Top 5 Tools Most Tradies Finance First (2025 Market Data)

17 Nov

Most financed tradie tools in 2025 – Switchboard Finance

Every tradie knows the feeling — your tools are getting slower, the batteries don’t hold charge, and somewhere deep down you realise:

“If I upgraded just a few key tools, I’d get through jobs faster and make more money.”

You’re not wrong. In 2025, lenders see thousands of tradies financing tools, and the same five items rise to the top every single time.

Here’s the real list — based on lending data, equipment value, depreciation trends, and ROI across trades.

Check Tool Upgrade Options

The Top 5 Tools Tradies Finance First in 2025

These tools deliver the biggest jump in productivity, the highest approval rates, and the strongest resale confidence for lenders.

1. Impact Drivers

Fast, powerful and used hourly. Impact drivers are the most commonly financed tradie tools because:

they noticeably speed up jobs
they wear out faster than almost any other tool
lenders consider them “essential-use assets” (Tier 1)

2. Battery Packs + Fast Chargers

Dead batteries = dead income. Upgrading batteries gives immediate ROI because it saves hours every week.

Tradies often bundle these into one Low Doc Equipment Loan.

3. Nail Guns

Carpenters, sparkies, chippies — everyone benefits from a fresh nailer. They’re also perfectly sized for low doc approvals ($400–$1,200 each).

4. Mitre Saws

This is one of the best ROI upgrades for any carpenter or installer. A new mitre saw improves:

speed
accuracy
cut quality

And lenders love them because they hold predictable resale value.

5. Dust Extractors

Increasingly popular in 2025 due to safety regulations and client expectations. They also reduce cleanup time, meaning:

more jobs per day → more income.

Why These Tools Have High Approval Rates

Lenders classify them as Tier 1 essential assets:

low risk
high utilisation
simple to value
core to earning income

This means tradies can often get $3k–$15k approved fast under low doc conditions — especially if your ABN is 12+ months old.

See Blog 1 for actual borrowing ranges: How Much Can Tradies Borrow in 2025?

Why Tradies Upgrade Tools Through Finance Instead of Cash

Three reasons:

You keep cash flow free for jobs & emergencies
You avoid downtime and speed up your workflow
You can bundle multiple tools into one simple repayment

Tool bundles are common under: Tradie Loan Pack.

How Much Can You Borrow for Tool Upgrades?

Most tradies finance between $5,000–$25,000 for tools, depending on:

ABN age
bank statement strength
asset types

For exact numbers, see our Borrowing Power Guide.

Tax Benefits of Tool Upgrades

The ATO allows deductions for tools used primarily for work. Always confirm with your accountant, or visit:

https://www.ato.gov.au

What to Read Next (Today’s Tradie Cluster)

Talk to a Broker

FAQ

Can I finance multiple tools at once?

Yes — bundling tools into one loan is common and preferred by lenders.

Do I need tax returns?

No — low doc tool finance uses bank statements and ABN age instead.

What tools give the fastest ROI?

Impact drivers, batteries and mitre saws deliver the biggest productivity jump.

All external links verified live (200 OK) as of publication.

Nikki Lim