The Must Have Power Tool Collection for Every Set Carpenter
Power tools, power tools, power tools.
Enough said - let's dive in!
1. Circular Saw: Precision Cuts on the Go
This will be used for all your cutting needs on tour. With its precision and efficiency, allowing you to effortlessly cut through various materials for set and prop creation and maintenance, on the go. Its compact design and portability make it ideal for on-the-fly projects, and when it comes to cutting large pieces of wood or other materials quickly and accurately, a cordless circular saw is indispensable. From shaping stage elements to crafting intricate details, a circular saw is a reliable companion that will enhance your carpentry skills.
2. Cordless Impact Driver
You might not touch it for half a year, but when you do need it, it becomes one of the most valuable items in your toolkit. This tool is a great persuader, perfect for getting something to do what it's not technically meant to do. When your cordless drill can't quite handle the job, this tool steps in and saves the day. Trust me, having this in a tight pinch can make all the difference on tour.
3. Cordless Drill/Driver: Power in Mobility
One tool you absolutely shouldn't leave behind on tour is a cordless power drill. This handy piece of equipment offers unparalleled flexibility, letting you move around the venue without the hassle of cords or searching for power outlets.
Whether you're assembling stage elements, securing decks, or making on-the-spot repairs, a cordless drill can handle it all. Having it on hand will make your work more efficient during quick changeovers, allowing you to focus on what really matters: putting on a great show.
Honorary mention:
Just a quick shout-out for the Jigsaw. If you take your time and focus, you can actually get some pretty decent straight cuts and curve cuts with it. But, if you have to choose between the jigsaw and the circular saw, I'd recommend starting with the circular saw. It's more versatile for the big stuff we do on tour. Once you’ve got that down, then you can add the jigsaw to your toolkit for those more intricate cuts.
4. Angle Grinder
This is an absolute must-have, and trust me, you should definitely buy it before you actually need it. Just get it without overthinking how you’ll use it. There will be plenty of situations where doing things by hand and muscle power just won't cut it. From dealing with stripped bolts to cutting scaffolding and sorting out truss, this tool is brilliant. Just make sure you have enough discs on hand because you'll be burning through them quickly.
5. Pop Rivet
This is the only tool on this blog that I don't personally own, but I highly recommend getting one, I plan to. From fixing damaged tool cases to mending sets, rivets are essential. It's good to have a rivet gun on hand. The manual pop rivets tend to wear out quickly and don't perform well after a few uses. I’d say skip the manual ones altogether and invest in an electric rivet gun. Yes, they are expensive, but the job might demand it, and you'll be glad you have one when you need it.
6. Multi-Tool: Versatility in a Compact Package
I've mentioned it in previous blogs, but this versatile gadget handles so many tasks that other tools just can’t. Whether you’re cutting, sanding, scraping, or grinding, a multi-tool makes it all easier. When space, weight and time are limited, this compact device covers all your bases.
7. Nail Gun
As a set carpenter, you're going to find yourself sticking Velcro to everything and needing to making sure it stays put after the first show. That means you’re going to need a staple gun, and trust me, get a good one. The cheap ones jam all the time, and you’ll end up with staples that don’t hold. If you can’t reliably shoot your tour lighting tech at 5 meters (just kidding, don't actually do that), then you've got the wrong staple gun. Invest in a quality one, and you won’t regret it.
8. The Right Batteries
When it comes to batteries, make sure you're using at least a 4.0Ah one. Anything less just won't cut it, especially for tools like circular saws or angle grinders. Trust me, anything lower and you'll be lucky if it even starts. Ideally, go for 5.0Ah to not be disappointed.
Have a Great Tour.
