Are you just starting your handyman business and wondering which tools you need to carry with you?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. It pretty much just depends on the services you offer. As I’ve said before, just because you’re a handyman doesn’t mean you have to know how to do everything or even be prepared for everything.
Spend some time deciding on the services that you will provide and then get the tools required for those services. Or, even better, just buy tools as you need them. That’s what I did.
Eventually, you’ll get your tool situation dialed in to fit your style.
Personally, I have a minimalist approach to the tools I carry with me to keep things simple. If I don’t need to cut mitered edges, I won’t bring a chop saw. If I’m not going to do a lot of cutting or bench work, I leave the sawhorses at home. This not only eliminates the need to tow a trailer but helps keep my truck clean and organized.
However, there are certain tools that I use often enough to where they have a permanent home in my truck. Here are the 7 power tools that I never leave the shop without.
For a complete list of handyman tools I use in my business, check out this article.
#1 – DEWALT 20-Volt Max Li-Ion Drill
This is hands down the most used tool for me personally, and I’m assuming the same goes for most handyman businesses. Having a nice drill is essential for any pro handyman.
I’ve been using this same drill for over three years, put through some serious abuse, and it’s still working like a charm. The batteries last for much longer than I usually need and charge in less than 30 minutes.
#2 – Circular Saw
This is the circular saw that I’ve used since I started my business. Typically, I’m all about using the highest quality tools, and I’m a little embarrassed by this one.
This is an entry-level tool and not recommended if you are planning to go pro. I bought it before I started my handyman business, and it just won’t seem to die, so I haven’t upgraded. Although I’m sure once I do, I’ll wonder why I didn’t upgrade sooner.
Either way, a circular saw is essential if you will be performing carpentry work.
#3 – Shop-Vac Wet/Dry Vacuum, 5-Gallon
Keeping the customer’s house clean is really important to customer satisfaction, so this thing goes with me to every job.
I like this model because it’s small, lightweight, and powerful. It’s the perfect size for easy mobility in and out of a customer’s home. I’ve been using this thing for the last 6 years, and it hasn’t let me down.
I believe everybody should have an angle grinder because of its incredible versatility. Need to cut a bolt that’s too long? Angle grinder. Need to cut a piece of stone to fit just right? Angle Grinder. Need to make a custom bracket that you can’t find in a store? Angle Grinder.
I learned about this tool while working as a granite installer in college, and it was by far the most used tool for the job. This thing will rip right through just about anything as long as you have the right blade. And if used in the right hands, it can perform some relatively intricate cuts.
I recommend having a diamond wheel, a few metal cutting wheels, and a concrete/mason grinding wheel, and you’ll be able to cut just about anything.
#5 – DeWalt Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
This is one of those tools that you never really think you’ll use until you have one, then you end up finding a hundred uses for it. The most common use for me is to cut drywall. It cuts right through like butter and gives you a clean cut with very little dust. It’s also great for undercutting a door frame and eliminates the need for a jamb saw.
I love this DeWalt cordless version because it uses the same battery as my drill and is just as well-made. The downside is that it requires its own type of blade as most do, but with a small modification with my angle grinder, I can get Dremel brand blades to work like a charm.
#6 – Reciprocating Saw
Sometimes when you really gotta tear shit up, you need this beast of a tool. It’s a must-have whenever removing a door frame since it can cut through metal, wood, plastic, or whatever else gets in its way.
There are also cordless versions available. Personally, I will continue to rock the corded version because it would be really annoying to run out of batteries during a cut, and this thing uses a lot of juice.
#7 – Dremel Variable Speed Rotary Tool
This tool can be a little tedious to use because there are so many damn parts in the box and a hundred different bits, but sometimes you just need the surgical precision that it offers.
Technically you could get by without one of these, but every pro handyman should have one. They also make cordless versions, but I don’t use it enough to go cordless. I just want to know that it’s going to work when I’m ready to use it.
There you have it, the seven power tools that I carry on me at all times. Do you see anything missing? Let me know in the comments below.
Great list. I think you’re spot on. The only thing I would add would be an impact driver in addition to the drill/driver. Having the impact comes in handy when you need a little extra umph! That and maybe a good quality level
Yes, an impact driver would be a nice upgrade. And a level is a definite requirement, but I’m talking power tools here. There are about a hundred more tools I keep on me at all times. Are you talking about a laser level, or maybe something really cool I don’t know about yet?
I wouldn’t discount the battery powered recip saw. I use mine probably 80% of the time over the corded one. I also always have a pruning blade or two because these work great to surgically remove the branches that seem to always be in the way of exterior work.
Your right, I shouldn’t discount a tool I’ve never owned. It would be nice to have a cordless reciprocating saw.
You can never have enough toys, I have an obsession with power tools! Great list if your just starting out.
Continue to find your info very useful. I have one thing to share, after most jobs I always seem to have bits and pieces such as screws etc laying about, so I have in the truck what I call a drop box roughly A4 size container all the loose stuff left over gets dropped in there were I can sort it out at the end of the week, I have found it very time saving and I know we’re to look if need be. Cheers
Great Tip, Rob. Thanks for mentioning that. I actually do a similar thing, but I just put it all in the bottom of my tool bucket.
How about light? So many projects that would otherwise be simple become much more difficult without appropriate lighting.
I would add a compound miter saw to this list. I keep mine on the truck
It’s really helpful your content about the important tools for a woodworking shop but I think you should also mention about its uses and tips so that everyone can get some basic knowledge from your end.