A power tool is a term which is used for mechanical tools which often run on electricity or a compressed air motor. They might sometimes be powered by a gasoline engine as well .The term power tools, sometimes can also be used more generically for techniques or methods which simplify the complex or tough jobs. Power tools are primarily classified as stationary or portable. Portable power tools are mainly recognized by their ability to be handheld.

Power tools are widely used industry and construction for cutting, drilling, sanding, shaping, polishing, painting and grinding. They are also used in households for similar jobs. Stationary power tools or machine tools are mainly used for metal working. Though the term is used only for metal working, the use of these power tools is also common in wood working. Some jobs which are common to both wood working and metal working are drill presses and bench grinders.

Most of the people prefer stationary power tools over portable tools as they are faster and more accurate. For example, a job done by a table saw is smoother, cleaner and straighter, when compared to the same task done by a hand saw. Lathes are another stationary power tool, which produces perfect rounds, which is not possible by any other means.

Most of the stationary power tools in the market today have an embedded electric motor in them. On the other hand, portable power tools are mostly powered by batteries or are corded. Now-a-days the corded versions are in better demand than the battery-powered ones. This is because of high energy capacity and low cost when compared to portable power tools which run on battery power.

At the same time, there are power tools like nailers and paint sprayers which use compressed air as their customary power source. There are even some power actuated tools which run on explosive cartridges. Stationary power tools like chain saws and weed whackers are mainly powered by gasoline to facilitate outdoor use of these power tools.

Some of the very common power tools are drills, saws, the router, the electric sander and the lathe.
Recently the use of portable power tools in industry has increased considerably. This is mainly because of the introduction of the heavy powered drills which run on electricity. Many industries have realized that the effective use of the portable electric tools can give them huge profits as they can be used in production at workshop as well as site. Portable power tools are largely famous because of considerably low costs and reduced manufacturing time. They are also popular among workers for increase in productivity and accuracy. There is no doubt that portable power tools can be used for various types of operations and have great versatility.