Tips on Holiday Tool Sales

THE HOLIDAY season brings I among other things many customers looking for a power tool to give as a gift. You and your staff should be prepared to guide them in their choice.

Some judicious signing, give-away literature, and the help of a knowing sales penon will build the customer's confidence. Portable power equlpment is recommended for any aroundthe-house project up to and including major construction. Stationary power tools are good investments only for those who pursue wordworking as a hobby.

Th'e basic power tools for a do-ityourselfer include a power drill, an orbital sander, a saber, reciprocating, or circular saw, and a router. With these tools a homeowner can tackle most repair, maintenance and improvement iobs.

' Often th-e customer looking for a eift item will be concerned about the iafety of power tools. They are hesitant io give a gift which might result in an injury. You can reassure them by oointine out that power tools are as iafe as- the user 'makes them' The Power Tool Institute has a major consumer safety program' By contacting them. vou ian obtain literature which you cair include with Purchases.

Another idea would be to Plan a safety clinic for January and include an invitation in each gift package. You also can suggest the purchase of safety glasses and clamps or vises for secuiing work to keep fingers safe as add-ons to the eift.

Story at a Glance

How to help a customer select the right power tool for each person on his gift list . . starter sets, accessories, add-ons . sell safetY, quality, confidence.

The power drill is a workhorse for the average homeowner because in addition to drilling holes in a variety of materials, he can with special accessories drive and remove screws, polish, grind, buff, sand, and saw. For home workshops, there are three sizes, Yr, 3/a, and Vz inch. These fractions refer to the chuck size. The chuck, for the uninitiated, is the round metal device on the business end of the drill. It has jaws which hold the bit shanks in place.

Motor loads are classified as light, medium or heavy duty. Ratings listed on the drill nameplate usually include amperage. The higher the amp rating, the more powerful the drill.