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Tools - Page 46 of 266

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.

  • Get a Grip on Light Bulbs

    A DIY tape handle simplifies swapping blown bulbs.

  • Hyperportable tablesaw

    Milwaukee's lightweight cordless 2726-21HD saw is great for remote job sites, but portability comes with a few trade-offs.

  • Impressive Structural Connectors

    This German-made hardware by Pitzl provides sturdy, concealed timber joints that are a snap to assemble.

  • Fine-finish sander

    Internal dampening and tiny sanding strokes make Festool’s DTS 400 REQ a top-notch finishing tool.

  • Podcast Episode 163: Live from the Builder’s Show: Home Depot’s Pro Services and Advancements in Cordless Tools

    The editors chat with Debbie Hernandez of The Home Depot about it’s pro services and former Fine Homebuilding editor Chris Ermides about tools.

  • Podcast Episode 160: Live from the Builders’ Show: Doors, Tool Belts, and American Manufacturing

    The Fine Homebuilding editors chat with Jim Edgeworth of The Bilco Company and Connor Crook of Diamondback Toolbelts about what it takes to build high quality tools and materials in the US.

  • Choosing and Using Masonry Trowels

    Learn the types and functions of these common concrete, brick, and stone setting tools.

  • Podcast Episode 155: Do You Really Need a Building Permit?

    The Fine Homebuilding editors discuss the dangers of remodeling a house without informing the local building department.

  • Podcast Episode 154: Lead-Paint Removal, Cracking Drywall, and Moldy Siding

    Several frustrated homeowners ask the Fine Homebuilding editors to suggest the best course of action for some common DIY dilemmas.

  • Big Saw Bests Big Timbers

    Skilsaw's Super Sawsquatch massive 16-5/16 in. circular saw can cut thick beams with ease.

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Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
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    • 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 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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