My tool addiction has really become such a problem that it’s less of a tool “box” and more of a tool garage. A tool garage, basement, and shed. And car. And sometimes bedroom and kitchen. Luckily I have a big building with lots of to-die-for glass windows to store them all in, so as of yet, we still have a place to sleep. As long as MysteryMan doesn’t mind that hammer under his pillow.

I research all of the tools I buy, and I’ve had great experiences with most of them. You’ll see, I don’t buy sissy tools.  But for the ladies in particular, I do try and find the ones that will work best with my itty-bitty hands, so if you’re looking for a recommendation from one wee-handed person to another, check out my descriptions.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I’m staring with a few of my favorites and I’ll update regularly, because you know I can’t stop buying them. In fact, I believe a second framing nailer is probably in order before next spring… Hey look, MysteryMan just read that and rolled his eyes so far back into his head he nearly fell off his chair.

I’m so banned from Lowe’s for the next month.

If you have any favorites, be sure to leave a note in the comments. I love tool recommendations.

Drill: Makita Compact 18v Lithium Ion Cordless Drill

If you’ve even glanced at the header of this page, you should know this is my favorite tool in our arsenal.

1.) I can reach the trigger and the directional switches at the same time, which is impossible on any other drill.

2.) It’s powerful.

3.) It charges in 15 minutes. Waiting for batteries to charge is the bane of my existence.

MysteryMan also has the full sized version and the impact driver.

Palm Router: Bosch Variable-Speed Palm Router

We also have a fill sized Bosch router, which is necessary to use with the bigass bit I use to make Crookedbrooms. And it’s powerful, but also unweildy as hell. It’s the only tool we own that really scares the heck out of me.

This one, on the other hand, is perfect for almost any job you’d need a router for that doesn’t require a 1-1/2″ bullnose. Dovetailing, edging, trim work– this thing is small, light, and has enough power to do them all.

Finish Nailer: Stanley Bostitch 16GA Straight Finish Nailer

I had my eye on this for a while and MysteyrMan’s parents surprised us with it as a joint gift for our birthdays. (It’s nice being only a week apart.)

It’s light and easy to use, and made building custom frames for our two 5×5′ windows considerably easier than it would have been before. It’s also been perfect for the never-ending job of installing trim, and it’s going to be a life saver when installing our pine ceilings.

I’ll tell you if I still love it after holding it over my head for a week.

Miter Saw: DeWalt Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw

I had a simple Bosch miter saw for the longest time, and it was one of my most frequently used tools. It’s not just for mitering either, I’m not sure how I’d have gotten my hardwood floor in without it.

The only downside was that you couldn’t cut an 45-degree angle on anything greater than 4″ stock and get through it all the way.

This dewalt is a behemoth compared to the old Bosch. Not nearly as portable, but way more flexible in terms of cuts, and I can do up to 12″ stock in two seconds or less.

Rotary Tool: Dremmel Rotary Tool & Accessories

    It’s a classic and I use it for almost everything including woodcarving, cutting utility holes in drywall, coping crown molding, and anything else I can think of. I use the flex shaft for detail work like carving brooms, but the whole thing is easy to grip and maneuver.

    Swear to god I trimmed a utility hole in drywall while holding it over my head.

I'm not interested in a mediocre life. I'm here to kick ass or die.

(formerly DIYdiva.net)