Most power tools used for cutting and sanding have a rotating action. It's crucial that you know which way the attachment is rotating before you bring it into contact with the work, because the direction of the reactive forces will determine the way you hold the tool and control its movement.

Knowing the direction of rotation also helps you to avoid damaging the material you're cutting or sanding, and minimising the chance of the tool kicking back or running away from you when it first makes contact with the work.

Below are six common power tools. Each one has two arrows showing both directions of rotation. Indicate which way the blade or sanding pad will rotate by clicking on the arrow that points in the correct direction.