Prepping can involve building things useful for survival or comfort during lean times. Here are the tools preppers should consider having to make the job easier.
Editor’s note: This prepping primer was written by guest contributor Brandon Smith.
Preppers are always ahead of the curve when it comes to being ready for any eventuality. If you don’t know all the basics around food, health and general survival preparedness for something like the recent COVID-19 outbreak then take a look through this guide.
Here, I’m going to take you through the best power tools for preppers.
Whenever we talk about having power tools, we usually mean hand power tools that are easy to use and get the job done. It’s important to have some manually powered tools to hand just in case the grid goes down, but power tools will make things easier.
Prepping is all about being prepared. If SHTF then there isn’t going to be any time to learn to build a log cabin in the woods and if the grid goes down, it will take you too long to build it using manual tools.
That’s why it makes sense to add a few power tools to your tool kit. Use them now to build any structures or defenses to help you through the tough times ahead.
The power tools that every prepper needs:
This should be your first purchase if you don’t own any power tools. It’s versatile and can be used for jobs around the house like putting up shelves or fixing new cabinets. It will also be used for fence or gate repair and will be your go-to tool when boarding up windows.
The best type to buy is a hammer drill. It will do all the general jobs like acting as a screwdriver and drill holes in wood, plastic and metal, but it also works well on concrete and other harder surfaces.
It’s going to cost a little more than a standard drill/driver, but when you need to drill into masonry or other toughened material you’ll be glad you have it. Ensure it can handle 1,000lbs of torque, has a ratcheting chuck, has a side handle (to prevent kickback), and that you buy some masonry, Cobalt and titanium-coated drill bits.
A circular saw is an important tool for a prepper to have. If you’re building any type of structure then this is what you will use to cut wood or metal. The decision over a cordless or powered one will depend on its use. If you’re building things and using it to prepare structures then a corded one is more powerful.
But, having a corded power tool when the power goes out isn’t much use. I’d suggest buying a cordless one with a larger battery by a professional brand.
This is a powerful tool that has several functions. It can be used to grind and shape different material like stone, metal and concrete as long as the right blade is attached.
If you need to remove paint or rust from surfaces then this is the tool. They come in different sizes, so choosing the right size is important. Most preppers will find one that is 4 ½ inches suitable for most jobs.
Some attachments to purchasing are discs (different types for different materials), diamond-tipped discs (for granite and asphalt), sanding pads & discs (removing and finishing), and cut-off discs (similar to a Dremel but much more powerful).
This piece of kit, alongside a cordless drill, should be on every prepper’s “I have to buy this tomorrow” list. It’s versatile and if you select the right blade you can cut through almost any material.
You can cut wood, prune branches and bushes, and easily cut through thick wood and metal. This is the tool you see firefighters use when they remove car roofs to free a victim in a crash.
When you buy this piece of kit, get an assortment of blades too. You will then be able to cut through different types of material. Keep in mind that the blades won’t last forever, so having a stock of some regular ones you use is advisable.
Lots of manufacturers sell chargers that can plug into the 12-volt power port in your car or van. This works in a similar way to charging the tools when you plug them into the wall. It ensures you can charge your equipment should the power go out and expands your ability to keep the batteries charged.
Most of them have indicator lights to show you when the battery charge is full, and many have a sensor to shut off the charger when your vehicle’s battery level gets to a certain point.
There are lots of manual tools that come in handy too. If you want some of the most popular ones to add to your tool shed then this tool kit page gives some great ideas.
Having some power tools as a prepper will allow you to be self-reliant and build any structure you feel is necessary. Small jobs can be completed around the home and if things head downwards you can be confident you have the right tools for any eventuality.
Brandon Smith is an Editor at TheSawGuy.com – a woodworking & DIY resource for everything from comparing the best table saws and mitre saws, to home and garden projects.
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Yes, having these tools is useful. Having them without a way to power/recharge them is ignoring the reality of many disasters. Generators are nice, but require fuel, which is difficult to store. Using your car battery can work, but that’s just another generator.
Solar has some potential.
Keep in mind that during some disasters, there will be people out looking for others to prey on. Calling attention to yourself could be a problem, and noise, in a noise free environment, attracts attention.
We don’t use sawz-allz to cut up cars for pt extrication. They are to slow and could arc fire flammable spilled liquids. We use battery powered hurst tools called cutters and spreaders. They are faster more powerful, safer, and have a plethora of attachments you can swap out to address hundreds of possible scenarios. If a first responder is using a saws all to cut you out of a car you are in serious trouble.
I use power tools as little as possible.
You better have a robust source of electricity, or these tools will be worthless. My strategy is a small off-grid pv system for lights and everyday use, and a generator for occasional use only. That way, a small amount of gasoline will last a long time.
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Prepping can involve building things useful for survival or comfort during lean times. Here are the tools preppers should consider having to make the job easier.
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