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 best tape measure comparison or the discovering the best tool belt. And of course they helped us find the best framing hammer. 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. If it involves cutting or fastening lumber, this section should have you covered.

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.

Swanson T001WZ Framing Wizard Review

Swanson Framing Wizard T001WZ Review

Swanson took the age old framing square and made it into a folding, 5-in-1 layout tool they are calling the T001WZ Framing Wizard. This new tool makes space and functionality top priorities! Forget about trying to figure out where to keep your old square; now that you have this one available, you can fold it in half and throw it in your tool bag. With its versatile use, you can just whip it out and use it as a framing square, tri-square, miter square, angle finder or as a saw guide.

Swanson T04424 Wood Magnet Review

Swanson Wood Magnet T04424 Review

The new Swanson T04424 Wood Magnet is one of those types of tools that once you use it a few times, you realize how many times it would have come in handy on all your past projects! With low cost and highly versatile applications, this compact tool is able to combine a number of project leveling and layout tools into one. The simple design combined with a pretty rugged build should make this an easy choice for both DIY types and pros alike!

SKIL HD5687 7-1/4 Inch Skilsaw Circular Saw Review

SKIL HD5687 7-1/4 Inch Skilsaw Circular Saw Review

The new SKIL HD5687 takes the sidewinder Skilsaws to a new level by offering many professional features like a 15 amp all ball bearing motor and a worm drive style handle all without adding any additional weight. To add further functionality, the bevel angle goes up to 51 degrees rather than the normal 45 degrees as found on most saws. To make quick depth and angle adjustments there are clearly visible markings to make easy calibration of where you need to be.

SKIL SHD77M 7-1/4 inch Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Review

SKIL SHD77M 7-1/4 inch Magnesium Worm Drive Saw Review

The original SKIL Model 77 Worm Drive came out in 1937 and since then there have been many improvements that now include an even lighter weight magnesium case on the latest SKIL Mag 77 SHD77M. With so many years of experience under their belt, the engineers at SKIL have nearly perfected the worm drive circular saw! This current model, while not a new model per say, still sets the standard for many folks when they think of a worm drive circular saw.