Tools Required for Building A Closet?

Caveman14 · June 9, 2015

Hey guys,

I'm currently in the process of cleaning out my basement and have discovered that there has been / is a termite presence. As of now, the only damage seems to be the wood that our closet is made of and a dogwood tree in our yard. This is, in my opinion, the perfect time to build and finish a new closet / closet area (as well as possibly start on the road to finishing the basement). I do, however, have a few questions:

What power tools would be absolutely necessary during the build?
What brands would you suggest?
My basement is unfinished, but not in a horrible state. Would it be unwise to build this closet in an unfinished basement?
What resources can you recommend?

I should mention that I'm looking for mainly corded tools; the prospect of running out of power isn't too appealing, and I know that batteries and chargers can be quite expensive. However, feel free to sell me on cordless options. I also apologize if this isn't quite the right forum section.

Thanks in advance for the help!

comp56 · June 9, 2015

some could do this job with just a hammer.....jking.....anyway if you only have a closet in your unfinished basement the best tool you can have right now is a plan/layout after you decide how your going to finish the basement then you will know the tool list.

mitre saw

circular saw

sawzall

screw gun/drill/impact

hammer

tape measure

straight edge

level

just to name a few

if you don't currently own any of these I would suggest buying the tools needed before you start....

Caveman14 · June 9, 2015

some could do this job with just a hammer.....jking.....anyway if you only have a closet in your unfinished basement the best tool you can have right now is a plan/layout after you decide how your going to finish the basement then you will know the tool list.

mitre saw
circular saw
sawzall
screw gun/drill/impact
hammer
tape measure
straight edge
level

just to name a few
if you don't currently own any of these I would suggest buying the tools needed before you start....

Thanks, Comp. I do have a preliminary vision of what the basement would look like, but the necessity for the closet to be rid of termites and finished comes from the amount of clothes that are stored there. Otherwise, I'd take my time and just do the closet when the whole basement is going to be done.

As for tools, I've got hammers, tape measures, squares, levels, and a drill (a dewalt 18v xrp, I believe; with the NiCad battery). I guess I do / did have an idea on the requisite tools that I didn't have: circular saw. mitre saw, jig saw (??), sander, etc. My main hang-up is what are some quality tools that I can pick up at a great price? There really isn't too much of a budget, but "best bang for buck" would probably be something that I should adhere to.

Thanks again, when I get back from this trip I will start to go out and get some of these tools in hand, if possible.

DR99 · June 10, 2015

It all depends on how complicated the closet is going to be. If its pretty basic you might not need some of the tools. You might want to pick up a small 12v impact driver they are awesome for framing small things.

ChrisK · June 10, 2015

Yup, what DR said too. Can you post a pic of the area you are planning your build? That'd help guys to see what your up against.

Also what Comp said is dead on too. You could also use a small table saw for cutting up sheet goods but a circular with a straight edge long enough for the walls will do. I'd get yourself some glasses and a mask too....especially if your cutting in the basement.

As far as brands???? Be prepared for a LOT of opinions!

Charles Harris · June 10, 2015

It's hard to say without seeing the work, But it sounds like you are mainly missing a saw.

If you are only cutting a few 2x's you could use a handsaw.

A circular saw would be very versatile for cutting your framing, plywood, etc

If you have a lot of demolition a reciprocating saw is great to have.

All of the work could probably be done with hand tools. Power tools just speed up the job.

Do you plan on having the power tools for other projects in the future?

Caveman14 · June 10, 2015

It all depends on how complicated the closet is going to be. If its pretty basic you might not need some of the tools. You might want to pick up a small 12v impact driver they are awesome for framing small things.

I was thinking that my drill situation was in need of an upgrade, if only to supplement the ailing battery of my xrp drill. I'll definitely look into that, thanks.

Yup, what DR said too. Can you post a pic of the area you are planning your build? That'd help guys to see what your up against.
Also what Comp said is dead on too. You could also use a small table saw for cutting up sheet goods but a circular with a straight edge long enough for the walls will do. I'd get yourself some glasses and a mask too....especially if your cutting in the basement.
As far as brands? ??? Be prepared for a LOT of opinions!

Thanks for the reply; a circular saw seems to be the most 'necessary' of the bunch. As for safety equipment, I'm covered. I'm pretty much in a situation where I've amassed a decent amount of equipment without getting the tools that would really speed along the process :lol:

And yeah, I know there are a lot of different brands to go with and even more people that support them. Almost a blessing and a curse to have so many options!

It's hard to say without seeing the work, But it sounds like you are mainly missing a saw.
If you are only cutting a few 2x's you could use a handsaw.
A circular saw would be very versatile for cutting your framing, plywood, etc
If you have a lot of demolition a reciprocating saw is great to have.
All of the work could probably be done with hand tools. Power tools just speed up the job.
Do you plan on having the power tools for other projects in the future?

I should be able to post some pictures of the area on Saturday night. The previous owners seemed to have just slapped up some thin plywood type walls and called it a closet. I'm intending to do something that would end up being a bit more...presentable, I guess. And yeah, the tools would definitely be used for future projects.

Thanks guys for the responses, by the time I get back home I'll probably have the tools I'm willing to buy narrowed down. I'll have those pictures posted up, then, too.

torontotoolman · June 10, 2015

What brandd are you interested in ?

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Caveman14 · June 10, 2015

What brandd are you interested in ?
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

I'm currently looking at a Ridgid circular saw, a Hitachi 10" mitre saw, and I'm not sure what RO sander I want; either a dewalt or bosch, I guess. This is just from some brief 'research' (if you could call it that) online.

DR99 · June 10, 2015

Bosch seems to make the better sanders out of all the tool companies

torontotoolman · June 10, 2015

I'm currently looking at a Ridgid circular saw, a Hitachi 10" mitre saw, and I'm not sure what RO sander I want; either a dewalt or bosch, I guess. This is just from some brief 'research' (if you could call it that) online.

Hmm i cant comment on any ridgid tools but i can tell.you iv heard.mixed reviews some good some bad i will agree with the hitatchi miter saw purchase because i my self am thinking about that miter saw and id go bosch over dewalt all the way

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ChrisK · June 10, 2015

The ridgid circulars are good saws. Hitachi is good but check the base for casting problems. I've heard there have been problems with the tables cracking in rare instances from poor castings. The Hitachi saws are great though. Great power and the features on some of their better saws are really nice. If your thinking about long term use I'd get the dual bevel sliding miter saw. Not too expensive and Dan and Eric did a great review on them. I've had a Ridgid miter saw (10" single bevel non sliding) and the fence was misaligned during welding of the base by about a 1/16" which sucked. Their sliders seem to be good and the LSA is awesome if you register. As far as sanders go Bosch (personal opinion here). I've got 5"/6" RO that is literally comparable to my Festools and is a wonderful machine. It was manufactured in Switzerland and shows it

dwain · June 10, 2015

i think a finish nailer would be very handy, but you'd need a compressor, unless you can find an 18V one.

i reckonyou'd get by without a recipro/sawzall, and a mitre saw would be best but is a big outlay.

IMO you'd be crazy not to own a cordless drill...

Bigmikez · June 10, 2015

Bosch seems to make the better sanders out of all the tool companies

agree DR I love my Bosch sander!

Caveman14 · June 11, 2015

Bosch seems to make the better sanders out of all the tool companies

Hmm i cant comment on any ridgid tools but i can tell.you iv heard.mixed reviews some good some bad i will agree with the hitatchi miter saw purchase because i my self am thinking about that miter saw and id go bosch over dewalt all the way
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

The ridgid circulars are good saws. Hitachi is good but check the base for casting problems. I've heard there have been problems with the tables cracking in rare instances from poor castings. The Hitachi saws are great though. Great power and the features on some of their better saws are really nice. If your thinking about long term use I'd get the dual bevel sliding miter saw. Not too expensive and Dan and Eric did a great review on them. I've had a Ridgid miter saw (10" single bevel non sliding) and the fence was misaligned during welding of the base by about a 1/16" which sucked. Their sliders seem to be good and the LSA is awesome if you register. As far as sanders go Bosch (personal opinion here). I've got 5"/6" RO that is literally comparable to my Festools and is a wonderful machine. It was manufactured in Switzerland and shows it

Thanks for repyling, here is what I'm currently considering:

Circular Saw:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-R3205/204631167

i think a finish nailer would be very handy, but you'd need a compressor, unless you can find an 18V one.

i reckonyou'd get by without a recipro/sawzall, and a mitre saw would be best but is a big outlay.

IMO you'd be crazy not to own a cordless drill...

I've been thinking about a nailer, and I agree, a battery operated one would probably be more convenient. As for the drill, I've got one; although it and its battery are showing their age.

Bigmikez · June 11, 2015

I haven't use either the ridgid saw or the hitachi miter but I have that same bosch sander and it's awesome I've used it on quite a bit of projects and it's never let me down the dust catcher works very well but fills quickly other than that very nice!

ChrisK · June 11, 2015

All kidding aside, Skilsaw has sucked for years but they are the original. They recently came out with this....

http://t.homedepot.com/p/SKILSAW-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Corded-Magnesium-Sidewinder-Saw-SPT67WM-22/205673449

I will have this saw soon. I've ordered it and am looking forward to putting it to use. It is all magnesium. This is Skils first foray into the pro market in a long time and the saw is reportedly blowing the competition away. I'd really consider getting that. The weight is truly incredible and every metal component of the saw is magnesium. Super light. Even blows the small corded Ridgid away in the weight department.

Additionally, I've used that Bosch and it is one of their most popular sanders.

The sliding miter that you posted....well...if I were you, AND, you were planning on doing some serious woodworking and or DiY work, that is a phenomenal saw and was on my shortlist for a sliding miter. For the price you would be hard pressed to find a better saw. Dewalt and Bosch make fantastic sliders too and several members are in possession of both the Dewalts and Bosch Axial Glides. My most precious tool for general use is my miter saw.

https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-c12rsh-12-sliding-dual-compound-miter-saw-with-laser-marker-reconditioned.html

Consider this, save a $130 if money is tight and buy a Grade A (basically new) machine from BigSky Tools reconditioned by factory techs.

If you did the math, a sliding miter saw, circular saw and the sander would cost you $520 mini shipping. Then you've got the makings of a kick butt shop.

ChrisK · June 11, 2015

Heck....with that consider buying yourself a new Dewalt 20v drill....and......a Milwaukee M18 Hammer......and......a Makita 18v jigsaw....AND.......divorce.....

ChrisK · June 11, 2015

Ahhhhhhhhh......young Grasshopper....welcome to the world of Tool Porn. Yes.....you've joined a group of highly dysfunctional tool porn peddlers looking to destroy another member.....

torontotoolman · June 11, 2015

All kidding aside, Skilsaw has sucked for years but they are the original. They recently came out with this....
http://t.homedepot.com/p/SKILSAW-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Corded-Magnesium-Sidewinder-Saw-SPT67WM-22/205673449
I will have this saw soon. I've ordered it and am looking forward to putting it to use. It is all magnesium. This is Skils first foray into the pro market in a long time and the saw is reportedly blowing the competition away. I'd really consider getting that. The weight is truly incredible and every metal component of the saw is magnesium. Super light. Even blows the small corded Ridgid away in the weight department.
Additionally, I've used that Bosch and it is one of their most popular sanders.
The sliding miter that you posted....well...if I were you, AND, you were planning on doing some serious woodworking and or DiY work, that is a phenomenal saw and was on my shortlist for a sliding miter. For the price you would be hard pressed to find a better saw. Dewalt and Bosch make fantastic sliders too and several members are in possession of both the Dewalts and Bosch Axial Glides. My most precious tool for general use is my miter saw.
https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-c12rsh-12-sliding-dual-compound-miter-saw-with-laser-marker-reconditioned.html
Consider this, save a $130 if money is tight and buy a Grade A (basically new) machine from BigSky Tools reconditioned by factory techs.
If you did the math, a sliding miter saw, circular saw and the sander would cost you $520 mini shipping. Then you've got the makings of a kick butt shop.

I cant talk about stil sidewinderz but i do use there worm drives everyday and they really are the standard for us framers they are beast when it comes to cutting wood

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torontotoolman · June 11, 2015

Thanks for repyling, here is what I'm currently considering:
Sander:
http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-ROS20VSC-5-Inch-Random-Carrying/dp/B00BD5G9VA/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1433982700&sr=1-1&keywords=Bosch+ROS20VSC&pebp=1433982697763&perid=CEF7B18B2F374FCA9C0E
Circular Saw:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-15-Amp-7-1-4-in-Circular-Saw-R3205/204631167
Mitre Saw:
http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-C10FCE2-15-Amp-10-inch-Compound/dp/B000V5Z6RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1433981909&sr=1-1&keywords=hitachi+miter+saw
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E7UJRI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000E7UJRI&linkCode=as2&tag=tooinact-20
I've been thinking about a nailer, and I agree, a battery operated one would probably be more convenient. As for the drill, I've got one; although it and its battery are showing their age.

If yur going for nailer id go with paslode all day!!!! From my personal experience the dewalt frameing nailer isnt worth the money

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DR99 · June 11, 2015

Skill Saw has been divorced from the Skill brand. Bosch bought Skill and turned it it to a value tool brand for the most part. They did have the worm drive but that was about it of the higher grade tools.

Bigmikez · June 11, 2015

Ahhhhhhhhh......young Grasshopper....welcome to the world of Tool Porn. Yes.....you've joined a group of highly dysfunctional tool porn peddlers looking to destroy another member.....

Good Job Chrisk lure them all in BUAHAHAHAHAH!!! BUAHAHAHAHA!!!

ChrisK · June 11, 2015

http://www.skilsaw.com/

Here's a direct link...

PaulE · June 11, 2015

I have that bosch sander and it is a great little sander.

I have A 10" hitachi sliding liter saw that I have had for years and it is a nice tool.

I'm not a fan of rigid power tools I use a Dewalt dw364 and love it. I also have a older porter cable saw a soil worn drive that is a beast.

If I were to buy another corded circular saw I would get a other dewAlt dw364 or a makita. I have seen a lot of guys using those for years.

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