The best decking tools according to the pros

When you’ve been in the building game for a while, you know which tools are the best ones for the job – there’s no time to muck around because time is money. When it comes to decking tools, “You want tools that are reliable, sturdy and can just help you get the job done without fuss,” Colin Kerr, a veteran of the construction industry and All Decked Out team member, says. “I’ve used a lot of different brands over the years, but Makita is one I’ve stuck with, they’ve never let me down. It’s good to test what else is out there.” Along with carpenter Jordan Houlahan and All Decked Out apprentice Daniel Conroy, Colin gives us his verdict on decking tools from some of the biggest brands they couldn’t do without.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Circular saw

AEG 18V Fusion 165mm Circular Saw (Skin Only)

Generating a maximum speed of 5000rpm, AEG’s 18V Fusion 165mm circular saw is perfect for small jobs, like cutting stacked boards, sheet and trim. “This one I would use for detailed work – smaller jobs like skirtings – as it cuts really well, has a nice feel and is quite accurate,” Colin says.

You might also like: Makita 18V 165mm Brushless Circular Saw (Skin Only)

Impact driver and hammer drill

Makita 18V Mobile Brushless 4-Mode Impact Driver (Skin Only)

Makita 18V Brushless Heavy Duty Hammer Driver Drill (Skin Only)

When it comes to decking tools, a lightweight impact driver is essential for installing any deck. The Makita 4-Mode, with its electric 3-stage impact power selection and the T-Mode function, is great for tightening self-driving screws.

“The build quality of Makita has always been good, I’ve bought it from as far back as 25 years ago when I first started out,” Colin says. “The tools have a good feel and, in my opinion, the impact driver is a great one to use for carpenters. I use my impact driver daily, especially when doing door hinges and screws – any of those fine motor skill jobs. It’s got a good variable trigger, it’s soft and doesn’t rip out screw heads. It’s good when you’re doing the clips on an Ekodeck because you don’t have to drive them in too far. You can set your tensions with your soft and hard.”

Meanwhile, the Makita heavy duty hammer drill is powerful, compact (178mm) and comfortable to use. “It’s a good weight, with a two-speed gear box. It’s a really great drill,” Jordan says, with Colin adding: “I’ve had four drills in 25 years and the first is still going, but you buy new ones to upgrade the technology. They will keep going forever and are great bang for your buck.”

You might also like: Makita 18V Brushless 2 Piece Combo Kit

Reciprocating saw

AEG 18V Fusion Reciprocating Saw (Skin Only)

The tool blade change on the AEG 18V Fusion recipro is a beauty and has the edge over others in its class, according to the All Decked Out crew. “With another one I have in a different brand, you have to twist the coupling and put your fingers in there. This one has a coupling that lifts out and you can drop your new blade in and clip it back in, so it saves you getting your fingers in there,” Daniel says. “It’s also got good power to it.”

Tip: Keep up-to-date on the latest tool security with these expert tips on protecting your tools on the jobsite and at home.

Wrench

DeWALT 18V Cordless Brushless 1/2” Detent Pin Torque Wrench (Skin Only)

Using one of these in confined spaces is when the DeWALT Pin Torque Wrench comes into its own. With 1152 breakaway torque (813 Nm of fastening torque) it removes the tightest of bolts. “The battery on this one is light and when you pull the trigger, it’s got a bit of power to it,” Daniel says. “The weight of it makes it easy to use. With a bigger battery, you’d get better weight distribution during use. It’s up there with them all and comfortable.”

Pair it with: DeWALT 18V XR Brushless D-Handle Rotary Hammer Drill (Skin Only)

Multi-tool

DeWALT 18V XR Li-Ion 3 Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool (Skin Only)

We all want quick blade changes without cutting up our hands, and DeWALT’s 18V Oscillating Multi-Tool delivers on both counts. “The weight of this is good and it’s got a nice feel to it in the hand,” Colin says. “There’s a quick-release coupling on it, which goes in and bites really well. Plus, the battery is super easy to get in and out. Of everything I’ve used, it cuts really well and is as good as you’ll get in its class.” Jordan adds: “It feels light, which makes it nice to use, and you can change your blades over quickly, which helps on the job. It doesn’t really feel like it’s going when it’s on, which is a good thing.”

Pair it with: DeWALT 18V 125mm Brushless XR Random Orbital Sander (Skin Only)

Nail framer

DeWALT 18V XR 33 Degree 90mm Framing Nailer (Bare Unit)

Best for heavy-duty applications, this latest nailer from DeWALT offers quite a few advancements over the previous models. Requiring minimal maintenance, the 18V framing nailer is cordless and battery operated – that’s right, no gas required. Along with its improved driver blade, that is more robust and sturdy than the older version, the magnesium magazine is lighter in weight and a lot stronger when it comes to firing (the nailer has retained its previous bump and sequential nailing features). There are also a few innovative user-driven additions, including:

• The option to remove the standard magazine for an extra-length magazine to help save on time (allowing for two lengths of nails).
• A rafter hook added due to popular demand, enhancing its utility on jobsites.
• An angled contact tip to allow for easier usage when nailing on angles.

Bluetooth ear muffs

Citeco Bluetooth Ear Muffs

With a waterproof IPX3 and Bluetooth ‘press-to-listen’ function, these Citeco Ear Muffs will not only block out the jobsite noise, but also allow you to connect to your favourite audio. “I’ve been wearing these during the shoot, listening to the radio, and they really block out the noise around you,” Jordan says. “The cuffs over ears are comfortable, and you can’t hear anything other than the radio. You can also connect them to your Bluetooth and listen to some podcasts or anything else you want, which is really cool. They’ve got a nice bit of cushioning on the top, so it doesn’t rub on your head either.”

Keep in mind…

When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear.

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