How to test power tools before purchasing?

[Mups]

Are there opportunities to use various products of outdoor tools, allowing one to test-drive a piece of equipment before purchasing?

Interested in trying out or even being taught how to use said tool/equipment eg. hedge trimmers, chainsaw, weed eaters etc through being involved in clearing sections? 

[EricL]

Hello @Mups 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question regarding testing power tools.

I propose having a quick look in your area for the local "Men's Shed Association" you'll find various tools and equipment that are available for use, and you can speak to the members regarding their use. You can also look at the Bunnings D.I.Y. workshops ongoing in your area. Just type in the date and the location of your closest store to see if there are any activities that involve power tools.

One of the best times to test tools is on the Bunnings Trade Expo. These are held during the year at various locations, give your local store a call to find out if there is an Expo happening near your location. 

Aside from these, make sure to explore your various connections through friends and family who have recently purchased or own tools that you might be interested in. Your last stop of course is the store itself, if you wish to get a feel for a tool or get some information, don't hesitate to speak to a Bunnings team member in regards to tools and how to use them.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Mups 

I saw your post earlier and was thinking about it. To add to @EricL 's suggestions

Keep an eye out at your local Bunnings and I do mean keep an eye out They sometimes showcase certain tools by the supplier, have a chat and get toi know the toolteam people, they will recognise you after you wander a few times through the aisles I am forever asking odd questions and how to use stuff. EVen to the point I was missing looking at grinders as they wernt with the tools towards the front.

Ask the staff to explain how to use, the ones on the shelves can be picked up especially if the place isnt busy. I would suggest to go with Ryobie or ozito products and even kits. I know Ozitio have a half kit and a complete kit on sale atm. They come with a decent warranty and guarnteed to stay the same model for a fair few years. If its battery powered items then the batteries can be used between the same branded tools say an ozito drill or an ozito garden tool.

You cant break tools easily I remember being nervous when going to use a tool as they were worth so much more then I made. lol The tools are built to do a job, they are built to take a little abuse. You tube has a bunch of videos of how to do things. Check out the Bunnings ones and maybe a few other suppliers. You will find something that feels right for you.

Now the last suggestion might be a bit out of the comfort zone but I like it because it comes with someone using an actual tool. Go for a walk around the area you live, you will hear someone using a powered tool and stop and have a chat with them Seriously we all love talking about a product we use lol Makes us feel knowledable id say. I have had chats with people walking past my place when I have been out the front using them. 

The most recent purchase I have is an little baby ozito pruner, seriously love it and it has taken a beating in stuff its chopped up for me (pruning season is about now) Ive never used one before (have used a chainsaw when I was a late teenager) but really easy to use and maintain. 

Dave

PS, try a mower place where the locals get the petrol for their mowers. They will really try to sell you one but make a promise to yourself and tell them you are looking for knowledge on how to use a whipper snipper/chainsaw even, let them show you how to start it and then have a go. Then wander through Bunnings and apply what you have learned. 

[Nailbag]

Hi @Mups 

I think it's a great idea for anyone looking to use any power tool for the first time that they gain some form of training on the safe and correct use. I've spent the majority of my working life producing and delivering training courses on just about every power tool & power garden product, but unfortunately I am unaware of anything aimed at the general public that I can recommend other than chainsaw courses which are available through local ATO's. As @EricL mentioned, the Bunnings Expo's do have an opportunity to use various tools, but not necessarily in any form of real life training environment.

Men's shed's tend to be power tools and bench top wood working machines only. But one avenue you could try is asking a few of your local gardeners as they would use all those tools. Basically they would have their hourly rate you could offer to pay, which would then give you real life experience.

Regards, Nailbag