The 14 Best Tools Every Commercial Handyman Should Own
Being a commercial handyman means being ready for anything—whether it’s fixing drywall, repairing concrete, sealing windows, or handling general repairs inside and out. The right tools make the job faster, easier, and more professional.
Martin Hunsinger
3/4/20253 min read
1. Cordless Drill/Driver Set
Why You Need It: Essential for everything from assembling fixtures to drilling into concrete. A good cordless drill with high torque is non-negotiable.
Top Pick:
Ryobi 18V ONE+ – Best value for solo handymen. Affordable, reliable, and battery-compatible with dozens of other tools.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR – More power and durability for tougher commercial jobs.
2. Impact Driver
Why You Need It: Delivers high torque for driving long screws into wood, metal, or concrete.
Top Pick:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel – Compact, lightweight, and powerful.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ – Budget-friendly option that still gets the job done.
3. Oscillating Multi-Tool
Why You Need It: Cuts, sands, scrapes, and grinds. Perfect for precise cuts in drywall, trim work, and quick repairs.
Top Pick:
DeWalt 20V MAX XR – Best for professionals, fast blade changes.
Ryobi 18V Multi-Tool – Great for budget-conscious handymen.
4. Circular Saw
Why You Need It: Essential for cutting lumber, plywood, and even some concrete.
Top Pick:
DeWalt 7-1/4” 20V MAX XR – Excellent cutting power, long battery life.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless – Affordable and lightweight for smaller projects.
5. Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
Why You Need It: The ultimate demolition tool for cutting wood, nails, PVC, and even metal pipes.
Top Pick:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall – Top-tier power and durability.
Ryobi 18V P517 Brushless – Budget-friendly and effective for most jobs.
6. Rotary Hammer Drill
Why You Need It: Needed for drilling into concrete or masonry.
Top Pick:
DeWalt 20V MAX XR SDS Plus – Superior power for heavy-duty concrete work.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ SDS Rotary Hammer – More affordable for occasional use.
7. Angle Grinder
Why You Need It: Perfect for cutting metal, grinding down rough edges, and even polishing surfaces.
Top Pick:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2” Grinder – More power, better control.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Brushless – A solid budget alternative.
8. Laser Level
Why You Need It: Essential for aligning tiles, framing, shelving, and precise installations.
Top Pick:
DeWalt 12V Green Beam Laser – Extremely accurate for professionals.
Ryobi Multi Surface Laser Level – Great for basic leveling needs.
9. Portable Air Compressor
Why You Need It: Powers pneumatic nailers, inflates tires, and helps clean dust from work areas.
Top Pick:
DeWalt Pancake Air Compressor – Compact and reliable.
Ryobi 18V Cordless Compressor – More portable but with lower air volume.
10. Wet/Dry Vacuum
Why You Need It: Cleaning up after jobs, especially concrete dust, sawdust, and spills.
Top Pick:
Rigid 12-Gallon NXT – Heavy-duty, high suction.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Wet/Dry Vacuum – Cordless and portable.
11. Caulk Gun (Powered or Manual)
Why You Need It: Crucial for sealing windows, doors, and trim work.
Top Pick:
Ryobi 18V Power Caulk Gun – Saves hand strain for frequent users.
Manual Heavy-Duty Caulk Gun – A reliable, cheaper alternative.
12. Tile Cutter & Wet Saw
Why You Need It: Essential for professional tile installations.
Top Pick:
Rigid 7” Wet Tile Saw – Excellent balance of power and portability.
Ryobi 7” Wet Tile Saw – Best for handymen on a budget.
13. Work Light & Flashlight
Why You Need It: Many job sites have poor lighting, and visibility is crucial.
Top Pick:
Milwaukee M18 Rover LED – Bright, durable, and cordless.
Ryobi 18V LED Work Light – Affordable and compact.
14. Portable Generator
Why You Need It: Power tools on remote sites or during outages.
Top Pick:
DeWalt DXGNR7000 – Powerful enough for multiple tools.
Ryobi 2300-Watt Inverter Generator – Smaller, quieter, and more portable.
Brand Comparison: Ryobi, Rigid, Milwaukee, and DeWalt
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Setup?
For most solo commercial handymen, Ryobi offers the best balance of affordability and performance—especially for tools that don’t get daily abuse.
For professionals working in high-demand environments, Milwaukee and DeWalt deliver better durability and power.
Ultimately, mixing brands is the best approach—grab a Ryobi drill and vacuum, a Milwaukee impact driver, and a DeWalt circular saw to get the best of all worlds.
What tools do you swear by? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
