Every woman can rock a closet full of pearls, pumps and power tools. In today’s world, women are increasingly taking on home improvement projects and DIY tasks. Having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference in tackling these projects efficiently and effectively. We’ve compiled a list of the essential power tools that every woman should own, along with detailed information on what they do, how to use them and what to look for when purchasing. Let’s dive in!
Miter Saw
This cutting tool allows you to make precise cuts in wood and other materials. It features a circular blade mounted on a swing arm that pivots left and right to create angled cuts. Use this essential power tool for cutting baseboards and crown molding, or trimming door and window casings. For a little extra cash flow, use a miter saw for your woodworking projects and custom art.
A quality miter saw will have a comfortable hand grip and easy-to-use controls. You will most likely be working with 10″ or 12″ blade sizes. Features like laser guides will make you feel like a pro in no time. Make sure it comes with or is equipped with a dust collection system. It can get messy so definitely use it outside.
Belt Sander
While various sanding tools exist, a belt sander is a versatile choice for many projects. Unlike palm sanders or orbital sanders, which are best for finish work, belt sanders can handle larger surfaces and tougher jobs. They’re ideal for quickly removing material, leveling uneven surfaces or smoothing rough wood. This makes belt sanders more universal, capable of tackling both heavy-duty tasks and finer finishing work when used with the right grit of sandpaper.
Look for a belt sander that feels comfortable and you like the placement of the handles. Getting one with an easy-change mechanism will save your fingers when switching out different grit sandpaper. You’ll want a dust collector for this outside tool.
Circular Saw
Circular saws are the perfect tool for women who want to cut straight lines into wood. It uses a toothed blade and can cut more materials than just wood. There are several different saw blade options for all sorts of projects. Wood is the most common material used with circular saws. Decide if you’re going to need it to be portable or will it just chill out on the work bench. This will help you determine if a corded or cordless option is better.
The blades on a circular saw are typically 7-1/4″, but many saws come with an adjustable depth and bevel setting. The most important feature to have is a blade guard and auto shut-off. Once the blade pushes through the wood, the cover will slide over to shield the blade. Just make sure no one gets hurt.
Jig Saw
Looking to make not-so-straight lines? The jig saw uses a reciprocating blade to make curved, straight or beveled cuts in all sorts of things. It’s perfect for the more customized house projects that need more intricate details. A lot like the circular saw, there are interchangeable blades for cutting different materials.
Around Halloween, these make the ultimate pumpkin carving tool for adults. A good jig saw will have an orbital action, which makes it faster for more aggressive cutting. Newer models are starting to come with tool-free blade changing, allowing you to interchange blades easier. If you’re going for a super clean cut, make sure the jig saw has a dust blower to keep the cutting line visible.
Cordless Drill
This is one essential power tool that you want without a cord. Arguably, it’s the most important and mandatory tool in any home. There is no reason to use a handheld screwdriver for everything. Having a cordless drill brings endless possibilities for crafts, home decor and sprucing up the place.
The key advantage of a cordless drill is its portability. You’re not limited by cord length or the availability of power outlets, giving you the freedom to work anywhere. These drills are incredibly versatile. They can drill holes and drive screws into various materials, including wood, metal and plastic. This makes them useful for everything from hanging pictures to assembling furniture.
Quality options will have a comfortable grip, be lightweight, have multiple speed settings and LED lighting. The battery tends to be the most important part of a cordless drill. Adequate voltage is around 18-20 volts, and a lithium-ion battery will last about a decade.
Essential Power Tool Projects
These are some beginner-friendly projects you can tackle with the essential power tools we’ve discussed. These projects will help you get comfortable with your new tools while adding value to your home.
Build a simple floating shelf. Using your cordless drill and circular saw, you’ll learn how to make precise cuts and securely mount the shelf to your wall.
Create a rustic picture frame. Using your miter saw, you can easily cut wood at perfect 45-degree angles to create a custom picture frame. This project will help you master angled cuts and assembly.
Refinish an old piece of furniture. Put your belt sander to work by refinishing an old wooden table or dresser. You’ll learn how to strip old paint or varnish and smooth the surface for a fresh look.
Build a simple planter box. Combine your circular saw and cordless drill skills to create a charming planter box for your garden or patio. This project teaches you about measuring, cutting and assembly.
Install crown molding. While a bit more advanced, installing crown molding is an excellent way to use your miter saw and nail gun (if you have one). This project will dramatically improve the look of any room.
Make decorative wooden signs. Use your jigsaw to cut out letters or shapes from wood, then sand and paint them for home decor. This project helps you practice intricate cutting and finishing techniques.
Build a basic bookshelf. Take your circular saw, cordless drill and potentially your router (for decorative edges) to create a simple bookshelf. This project teaches you about precise measurements and joinery.
Create custom coasters. Use your jigsaw to cut small squares of wood, then use your router to create decorative edges for handmade coasters.
Fix, Create and Inspire With Power Tools for Women
By equipping yourself with these essential power tools, you’ll be ready to tackle any project with confidence and skill. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or building a new bookshelf, having the right tools at your disposal will make the job easier and more enjoyable. Happy DIYing!