7 Essential Power Tools For Any Construction Project - 2025
If you are starting a home renovation or other construction project, these are the 7 most important power tools you will need. The correct tool makes a job infinitely easier, faster and higher quality.
There are of course many more tools you will need along the way but this is a strong foundation and the tools you will always be reaching for! You may not need every tool straight away, but if you are beginning a large project with stud walls, carpentry and more, then you will need all of these at some stage.
We are not affiliated with any brands so all our recommendations are unbiased and our genuine opinion.
1: Impact Driver
This will be your most used power tool. What does it do? It screws in screws, but it does it well; that’s it! If you are thinking you can use a drill for this, don’t. What makes impact drivers so good is that they are lightweight, have a slow start speed to ensure no rounding off of screws, and have a bit holder for easily changing bits. They also feature a clutch meaning that your wrist does not snap around when the screw stops or bites. This reduces injury and give you more confidence. Screwing with a drill terrifies me now!
Impact drivers are an essential piece of equipment and when paired with a good bit set containing PH2, PZ2, some Torz bits and some allen keys, then you can secure anything. We recommend the Stanley FatMax Impact Torsion Bit Set as it has 90% of what you need and the bits are fantastic quality. The bit holder is also amazing and features a locking ring instead of just a magnet which prevents bits pulling out if they get stuck. Remember, an impact driver is only as good as the bits you put in it.
Our team members use a wide range of brands for their tools but the most popular ones are DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita. Just make sure to choose a range that you can commit to.
What to look for?
A slow start and minimum speed
Multiple speed modes
A quick release bit holder
A push and automatic close bit holder
A belt hook, depending on your type of work
Good lights - we recommend lights around the chuck instead of at the base
2: Combi Drill
A drill is fundamental and used for all types of work. From making holes for wall plugs and countersinking screws, to mixing plaster and drilling masonry brick blocks, a drill is essential.
We are recommending a combi drill as this is a drill that has a hammer function. You will need this to drill into masonry.
What to look for?
2 speeds
A metal chuck
An extra handle - used for hole drilling or if the drill is likely to kick
3: Circular Saw
If you are going to have one type of saw, it’s the circular saw. It’s the jack of all saw trades. Used for cutting joists, studs, pallets and in carpentry. It’s not the most precise type of saw as it’s freehand, but it can be made more precise with the help of a construction square.
We will touch on some of the other saw types as they can be a bit less intimidating in my opinion. The top tips for all saws is to ensure that the work piece is solid and that you move in the intended direction; never cut backwards. The blade will catch and throw the saw up and try to rip out your hand. Just cut forwards. This is the same for all saw types.
Also, if you think you need a new blade, you do! Don’t wait to long as a blunt blade gives a worse cut and is much more dangerous.
What to look for?
A standard blade size - it makes finding blades cheaper and easier.
A brake - this should be standard on all decent saws but it is much safer and faster to have one.
Adjustable angle - some saws can cut at 45 degrees. You may want this but it is rarely used. For mitred cuts, another type of saw is far preferable.
A belt loop or hook - essential for some, other may never use it. Think about your use case.
4: Angle Grinder
The tool some DIYers fear the most; the angle grinder. It is absolutely necessary. Anytime you come across metal or concrete that needs cutting or sanding, this is the tool.
Once you are confident, they are an easy tool to use and maintain. We recommend
What to look for?
Disc size - 115mm and 125mm are standard. I recommend 125mm as there are times when you need that extra reach and cut depth. A 115mm disc will always fit on a 125mm grinder so I saw go big!
Disc fitment - Standard fitment is an M14 stud with a locking nut. Some new grinders however are coming with an X-lock mount, developed by Bosch. The disc price is similar but just be aware of the ecosystem you are entering.
Variable speed - For cutting, you will usually be on the maximum speed, only for sanding are you likely to slow it down. Not an essential feature but nice to have.
5: Multi-Tool
Despite it’s name, this tool has one primary function, cutting wood. It has an oscillating mount at the front that moves side to side. This is used to make cuts in tight places and where a small precise cut is required. Saws take up a long length to cut, and don’t always have the depth. A multi-cutter can go deeper and over a smaller width. We sometimes even cut the blades down and use them to fit door latch or make other small square holes. The blade can be mounted and different angles allowing access to areas not possible with any other power tool and often not any hand tool either. This can get you out of some trouble!
It is a multi-tool so what else does it do? There are other cutting attachments of varying shapes for different cuts and also sanding attachments for sanding tight into corners. Honestly, all of our multi-tools live with the wood cutting blade on and pointed straight up. That is their primary use, they do it well and they do a lot of it!
What to look for?
Oscillation distance - new multi-tools have up to 3.6 degrees oscillation per side. More is generally considered better.
Weight - It’s a tool used often in awkward positions and for precise cuts so something lightweight definitely helps.
Variable Speed/OPM- Oscillations per minute. Variable speed is a must as it allows you to do demolition with it whilst also nothing a joist within a mm.
Fitment type - Traditional fitment is still most common but Bosch’s Starlock fitment is growing in popularity. The Starlock blades are slightly more expensive so be aware. Adapters are available if needed.
Locking mechanism - How does the blade secure? Dewalt has a lever which is fast but requires a lot of strength and can get jammed. Makita has a sideways lever and push pin but is Starlock only. Milwaukee has a lever and a screw, which takes the longest. Choose your favourite brand or compromise.
6: Compound Mitre Saw
Now we are entering the really professional tools that allow you to do things that are impossible without them. What is a Compound Mitre Saw? Well, it’s a saw that cuts on a horizontal diagonal, and on a vertical diagonal. This allows you to mitre you corners and cuts, no matter the orientation of the board as it will fit on the saw. It is an incredibly precise way to cut 90 degrees also. This replaces the circular saw mentioned above in many ways but without the portability and practicality. If you need precision and can use a mitre saw, DO! We use it for decking, joists, planters and anything needing a precise or mitred end edge.
They are very intuitive and easy to use, just be careful as they are powerful. They can weigh up to 28kg so you may need two people to manoeuvre it into position. They can be used on a bench or on the floor.
What to look for?
Blade size - We use a 305mm as it is the largest you can buy. You may not need this bigger gives you more options. Just bear in mind the weight!
Rails - The rails can be fixed and the saw slides on the rails, or vice versa when the rails protrude out the back of the saw. Fixed rails is ideal for tight spaces.
Battery or cable - Price is the biggest factor here. Go with what your budget allows. There is not a power deficit on the battery versions though as some people fear.
Dust extraction - Some mitre saws have channels to attach a hoover for dust extraction. Nice to have but unless you buy an associated vacuum from the brand, it can be a faff to turn on and off!
Ease of changing angle - This is a big one. Often on site people are sharing a mitre saw or alternating direction of mitre. Having an easy adjuster saves a lot of time in the long run.
7: Jigsaw
Anytime you need a precise curved cut, this is the tool. Notching for a skirting board, cutting a curve to fit furniture against an object, this tool is perfect. It can be used to cut small joists and board also but it’s forte that no other tool can replicate is curved cuts. A thin blade allows it to turn sharply and the depth of cut is varied by the blade length.
What to look for?
Variable speed - This is essential. Fast speed for straight and imprecise cuts. Slow allows tight turns and clean cuts.
Grip style - Some jigsaws have a different grip but our favourite is the top-handle style shown in the image for easy of use and security in grip.
BONUS ITEM 1: SDS Drill
If you are drilling a lot of masonry or chipping up concrete, you need an SDS Drill. SDS stands for Slotted Drive Shaft as they use a different type of drill bit.
The combi drill mentioned above has a hammer feature but this tool is dedicated to the hammer feature. It is much more effective at drilling into brickwork and blockwork. You can also disable the drill mode and use it just as a jackhammer for chipping up concrete and some demolition work.
What to look for?
Hammer only mode and separate hammer drill mode
A secondary handle - these drills can vibrate and kick
Vibration management - Some form of dampening is a must. Spending a few hours using one of these makes you feel like you are shaking when you go to sleep. Choose something with some dampening!
BONUS ITEM 2: Plunge Track Saw
We have seen every manner of tool to cut the end of a board to length, to mitre the end of a board, or to cut a curve, but how do you cut lengthways? The track saw is the answer. It’s the answer to how you make any straight cut that is too long for your mitre saw.
The saw rests on a track and glides along as it cuts. It also has a depth adjustment so one can cut only as deep as they need, then come from the other side to create an even and square notch. Multiple tracks can be tied together to cut materials of any length. The tracks can be clamped down to prevent slippage.
It is used for doors, cupboard doors, furniture, boxing, decking, and much more. It also has the option to lean the blade up to 45 degree to mitre lengthways.
Choosing A Brand
The best brand of tools is a hot topic amongst trades. Generally the rule is, stick to whatever brand you already have batteries and chargers for. For this guide I am assuming that only battery tools are being used as they are the modern standard and you can’t beat the practicality, especially if there is no electrical power during a stage of your construction or renovation.
If you are starting completely a fresh, then do some research and check your budget. It comes down primarily to personal preference as the performance from brands such as Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt and Hilti are all very similar. Just check that all the tools you need are in the same range so you don’t need different types of batteries and chargers.
Personally, I use all tools from the Makita 40V XGT range. For 2025, the range is expanding and they are generally considered the most powerful professional tools you can buy at the moment. It is however quite a pricey range so this is for heavy users. Remember, when you are done with a tool, you can always sell it to recoup some of the cost. Buying cheap does not always save money as lesser tools take more of a hit on the used market.
Conclusion
So there you have it. 5 essential power tools for any construction or renovation project. You may disagree with some of them but just wait until you get started, then you will see just how essential they all are!
There are of course other tools you’ll need but each job is different and not all tools apply. Let necessity define what tools you need if you are on a tight budget but remember; the right tool always makes the job faster, more enjoyable, and of a higher quality, so don’t wait too long to buy the right tool!
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