Accessories decide how well a power tool works in daily use, often more than the tool body itself. The most useful add-ons are the ones that match your tool’s fitting and the materials you cut, drill or sand. This guide covers the main groups so you can fill gaps in your kit without buying duplicates.
Cutting and drilling accessories
These are the parts that touch the work, and they wear out first.
- Drill and driver bits: twist bits for metal and wood, spade or brad-point bits for clean wood holes, masonry bits for brick, and screwdriving bits in the common head shapes.
- Saw blades: circular saw, jigsaw and reciprocating saw blades come in tooth counts and styles made for specific materials.
- Hole saws and step bits: for larger holes in wood, plastic or thin sheet metal.
Always check that the shank size, arbor size or blade fitting matches what your tool maker lists in the manual.
Sanding, grinding and finishing
Sanders use pads and sheets, grinders use discs and wheels, and rotary tools use small bits and cutting wheels. Each disc has a maximum speed marked on it, and your tool must not run faster than that limit. Read the maker’s guidance, wear eye and breathing protection, and replace cracked or worn discs instead of forcing them.
Support and convenience extras
- Dust fittings and shop vacuum adapters: keep air and benches cleaner.
- Extra batteries and a charger: only for tools in the same battery family.
- Side handles and depth stops: improve control and repeatable holes.
- Guide rails, edge guides and angle jigs: help with straight cuts.
- Cases and organizers: keep parts together and protect them in transit.
Matching accessories to tools
| Tool | Common accessories | Check before adding |
|---|---|---|
| Drill-driver | Bit sets, magnetic holder, side handle | Chuck size and bit shank type |
| Circular saw | Blades, rip guide, track | Blade diameter and arbor hole |
| Jigsaw | Blade packs, dust port | Shank style, such as T-shank or U-shank |
| Random orbit sander | Hook-and-loop discs, pads | Disc diameter and hole pattern |
| Angle grinder | Cutting and grinding discs, guard | Disc size and maximum speed on the label |
A sensible way to build your set is to buy accessories when a job demands them. Keep spares of the items that wear fastest, such as screwdriving bits and sanding discs, and store everything in labeled containers so you can see at a glance what is running low.
FAQ
Are all brands of accessories interchangeable?
Many bits and blades follow common sizes, so they fit across makers. Battery packs and some quick-change systems do not, so check compatibility in the manual.
How do I know when an accessory is worn out?
Signs include burning, slow progress, rough edges and visible damage. Replace the part rather than pushing harder.
The Short Version
Choose accessories by fitting first and material second. Keep a few spare bits and blades, a dust solution and a case. Follow the maker’s instructions for every disc, blade and bit you add.