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Cordless Tools - Page 2 of 12

It is true that a good carpenter can perform near miracles with poorly made, poorly maintained tools. But things go so much better when chisels and saw blades are sharp, batteries topped off, and the tool has been well designed for the job at hand. And possibly for that reason, people in the building trades spend a fair amount of time and money on their tools.

And there’s so much to choose from. There are pneumatic, electric, and hand-driven varieties. A carpenter, for example, can choose a hammer, an air-driven nail gun, a battery-operated fastener, or even one that shoots nails with tiny bursts of ignited gas. The development of the lithium-ion battery has been a huge step forward for tool manufacturers and tradespeople alike. These ever more powerful, long-running batteries now run even miter saws and reciprocating saws, giving builders more flexibility on the job than they’ve ever had.

As important as these developments have been, nothing symbolizes craftsmanship better than a hand tool. We live in a mechanized, battery-powered age, yet there’s still something magical about a sharp plane taking off a gossamer-thin shaving along the edge of a board, or a honed chisel making a neat corner in a mortise for a hinge. That kind of result never goes out style.

Finding the right tools, using them imaginatively, and knowing how to keep them in top shape all are topics of endless conversations among builders, amateur and professional.  If you’re in the trades, you’re into tools. And if that’s the case, you’ll find Fine Homebuilding’s library of tips, articles and videos an invaluable resource.

  • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs

    These superportable, 18v, toolbox-shaped vacuums make cleanup fast and easy.

  • Tool Test: Compact Cordless Routers

    These seven popular models all have great power, but balance and bit visibility make a winning tool.

  • Quiet and Compact Cordless Bandsaw

    This compact portable bandsaw is a better option than other metal-cutting tools.

  • Podcast 568: PRO TALK With VPs of Product Development Tyson Apfelbeck and Andrew Lentz

    In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Tyson Apfelbeck and Andrew Lentz of Milwaukee Tool.

  • Podcast 551: Power Tool Batteries, Building as a Third Career, and High DIY

    Linoleum, home heating, tool batteries, careers in building, and safely working at heights.

  • Podcast 536: PRO TALK With Electrical Engineer Justin Czok

    In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Justin Czok, an electrical engineer who helped develop cordless power tools for Milwaukee.

  • Compact Cordless Compressor

    Metabo HPT's 2-gal. cordless compressor is a useful back- and time-saver.

  • Cordless Stapler for Hard-to-Reach Spaces

    Offering power and portability, the Milwaukee 12v cordless stapler is light enough to use above your head all day and fits just about anywhere you'd want it to.

  • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws

    Portability and on-board power make them appealing, but utility and real-world performance vary by brand.

  • Makita’s Cordless Biscuit Joiner

    If you're looking for a more convenient biscuit joiner, Makita's cordless version is a viable option with some differences from the corded model.

Page 2 of 12 Previous
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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

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