothing beats actual experience to determine which gloves offer the most protection but those are some good reference points.

Lastly, you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck. If you are supplying these gloves for your workers you obviously don’t want to waste money on them by supplying more than what is needed. A lot of companies use disposable gloves when it comes to hand protection. Nitrile gloves are quite popular also as they are a little more abrasion-resistant. This doesn’t mean that you should only look for the best price as that can be a bit misleading as to the true value. For instance, you can buy brown jersey gloves for .89 cents a pair or $2.99 a pair and it would seem obvious which ones to buy right? Not necessarily. If you look a little deeper you’ll discover many key factors such as their weight and do they provide comfort. What does this glove feature exactly? Are they 8oz or 10oz? Are they flame resistant? Do they have strong elastic cuffs that don’t wear out easily? What kind of lining do they have if they are lined? Are they machine washable and if so, do they retain their original form so you can keep using them?

A pair of string knit work gloves that you buy for .89 cents, use once and throw away doesn’t match a better pair of tear-resistant gloves that are three times more expensive but feel much better, protect you better, and last 10 times longer. Focus on saving money over time if your crew is going to actually take care of what you give them. If your turnover rate of construction gloves is very high due to your guys’ rough usage or just simply losing them a lot then you’ll obviously have to take this into consideration as well.

How to choose the best work gloves for your industry

The type of labor you’re doing on a construction site as well as practicality is going to be the best indicator for what type of personal protective gloves you’ll need. For example, if you’re running a landscaping or framing crew or something similar that deals with the outdoor elements and you have a lot of workers your consumption rate is going to be way higher. You don’t really need expensive top-grade gloves here as your guys are going to burn thru them or lose them at a higher rate and you’ll more than likely be replacing them quite often. Your best bet here would be to go with some good palm coated work gloves for better gripping strength. These seem to be the best option for price and performance. This will depend greatly upon how many of your construction workers or employees wear gloves and the rate at which the gloves are being consumed.

If your construction industry work deals with any type of chemicals or oily and greasy surfaces such as plumbing or sewer work you’ll want to choose a chemical-resistant rubber type of glove or gloves that have oil-resistant rubber palms and fingers. There are different variations and gas gloves out there such as smooth palm or rough textured palm and dotted palms depending on the grip you want. There’s even a brand of safety gloves with excellent cut resistance called ‘’The Ugly Glove’’ made specifically for this purpose. They are heavy-coated and puncture-resistant. If your work is in the cold leather gloves and split leather working gloves are ideal as they protect very well, are very durable and remain flexible. Again this will depend upon the end-user as to which gloves are the best for your needs.

If your industry is a little more precise or technical such as doing motor work or electrical work you’ll want something like a foam nitrile that offers very good protection but allows you full dexterity all the way to your fingertips. If the price is not a factor it’s better to go with some form of leather driver gloves or a synthetic leather glove or Mechanix wear style gloves with a leather palm. There are quite a few options out there including padded, lined or unlined, fingerless, insulated gloves for high voltage, etc. Not to mention the different types of specific welding and metal fabrication gloves. We will offer a few suggestions on these in the next section.

There are also different types of leather work gloves that are suited for different applications. If you’re doing a lot of manual labor you’ll want to go with a leather grain cowhide with a safety cuff. Buffalo and goatskin are great tight grip work gloves also. All perform well against cut and abrasion damage and rough usage with cowhide being the most cost-effective, buffalo being the toughest and goatskin being the strongest and most pliable. Ironclad heavy utility gloves are a great example. At the other end of the spectrum, you have the softer more flexible leathers such as pigskin which doesn’t harden or stiffen when wet, deerskin which does the same but is a little lighter keeping your hands less sweaty or sheepskin which is the softest and most comfortable leather that is sensitive to the touch. These make for the best leather drivers gloves.

Top 10 picks for the best work gloves for the construction industry

Here are our top 10 picks for the best work gloves. Whatever the application, you’ll find it here!

#1 CAIMAN MECHANICS GLOVES

     These are some really tough knuckle protection gloves with all the benefits you’d expect at the most competitive price.

#2 SHUBEE UGLY GLOVES

    These are the best plumbers and utility work gloves on the market period!

#3 GRIP FIT PALM GLOVES

    These are the best general-purpose rubber latex coated work gloves and have 3 different   styles to choose from

#4 N-TECH NITRILE PALMS GLOVES

    These coated work gloves offer better resistance than rubber and have 3 different styles to choose from.

#5 ATLAS NITRILE COATED GLOVES

    Same as above but fully launderable, very popular with landscapers

#6 DUBARRY SUPER RUGGED HEAVY DUTY RUBBER GLOVES

   These are very rugged and particularly popular with masons and tile contractors

#7 ELITE GRIP TOUCH SCREEN FRIENDLY MECHANICS GLOVES

   Great mechanics gloves with touchscreen-friendly fingertips so you don’t miss any calls.

#8 CAIMAN ULTRA HEAVY DUTY 21 INCH SPECIALTY WELDING GLOVES

   If you’re looking for the best in welding gloves, look no further.

#9 ELITE” NITRILE GLOVES

  These are about the best value out there

#10 CAIMAN PIGSKIN WATERPROOF MECHANICS GLOVES

  A very breathable and durable cold-weather option

We hope that this guide has been helpful to you and hope that you use this information to choose the gloves that are the right fit for you.

COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING POWER TOOLS ONLINE IN 2023

COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING POWER TOOLS ONLINE IN 2023

As a contractor or serious tradesman, one of the most crucial elements to success is to get quality tools (powerful drills, rotary tools & oscillating tools) that are available online in your hands at a good price and in a timely manner. Buying power tools online applies to business owners seeking the best hand tools, power tools, and air tools as well as landscapers & craft project tool users needing hand tools & outdoor tools such as leaf blowers and string trimmers for lawn and garden work. Fabrication shops and welders will be glad to know where to get the best deals on metalworking tools and angle grinders. Electricians, plumbers and other tool buyers who find themselves too busy to look up sometimes will benefit greatly to know where to get the best drill bit or drill bit set to drill holes as well as the best deals on cordless drills for hammer drilling & cordless power tools such as cordless impact drivers with a keyless chuck & brushless motor, driver kits, cordless screwdrivers, lithium-ion batteries & chargers. You’ll want to see pictures & videos as well as all the pertinent specs such as run time, speed setting, what size inch chucks, and what reward cards if any are being offered. 

Not to mention specialty tools like variable speed orbital sanders, belt sanders, circular saws, and tool belts as well as safety equipment. Whether you’re a professional cabinet maker or a guy doing cabinets from his garage it’s always a good idea to know the best sources for top name tool brands as well as discount tools, bare tools, and tool accessories. If you’re looking for the best deal on an air compressor or the latest avid power impact wrench to add to your tool collection. Yes, anything from a sliding miter saw to vacuum cleaners to air conditioners for small home centers can be found online, so why not take the time to educate yourself in this much-needed area of expertise.

We have put together this guide to help you know what to look out for when buying tools online. Knowing what to pay for quality products, tools and equipment not only saves you money but more importantly your precious time which can determine whether your business is successful or not.

Here is what we will cover to help you make the best decision buying tools & power tool accessories online:

1. The Benefits of buying tools online
2. What’s the best place to buy online tools?
3. What is the best time of year to buy power tools?
4. Which power tool brand is the best?

The Benefits of buying power tools online

The world has changed drastically in the last few decades, probably more than any of us ever imagined. Technology has put a lot of brick and mortar tool stores out of business. The certainty of whether or not this a good thing only time will tell. What is certain though is that the demand for tools and Jobsite equipment has never been greater. With over a million commercial projects underway and lots of competition out there, it is imperative for you to know how to shop online to get what you need for your project quickly and at the best price.

Obviously, a key benefit to buying tools online is that it saves you time and is quite easy to do from anywhere you’re at. All you need is a cell phone with the internet to find what you’re after. You can pretty well find anything for the industry online from Klein tools and Milwaukee tools to a sump pump to an air compressor to generator accessories to router accessories. Everything is there! This saves you the time it takes to drive to the local hardware store, park your car, find your item (if it’s in stock), stand in line, save the receipt for accounting purposes, etc. When time is a valuable commodity it just doesn’t make sense to spend it in a way that you don’t have to.

Another important factor to be considered is the fact that with so much competition online for say a lithium-ion cordless drill to a Black & Decker cordless tool it’s pretty easy to discern a good price for the item you’re looking for. Generally speaking, Amazon usually has the cheapest prices and they show up quite often just by typing in the name of the tool you’re looking for. This can be a pretty handy tool to compare prices quickly. There’s even a section at the bottom dedicated to reviews from customers like yourself. Before you buy that pressure washer or cordless impact driver you can read what users have to say about it first.

This can be very beneficial but as with anything opinions may vary. A good rule of thumb is to use common sense when reading the reviews. Does the user know what he’s talking about? Does it seem like a legitimate concern he has about the tool or does it seem like a hasty opinion? Are the praises based on actual use of the product and its functionality? A lot of buyers will give early praise to a product just because he got it quickly and cheaply. This can be fools’ gold for the professional contractor who will need to know that these cordless drills are durable as far as the drills power and that the drill accessories you bought to go with it actually fit and are the best ones out there for the material you’re drilling.

You can ascertain a lot of good information from others experience but it’s always a good idea for you to gather as much info as you can before making your final decision. What matters most is your experience with how that impact wrench feels in your hand and how smooth it takes off those lug nuts. Or how the weight of that nail gun feels after a full day’s use. Most times you’ll already know what it is you’re after but always keep an eye out for new and inventive technology. As stated earlier, there’s a lot of competition out there and all the big companies like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita are working every day to make better more efficient tools and drills & drivers.

What’s the best place to buy online tools?

There’s an old saying that if you ask a thousand people a question, you’ll get a thousand different answers. We’re obviously not going to be stating that many individual answers here nor do we think it would be very helpful to do so. We will, however, try to shine a light on a few types of places that seem to score very well.
With most online shoppers Amazon is the first place that usually comes to mind and with good reason. They are the largest online store in the world and will often have the cheapest price as that is their niche. Saving money is always a good reason to shop somewhere. If you know exactly what it is you’re looking for and an idea of what it costs than Amazon is a good bet. This seems like a no brainer, however, there are a few key points you may want to consider.
First off, you’re going to want to know exactly what it is you’re looking for because there is no customer service to point you in the right direction or answer any questions you may have. You will never speak with anyone at Amazon and there is no number to call. They are so big that they don’t need to care about you or your business and that’s just fine with a lot of consumers. Quick, cheap, computerized, and completely devoid of any human interest and emotion to get between you and your online buy. I mean, after all, this is exactly what Cannibal Capitalism looks like.

Questions to Consider

This brings up some other sticking points in the minds of many online shoppers. What if, you need to return your item? What’s the exact process? How exactly do you go about it? Who do you contact? Do you need to go to the post office, Fed-ex or UPS? Who is paying for the return or the downtime it will cost you? Who do you call if you want to keep the impact drivers you purchased but are a little confused with the functionality of them because the Amazon distributor didn’t include the directions in the mad rush to get it out the door cheaply and super-fast.

What if all you have is a simple question to make sure that this is the best tile blade for that particular cut of old restaurant tile for that big renovation you’re doing. What hand warmers last the longest when you’re using them 10+ hours a day? Exactly which tool bags and belts will hold up to constant abuse day after day, year after year? What kind of heated jackets should you get for your guys to keep them warm during a Wisconsin sub-zero winter? Which hand saws are the most durable and cut the smoothest?

These are all valid questions that you’ll be responsible to find the answers for. Now we’re not discounting the benefits of easy, cheap shopping. For a lot of consumers that are buying a certain exact item, it’s a fast way to do it and that does make sense. All of the online stores that follow that same computerized business model seem to be fairly competitive with each other in regard to price.

When buying tools online there are some other key factors to consider. Obviously, saving money is important but not quite as important as who you’re saving that money with. Does the online vendor have any real interest in earning and retaining your business after the point of that initial sale? Will they have any reason to put in any effort into understanding and anticipating your needs? I think you know the answer to these questions. This brings up the issue of who to deal with that actually has a vested interest in making sure that you are well informed, get exactly what you want, and are happy with your purchase. You’ll need more than a computerized store for this. Human interaction will be needed. Let’s look at this squarely.

A lot of shoppers don’t like dealing with salespeople which are easily understandable. Many have given the industry a black eye by being too pushy or too arrogant. The simple fact is that no one wants to be pushed into a sale by some overly persistent salesman trying to hit his daily quota. This may have been the standard once but we don’t live in that world anymore. This is the information age with everything we want readily available. No one ever needs to be badgered.

Find a Good Partner Online

On the other hand, what business professional in the industry, as busy as he is, couldn’t use a trusted advisor to help him navigate the course? It goes without saying that trust is a virtue that must be earned. So make that vendor earn it. Check out their site. See if it offers a wide range of tools. Do they have top name brands? Are they competitively priced with what’s online? Are there good quality descriptions of the items you want to be accompanied by various pictures of those items? Most importantly is there anyone you can speak with that will have a vested interest in making sure that you are properly informed with all the information you need to make the right choice?

There’s no substitute for that type of human interaction because the person or company that really wants your repeat business is going to understand your needs and wants much more than a computerized corporate site ever could. It stands to reason.

So we feel that if you find a site that has all of that as well as a trusted advisor that will be honest with you on all levels and truly appreciates your business, as well as your concerns, will win hands down!

What’s the best time of the year to buy power tools?

There’s always a need to see when things are going on sale and usually that’s right after Thanksgiving right on thru until Christmas. It’s a great time to stock up on inventory and save money at the same time because every online vendor will be competing to have the best prices for the season. That’s a given. However, a really good and often overlooked time to buy is right after the holidays when everyone is exhausted from spending, spree shopping, buying gifts for friends and family as well as overeating. A lot of vendors will have their biggest specials at that time to make up for the lull in business that happens every year after the holidays.

These are commonplace observations and with good reason. Being that a smart company is always trying to gain revenue as well as a new business, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for online stores that regularly do specials and promotions for those reasons. Again, check the price, do the math, and always ask yourself if this makes sense for the future as well as the present. After all, a penny saved is a penny earned and those pennies can turn into a lot of money saved at the end of the year!

Which power tool brand is the best?

There’s a wide range of debate on this subject going back decades so we don’t want to prejudice anyone or cast any aspersions on any top name brands. It is always up to the professional contractor or craftsman to decide which brand best serves him. We can however share our experience on this subject to help you make a wise decision.

When it comes to power tools Milwaukee seems to have the best reputation for durability, but this is based on past as well as the present. When it comes to bandsaws and power-saws Milwaukee is hard to beat. They have always paid close attention to the bigger tools as well as the smaller ones. If you’re looking for a heat gun or say a good toolbox, you’ll find the same quality construction in these items as you would in say demolition hammers or rotary hammers.
They are definitely worth the money for bare tools as well as cordless tools!

However, the company that seems to have the biggest growth over the last decade is undoubtedly DeWalt. From their hammer drills to their cutout tools (oscillating multi-tools) and everything else they put on the market, they seem to hold up well and are made for rough use. They are also about the best-priced tools on the market for what you’re getting. Another key factor with DeWalt is their service. They have a service center in every major city as well as a lot of smaller towns and there’s never any hassle with their warranty if you have a receipt.

Another key factor with DeWalt is that they are always coming out with new and more powerful tools. Their 20-volt max series is a huge seller in combo kits or individually and their batteries and chargers seem to hold up very well. They have a good line of pneumatic tools as well that are fairly priced but if you’re doing a lot of maintenance and shop work, you’ll want to use Aircat.
They are the quietest air tools in the world with the highest torque. Never seen or heard of a negative review for any Aircat tools.

Of course, there are other categories that fall outside of these general suggestions such as vacuum accessories, test and measurement tools, perhaps say drain cleaning tools but there again, that’s where it pays to have a trusted advisor that has serious knowledge of not just one industry but of all industries related to construction, maintenance, etc. If you find a good online company that checks all of these boxes, we feel you’ll be a lot better off not just financially but in regard to the time you’ll save as well.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has been helpful to you and hope that you can use this information to help you make the best online buying decisions going forward. You may even find that perfect partner to help you for years to come.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to message us and we would be happy to help.