- Compact Equipment Magazine
- Hand Tools
Hand Tools
Drills, Grinders, Augers and Seasonal Workhorses for Every Jobsite
Our Hand Tools hub brings together the tools crews reach for first — from corded and cordless drills, drivers, routers and angle grinders to impact wrenches, cut-off tools and demolition essentials. We also include “walk-behind hand tools” that pack job-saving muscle in a compact footprint, such as snow throwers, push sweepers and handheld earth augers. Coverage centers on practical selection, safe operation and real-world productivity. We break down when to choose high-speed, lightweight tools for repetitive tasks vs. high-torque solutions for stubborn fasteners and dense materials. For drilling ground, we explain the differences between mechanical and hydraulic earth drills, how to size augers by diameter and depth and why points, blades and extensions matter in rocky, frozen or loamy soils. Seasonal guides cover snow removal basics, from pre-storm prep and fueling to auger-chute safety and visibility on slopes.
As battery systems advance, we track runtime, charging, vibration, dust control and smart electronics that improve safety and reduce fatigue. Readers will find checklists for matching tool specs to applications, verifying accessories (bits, wheels, guards, chucks, hose reels) and understanding the impact of cord length, PSI/CFM and duty cycles on output. Whether you’re hanging doors, trenching for irrigation, clearing a driveway after a blizzard or boring in a backyard, our Hand Tools section delivers the how-to, maintenance tips and buying/renting advice to work faster, safer and cleaner — with the right tool for the task. Some examples of the types of hand tools we cover include:
Dewalt Impact Drivers and Wrenches | Little Beaver Hydraulic Earth Drills | Milwaukee Concrete Vibrators