Framing Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

Framer use a lot of tools. You’ve got compressors and nailers, but you also have hammers, squares, miter saws, and tables saws. Then there’s the complement of other hand tools like tape measures, pencils, and chalk reels. Framers are our go-to guys of general construction tool reviews. They’ve touched it all. This crew loves jumping into a tape measure comparison or the discovering the best tool belt rig. And of course they helped us find the best framing hammer (hint: that award might land on the Stiletto 12oz titanium remodeler). Framing Tool Reviews at the Jobsite Many of our framing tool reviews take place on the jobsite. We can’t think of a better place to test tools. These are the guys who get to discover the best cordless reciprocating saw. They play with tools like the DeWalt DWF83PT framing nailer and the cordless equivalent, the DeWalt 20V Max framing nailer. If it involves cutting or fastening lumber, this section should have you covered.

Bosch 1664K circular saw

Bosch 18v Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw (Tool Only) 1664B Preview

Bosch 18V Circular Saw 1664B offers a Saw hook, anda 50° bevel cuts twice as much material. Also, it features Rear Depth Adjustment to quickly match depth of stock for more accurate cuts. The Durable, Impact Resistant Polycarbonate Lower Guard, and Spindle Lock for Easy Blade Change. In addition, it offers a Clear Viewing Area which provides an unobstructed view of cut line.

Bosch 1664K circular saw

Bosch 18V Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw Kit 1664K Preview

Bosch’s 18V Circular Saw 1664K offers a saw hook that allows convenience tool storage between cuts. A 50 degree bevel cuts nearly twice as much material than many competing models. Also, it features a rear depth adjustment to quickly match the depth of stock for more accurate cuts. The durable, impact resistant polycarbonate lower guard lowers the weight while still providing a tough material for protection. A spindle lock allows for easy blade changes. In addition, it offers a clear viewing area, which provides an unobstructed view of the cut line.

Porter Cable PC15TCSMK 15A circular saw rip guide

Porter Cable PC15TCSMK 15A Circular Saw Review

The new Porter Cable PC15TCSMK 7-1/4″ 15 amp heavy-duty circular saw packs in plenty of quality features and performance at a pretty fair price that both DIY and pro users will appreciate. Things like a long 10 ft cord, hard molded carry case, and a powerful 15 amp motor are just some of the goodies that are included.

Stanley 55-099L FuBar Utility Bar Review

Stanley Fatmax FuBar Utility Bar Review

Every now and then you find a special tool. The kind of tool you wonder how you ever did without. The kind of tool that really, truly, makes you want to go break something. The Stanley FuBar is that tool. We all know what FuBar stands for: Functional Utility Bar. Right. The, um, “original” meaning is a bit closer to the truth as this tool will wreak havoc on any demo project, allowing you to disassemble walls faster, pull off drywall with more efficiency, and punch through lathe and plaster like it was paper mache.

DeWALT DC608K 18 Gauge 2" Cordless Brad Nailer Review

DeWalt DC608K 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Review

The DeWALT DC608K 18 Gauge 2″ Cordless Brad Nailer is ideal for all your trim work and furniture building adventures. You can just grab this nailer and go because there are no cords or hoses to hold you back. With plenty of power to drive long nails into even hard woods, we found this the go to tool for doing small trim jobs, repairs and anything where we did not feel like dragging out a compressor and air hose for our pneumatic brad nailer.

Bosch SN350-20F Full Head Angled Framing Nailer

Bosch SN350-20F Framing Nailer Review

Framing nailers are traditionally oversized, unruly devices that weigh a lot. Really? Somebody should have told Bosch that, because their new SN350-20F Full Force Framing Nailer breaks all the rules. Weighing in at just 8.4 lbs and appearing about 20 percent smaller in girth and overall size than compatible professional framing nailers, this gun is something you’ll want to put in your tool trailer post-haste. If you’re a professional framer this might be the best investment you’ll ever make – next to your business license, that is.

Bosch CET4-20W air compressor

Bosch CET4-20W 4 Gallon 2 HP Air Compressor Review

When you’re on the job framing a house there’s nothing worse than having to wait for your compressor to play catch-up. Those days are likely over with the Bosch CET4-20W 4 Gallon Electric Hand Carry Compressor with wheels. Not only is this a convenient tool to carry around, it’s got the volume and fast recovery time to make sure you can keep working, uninterrupted, no matter what the job. We used the CET4-20W on a variety of jobs and it held its own each time, earning it the nickname “Jack” – as in “be nimble and quick.”

Skil 5995 18V 5-3/8" Cordless Skilsaw Review

5-3/8″ Skil 18V Circular Saw Review 5995

The new SKIL 5-3/8″ 18V Cordless Skilsaw 5995 is a homeowner’s dream tool – offering professional quality at a price almost anyone can afford. With an excellent power-to-weight ratio, top quality design, and the latest 18V lithium ion battery technology, this saw is ideal for anyone who already has some compatible 18V SKIL tools and wants to add a portable saw into the mix. This is a great tool for those just starting out with their first home or the seasoned do-it-yourself type.