You don’t need a massive workshop full of fancy gear to tackle most home projects. With just a few well-chosen power tools, you can handle repairs, upgrades, and creative projects on your own like a pro.
5
Router
The Unexpected Key to Craftsmanship
If you’ve ever struggled to make perfectly flush edges or wanted to create detailed woodworking without hiring a pro, the router (a wood router, not a new wireless router!) is your answer. It requires a bit of learning, but the results are instantly rewarding.
A router may not be the first power tool you imagine owning, but once it’s in your arsenal, it transforms your woodworking capabilities. This tool isn’t just for professionals; it’s a versatile machine that shapes edges, carves grooves, and even crafts complex joints.
Think of a router as your go-to for adding personality and precision to wood. You can create smooth, rounded edges on a homemade shelf, or cut grooves for drawer bottoms with a router bit. Beyond aesthetics, it helps build structural strength through clean joinery. Plus, it’s excellent for trimming laminate or cutting decorative inlays.
A good router offers variable speed control, letting you dial down for delicate finishes or ramp up for heavier cuts. My CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Router makes height adjustment simple and intuitive, and even comes with a sturdy edge guide to keep a uniform cutting depth.
Many homeowners overlook the router, instead focusing on drills and saws, but this tool bridges the gap between basic carpentry and craftsmanship. Whether handheld or mounted on a table, it becomes indispensable for cabinetry, furniture restoration, or making custom trim work that fits your home’s unique style.
4
Jigsaw
Your Tool for Curves, Cutouts, and Creativity
When your project calls for something less linear, the jigsaw comes into play. Unlike circular or miter saws, which excel at straight cuts, the jigsaw’s narrow blade dances through dense materials with fluid curves and tight turns. It’s the tool you reach for when making custom cutouts—think cut-in holes for sinks, intricate shapes in plywood, or fitting flooring around corners.
What makes the jigsaw invaluable is its maneuverability and control. It allows you to create shapes that are impossible with other saws, opening up creative possibilities without sacrificing precision. Its compact design lets you work comfortably on smaller projects or awkward angles without losing power.
For a homeowner, this means no need to outsource odd-shaped cuts or special fixtures. Certain jigsaws, like my CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Jig Saw, will easily handle plunge cuts, so you can start cutting mid-board without drilling pilot holes. Variable speed settings let you adjust the blade’s pace for different materials, preventing splintering or burn marks.
Though it can’t replace a circular saw for long, straight cuts, the jigsaw’s specialty is in that unique flexibility. Its blades come in a variety of teeth per inch, tailored for metal, wood, or plastic, which keeps it versatile. And while you should keep your toolkit close at hand, be aware that storing it under the sink is a big mistake.
3
Mouse Sander (Detail/Orbital Sander)
Finishing With Precision
Sanding might sound like a chore, but it’s the difference between a project that looks amateur and one that’s polished and professional. The mouse sander—a small, electric orbital or detail sander—is designed for precision in tight spots and edges where larger tools simply won’t fit.
This type of sander fits perfectly in your hand, allowing you to smooth window sills, furniture legs, and corners without leaving swirl marks or uneven surfaces. It’s great for prepping surfaces before painting or refinishing, making your work crisp and clean.
Unlike the larger orbital sander that covers broad surfaces quickly, the mouse sander lets you navigate intricate shapes and awkward spots. It’s also perfect for removing old paint or smoothing out imperfections without over-sanding. For woodworkers and renovators, it’s a finishing touch tool that improves results dramatically.
My Warrior Detail Sander comes with a dust collection port, which allows for a cleaner workspace, especially indoors. Swapping sanding pads is quick with its hook and loop fastener, and the variety of grit options lets me go from rough sanding to ultra-smooth finishing in no time.
The mouse sander turns tedious manual sanding into something much faster and less exhausting. If you enjoy tackling restoration projects, furniture upgrades, or simply want a smoother look to your home, this tool will save you the headache.
2
Circular Saw
The Essential Cutting Powerhouse
Few tools are as fundamental as the circular saw. This handheld workhorse is as intimidating as it is essential, allowing you to cut lumber, plywood, and other materials anywhere you need. It’s the backbone of framing, flooring, and general carpentry projects because of its unmatched versatility and mobility.
Unlike stationary saws, the circular saw lets you take your work wherever the job demands. Need to cut plywood sheets outside? No problem. Want to trim boards to length on the spot? Easy. Its adjustable blade depth lets you slice through materials precisely without wasting wood.
The circular saw excels at both rip cuts (along the grain) and crosscuts (across the grain). This dual capability makes it perfect for everything from framing walls to building furniture. Most models, like my CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Circular Saw, allow you to adjust the bevel angle of the blade to create a slope on the edge of your material.
You’ll want to invest in a good-quality blade; carbide-tipped blades tend to last longer and produce cleaner cuts. Cordless models give you the freedom to work anywhere without worrying about extension cords, though corded saws usually pack more of a punch for tough jobs.
If you’re buying only one saw for your home, the circular saw is the clear winner. It’s the machine that tackles nearly any cutting task efficiently and with confidence. Plus, mastering it opens the door to larger projects that would otherwise be out of reach.
1
Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo
The Cornerstone of Every Project
If you had to choose just one set of tools to get started with, a cordless drill and impact driver combo is the one. These are the most versatile tools within every homeowner’s toolkit, powering everything from simple hanging tasks to serious construction.
The cordless drill handles most drilling and driving needs: drilling pilot holes, hanging drywall, or assembling furniture. Its adjustable clutch protects screws from stripping and helps you control torque perfectly. The freedom of cordless means you won’t be tethered by cords in cramped spaces or outdoors.
The impact driver complements the drill perfectly by delivering more torque and power for driving long screws or bolts into tough materials, such as hardwood studs or even concrete. It uses rapid bursts of rotational force, so it’s easier on your wrists and much more efficient for heavy-duty fastening.
Together, these tools will be used in 90% of the home improvement projects you’ll encounter. They’re indispensable for more ambitious projects, like building a deck or assembling cabinetry. But you’ll find them just as useful for basic maintenance, like tightening loose door hinges or installing shelves.
With newer brushless models, like my Milwaukee M18 Fuel Combo Kit, you’ll maintain more power and a longer battery life with a significantly more efficient motor. Brushless motors also tend to run cooler and last longer in general, giving you more bang for your buck.
Over time, you’ll accumulate bits and attachments that expand what these tools are capable of. Starting with this combo empowers you to take on projects with confidence, speed, and precision. No other power tools get used as often or in as many different ways, making them the true foundation of your tool collection.
Owning these tools means having the freedom to fix, create, and customize without calling in help for every project. They also save money long-term, giving you the skills to tackle new challenges as they arise.
With practice, these power tools will feel second nature to you, making projects faster, cleaner, and more satisfying. Dive in and watch your home improve with every project you cut, sand, or drill through. Your home deserves tools that work as hard as you do.
