What's in our truck: the DeWalt tools we use every day
We run DeWalt for our everyday tools at New Beginnings Construction & Design. That covers decks, basement finishes and additions. Here's what's on the truck, what each tool actually does on our jobs, and what to look for if you're buying one.
Staying on one battery platform is the reason this list works. Every cordless tool here shares the same batteries, so a dead pack is never a reason to stop working. If you're still choosing a platform, read picking a battery platform you won't regret first.
Impact driver
What we use it for. The tool that's in somebody's hand all day. Deck screws, structural screws on ledgers and joist hangers, cabinet screws, and anything long that would twist a drill out of your wrist.
What to look for. Brushless motor, a few speed settings so you don't snap small screws or blow through trim, and a 1/4″ hex chuck that holds bits tight. Buy impact-rated bits; regular ones shatter.
Hammer drill
What we use it for. Our everyday drill. Pilot holes, hole saws, mixing small batches of thinset, and with hammer mode on, small holes in brick, block and mortar.
What to look for. A 1/2″ chuck, a clutch for driving, and a side handle. Hammer mode is fine for occasional masonry holes. For a lot of concrete work, that's what the rotary hammer is for.
Rotary hammer
What we use it for. Concrete work. Anchoring bottom plates to a basement slab, drilling foundations for ledger anchors and through-bolts, and chipping with the chisel mode.
What to look for. SDS-Plus is the size most remodelers need. Look for a mode that turns off rotation for chiseling, and an anti-rotation clutch that stops the tool if the bit binds. Use SDS-Plus bits, not regular masonry bits.
Cordless circular saw
What we use it for. Grab-and-go cuts on decks and framing. Trimming deck boards, cutting sheathing, notching, and anything up a ladder or away from power.
What to look for. A 7-1/4″ blade if you cut 2x lumber all day; smaller saws struggle in one pass. Brushless, an electric brake, and a bigger battery for framing days.
Corded circular saw
What we use it for. Long rip cuts and heavy days where we don't want to swap batteries. It stays on the truck as the backup that never runs out.
What to look for. 15 amps, a magnesium or sturdy base that stays flat, and a cord long enough that you're not fighting the extension cord connection on every cut.
Oscillating multi-tool
What we use it for. The fix-it tool. Undercutting door jambs and casing for new flooring, cutting outlet and access holes in drywall, flush-cutting shims and trim in place.
What to look for. A tool-free blade change, variable speed, and a universal blade fit so you're not stuck with one brand of blades. Keep a pack of wood/metal blades and a few wide flush-cut blades.
Hand planer
What we use it for. Taking down a high joist or stud so the floor or wall comes out flat, fitting stair treads, and trimming a door that sticks.
What to look for. Easy-to-read depth adjustment, a kickstand that keeps the blades off the work when you set it down, and dust collection you can hook to a vac.
Batteries and chargers
What we use it for. One battery family runs everything above, so batteries move from tool to tool all day. More batteries and a fast charger beat buying a bigger tool.
What to look for. Higher amp-hour packs for saws and the rotary hammer, compact packs for the impact and drill where weight matters. Keep a charger on the truck, not just in the shop.
Accessories that matter more than people think
A good tool with a cheap bit or blade performs like a cheap tool. These are the consumables worth spending a little more on.