What's In My Toolbox

Milwaukee Cordless Impact Driver

Faster and lighter than a drill for driving screws all day. The extra torque means stripped screws don't stand a chance. Same M18 battery as the hammer drill — one charger, two workhorses.

Milwaukee Cordless Hammer Drill

This thing is a beast. Compact body but it drives through concrete, brick, and tile like nothing. The M18 battery system means it plays well with all my other Milwaukee tools.

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander

Cordless freedom on the M18 battery — no cord to drag around the room. Smooth walls before paint, feather drywall compound, sand wood trim. The variable speed dial makes it versatile for any surface.

Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT Rapid Charger

Charges M18 batteries fast — significantly faster than the standard charger. Mounts inside the PACKOUT system so it travels with your gear. If you're on Milwaukee, this is the charger to have.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rotary Hammer

When the hammer drill isn't enough — concrete anchors, masonry, tile demo. The SDS-Plus chuck and FUEL motor punch through concrete like it's nothing. Essential for NYC jobs where everything is brick and concrete.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Multi-Tool (2836)

The FUEL version — more torque, faster cuts, and longer run time than the standard brushless. When you're doing heavy demo, cutting flush, or working in tough material all day, this is the one.

Milwaukee M18 Brushless Multi-Tool

The problem-solver. Cuts, sands, scrapes — gets into corners no other tool can reach. Brushless motor means more power and longer battery life. I use this on every renovation job.

Bosch BT150 Compact Tripod

Pairs perfectly with the Bosch laser level. Extendable, lightweight, and locks solid at any height. Frees up your hands and keeps the laser exactly where you need it. Don't use a laser level without one.

Bosch GLL50-20 Cross-Line Laser Level

Self-leveling, bright lines across the whole room, and the magnetic mount sticks anywhere. Changed how I hang everything — shelves, cabinets, tile, crown molding. Worth every penny.

WORKPRO Magnetic Torpedo Level

Magnetic base sticks to pipes and metal surfaces hands-free. Three vials for plumb, level, and 45°. Compact enough to fit in your back pocket — I bring this to every single job.

DEWALT Premium I-Beam Level

Rock-solid aluminum frame, accurate vials, and easy to read. When the torpedo isn't enough and you need a full-length level for doors, cabinets, or shelving, this is what I reach for.

CRAFTSMAN Compact Tape Measure

25ft, wide blade that stays rigid. The magnetic tip is clutch when you're working solo. Compact enough to clip on your belt and forget it's there — until you need it every 5 minutes.

Fluke 2AC Non-Contact Voltage Tester

Point it at any wire or outlet and it beeps if there's live voltage — no contact needed. First thing I pull out before touching anything electrical. Cheap insurance that's saved me more than once.

Fluke 301D Clamp Meter

Fluke is the brand every electrician trusts. Clamps around a wire to measure current without breaking the circuit — essential for diagnosing breaker issues, checking load, and any serious electrical work. Don't cheap out on your meter.

Zircon MultiScanner Stud Finder

Finds studs, live AC wires, and metal — all in one pass. Actually tells you when it's locked on (unlike cheaper ones that just beep randomly). A must before any wall job.

Channellock 12" V-Jaw Pliers

When you need serious grip on large pipes, fittings, or nuts — this is it. The V-jaw bites into round objects without slipping. I keep the smaller pair for tight spaces and these for everything else.

Channellock Tongue & Groove Pliers

Built like a tank. The grip adjusts instantly and holds firm — great for plumbing, pulling nails, and anything that needs serious clamping force. Channellock is the real deal.

Klein Tools Needle Nose Pliers

Klein is the gold standard for electricians and handymen alike. These get into tight spaces no other plier can reach — wire work, pulling staples, bending small parts. Built to last.

DEWALT Small Trigger Clamp

One-handed operation — squeeze and lock. I use these constantly for holding trim, cabinets, and wood pieces while glue dries or while I drive a screw. Pack a few of these in your bag.

3" Soft Grip Drywall Knife

Stainless steel blade stays flexible for feathering compound without leaving lines. The soft grip handle is comfortable after hours of patching. This is my everyday drywall knife.

6" Soft Grip Drywall Knife

Same great stainless steel blade in a wider size — perfect for skim coating larger patches and blending seams. I use the 3" to apply and this one to smooth it out.

DEWALT 31-Piece Security Bit Set

Covers every weird screw head you'll encounter on the job — Torx, spanner, tri-wing, you name it. The magnetic bit holder is included and the case keeps everything organized.

Allway Caulk Finishing Tool

Smooths caulk into a perfect bead in one pass — no finger, no mess. Works on corners, seams, and tub surrounds. A $5 tool that makes your caulk lines look professional every time.

Vaughan Carbon Steel Hammer

American-made, solid carbon steel, perfectly balanced. This is a real working hammer — drives nails clean, pulls them clean. The kind of tool that outlasts everything else in your bag.

Estwing Rubber Mallet

Tap tile into place, seat flooring, assemble furniture without denting anything. The double-face design and hickory handle absorb shock well. Estwing makes quality tools — this one's no exception.

ROLLINGDOG Multifunction Painter's Tool

Scrapes, opens cans, cleans rollers, sets nails — one tool does it all. Every painter should have one in their back pocket. I use it on every painting job without thinking twice.

Milwaukee Fastback Utility Knife

One-handed flip open, blade locks solid, and the wire stripper built into the handle is genuinely useful. Cuts drywall, carpet, caulk, packaging — everything. This replaced every other utility knife I owned.

Bucket Boss Super Roll Tool Bag

Rolls up tight, fits in any bag or bucket, and has a pocket for everything. I use this inside the rolling bag to keep small tools organized and grab-ready. Tough canvas, built to last.

14" Rolling Tool Bag

Everything fits and it rolls — game changer for NYC jobs where you're walking from the subway. Multiple pockets, sturdy wheels, and a telescoping handle. This is how I carry my whole setup.

Contractor Garbage Bags (42 Gal)

Heavy-duty, puncture-resistant bags that actually hold up to drywall chunks, sharp debris, and demo waste. Flimsy bags rip and cost you more time than money. These don't.