13 Power Tools Every Man Should Own (And Know How to Use!)
Learning to utilize tools is a cornerstone to being a Rugged Man.
From heaving an axe to plowing up your garden, there is a whole universe of tools for all the things we do.
Having a diverse range of capabilities is a most valuable skillset that should be cultivated over time.
Power tools take the tasks that once consumed lots of time and reduce them to a level we probably can’t even appreciate. These tools allow us to transform our homes, both inside and out, in a fraction of the time it would have taken using hand tools and older methods.
Time is our most precious resource, so it behooves you to invest in reclaiming it. Power tools do just that. Depending on the project, there are specific tools that can significantly shorten the burden and send the quality of your results way up.
What Basic Power Tools Do I Need?
The best thing you can do is zero in on the pertinent tools to your specific job or projects. If you frame houses for a living you’ll likely be looking at different power tools on this list than the weekend warrior who makes great furniture or picture frames as a side hustle.
If you are like me and could be painting one week and building structural beams the next, then you need a broad array of tools.
This can be difficult to navigate, because tools aren't cheap, but just take it one project at a time.
Know that tools pay for themselves in the long run. Even if you do not use them in your day job or side hustle, they save you money on hiring for repairs which adds up very quickly.
A functional knowledge of a broad range of power tools adds to your utility and agency, which should be the pursuit of every rugged man.
Below I have chosen 13 different power tools that I have experience with and that I believe every man should know how to use. A command of each of these tools will enable you to build, repair, fabricate, and hone just about whatever you’d like with enough practice and craftsmanship.
Let’s get to work and take a look at the 13 Power Tools Every Man Should Own (And Know How to Use!)
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13 Power Tools Every Man Needs (And Should Know How To Use)
DRILL AND IMPACT DRIVER KIT
Having a drill and driver kit is absolutely crucial if you work as a carpenter, engage in carpentry projects as a side hustle, or as a hobby for home improvement or family gifts.
Screws hold much tighter than nails and for much longer lengths of time. Driving a screw without a predrilled hole, and without an impact driver to make up for it is not an option.
Drilling out a path for the screw and then using the torque of the impact driver to counter sink that screw will lead to tighter joints and better looking results, not to mention taking a fraction of the time and lessening your chances of splintering the wood.
DeWalt 20v Lithium Drill/Driver and Impact Kit w/ 45 Piece Screwdriving Set
Whether you like to build tables and chairs for yourself and loved ones or you’re on a carpentry crew, having a drill and driver kit is a no brainer.
This list is not a ranking and the tools are in no particular order, but part of the reason I am leading off with the drill and driver kit is because it is such an instrumental resource these days.
I prefer the DeWalt Lithium system, the 20v is more than sufficient. I know DeWalt has the 60v FlexVolt available, but the 20v tools will accept the 60v and not everyone will require a 60.
Two years ago I was doing everything I am doing now with a maximum of 20v on everything and it was just fine. There will be some products on this list that use the 60v and we will discuss it more at that time.
Back to DeWalt as a brand, they are excellent. I like DeWalt products in general and the drill and driver is no exception. I have used two very respectable competitor’s drill and driver kits, as well as DeWalt and the DeWalt product just performs smoother.
Do the others complete the task? Sure. The DeWalt Lithium Drill and Driver complete the task with a smoother operation, which leads to less mistakes and imperfections in the finished product.
This is worth investing a few more bucks in the DeWalt vs. some of the competitors, and DeWalt is not the most expensive drill or driver on the market, but they are of a tremendous quality and rank in the upper echelon for sure.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Impact Driver has 1 handloading ¼ chuck that takes one inch bit tips
Three LED light ring with 20 second delay on impact driver - great for working in low light
Drill motor delivers 300 unit watts
Drill offers two speeds - great for adjusting when needing more torque/less speed or the opposite
Compact and lightweight design makes them easier than previous generation to fit into tight spaces
This particular package has a 45-piece screwdriving set included - I like the range of this screwdriving set
SAWZALL
The Sawzall is a great power tool. It’s basically a miniature precision chainsaw by application, except it uses a single edged blade in a reciprocating motion.
Sawzalls allow us to cut out rotten wood and replace it without ripping down a whole wall or ceiling. Sawzalls will process down waste wood in no time flat.
Have a small tree you need to take out? Next time you have the sawzall out go take care of it. The fact that they have blades to cut through metal, and now are offered cordless makes them all the more ready for a broad range of projects.
Milwaukee 2720-21 M18
All the major competitors make them, but I prefer Milwaukee’s 2720-21 M18 the best. It is powered by an 18 volt REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 extended capacity battery.
The main reason this particular sawzall won my heart is that it maintains a smoother cut while requiring a less tight grip to maintain the smoothness.
This may seem a bit knit picky, but when you are trying to make very precise cuts and not jar yourself silly, this factor is huge.
FEATURES & SPECS:
M18 REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Extended Capacity Battery Pack
M18 and M12 Multi-Voltage Charger
Carrying Case
One Blade - One wood blade would be included
MITER SAW
Whether you’re replacing facia and gutters, putting crown molding in your living room, or building a clubhouse for your little ones the miter saw will be a part of all of it.
The sliding compound miter saw is the one stop chop shop, it offers just about every angle you would need to cut and the 12” sliding function allows for hacking through large lumber.
Again, we have blades made for cutting metal now as well, so after you slide your boards in a cut your facia you can replace the blade and cut your gutters on the same saw.
This power tool is absolutely instrumental on today’s job site and if you engage in building or home improvement, it should be a part of your repertoire as well.
DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter Saw
I chose the DeWalt Sliding Compound Miter because it is the best quality miter saw you can buy short of spending 3X the price.
I have quite a bit of experience with this saw and it’s gadgets are perfectly placed for maximum handling and adjustment.
It cuts with power and it cuts smoothly, while being surprisingly light and easy to move.
I recommend pairing the Heavy Duty Work Stand. For maximum usage and ease of staging whatever you are cutting.
FEATURES & SPECS:
15 amp 3,800 rpm motor - extends power and durability
Exclusive back fence design allows for cuts on up to 2X16 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2X12 at 45 degrees
DeWalt boasts an excellent dust capture system, capturing over 75% of the dust generated
12” blade diameter
FINISHING NAILER
Finishing nailers are designed to provide the strength that comes with shooting multiple nails into your board, while not leaving too invasive of a puncture.
The craters they do create can be easily filled with caulk or filler and eliminated.
Paslode Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer
Paslode makes excellent tools, and their cordless nailers are second to none on the market.
The Paslode Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer is a tremendous power tool. If you are finishing out trim or baseboards you pretty much can’t do without it, and they are great for building window or picture frames.
If you are improving your home, or your job consists of replacing trim both interior and exterior, the Paslode Cordless 16 gauge Finish Nailer is the only finish nailer you’ll ever need.
Not enough could be said for Paslode’s cordless technology. The battery is surprisingly small for the life it provides, and has a secondary lock position that allows you to disconnect the battery but leave it just beneath it’s port, thus saving more power.
The amount of power this nailer generates is remarkable and because it requires no compressor or hose, it can be used in colder weather.
The biggest factor in Paslode winning the finish nailer spot however, is it’s sturdy and plush No Mar Tip. All finish nailers have a system for mitigating scratches and marring on the surface you’re nailing. Obviously we want to scar up our trim as little as possible, so having a nice no mar tip is crucial.
Paslode equips one of the most common sensical no mar tips on the market. It’s thick and stays attached no matter how much you use it. I have used one off and on for various projects dating back to 2016 and it still functions as if it’s brand new.
If you like to build bigger projects like treehouses or hunting cabins, you can get this nailer’s big brother, the Paslode Cordless Framing Nailer.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Precise Nail Placement - Angled Magazine allows for reaching tight spots and odd angles
7 volt - ion battery - 12,000 nails per charge
4.5 lbs which is very lightweight
Cord free and hose free design make this nailer more maneuverable and easier to handle
No Mar Tip - prevents scratching and gouging on surface of board
JIGSAW
The jigsaw is an important tool to have whether you are a carpenter or just like making things out of wood.
If you build or replace wood that is cut to fit a specific shape, the jigsaw is a must. It’s the handiest way of cutting clean notches into boards, and this particular jigsaw is even more handy.
You may have noticed a theme, and that is cordless power tools. Technology around batteries has exploded in recent years whereas previous power tools needed a direct line of electricity to make them useful.
Investing in cordless tools allows you to not invest in as many extension cords which are not cheap.
Bosch JSH 180B 18-volt lithium-ion Cordless Jig Saw Bare Tool
Bosch has really produced a great little saw with the Bosch JSH 180B, shaving a few ounces off it from it’s corded cousin.
The smaller design and the unintrusive 18-volt battery make this jigsaw easy and comfortable to handle, and since you’re not worrying about moving a cord out of the way you can focus on making the most precise cut possible.
Bosch is an excellent power tool manufacturer and they delivered a top of line product in the 18-volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Jig Saw.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Tooless blade change system - T-Shank blade change system
Constant dust blower and LED light allow you to have better visibility in low light
Electronic motor and cell protection helps prevent overload and overheating
On-board bevel wrench storage allows for ease of portability and tool box storage
Best in weight class- Up to 30% lighter than the leading competitor
Best in class compact size - Up to 10% smaller than the leading competitor
CIRCULAR SAW
Circular Saws are awesome. A good circular saw and a versatile workbench can cut just about anything you need.
Circular saws offer the ability to be fast and efficient when placing lumber, and this particular saw offers even greater efficiency due to having, you guessed it, no cord.
DeWalt FlexVolt 60 7-1/4 “ Circular Saw Combo Kit
DeWalt has really changed the game with the 60v FlexVolt battery system. This battery is the world’s first to change voltage automatically when you change tools.
And as I mentioned in the section about the DeWalt Drill and Driver Combo Kit, the 60v FlexVolt batteries are backwards compatible with the 20 volt products.
The DeWalt FlexVolt 60 7-1/4 cuts with a 7-¼ inch blade and has a safety above the trigger. The trigger will not pull unless the safety is depressed, once the blade is on you can let off the safety and the blade will stop when you release the trigger. This is a very safe saw and you have the added safety of no electrical cord to cut into.
My favorite feature has to be the cordless 60v convenience and power. I have used the DeWalt FlexVolt 60 7-1/4 and I have no interest in using a less convenient saw again.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Lithium-Ion 60v Battery
Blade Wrench
Bevel Capacity: 57 degrees
Cut Depth @ 45 degrees = 1-⅝ inch
Cut Depth @ 90 degrees = 2-¼ inch
Blade diameter = 7-¼ inch
Amperage = 15A
Rpm = 5800
Weight = 7.6lbs
ANGLE GRINDER
Angle grinders are one of the most versatile tools a rugged man can have around his workbench.
Angle Grinders can be used for all sorts of projects from sanding and refinishing your deck to cutting down rebar to build a reinforcing beam.
They can cut tile, they can cut paving stones if you’re trying to hardscape your property, and they can polish, all with the proper attachments.
DeWalt 60v FlexVolt Grinder Combo Kit
The DeWalt 60v FlexVolt Grinder Combo Kit once again sticks with our DeWalt FlexVolt theme.
Eliminating cordage and the need for splitters or running power at all is huge for saving time and money, and again prevents damages and injury if a pesky cord were to get in the path of your blade.
DeWalt angle grinders, both corded and cordless, are very stable and easy to handle. The vibration transfer to your hands is minimal which affords better control.
The DeWalt tools on this list have made it not solely because of the great FlexVolt system, but equally because DeWalt makes great tools. The FlexVolt Grinder Combo Kit is no exception and a great purchase for any DIYer.
My favorite quality to this particular grinder combo kit is that you can change out wheels and guards to range from 4-½ inches to 6 inches, which allows for a greater range of attachments, and offers you the ability to get your money's worth and then some from this power tool.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Lithium-Ion 60v FlexVolt battery
Fast Charging Port
Attachable Side Handle
4-½ inch type 27 wheel
4-¼ inch type 27 guard
6 inch type 27 guard
Wrench
Flanges
Kitbag
Spindle Size = ⅝” to 11”
Weight = 4.66lbs
Rpm = 9,000 with 6” attached
TABLE SAW
Again, DeWalt makes quality products.
It’s not that there aren’t more impressive or more capable table saws out there, it’s that their price vs DeWalt’s makes DeWalt the obvious choice, because you’re not sacrificing much quality for immense savings.
Table Saws are a must for anyone who works with wood or lumber. Whether you’re taking up woodworking as a pastime or you’re working as a carpenter, you will want to invest in a quality table saw. It is simply the only way to make a truly accurate cut along a long length of lumber.
The Miter saw and Circular Saw will perform well for you on the shorter chops, but cutting an 8 or 12 ft piece of lumber lengthways can get tricky or impossible to do well. The table saw was designed for just this problem.
DeWalt Jobsite Table Saw
The DeWalt Jobsite Table Saw is a hardy and dependable machine and offers a versatile range of cut capacity at 24.5 inches maximum and is capable of ripping 4X8 plywood and OSB.
The Metal roll cage ensures the hardiness and prevents accidents from a jobsite. It also offers a stable platform if this saw is going to set on a workbench or in a shop setting.
Site Pro guarding components and the safety push stick are stored on the saw for easy access.
My favorite quality of the DeWalt Jobsite Table Saw is that it is durable and has an ample rip capacity.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Compact Size for Capacity making this easy to store
Rack and Pinion Telescoping Fence Rails make adjustments easy and accurate
24.5” of Rip Capacity
15 Amp Motor cranks at 5800 RPMs
On-board storage for guard components and safety push stick
Metal Roll Cage ensures toughness
BENCH GRINDER/BELT SANDER COMBO
If you’re into bladesmithing or are looking to get into bladesmithing, then you are either very familiar or about to become very familiar with bench grinders and belt sanders.
Belt sanders are also handy for trimming down boards or shaping wood. Bench grinds offer the ability to sharpen your metal hand tools and remove rust, as well as buffing and polishing depending on the grit of your grindstone wheel.
Bucktool Combo
Bucktool has developed a combination of these power tools into one unit. The 2”X42” belt sander has plenty of length to sharpen longer tools and blades, and the 6” bench grinder is perfect for keeping blades and hand tools in tip top. The 1/3rd horsepower 120v motor cranks at 3.5 amps and generates 3450 RPMs.
Founded in 2008, Bucktool makes excellent sanders and grinders and their founders have more than 30 years experience working with power tools.
My favorite feature of the Bucktool Combo is it’s versatility while being a simple power tool.
Just a grinding wheel on one end and a belt sander on the other and a on/off switch in the middle. Yet this combo has a grinding wheel and brush, a 42 inch long belt sander that adjusts from vertical to horizontal, and a quick and easy belt change system.
If this is your first of either or both of these tools, you are choosing wisely because of the quality for the price, and if you are experienced with these tools this is an excellent way to consolidate space in your workshop.
FEATURES & SPECS:
2X42 inch belt sander
6 inch white grinding wheel with tool-free adjustable eye shield and LED light
2X42 inch high quality sanding belt
Belt Action adjusts vertical to horizontal
Cast Iron base for better stability
Additional brush wheel for rust removal
Quick release tension and tracking mechanism for easy changing of sanding belts
ORBITAL SANDER
The orbital sander is one of my favorite tools on this list and otherwise. It may because I usually really enjoy the tasks I am undertaking when using one, but they are an important tool.
If you like to refinish furniture or strip the paint off a door or window, orbital sanders make the job downright fun. Watching the paint or stain evaporate behind the swipe of the tool is a satisfying sight, and utilizing a power tool vs hand sanding allows you to still enjoy it when you’re getting extra thorough.
Orbital sanders offer a clean surface quickly and allow you to get on the task of restoring whatever you’re working on. Orbitals are great tools for refinishing floors as they dig less than larger sanders, but it is more time consuming.
Bosch ROS10 120 Volt Random Orbital Sander
I prefer the Bosch line of sanders because I like the way they feel in the palm and they glide pretty smoothly across textured surfaces.
I’ve used the Bosch ROS10 120v Random Orbital to refinish over 20 windows and doors, removing both stain and paint that was likely 50 or more years old. This orbital performed better than the Makita and the DeWalt on those windows and doors and provided a very clean and attractive surface to begin refinishing on.
My favorite feature is the grip extending to the back on the sander. It’s not really even promoted on this particular sander because Bosch has one that is much larger and it’s rear grip is a main selling point, but the Bosch ROS10 sports a longer grip than any other basic size orbital on the market.
It may not seem like a bombshell feature, but the ability to hold the sander there for even a couple seconds while you switch hands or take a drink and never have to bring the sanding disk off the surface is huge for saving time and adds noticeably to the comfort of use.
If you want to get into finish work or you want to reinvigorate your coffee table, invest in the Bosch ROS10 120v Random Orbital Sander.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Micro Dust Filter System - Traps particles as small as half a micron in diameter
Twist Off Dust Canister - Shows dust level and easily detaches for cleaning
Pad Orbit and Rotation - Delivers a smooth and even finish with a fast removal rate
Dimensions Of The Tool - 10X9X3 inches
Corded Electric
CHAINSAW
Chainsaws are pretty indispensable if you’re a home and/or property owner and you like doing your own arborist maintenance as much as you can.
It’s pretty obvious what chainsaws primary function is, and it is worth it to have a quality chainsaw if you plan on not just felling, but limbing, pruning, and bucking you’ll require a quality chainsaw.
Otherwise, you will be spending most of your precious work time trying to repair your chainsaw.
Stihl MS271 18-20” Farm Boss
The chainsaw is a power tool that is notorious for having little hiccups, like a guitar player who’s always tweaking his amp, but STIHL offers a way out of that headache.
STIHL makes possibly the best chainsaws and landscape power tools available. Their chainsaws can work for hours without issue and with proper care after use, they can go weeks or months before an in the field issue.
STIHL has upgraded their efficiency, adding 20% to run times between refuels and they’ve upgraded their air-filtration making the air filter life increase five fold.
The ease of starting a STIHL vs other chainsaws is my favorite feature, and combined with STIHL’s top of the line performance; this chainsaw is a must have power tool for any rugged man.
FEATURES & SPECS:
2.6kw engine power
Power Head weight: 12.3lbs (total weight of chainsaw)
Fuel Capacity: 16.9oz
Chain Oil Capacity: 8.12oz
Guide Bar Length: 18” STIHL Rollomatic
Fuel Type: Gasoline
OSCILLATING TOOL/ MULTITOOL
Oscillating tools are great for flush-cutting, plunge cutting, lopping off nails and bolts, and cutting a number of different materials.
I particularly like their precision and ability to notch or cope wood to fit around other parts of the structure you’re working on.
They are equally nice for cutting off old nails or bolts that protrude in places you don’t want them. Sometimes these things do not come out easily and can be better dealt with by just cutting them out of the way.
DeWalt DCS356B 20v MAX XR Oscillating Multi Tool
The DeWalt Oscillating Multi Tool is a great power tool whether you’re doing small hobby projects or on a job site daily.
Once again I am choosing a DeWalt item, and once again it’s because this item outperformed the two competitors I have also used.
The three speed motor and quick-change accessory system are my favorite features.
They make this power tool very simple to operate and easy to focus on your cut. Depressing the silver lever on the bottom releases your blade and allows you to change them out very quickly.
The three speed setting allows you to adjust the oscillation speed for each project’s specific needs.
Like DeWalt’s other 20v products, it accepts the 60v batteries coming out with the newest products, which makes this another in the family of cordless tools that will run strong throughout the day.
FEATURES & SPECS:
3-Speed Selector for versatile application
Dual-Grip variable speed trigger for total speed control
Quick-Change Accessory System
Brushed Motor provides up to 57% more run time than brushed motor
Universal Accessory Adapter for using other oscillating tool accessory brands
LED front light is bright and allow a clear view in dark spaces
ROW TILLER
No list of power tools for the home would be complete without a quality row tiller. Gardens seem to be increasing in popularity and I am happy we at least have that going for us.
Gardens are a great source of nutritious food, great for our overall health, and an excellent money saver on store bought produce.
As honorable and it may be for you to take a garden hoe and chop each row by hand, that’s labor intensive and time consuming. You likely have other projects which could use some of that time, which is one reason it makes sense to invest in a row tiller.
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator
The Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator is an excellent machine that will have you a quarter acre tilled up in an hour or two.
It’s a small engine and body for such an effective row tiller and the entire unit weighs only 24lbs.
This makes the Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator the perfect home landscaping and gardening power tool.
Even if you are not actively gardening for food, you likely are trying to enhance your land with good landscaping and this Mantis is small enough to fit into tight flower beds, while being strong enough to till you a garden.
The 4-Cycle engine is made by Honda and the product comes with a 2-year warranty. My favorite feature is the 4-Cycle engine which requires no fuel mixing.
This is a must have for any green thumb or even small farmer out there.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Carry Handle
Overall Weight 24lbs
2-Year Limited Warranty
Fold Down Handle Bars For Easy Storage
Kickstand
Honda 4-Cycle 25cc Engine - Spins tines twice as fast as other tillers (240rpm)
“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.”
― Marshall McLuhan
I hope I could help you find the tools you need on my list of power tools that every man should have and know how to use. I tackle a broad array of projects depending on the week and these power tools help me along the way.
Remember that working with power tools comes with safety hazards, but you can reduce hazards and your susceptibility to them by always focusing, wearing eye protection, and wearing ear protection.
I know it may seem like a lecture, but hearing loss is on the rise and your eyes are some of the most difficult parts of your body to repair, so take care of them so you can do great work for many years.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your new power tool and even if you are already familiar, check it out again. New products usually mean new features so you may end up pleasantly surprised.
Once you can build on and shape the land, you can make a lot of awesome things happen with your own two hands and the tools on this list. The satisfaction that comes from that is something everyone should experience.
Dry basements and flush joints my friends.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
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