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Crown Finish Stapler

6 Power Tools Every Woman Should Have in Her Arsenal

The ultimate do-it-herselfer, Heidi of BeJane.com demystifies the most important power tools used in home improvement.

“Power tools level the playing field between men and women when it comes to doing home improvement.”

I discovered power tools after I bought my first home and decided to take on the task of home improvement myself. Now, I can do anything that the biggest, burliest contractor can do if you give me the right power tools. It makes me just as strong, I can accomplish the same thing, and I love the feeling of empowerment it gives me. It’s so much fun.

“When I first started with tools, I was surprised at how similar some of the power tools were to things I use in the kitchen and office.”

A power tool set is like a shoe wardrobe. You can always justify adding to it. But I can tell you the six tools that every woman needs to begin making home improvements on her own.

1. The Power Drill

The drill is like the little black dress of power tools. You’ll always need one and as long as it’s a nice one, it’ll get the job done – whether it’s putting on new doorknobs on your kitchen cabinets or putting up curtains or installing floating shelves. And, like the little black dress, you’ll always find a reason to buy another one. I own 5 – from 9 volts all the way to 21!

My introduction to the drill came when I worked on my kitchen cabinets. After sanding, repainting and adding molding to the cabinets, I made holes with my drill and used it to attach new knobs. It was a little intimidating – it is shaped like a gun, you know – but after one hole, I was using it like an old pro.

2. The Power Sander

A lot of women are really into refinishing furniture, but you can’t get started without a sander. You do not want to sand by hand if you don’t have to. It’s just not worth it.

I use an orbital sander, which works really fast and moves in circles. Because it creates a lot of dust, I recommend wearing face and eye protection and sanding outside, if you can. Also, sawdust fries your hair by pulling all of the oils out of it, so if you still want to look like a girl after the project’s done, protect yourself!

3. The Reciprocating Saw

This tool still scares me because you can cut through some pretty major stuff with it, like studs, wallboard and paneling. But if you really think about it, it’s just like a carving knife. If you’ve carved a turkey, you can use a reciprocating saw. The saw shakes a little more than the turkey carver, but it’s just about the same thing.

You’re not going to let a little uncertainty about a carving knife scare you into carving it by hand, so why would you use a regular saw to cut through a wall when you can use a power tool for it?

4. The Power Stapler

I’m meeting more and more women who are interested in upholstering—myself included. I especially love upholstered headboards, which can cost anywhere from $1000 to $1500 if you buy them in the stores. With a power stapler and some supplies in tow, I can make my own for around $100.

What’s great about a power stapler is that it sinks the staples deeper than you’re going to be able to do it by hand, and it will enable you to have more cushion on whatever you’re upholstering. When you use a manual stapler or even a staple gun, your hand starts hurting pretty quickly and the staples never go in the right way.

5. The Power Nailer

With the power nailer, there’s no fear of getting a black thumbnail from hammering. On top of that, it makes your project go much faster—and it’s so much fun.

The first time I put up crown molding, I used a regular hammer and nails. The second time, I used one of these puppies. I did it in a third of the time, and it came out gorgeous. Also, because it sinks the nails in deeper, they are easier to hide.

6. The Compound Miter Saw

This compound miter saw is my favorite tool. It’s a little scary looking, but believe it or not, this is the safest saw that there is because it tells you where not to put your hands. There’s also a safety cover that protects the blade until you come down.

A compound miter saw is really the thing that helps you finish off a room. With it, you can create all the extra added touches like crown molding, baseboard molding and chair rail molding.

There are many other useful tools out there, but these are my favorites. Remember, it’s normal to be a little intimidated by these loud, scary-looking tools. When I first started doing home improvement, the only tool I’d ever used was my garbage disposal. But trust me, once you start figuring out what you’re capable of, you’ll want to push yourself more and more. And soon you’ll be ready to take on any project!

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About the Author

The ultimate do-it-herselfer, Heidi of BeJane.com demystifies the most important power tools used in home improvement.

Factory Reconditioned Ridgid ZRR150FSA 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Finish Stapler $69.99 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Finish Stapler - ZRR150FSA. 1,000 Staples. Eye Protection. (2) Wrenches. (2) No-Mar Pads. Case

SENCO 300120N SKSXP L12-17, 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Oil-Free Finish and Trim Stapler (Xtreme Pro) $309.99 SKSXP L12-17, 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Oil-Free Finish and Trim Stapler (Xtreme Pro) - 300120N

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/SX150K-1 18 Gauge 7/32-in Crown 1-1/2-in Oil-Free Narrow Crown Finish Stapler Kit $69.99 1-1/2-in 18-Gauge Oil-Free Stapler Kit - U/SX150. Carrying Case

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/SX1838K 18 Gauge 7/32-in Crown 1-1/2-in Oil-Free Narrow Crown Finish Stapler Kit $49.99 1-1/2-in 18-Gauge SX Stapler - SX1838K-R. 1/4-in swivel air fitting. Hex wrench. Carry case. Belt Hook

Bostitch SX1838K 18 Gauge 7/32-in Crown 1-1/2-in Oil-Free Narrow Crown Finish Stapler Kit $109.99 1-1/2-in 18-Gauge SX Stapler - SX1838K. 1/4-in swivel air fitting. Hex wrench. Carry case. Belt Hook. 1000 fasteners 1-in staples

Hitachi 1.5-inch 18-gauge Narrow Crown Stapler (Refurbished) $149.9 The lightweight 1.5-inch 18-gauge narrow crown stapler by Hitachi works great on internal and external trim work. This versatile tool can also be used for furniture, cabinetry and other fine finish applications.Lightweight 2.3 poundsSelective actuation, easy to reach switch to choose between bump fire or sequential fire modesTool-free depth adjustment allows for a professional finish with varying materialsEasy-to-clear nose for quick and simple staple extraction360-degree adjustable exhaustNo-mar tip included to prevent scarring and denting of work surfaceFactory-installed air fitting for convenienceHigh capacity magazine holds 130 staplesElastomer grip adds comfort and securitySpecifications:Fastener type: 1.5-inch 18-gauge narrow crownMagazine angle: StraightFastener length capacity: 0.5 to 1.5 inchesFastener diameter range: 18-gaugeMagazine capacity: 130 staplesOperating pressure: 70-120 PSIActuation: Bump/sequentialDimensions: 10.34375 inches long x 2.375 inches wide x 9.25 inches highTool weight: 2.3 poundsElastomer gripIncludes:Safety glassesAir fittingCaseColor will vary between green or gunmetal depending on availability.This high-quality item has been factory refurbished. Please click on the icon above for more information on quality factory-reconditioned merchandise.

Freeman PST9032Q Narrow Crown Stapler $76.7 The 1.25in Narrow Crown Stapler is a professional quality innovated home improvement tool. The Narrow Crown Stapler features an oilfree operation that requires no regular maintenance and eliminates the risk of stains on project surfaces. This crown stapler has a lightweight aluminum design and a toolfree adjustable exhaust that conveniently directs exhaust from your face quick release nose for easy jamb clearing and toolfree depth adjust. This tool also comes equipped with Teflon orings one piece drive blade air filter dust cap and dual spring magazine which makes this stapler the obvious choice. The 1.25in Narrow Crown Stapler is great for interior decorative trim cabinetry cabinet backing crafts and hobbies.

Bostitch 438S2R-1 16 Gauge 1-in Wide Crown 1-1/2-in Roofing Stapler $369.99 1-in Wide Crown Jam-Free Stapler - 438S2R

Bostitch 650S4-1 16 Gauge 1/2-in Crown 2-in Sheathing and Siding Stapler $439.99 1/2-in Crown Jam-Free Construction Stapler - 650S4

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/438S2-1 16 Gauge 1-in Crown 1-1/2-in Jam-Free Wide Crown Stapler $199.99 1-in Jam-Free Wide Crown Stapler - U/438S2

Stanley Bostitch Stanley Bostitch Buttn Cap Finish Stapler SL1838BC $245.93 Buttn cap finish stapler Use for securing felt, house wrap, and thin foam Adjustable depth of drive sets staples to the desired depth quickly and conveniently Selectable trigger operation converts from sequential to contact operation Includes internal air filter for maximum reliability Belt hook for added convenience Kit includes: Stapler, 1/4? swivel air fitting, carry case, 1000 1? SL staples, 1000 Bostitch caps Accepts staples: 18-gauge, 5/16? crown, 1/2? to 1-1/2? long Brand #: Stanley Bostitch SL1838BC UPC: 077914052968 Keywords: pneumatic cap stapler

DEWALT D51430 16-Gauge 7/16-in Crown 2-in Medium Crown Stapler $199.99 16-Gauge 7/16-in Crown 2-in Medium Crown Stapler - D51430. Safety Glasses. Replacement Sequential Trigger. (2) Allen Wrenches

DEWALT D51431 16-Gauge 1/2-in Crown 2-in Medium Crown Stapler $249.99 16-Gauge 1/2-in Crown 2-in Medium Crown Stapler - D51431. Safety Glasses. Replacement Sequential Trigger. (2) Allen Wrenches

Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Stapler $109.99 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Stapler - STN150-18. Safety Glasses. No Mar Tip. Carrying Case

Hitachi N3804AB3 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Stapler $79.99 18 Gauge 1/4-in Crown 1-1/2-in Narrow Crown Stapler - N3804AB3. Safety Glasses - 875769. No-Mar Tip. Case

Hitachi N5024A2 16 Gauge 15/16-in Crown 2-in Wide Crown Stapler $229.99 16 Gauge 15/16-in Crown 2-in Wide Crown Stapler - N5024A2. Safety Glasses - 875769

Crown 18-gauge Air Stapler $68.58 This 18-gauge stapler comes with a 0.25-inch NPT male coupler, oiler bottle and hex key. This convenient stapler uses most brand name staples.18-gaugeUses most brand name staplesBlow mold case1 inch x 0.25 inchComes with 0.25-inch NPT male coupler, oiler bottle and hex keyWeight: 4 poundsMax PSI: 110

Hitachi Power Tools Narrow Crown Finish Stapler N3804AB3 $159.45 Lightweight and compact for easy use in tight spaces. 360deg; adjustable exhaust can be directed away from user in any direction. Highcapacity magazine holds up to 130 staples for maximum efficiency. Toolless easytoclear nose for quick and simple staple extraction. Toolless depth of drive adjusts for flush or countersunk drives into varying material providing control and customization. Nomar tip included to prevent work surface damage. Elastomer grip adds comfort and security. Includes safety glasses hex bar wrenches carrying case and air fitting.25 narrow crown fastener. Length: 10.5. Width: 9.25. Height: 2.25

Bostitch 651S5 16 Gauge 7/16-in Crown 2-in Siding Stapler $199.99 7/16-in Crown Siding Stapler - 651S5. Vinyl Siding Attachment

Prime Global PST9032Q Narrow Crown Stapler $76.7 The 1.25in Narrow Crown Stapler is a professional quality innovated home improvement tool. The Narrow Crown Stapler features an oilfree operation that requires no regular maintenance and eliminates the risk of stains on project surfaces. This crown stapler has a lightweight aluminum design and a toolfree adjustable exhaust that conveniently directs exhaust from your face quick release nose for easy jamb clearing and toolfree depth adjust. This tool also comes equipped with Teflon orings one piece drive blade air filter dust cap and dual spring magazine which makes this stapler the obvious choice. The 1.25in Narrow Crown Stapler is great for interior decorative trim cabinetry cabinet backing crafts and hobbies.

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/438S2R-1 16 Gauge 1-in Wide Crown 1-1/2-in Roofing Stapler $269.99 1-in Wide Crown Jam-Free Stapler - U/438S2R

Factory Reconditioned Bostitch U/650S4-1 16 Gauge 1/2-in Crown 2-in Sheathing and Siding Stapler $289.99 1/2-in Crown Jam-Free Construction Stapler - U/650S4