We Asked Carpenters Their Go-To Tool Brand For DIY Jobs (& Why)

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More and more Americans are undertaking DIY projects to save a little money, flex their home improvement skills, or mimic projects they saw on social media or their favorite design and renovation show. Despite this, an Angi survey found that 70% of homeowners report facing issues with their planned DIYs. Not having the correct tools is the primary reason, cited by 26% of respondents, for subpar results or unfinished projects. So, to help you get started on beginner-friendly woodworking projects, we got in touch with two carpenters and enquired about their go-to brand as well as tools they'd recommend for DIY jobs.

In an exclusive sit-down with House Digest, Jesse Cupples, the finishing carpenter at AMC Carpentry, reveals that his personal favorite is Festool. However, you don't necessarily have to invest in this high-end brand, he clarifies. After testing nearly every major brand over the past 20 years, "[I] would say for your average homeowner the go-to tool brands would be DeWalt, Makita, RIDGID, or Ryobi. All these brands are in a comparable price range, and will get the job done," adds our expert. Peter Kravchuk, a contractor and carpenter as well as the founder of New Day Construction, has a slightly different answer to our question. "I would suggest choosing Milwaukee. This brand has a range of durable, versatile, easy-to-find products that allow building a toolbox that includes a drill and dozens of additional tools operating on the same battery platform," he informs House Digest exclusively.

When prompted to share the reason behind his recommended woodworking tool brand, Peter Kravchuk tells House Digest exclusively, "The first advantage is convenience: the tools perform their functions well and are simpler to handle. It's a perfect balance between professional performance and ease of use." Drawing from his experience, he also mentions that most individuals who purchase such tools keep using them for various DIY projects in and around their home. So, he feels that investing in quality tools from the get-go is vital.

"Moreover, the battery system of the Milwaukee tools allows using the same battery for several purposes," shares Kravchuk. Additionally, he mentions that this brand's tools are built to last and can withstand rough handling with ease. Highlighting them, he says, "Instruments are subject to a variety of impacts and operations, such as being carried around, being dropped, and working in dusty environments, among other factors." So, you won't have to worry as much about them failing unexpectedly during a project.

Jesse Cupples recommends DeWalt, Makita, RIDGID, and Ryobi because "all these tool brands now have cordless versions of most of their lineup. Which makes it easier for the average homeowner to get stuff done around the house." Plus, you won't have to fret over the cord's length or maintain clearance. Another advantage is that you won't have to set up an extension cord (or several) to use any of the cordless tools. However, keep in mind that battery runtime varies depending on the tool and workload, so you may need extra batteries for longer projects. You might even have to pay extra for the battery and charger.

While there are several Milwaukee tools every homeowner should have, Peter Kravchuk has three favorites when it comes to DIY woodworking projects. Sharing his top picks in an exclusive chat with House Digest, he starts with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL ¼-inch Hex Impact Driver. Disclosing why homeowners should add it to their toolbox, he reasons, "Be it building shelves, installing cabinets, framing a structure, or building anything outdoors, it drives screws faster than any other screwdriver without causing wrist strain that drilling does when driving a lot of screws."

His next recommendation is the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-¼ inch Circular Saw. Opening up about why he likes it, he tells us, "Having plenty of power to deal with all types of framing wood, plywood, or other common construction materials, it would help DIY enthusiasts with working on building or renovating the deck, making a cabinet, or doing other remodeling work without using cords." Plus, the brand claims this device can make about 750 cuts on a single charge and get work done faster than its 15 ampere corded counterpart. His final pick is the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool. He opines that it's "extremely useful for remodeling jobs when it comes to trimming out materials, undercutting door frames, plunge cutting through various materials, or just working on anything where bigger tools are useless."

Speaking on the Ryobi, DeWalt, RIDGID, and Makita tools that are worth your money, Jesse Cupples emphasizes, "I'd say the most important tools to have would be an impact drill & driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and multi tool." He concludes that with these tools in your arsenal, you can undertake varied DIY projects around your home.