If you’re like me, you not only enjoy working with power tools, but you also appreciate having the right one for the right job. Here’s a little tidbit power tool enthusiasts, like myself, keep to themselves. We hate lending out our tools. So stop asking to borrow them and get some of your own.One of two things usually happens when I do lend out my tools: most people don’t have the decency to return them once they’re finished and then I have to chase after them in order to finish my own projects, or worse, they’re returned damaged.That’s when problems start. How do you ask your buddy to replace the $400 cordless drill he damaged, especially when he claims he can get a different model for half the price? You see, most people who borrow tools usually don’t appreciate them enough to know their value and that’s why we hate letting others use them.

I used to be on the other side of the fence, always using my father’s tools while living at home or borrowing my brother’s tools after I moved out on my own. I never really understood all the fuss he made about lending me his tools until I actually bought expensive ones myself.

I started buying tools because when I was a young man, my brother told me, “Pete, I don’t mind occasionally lending you my tools, but you have to start buying some tools of your own. They can be expensive, so start buying them now before you get married and the budget gets tight.”

And that’s exactly what I did. Fast forward a few years and I now own all the power tools a man can dream of, and I did it before my wife came into the picture.

Believe me, once you get your hands on your own top-of-the-line tools, you’ll never want to lend them out, and you’ll finally understand why your neighbor always grunts when you ask to borrow his grinder.

So what tools should you get? Here is my list of essential shop tools every man should own.

 

	Top 12 Essential Power Tools
	12. Power-Hand PlaneHand planes are used for removing very thin layers of wood, trimming and smoothing, straightening edges or beveling them, and even adding a groove. This is the perfect tool for fitting any type of door. Get it here.
	11. Small Angle GrinderA grinder is commonly used for grinding. Gee, thanks there, genius! Okay, more specifically, you can use it to sharpen, polish, cut ceramic tiles (using the proper blades), and remove paint and rust. Get it here.
	10. Table SawAlso referred to as a bench saw, it is good for general hobby and repair projects. It can crosscut rip, groove, cut dadoes, miter, make moldings, groove, bevel, and sand stock.Get it here.
	9. Orbital Palm SanderCut your sanding time in half and save your wrist for other pleasurable activities by using an orbital palm sander for small jobs. This is the perfect all-around sanding tool to restore or repair delicate pieces. Use it for rough or finish work on furniture, ceilings, walls, floors, or other woodwork. Get it here.
	8. Compound Miter SawIt sure beats using the old wooden box that allowed you to cut wood with a hand saw at angles of (typically) 45 and 90 degrees. It is commonly used in order to get precisely angled cuts for all framing jobs. Get it here.
	7. Reciprocating SawOne of my favorites, it is generally used for remodeling and demolition work. Use it to cut openings in existing walls or with the right blade, it can also rough-cut leather, green wood, rubber, metal, linoleum, and plastic.