These Are the 3 Power Tools You Need (2026)

If you choose a circular saw, you need to decide: corded or cordless. If all things were equal, it would be easy. Nobody likes rope. The problem is that wire saws are stronger. I own both, but if I could only keep one it would be the wire saw. However, I probably use my wireless device more for the simplicity of being able to take it anywhere. If you use cordless, change the blade often. Cutting with a dull blade requires more power, and a cordless circular saw does not have the power necessary. Making sure you have a sharp blade will not only make cutting easier, it will make your battery last longer. It is always better to buy a cheap saw and a high quality blade than the other way around.

If you choose to go cordless, the next decision you will face is brushed versus brushed motors. A saw with a brushless motor is better in almost every way. Better performance, more efficient, and more durable. The brushless saw uses electronic commutation, which is a fancy way of saying that it uses the interaction of magnetic fields to generate torque. This means there is less friction and less heat, and therefore better battery life.

The downside to brushless motors is the much higher price. There’s also the possibility that if you only use it to make a few cuts once or twice a week, you don’t have to worry about the increased friction and heat of the brushed motor. Polished circular saws are undoubtedly cheaper and easier to repair. If you don’t have a big job in mind, it’s good enough for light DIY use.

Also grab a Speed ​​Square ($20) To ensure you are making straight cuts on dimensional lumber.

Bonus Pick: Shop Vac

milwaukee

M18 fuel 6 gal. Wet/dry cordless shop vacuum

If you have those two things, the next thing I suggest is to vacate the store. Nobody likes to clean, and nothing cleans faster or better than a vacuum cleaner. The ability to empty liquids will transform your workspace. I have a cheap vac from Harbor Freight, which does the job, but I wish I had a much stronger vac above.

Which brand should I buy?

I would love to tell you that there is universal compatibility between brands and each brand’s batteries work with every other tool. This is the world as it should be. The world we live in? Well, you have to choose a brand, because the batteries are not interchangeable. (There are adapters available, mostly cheap off-brand Chinese adapters. I have one tool that I use with an adapted battery, but it’s not something I’d recommend.)

The big brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, and Ryobi all make the same stuff, and most of them are very good. The choice in brands really comes down to compatible batteries. Unlike typical smart customers, I have tools from both Milwaukee and DeWalt, and have never had any problems with either. (Beware of purchasing tools from Amazon, especially Milwaukee, as there are no authorized retailers of Milwaukee tools on Amazon, and the company does not guarantee or support tools purchased from sellers.)

Now that you have the right power tools to handle most home repairs and small projects, you can sit back, relax, and think about the more obscure aspects of home repair, like why a 2-by-4-inch space is no longer 2-by-4 inches, how to make crown-shaped corner cuts, and why, sometimes, it’s better to get a professional to handle complex tasks.

Enjoy unlimited access to Wired. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe today.