Ten Tools You Need To Build A Tiny House
Beside the basic hand tools like a tape measure, hammer, and level here is a list of thirteen power tools you must have to build a tiny house. You’ll want to own these instead of renting or borrowing because you’ll be using them all the time, from the beginning to the end of the build.
The Fein MultiMaster 350qsl Oscillating Power Tool
The Fein oscillating cutting tool has been the most useful cutting tool in my tool box. This device can get where other tools can’t reach. It cuts by vibrating the attachments extremely fast. There are attachments for cutting everything from metal roofing to tile.
You’ll have the ability to cut accurately so you could be very close to wiring or plumbing without damaging it. It will cut nails and screws faster than a Sawzall® and lets you shave off thin slices with great control.
I like the Fein brand because the cutting attachments are super strong and last a long time. Cheaper brands force you to use their attachments which wear out fast. You’ll save money by not having to buy so many cutting blades. It has a 16′ cord so you won’t need to run an extension cord. I’ve used mine for years on construction sites. It has survived drops from the top of a ten foot ladder.
Thickness Planer
If you are using reclaimed lumber you will definitely need a planer. It will make an old piece of wood look like new. It’s hard to find quality wood these days, but treasures can be found in old houses, barns, and even boats.
Making live-edge countertops always requires a planer to get just the right thickness and a flat, smooth surface.
If you are siding your your tiny dwelling with reclaimed wood, a planer is essential to provide uniformity to the lumber.
The DeWalt Planer is known as one of the best “handyman-quality” tools you can buy.
Craftsman Cordless Auto Hammer
I use my Craftsman Nextel Auto-Hammer when running electrical and low voltage wiring. It’s great for tacking down Romex® staples along joists and studs where you just can’t swing a regular hammer.
It’s like a little right-angle hammer that can get in places a regular hammer or nail gun just can’t reach. The battery lasts days. It has enough power to hammer a 16 penny nail flush. This is great for mounting electrical boxes. Electricians and carpenters on jobsites are pretty impressed when they see me using it.
It’s also useful for tacking down staples that your staple gun couldn’t drive all the way in.
My wife bought it for me for Christmas and it has turned into one my most-used tools.
Compound Miter Saw
I recommend the DEWALT , 10 in. 15 Amp Compound Miter Saw
I use a compound miter saw whenever I need to make fast accurate cuts of siding, planks, studs, and trim. This saw can shave off just a bit until it’s just 
right. Multiple angles are easy to match.
The all-aluminum construction won’t rust if it get caught in a sudden rain and it’s light enough to be carried out to the work site. There are matching tables with wheels, but I just used a folding table.
You will use this saw from beginning of the build to end. From chopping studs the same length one after another to extremely fine finish carpentry, this is a must-have tool.
Five Tools You Will Need to Build a Tiny House in One Combo-Pack! How Great is That?
| 5 Tools You’ll Need In One Combo Pack |
These five tools in the combo pack were $549.00 if purchased separately. Now they come together, along with a carry case and extra batteries, for $299.00! Click on image to order.
Buying a combo pack is a great way to save money. Manufacturers usually throw in extras like batteries and a carry bag. You will need everything in this combo.
Cordless Drill
Everyone needs a cordless drill. The convenience needs no explanation. They have been getting lighter-weight and stronger with each passing season. This DeWalt Cordless Drill has some serious torque. It will hold up to a half-inch bit with speeds up to 2000 RPM.
Impact Driver
Impact drivers were invented to drive home fasteners that would cause a regular drill to burn out. They can hammer home long nails and, with the right attachment, even lag bolts. The attachments just snap on and off so you’re not fumbling with a chuck key. Driver has a compact design with three LED lights. Its motor produces up to 3200 IPM and has a max torque of 117 ft. lbs.
6-1/2 inch Circular Saw
I can hardly believe a battery operated saw has the power to cut anything, but it does. This cordless circular saw has a 460 MWO 3700 RPM motor. It has a high-strength and lightweight magnesium shoe and a 50 degree bevel capacity.
Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The DCS381 Reciprocating Saw has a four-position blade clamp and speeds 0 to 3000 SPM. It also features a pivoting adjustable shoe.
Cordless LED Work Light
The sturdy LED flashlight has a pivoting functionality, is lightweight, and super bright. Seems to work forever without needing to be recharged.
Another Tool You Can’t Live Without
This is the saw you need to cut perfectly straight on sheets of plywood. Trying to cut a sheet of plywood on a table saw or a regular circular saw just doesn’t cut it (pun intended).
Make any cut, anywhere, at any angle with this DEWALT Track Saw Kit. It delivers table saw precision, panel saw capacity, and hand saw portability. The zero-clearance track system and dual, anti-splinter edges ensure perfectly straight, splinter-free cuts. The specially designed transmission and precision-ground, laser-cut woodworking blade minimizes deflection to deliver a finished edge, just like a table saw. Any cut is possible, even bevel or inside plunge cuts. It’s as easy as connecting the dots. Attach a vacuum to collect up to 90% of the dust and minimize cleanup.
To use clamp this track (sold separately) onto your wood, set the saw in place, and start cutting. There are several lengths of track. This makes it easy to perform straight, precise cuts in both directions, a particularly handy instrument when cutting large sheets of wood. Ideal for cabinetry and furniture building, woodworkers can use this device to accurately make plunge cuts, cutting cabinet openings, even door trimming on the hinges.
The Perfect Tool for Installing Metal Siding, Roofing, or Metal Framing
Cutting sheet metals will never be the same with the REXBETI Ultimate Nibbler. It’s light, compact, and sleek. Powered by a standard drill between 1500-3000 RPM, just simply insert the drive shaft in the chuck of your drill and tighten the chuck, exactly like putting in a drill bit. When you start up the drill, the nibbler will be ready to cut. It will be a big time-saver for cutting sheet metal and corrugated metal roof sheets. The 360 degree adjustable cutting head allows easy control and has no problem handling any curve or straight you throw at it. Versatile cutting round accessories helps you to easily cut straight and round. Includes tool box which holds all parts.
Gets the best reviews on Amazon. $37.99*
It Goes Without Saying that on a Building Project, Your Table Saw is the Most Important Tool
DEWALT DWE7491X 10 In. Table Saw with Scissor Stand
This jobsite table saw with a scissor stand has a 15 amp motor and 32-1/2 inch rip capacity to allow cutting of large and hardwood materials. Features tool-free guarding component adjustments and fast, accurate fence adjustments. Scissor stand designed for easy set up and breakdown with excellent stability.
This is one of the highest-ranked table saws available. Practically indestructible so you can build your tiny house in any environment you find yourself.
Tools You’ll Need to Wire Your House for TV and Network
While we’re on the subject of tools, don’t forget to check out our page on wiring your house for TV and network.
Building a log cabin requires some specific tools of the trade. See them on this page: Log Cabins as Tiny Homes