You Only NEED 2 POWER TOOLS!! (Here's What They Are...2 MOST IMPORTANT Power Tools)

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Viewers always want to know which power tools I think they should absolutely have. DIYers are overwhelmed with power tool choices! But, if you're a DIYer, I really think YOU ONLY NEED 2 POWER TOOLS! That's what we're talking about in this episode of The Honest Carpenter.

I think the 2 MOST IMPORTANT POWER TOOLS are:
Circular Saw
1/2" Cordless Drill (18V or 20V)

I truly believe you only need these 2 power tools, because they cover your most basic functions when practicing carpentry: CUTTING and FASTENING.

Circular Saws act as a stand-in for miter saws and table saws. They're essentially as powerful as these larger tools, with a 15-amp motor on a 7-1/4" blade. But, unlike the 2 larger power tools, the circular saw can be carried around in your hand. It can cross-cut like a miter saw, but rip like a table saw. And, it doesn't have cut reach limits--it will cut as far as you can push it.

1/2" Cordless Drills are the ultimate power tools for fastening, because they can both DRILL and DRIVE. I like nail guns, but they generally only do one thing well: frame, siding nail, trim nail...The 1/2" Cordless Drill can be adapted to handle all of these functions by driving a huge variety of fasteners.

Also, cordless drills have clutches, so they offer more control than corded drills. Though, I do think you should only use 18v and 20v cordless drills, because they have enough power to turn larger bits (paddle bits, hole saws, speed bor bits) without bogging down as much.

That's why I think YOU ONLY NEED 2 POWER TOOLS when you're beginning to build your collection. I operated off of these 2 most important power tools for years as a younger carpenter.

The only setbacks, as I see them, is that circular saws can be dangerous power tools. (PLEASE PRACTICE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING WITH CIRCULAR SAWS!). And, drills leave large holes to fill. But, trim head screws can reduce this problem, and woodfiller, sanding and patience can make your painted projects look great.

That's why I think you only need these 2 power tools! A good circular Saw, and a decent 1/2" 18v or 20v Cordless drill.

Thanks for watching!

Be sure to check back in for more videos soon, and visit us at The Honest Carpenter website:

[LrMdrd]

Yet another "watch me, an expert, build using a multitude of expensive tools but you, a novice, can do it with a sharpened potato"

[highwatercircutrider]

I have been a building contractor for 49 years. I started in 1972 with an old $2.00 Craftsman circular saw, my dad’s old 1/4” electric drill, a roofing knife, new tape measure and a straight claw hammer dad gave me needing a new wood handle. My first two years were spent redoing shingled roofs. By 1989 I had built up a small house moving/ steel sea wall business. I retired 3 years ago and sold all my heavy equipment and a shop fire burned up my office and tools. Two years ago I got bored and talked my three brothers into going back in the carpentry business. I had to buy a saw, cordless drill, impact driver and a new leather tool I am happy once again at age 70 ! Gary in Michigan

[fredberger]

I agree. Being a retired journeyman carpenter, I was often limited by whatever tools I could carry in my car. When I started the trade, I did EVERYTHING with a circular saw, a drill and my hand tools. As time went on, and Chinese power tools became readily available at cheap prices, I bought more specialty power tools; pretty soon I needed a van to move everything around. One day I said enough is enough, I went and bought two tool bags from Home Depot and decided if my stuff doesn't fit in those two bags, then I'm not using it. One bag holds the circular saw and cordless (with hammer function) drill. I had to consider each hand tool carefully for the other bag, but I did it and I feel a real sense of freedom because of it. I have a knockdown portable bench that I built; it also allows me to position my circular saw for use as a table saw. So when my kids call me for help, I'm ready . . . two bags and a portable bench . . . and I'm gone!

[cw]

I'm a minimalist and also a craftsman so this information is exactly what I needed.

[donnguyen]

When I was a refugee on a Malaysia island, I only used ropes and a medium long knife to build my "house". It survived couple bad tropical storms and a lot of heavy rains.

[barneygo]

30 year Master Educator here (High School Teacher) who spent 2 semesters in electrical trade school and worked in construction afterwards; Thanks for not wasting a word nor wasting our time. I learned so much, but learned even more from your videos. I was mentored by a Master Carpenter and you both are on the identical wavelengths. Much gratitude to you, Kind Sir! Peace Be To Journey!

[codywaldron]

As a now 3 year home owner, I couldn’t agree more. I found a SkilSaw brand circular saw at the local pawn shop for 10 bucks and bought a brand new Craftsman drill/impact set right after I bought my house and finding out I had a place to store tools. I’ve constructed so much stuff; expanding my deck, building a base for a shed, adding a workbench, shelving, and a ramp for the building, a dog house and tons of other little projects. You hit the nail on the head with this one. It’s mind blowing how much you can build with a way to cut, and a way to fasten.

[LaurieSavage]

Carpentry is about THREE things! MEASURING, Cutting, and Fastening. Love your videos, they are very helpful.

[TheRozylass]

Amazing! I've been telling my husband for years that all my Dad ever had was a circular saw and a mitre box for all his cutting needs. And my great-grandpa earned his living as a carpenter with all hand tools! Keep up the good work!

[khalidosman]

Applicable for DIY around American homes which are often wooden. Here in South Africa the most used tools are a hammer drill and angle grinder since the homes are built with masonry. Hammer drill can be used on low setting for wood and there are special blades to use on a grinder for wood cutting.

[kimtoy]

I like how you describe carpentry as cutting and fastening — puts your tool choices in proper perspective. Thank you!

[bowen]

“You may have trouble convincing me, but I’m always open to suggestion”. That is the right attitude for a person of your insight, depth, and clarity. At least half of your comments are things I have thought and dealt with, and learned over the years. What’s really funny is that you look like my family in a general sort of way. Keep up the good work.

[survivalsoundsVEVO]

For #3 I’m new to working with tools but love my Dewalt Cordless Multi Tool. I can cut through almost anything, plunge cut, fix mistakes, sand rapidly with a few affordable attachments… so much versatility.

[stroys]

My grandfather could do great work with a hand saw, hammer, brace and bit, and a few other small tools like screw drivers and chisels. I admired his skill and bought power tools as soon as I could afford them. Now I’m about half as good as he was.

[nizamdamanhuri]

"Carpentry is about two things - cutting and fastening" - putting that on a big notice above my work bench for those times I get into an over thinking spiral.

[BobboMax]

I agree. Add safety glasses, ear plugs, a pencil, good tape measure, speed square and a 2 foot level. Pro tip for "sidewinders" (the type of saw in the video)- if you're right handed, try to find one w/ the blade on the left and vice versa. That will give you a good view of the blade as it enters the wood somewhere near your line. Also makes it easier to use the speed square as a guide.

[vanessa]

Mate, so glad I found your channel. I'm an absolute beginner and could not find any hobby courses to learn the basics. All your videos I've watched so far have been so helpful. Just want to say thanks. Felt especially reassured with this 2 power tools video.

[ChipVorhies]

When I seen the name of the title of this video, I already knew my top two picks, so I was not one single bit surprised to see that you chose the same ones. I am completely in your corner on this

[cuses-wsgp]

I never had many tools (power or otherwise) until we bought our first house. Shorty thereafter, I saw the need for a power saw (the cutting of shelving) and a fastener (drill pilot holes for screws et. al. to assemble the shelves). Those lasted me for quite some time. As I became older (and batteries became better) I switched to cordless tools and increased the number of tools to 3 - circular saw, drill, and impact driver. I have a couple of other power tools, but they basically have stayed in the chest where I first put them. Now (at almost age 80) my power tools used in order are: impact driver (fastener), drill (fastener II), and occasionally the cordless saw. I was tempted to get a sander several years ago, but I have a multitool that has a sander attachement. It does all the sanding I need!
One last comment - buy the best tools you can as you go along. You will not regret it. I have friends who have drawers full of old broken down, cheaply made tools. They are NOT worth it!

[chicox]

Work with wood is about cutting, fastening, and finishing. You need a saw, drill and a sander.