When it comes to power tools, there are a few that every enthusiast or homeowner should own. From small repairs to large home improvement projects, these tools will help you complete your job and keep your home looking like it was worked on by a professional, even if you're not one.

Cordless drills are useful for many projects, as they can be used as a power screwdriver as well as for drilling holes in most surfaces. Cordless drills, coupled with a range of drill bits, will enable you to create holes in a variety of sizes, depending on your needs. This ability will come in handy for hanging anything from pictures to shelves, where you'll want to either screw into a stud (which requires more than arm strength can provide) or create a hole for a wall anchor (plastic housings for screws that need to stay put in drywall). Other uses include making holes related to plumbing, electrical work, and finish carpentry.

A reciprocating saw is another must-have for home improvement projects. They are heavy duty, can saw through most surfaces, and are great for demolition. Reciprocating saws feature a large, unprotected, straight saw blade that can be used in a free form manner for speedy cutting when you aren't looking for perfect cuts.

The next tool you'll want to purchase is a circular saw. A circular saw will produce smoother cuts than a hand saw, and will be necessary if you're planning on working with lumber, drywall, siding, and a myriad of other materials. A circular saw gives you greater control than a reciprocating saw, and will be useful when you're looking to make precise cuts of a particular length.

Other tools that are sure to come in handy are power sanders and power nailers. A power sander will make quick work of sanding even the roughest pieces of wood, and save you the time and discomfort associated with using a hand held sanding block. If you need to sand a significant amount of surface from a piece of wood, a power sander is the only option. A power nailer will save you considerable time, as well as the trouble of hand nailing every nail. They also ensure that nails are seated exactly where they're supposed to be, so you don't end up having to pull them out and re-nail.

Investing in these five power tools will ensure that all of your home improvement projects are successful, and save you a lot of time and money in the long run. More specialised power tools are also available for use on more intricate projects.