Abstract: A method and a device for hand-operated machine tools, particularly for hammer drills, for optimal cutting of different substrates by energy adaptation, wherein the machine tool, when turned on, is operated initially—preferably in a pre-selectable manner—in a first operating state (I) with reduced power consumption at reduced nominal voltage (e.g., 170 V). After a predetermined time period of 5 seconds, for example, a second operating state (II) with increased power consumption at full nominal voltage of, for example, 230 V, is switched to automatically. In the first operating state with reduced power consumption, the single-blow energy is reduced and/or the hammer rate and rotational speed are decreased. In particular, such a method and device ensures that cutting is carried out without damage in the case of hollow block material and a precise tap-drilling is ensured in the case of solid material.