Name any hand-operated tool you can think of, and chances are it has an electric or gasoline-powered counterpart. The screwdriver has the electric drill. The hand saw has the chainsaw. The ax has the log splitter.
It’s easy to assume a high-powered model is better than one relying on human power. But that’s not always the case. The truth is, hand tools and power tools each have their pros and cons.
The right tool for one job might not be appropriate for another.
Since I’m a big fan of hand tools, I’m going to explore the broad pros and cons of hand tools vs. power tools, if only to highlight some of the ways hand tools can come in “handy,” pun intended.
Hand Tools
Pros
The biggest advantage to hand tools? Their simplicity. They don’t require a power source aside from your own strength. So they can be operated anywhere, anytime.
Unlike gasoline tools, they can be used indoors, because they don’t put out exhaust fumes. They’re generally lightweight compared to powered alternatives, and often quieter in operation. Certainly a hand saw is quieter than a gasoline chainsaw, a big benefit if you’re concerned about bothering neighbors or disturbing sensitive livestock.
Read more: Take a look at some common hand tools and their best uses.
Cons
Oftentimes, hand tools require more effort to operate and aren’t as fast or efficient as power tools. Cutting up a fallen pine tree with a chainsaw is relatively brief and effortless compared to tackling the same feat with a hand saw.
Power Tools
Pros
Speed and strength are the main benefits offered by power tools. Cutting down hay with a mower-conditioner is certainly faster and easier than swinging a scythe, right?
Power tools allow busy farmers to accomplish much more in less time. Projects you might not have time to tackle with hand tools (like sawing up half a dozen windblown trees) become feasible with the right power tools.
Read more: Here are 6 reasons you need an electric chainsaw.
Cons
Power tools need a source of power, whether gasoline or electricity. Gas is convenient, but engines require regular maintenance, and they can’t be used indoors.
Electric and battery-powered models are simpler and more versatile. But corded models must be used within reach of an outlet, and cordless models work best if you invest in spare batteries and keep them charged.
Power tools also tend to be heavier than their manual counterparts.
The pros and cons of hand tools vs. power tools point toward a couple of key takeaways. If there’s a lot of hard work to be done, and you need to complete it as quickly and efficiently as possible, power tools are the way to go.
On the other hand, if you’re tackling a smaller project on a more leisurely basis, hand tools can be the perfect choice. There’s a certain satisfaction gained from completing a hard job with your own muscles, rather than the power of a machine.
And the peace and quiet compared to running a noisy gasoline engine makes for a refreshing atmosphere.
