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Milwaukee 15-Gauge Finish Nailer: A Hands-On Review
Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, a good finishing nail gun can boost your productivity and simplif...
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The Best Drywall Lifts to Simplify Construction Projects
I know from personal experience that a good drywall lift can make a world of difference. Without one, hanging drywall...
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3 Reasons Millennials Are Quitting DIY Projects Before They’re Done
Many homeowners have renovation projects in mind to turn their outdated abodes into beloved dwellings. A recent surve...
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Hands-On Tool Review: Did the DeWalt Narrow Crown Stapler Nail It?
We own a narrow crown stapler that gets a lot of use in our small woodworking and trim projects. This type of stapler...
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The Dremel 4300: A Comprehensive Review of This High Performance Rotary Tool
Rotary tools are go-to picks for engraving, sanding, and cutting projects. These compact little powerhouses accept in...
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Get a Leg Up: A Review of the HBTower Folding Step Stool
Step stools are practical solutions for reaching overhead without having to stand on a rickety chair or other unsafe ...
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Hart Tools: Is Walmart’s New Tool Line a Game Changer?
Walmart has always sold a variety of household tools, but its launch of Hart Tools in 2019 officially put it in compe...
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Plug In and Power Up: A Tested Review of the DeWalt Charging Station
In a world where cordless tool power is taking over, the DeWalt DCB104 charging station offers a substantial benefit ...
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Shark HydroVac Review: Is This Vac/Mop as Good as a Bissell CrossWave?
I value a clean house, but as a working parent with three active kids, cleaning our floors at the end of a long day c...
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We Tested 300+ Products in 2023, and These Were Our Favorites
The Bob Vila team tests products all year long, from robotic pool cleaners and portable generators to power drills an...
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The Best Power Tools & DIY Products Tested in 2023
From 143 to 12: That’s how far we whittled our lineup of the best tested power tools and DIY products to make this en...
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The Best Garage Storage Systems to Organize Your Tools and Gear
A garage can be an invaluable space for everything from tools and cleaning equipment to leisure and hobby gear, but w...
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The Best Rechargeable Battery Chargers for Your Various Needs
A good rechargeable battery charger has one purpose: to make sure you always have juiced-up batteries ready to power ...
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How to Open a Bottle Without a Bottle Opener: 10 Easy Methods
No one can claim innocence here. We’ve all been in a position where the only thing between us and a cold one is a pop...
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Tool-For-All: How to Host a Neighborhood Tool Share
You need a snowblower but just don’t have it in the budget right now, so you borrow one from your neighbor. He needs ...
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Generac Generators and Frigidaire Cooktops: 30 Recalls You Need to Know for Fall 2023
Staying on top of product recalls is essential for consumers to ensure that our families stay safe. The Consumer Prod...
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How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Floor Sander?
Highlights It will typically cost between $42 and $200 per day to rent a floor sander. The exact cost will depend o...
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These 13 Hot-Ticket Items Are At Their Lowest Prices Ever Right Now
Cyber Monday is one of the best times of year to shop for everything you need for the home, and this year is no excep...
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Final Hours of Cyber Monday: 50+ Editor-Approved Tool Deals to Shop
Cyber Monday 2023 is here! And our editors have been enjoying leftovers while shopping every home improvement store f...
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All of the Ways You Can Get a Free DeWalt Tool—or 2—for Black Friday
Nothing beats free, right? This year, the big home improvement stores have rolled out buy-one-get-one and buy-one-get...
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9 Fireplace Screens for a Safe, Inviting Hearth
Fireplace screens are an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone who has an open fire. They prevent sparks and...
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Can The PowerSmith Ash Vacuum Tackle The Messiest Fireplaces?
It's tough to beat the radiant warmth and ambience of a real wood fire, but it can be tedious to clean up the inevita...
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One Tool to Do It All: Truly Garden Hori Hori Knife Review
Gardeners who find themselves spending an inordinate amount of time chasing down the right tool for a variety of jobs...
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Bissell SpinWave Review: The Best of the 15 Floor Scrubbers We Tested
My house is full of hard floors—hardwoods in the main living areas, luxury vinyl plank in the basement, and ceramic t...
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Lowe's Is Giving Away Tools for Cyber Monday—Plus Up to $920 Off Appliances and More
It's Cyber Monday, and Lowe's is not holding back on doorbuster-worthy deals! With its unbeatable prices, speedy deli...
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19 Surprising Alka-Seltzer Uses for the Home and Garden
That recognizable refrain of “plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is” can be applied to many problems that h...
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Is Husqvarna a Good Brand?
Shoppers on the hunt for lawn and garden equipment have no doubt encountered a variety of Husqvarna products and migh...
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11 Clever, Renter-Friendly Ways to Use Command Hooks
Whether you’re living in a rental and are forbidden from drilling holes in walls, or you’re a homeowner experimenting...
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If the DeWalt 20V Chainsaw Doesn’t Work for Every Task, Is It Worth It?
If you’re in the market for a small battery-powered chainsaw, there are lots of good options and a few not-so-good on...
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This Fiskars Reel Mower Cuts Better Than the Competition
Push reel lawn mowers have been around for a long time and still retain a loyal following for many good reasons. Thes...
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Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Review: Eliminate Dirt and Grime With Superheated Steam
Steam cleaners dislodge dirt and sanitize, using only water. Some models work as mops or handheld units, while others...
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Nailing It: An In-Depth Review of the DeWalt Cordless Framing Nailer
A cordless framing nailer offers the advantage of unrestricted movement and gives users the ability to work in tight ...
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The Greenworks 40V Pole Saw Cuts High Branches With No Ladder Required
If you’ve ever considered climbing a ladder to remove a branch with a chainsaw, then you might need a pole saw. Chain...
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Drilling in Tight Spaces: A Makita Right-Angle Drill Review
If you’re not yet acquainted with the remarkable versatility of a right-angle drill—the top tool for drilling in tigh...
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The Best Fire Pit Tongs of 2023
Tending to bonfires or outdoor fireplaces requires a set of fire pit tongs up to the task. These handy tools typicall...
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Wen Drywall Sander: It Performed with Power and Versatility in Our Tests
Drywall sanding can be unpleasant work. It takes a long time, and the fine dust it creates manages to coat everything...
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Does The Schumacher Portable Power Station Do More Than Jump a Dead Battery?
When there’s a car on the side of the road with a dead battery or a flat tire, all we can focus on is a solution. We ...
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This Mechanics Tool Set Delivers the Quality You Expect From the DeWalt Name
Given the reputation DeWalt has for making quality tools, it’s not surprising that its socket set topped our list of ...
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Save Big with the 19 Best October Prime Day Deals on Craftsman Tools
Craftsman, a highly regarded manufacturer, consistently earns top marks in Bob Vila’s rigorous hands-on tests, such a...
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Worx Pegasus Folding Work Table Review: How Good Is This Sawhorse With Wings?
The sawhorse is one of the simplest and oldest tools carpenters, boatwrights, woodworkers, painters, and a host of ot...
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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Shed Kit
A shed lets you declutter the house, move tools and equipment out of the garage or basement, and be more organized an...
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Precision Meets Portability: An In-Depth Review of the DeWalt 10-Inch Table Saw
The popularity of table saws stems from their unparalleled ability to cut through materials with accuracy and ease, s...
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Can the Husqvarna Zero-Turn Mower Cut a Bumpy Lawn at Top Speed?
If you measure your lawn in acres rather than square feet, then a zero-turn riding mower might be right for you. Unli...
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See What Happened When I Used the Kushlan Cement Mixer to Pour a Shed Foundation
Whether it’s replacing a mailbox post, repairing the sidewalk, or building a new shed, the time eventually comes when...
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The Best Jackhammers of 2023
In the past, jackhammers were noisy, heavy tools operated mostly by professional road crews or demolition workers. Mu...
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The Versatile Gorilla Ladder May Be The Only Ladder You Ever Need
Gorilla's multi-position ladder, the GLMPXA-22, combines stability, safety, and convenience into one impressive packa...
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Is DeWalt a Good Brand?
DeWalt is widely regarded as a top-tier brand in the tool industry due to its exceptional quality, durability, and pe...
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The Best Labor Day Tools Deals of 2023
Labor Day has become synonymous with unbeatable deals, making it the perfect time to score deep discounts on a wide r...
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The Wagner Paint Sprayer Provides the Best Bang for the Buck in Our Latest Test
When it comes to quickly painting large surfaces, such as walls, or getting a professional-looking finish on contoure...
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Master the Art of Tile Cutting With the DeWalt Tile Saw: A Hands-On Review
The DeWalt D24000S 10-inch wet tile saw is a game changer for tile-setting projects. With a robust 1. 5-horsepower (h...
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Hands-On Review: Unveiling the DeWalt PowerStack Advantage in High-Performance Batteries
Get ready to supercharge your power tools with DeWalt's latest offering: PowerStack batteries. As an avid constructio...
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Ace Hardware Is Giving Away Free Craftsman Batteries—Here's How to Get Yours
Between its high-speed power tools and variety of DIY essentials, Craftsman has quickly become one of our favorite to...
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The Ultimate Carhartt Vest: Tested and Approved for DIYers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Durable outdoor vests have always been go-to choices for DIYers and professionals working in demanding environments. ...
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The Best Air Compressors for Home Garages of 2023
Those who have never owned an air compressor for home garage use might not realize the flexible uses the tool can pro...
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The Best Work Boots for Concrete of 2023
An article on work boots for concrete might seem highly specialized, yet the surface is everywhere. Concrete floors a...
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The Best Tool Box Organizers of 2023
A good tool box organizer makes a huge difference in time and workflow when common tools are frequently being reached...
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Why I Prefer the TruArt Stage 1 Pyrography Pen Over the Walnut Hollow Versa-Tool
Getting started with pyrography—the art of decorating wood or other surfaces with heated tools or a fine flame—can be...
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Prime Day Steal: Upgrade DIY Projects With the Dremel 4300 Tool Kit for 32% Off
With its versatile range of attachments and accessories, the Dremel 4300-5/40 kit can tackle any project with precisi...
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Last-Minute Prime Day Deals: Up to 32% Off EGO Power Tools and Mowers
It's the last call on Amazon Prime Day's unbeatable deals on Ego tools and mowers! From now until midnight, 12 am PT ...
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Save Up to $700 on Grills, Tools, and Mowers at Ace Hardware Right Now
Contrary to popular belief, Amazon isn't the only place to find great deals on July 11 and 12. Several online retaile...
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Our Favorite Impact Driver Is a Whopping 50% Off In Prime Day's Final Hours
Amazon's Prime Day sale event features half-off the DeWalt 20V MAX impact driver, making these two days the perfect t...
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10 OSHA-Approved Safety Tips to Practice at Home
Workplace health and safety standards are essential to protecting workers from hazards and preventing job-related ill...
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Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Electrician’s Tool Belt Review: Electrifying or a Short Circuit?
While small electrical jobs rarely require more than a tool or two, big jobs are different. Whether it's wiring an en...
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Lowe's Is Giving Away Free Tools for Craftsman Days
Here at Bob Vila, we love a good tool deal from a great brand—but we especially can't pass up a BOGO deal. Now throug...
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Deal Alert: Shop DeWalt Tools Up to 55% Off Post-Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day's 48-hour run may be over, but there are still so many incredible tool deals to take advantage of po...
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This Battery Chainsaw Beat a Dozen Competitors During Testing
There are plenty of sound reasons to own a good chainsaw, and it needn’t be bulky, heavy, or difficult to operate. Ba...
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The Best Gardening Stools of 2023
Gardeners have to balance their passion for growing beautiful flowers and tasty veggies with the physical toll that r...
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So, How Good Is a Harbor Freight Air Compressor? We Tested It!
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional mechanic, or just someone who wants to keep their car tires inflated,...
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My Current Favorite Tool: Bostitch BTFP72156 Smart Point Finish Nailer
When I planned to finish the interior of my covered deck with tongue and groove pine, I needed a way to fasten the bo...
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Lots of Light for a Low Price? Find Out How the Slonik Headlamp Hard Hat Light Fared in Our Tough Tests
Great hard hat lights are quite difficult to come by. They’re either too dim, slip off, or simply can’t hold up to th...
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Ratchet Up Your Home Garage a Few Notches With This Milwaukee Socket Set
Milwaukee has a reputation for making some of the best-quality tools in the business, so it comes as little surprise ...
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Work Hard, Play Harder: An Honest Review of Carhartt Cargo Pants
With their relaxed fit and multiple pockets, cargo-style pants are a must-have for DIYers and pros working in rugged ...
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Home Depot Is Giving Away Free Ryobi Tools for Just a Few More Days
The summer savings are already going strong at The Home Depot, with incredible deals on items like outdoor tools, pat...
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The Best Hybrid Table Saws of 2023
Contractor table saws are ideal for rough carpentry jobs, but the blades and fences typically aren’t precise enough t...
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The Best Pool Patches of 2023
Most modern pool patches are easy to use, effective, and very low cost when compared with professional repair. They n...
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The Best Sanders for Hardwood Floors of 2023
It’s possible to use just about any sander for hardwood floors, but some can involve a long, laborious, and uncomfort...
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The Best New Home and DIY Innovations We've Seen This April
This April brought more than just spring showers, blooming florals, and the first licks of warm weather—it also usher...
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Can a Budget-Friendly Compact Circular Saw Get the DIY Job Done? I Put One to the Test
DIYers looking for manageability in a circular saw may want to consider buying a compact circular saw for several rea...
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Lowe's Is Giving Away Free DeWalt Tools—Here's How to Get Yours
Adding to your DeWalt power tool collection can get pricey when many of these top-rated tools cost about $200 apiece,...
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We Tested a Popular Digital Tape Measure: See How Accurate It Is
As technological advances sweep through the construction and remodeling industries, a few old standards are giving wa...
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The 10 Best DeWalt Products to Shop at Home Depot Right Now
This article has been brought to you by The Home Depot. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. It’s no sec...
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We Went the Distance to Bring You the Straight Scoop on the Bosch Blaze GLM 50 C Laser Distance Measure
Whether it’s because you’re working by yourself, need to make a quick (and accurate) calculation, or you’re working o...
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Editors' Picks: Our 5 Favorite New Products for the Home from March
March is an exciting month for many reasons. Not only did this calendar month bring the start of Spring, Pi Day, Slee...
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Solved! How Long Does Super Glue Take to Dry?
Q: The handle just broke off one of my favorite china teapots. I want to try fixing it with super glue, but I don’t k...
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Klein ET310 Circuit Breaker Finder Review: Does it Work?
Any circuit-breaker finder worth its salt should be able to accurately match the circuit breakers on an electrical pa...
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Iwiss Crimping Tool Review: Does it Work?
When it comes to making secure electrical connections on stranded wire, there’s no tool more valuable than a ratcheti...
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DeWalt Rotary Hammer Drill Review: Is It Worth It? We Tested it to Find Out!
Standard drill drivers can handle most hole-drilling tasks in wood, but they don’t do so well when used to drill hole...
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Can You Get the Perfect Finish With the Ryobi Cordless Sander? An Honest Review After Testing
Perhaps the least-liked phase of a woodworking project is sanding, but today's power sanders make quick work of what ...
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Is Yost the Best Choice for a Woodworking Vise?
All-purpose bench vises—the heavy cast-iron sort your grandfather might have had mounted on a bench in his garage—are...
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Klein Hard Hat Review: Is this Vented Hard Hat Worth It?
When it comes to jobsite safety, a hard hat is one of the most important tools one can own. These devices sit suspend...
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Is This Stanley Tool Set Able to Meet Your Home’s Maintenance Needs?
The Stanley 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit has that just-right lineup of tools for handling an assortment of odd jobs ...
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The Best Stick Welders of 2023
Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a useful skill to have in a DIY tool box, regardle...
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DeWalt Cordless Brad Nailer Tested & Reviewed: How Good Is the Popular Trim Tool?
DeWalt power tools are mainstays for both pros and DIYers, and the brand name has become synonymous with high quality...
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Bostich Brad Nailer Tested & Reviewed: See How The Smart Point Performed
If you associate the name "Bostitch" with office and home staplers, you're not alone. But the company also manufactur...
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HK Porter 24-Inch Bolt Cutters Review: Do They Work?
Anyone who's lost the key to a padlock and used a hacksaw to methodically saw through the steel shank has likely wish...
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Craftsman 102-Piece Mixed Tool Set Review: Is it Worth It?
A dependable set of hand tools—including those for cutting, driving, gripping, and measuring—is essential for perform...
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9 Tools and Strategies You Need for a Remodel, According to General Contractors
Starting a renovation is a big decision. It takes time, planning, money, and the proper tools. This article plans to ...
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How to Use a Torque Wrench
Especially important when it comes to car maintenance, a torque wrench tightens bolts to a specific torque level, ens...
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8 Ways to Clean Your Garden Tools for Spring Growing Season
Spring is nearly here, and it’s time to get your tools ready for this year’s gardening season. Before you start plant...
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How to Use a Belt Sander
A handheld belt sander will rip through old paint or varnish in minutes. It can smooth flooring or decking at remarka...
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We Tested the 36-Volt Makita Cordless Circular Saw: Did It Make the Cut?
Circular saws are among the last handheld power tools to go cordless, likely because they require immense power to su...
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Kreg Pocket Hole Jig 320 Review: Does it Work?
Pocket hole jigs make wood joinery faster and easier than traditional methods. Cabinetmakers pioneered the use of the...
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eTork EC3250 Digital Torque Wrench Review: Is it Worth It?
With enough experience, most DIYers can learn to torque nuts and bolts appropriately without the risk of snapping the...
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The 15 Most Useful Power Drill Attachments
A power drill is a workhorse that’s essential to many DIY projects. While you probably already have the standard bits...
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Proceed With Caution: 12 Power Tools That Can Kill You
Power tools are, well, powerful. They have electric-, air-, or gas-powered motors that spin, slice, shoot, cut, smash...
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25 Types of Nails and How to Use Them
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail,” wrote Abraham Maslo...
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The Best Portable Sawmills of 2023
Sooner or later, homesteaders and folks who regularly convert trees into usable (and valuable) lumber may wish to own...
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Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Tool Review: Is it Worth it?
Oscillating tools, sometimes called multi-tools (because they accomplish a variety of tasks), are relatively new to t...
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Home Improvement and Preparedness Tax Holidays in Each State
Investing in home improvement and emergency preparedness supplies is a priority for many Americans, but these items o...
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Is DeWalt’s Cordless 20V MAX the Best Compact Router?
DeWalt has long been a top contender in the power tool industry, producing high-quality tools for pros and DIYers, so...
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The Best DeWalt Tool Deals to Shop in March
Having a reliable set of tools in your workshop or on the job site is integral to the success of your project. When i...
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20 Most Expensive Things Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022
Bob Vila readers were busy in 2022, tackling DIY projects and finding ways to make their life simpler and their home ...
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How to Use a Router the Right Way
Woodworking can challenge your DIY skills and encourage creativity. However, sticking to the most basic tools can be ...
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9 Types of Welds and When to Use Them
When learning how to weld, it’s important to research the best welder for your needs. Another essential element of th...
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The 22 Most Useful Home Products Bob Vila Readers Bought in 2022
Every year product experts at Bob Vila do thousands of hours of hands-on testing and online research. We carry out in...
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20 Last-Minute Deals You Can Still Get on Tools In Time for Christmas
We're just a few days out from Christmas, and the window is closing to find the perfect gifts for the DIYer in your l...
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MIG vs. TIG Welding: What All DIYers Should Know
MIG vs. TIG welding is a debate that has been going on for decades. Both are types of arc welding commonly used by am...
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The 15 Best Home Depot Tool Deals for December 2022
Whether you want to build furniture, install new light fixtures, or simply hang holiday decorations on the walls, sta...
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20 Best December Deals on Appliances, Tools, and Patio Furniture
Black Friday and Cyber Monday came and went, but the deals on tools, appliances, and patio furniture are just getting...
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The Best Power Tools and DIY Products Tested in 2022
Whether you need to upgrade some tools in your workshop or have some upcoming projects that require new gear, this li...
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You Can Still Get Free Tools from DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi at Home Depot
The Home Depot had packed its Cyber Weekend sales full with plenty of deals on power tools and gear for the workshop....
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The 37 Best Cyber Monday Sales to Shop for Your Home
Cyber Monday deals are officially here. Sure, price drops have been rolling out all month long from Amazon, The Home ...
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The 25+ Best Home Depot Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals of 2022
Like many retailers, The Home Depot adopted a "Black Friday month" approach to store sales this November and released...
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The 39 Best Amazon Black Friday Deals on Tools, Tech, and More
Even after Black Friday sales officially ended yesterday, Amazon continues to have millions of deals across the site ...
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The 13 Best Black Friday Sales for Your Home Improvement Projects
Black Friday has come and gone, but the savings are still here—and you can find them on much more than just TVs and t...
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Lowe's Black Friday Deals Include Up to 47% Off Fridges, Tools, and More
From home repair solutions and high-powered tools to big-ticket appliances and snow blowers, Lowe's is a great one-st...
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The 28+ Best Amazon Black Friday Deals You Can Shop Right Now
Black Friday is only days away, but the deal announcements have already rolled in from all of the major retailers. Un...
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The 27 Best Home Depot Black Friday Deals of 2022 You Can Already Shop
There is no need to wake up early or brave the crowds on Black Friday to save at The Home Depot. The retailer’s early...
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Shop Class for Kids
Gone are the days of learning to use hand tools in shop class at school. The disappearance of this educational opport...
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A DIY-Friendly Approach to Welding?We Tested the YesWelder MIG-205DS to See if It's Is Worth It
Unless you’re an experienced metalworker, welding is usually a little bit intimidating. High voltages, bright flashes...
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Find Dremel Deals Up to 34% Off for Amazon Prime Early Access Sale
There are plenty of deals to be found during Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale, including some great steals from one o...
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DeWalt Tools Are Up to 65% Off in Amazon Prime Early Access Sale
Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale has finally arrived, and we’re seeing a lot of great deals for items like miter saws...
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The Best Amazon Prime Early Access Tool Deals on DeWalt, Craftsman, and More
The Prime Early Access Sale is finally here, dropping deals on tools and supplies that DIYers and professionals love....
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The Best Palm Nailers
Palm nailers are light, compact, highly maneuverable, and easy to use. Just load a nail into the front, position it, ...
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Our Favorite Amazon Prime Early Access Deals on Home, Garden, Tools, and More
The second Prime Day of 2022 (AKA, "Prime Early Access Sale") is officially here! If you're looking for an early kick...
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DeWalt Is Giving Away Free Batteries for Tools Purchased This Month
When a deal comes around that gives DIYers and professionals alike the opportunity to save, we get pretty excited. No...
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The Best Table Saw Fences of 2023
One of the key accessories for a table saw is a sturdy fence. It is almost impossible to cut boards and sheet materia...
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The Best Welding Clamps
Welding clamps are commonly used to hold material in place while welding, to hold two or more pieces together during ...
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10 Woodturning Tools Every Beginner Needs
Woodturning on a lathe is one of the most rewarding woodworking skills. Using a wood lathe requires significant patie...
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20 Woodturning Projects for Beginners
Few tools strike as much intimidation into the hearts of beginner and advanced woodworkers alike as the common lathe....
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The Best Plastic Welders
Plastic welders can fix broken garden furniture, toys, kayaks, car bumpers, and a whole host of other items. In many ...
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The 20 Best Labor Day Tool Deals at Home Depot, Lowe's, and More
Labor Day is just days away now—Monday, September 5—and home improvement retailers are currently cutting prices on al...
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How to Use a Lathe for Woodturning
As far as woodworking projects go, few are as satisfying as those turned on a lathe. But what is a lathe? A lathe is ...
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How to Turn Wood Accessories for Your Home
Woodturning is a fascinating hobby and not quite like any other kind of woodworking. Even though it involves a machin...
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The Best Tool Belt Suspenders
Although tool boxes and rolling tool bags offer plenty of storage, tool belts allow greater mobility and provide quic...
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The Best Drywall Screw Guns
A standard sheet of drywall (or Sheetrock) is 8 feet long by 4 feet wide and weighs about 50 pounds. Trying to hold t...
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The Best Sandblasters of 2023
A good sandblaster can make many tough jobs—including restoring antique cars, returning concrete to like-new conditio...
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The Best Dethatching Rakes
Over time, dead grass clippings can accumulate between the green leafy blades of grass and the soil, creating a layer...
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The Best Step Stools to Give You a Boost, Tested
Step stools are handy for almost any task that involves reaching up high, from accessing the top cabinet in the kitch...
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The Best Mechanic Tool Boxes
Whether it’s for an automotive enthusiast, an all-around DIY repair person, or a seasoned professional, a trusty mech...
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The Best Nail Guns for Fencing
Using a nail gun for fencing is faster and safer than using a hammer. Nails themselves needn’t be held with these too...
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Lowe's Labor Day Sale 2022: Save on Appliances, Grills, Tools, and More
The Labor Day sales are in full force right now, with retailers offering exciting discounts on everything from furnit...
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15 Tools Every First-Time Homeowner Needs
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the purchase of a first home. There’s also plenty of projects—jobs to tackle ...
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Bob Vila’s 10 “Must Do” Projects for September
This month is a transitional one, one in which you’ll be winding down the garden but also making preparations for hun...
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Harbor Freight's Early Labor Day Sale Includes Tool Deals Starting $1
Harbor Freight—a tool retailer known for budget-friendly collections—has already announced more than 90 deals to shop...
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The Best Tools to Cut Drywall
Although drywall typically goes up quickly (and is one of the most exciting stages of a project), cutting it accurate...
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The Best Vinyl for Cricuts
Cricut machines, which let users design and precisely cut out images for projects, have exploded in popularity in rec...
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The Best Heat Transfer Vinyl
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) used to be relegated to commercial use, but with the increased popularity of at-home cuttin...
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The Best Belt Sanders
A belt sander is a relatively common power tool that is used to remove layers of wood, metal, plastic, or other targe...
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The Best Truck Tool Boxes
When it comes to hauling gear, tools, and other items around, it really doesn’t get more convenient than a truck bed....
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The Best Tactical Flashlights
Designed to be rugged and used in demanding situations, tactical flashlights should be bright, durable, and dependabl...
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The 18 Best Tools to Buy at Lowe’s in 2023
When it comes to stocking up your workshop, you can shop Lowe's tools from some of the most trusted brands, like DeWa...
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10 Products That Help Make Home Improvement Accessible to Just About Everyone
In the past few decades, manufacturers have developed products to help people with impairments live active, varied li...
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The 10 Loudest Power Tools in Your Workshop
The sounds of grinding, vibrating, buzzing, and boring may be welcome signs of progress and accomplishment to DIYers,...
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Fractal Wood Burning: What You Need to Know About TikTok's Most Dangerous DIY Trend
Recently, there’s been increased online interest in fractal wood burning, a process that uses electricity to burn pat...
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The Best Steak Knives
A juicy steak might be the star of your next dinner, but even the most tender meat is too dense to cut with a standar...
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The Best Cabinet Table Saws of 2023
Cabinet table saws, often just called cabinet saws, are the largest of the table saws, with huge power and tremendous...
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The Best Drones for Real Estate
Drones, technically known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are capable of capturing aerial images and video footag...
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The Best Welding Jackets to Make Your Job Safer—and Easier
To stay safe while you are welding, it’s necessary to have protection, such as welding boots, pants, a helmet, and a ...
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The Best Car Lifts for Home Garages
Car lifts are all about convenience. Whether they’re for gearheads who can’t stand the thought of anyone else touchin...
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The Best Jointer Planer Combos
Buying rough lumber can save a lot of money and offers the opportunity to find and use interesting varieties. However...
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Tim Allen and Richard Karn’s Show is Back With a New Name—and Home Improvement Fans Will Love It
 It’s Tool Time… again!It’s been more than two decades since the television series “Home Improvement” left the airwav...
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The Best Ear Protection for Mowing and Comfort
For a lot of folks, getting on or behind a lawn mower is a moment of zen. It’s a chance to clear their thoughts, get ...
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The Best Welding Boots
Welding, like many construction tasks, can be very dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions to stay safe wh...
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The Best DeWalt Table Saws of 2023
Table saws are a versatile staple of DIY enthusiasts, home woodworkers, and jobsite contractors, capable of accuratel...
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The Best Tools Made in the U.S.A. of 2023
American-made tools seem to be harder and harder to find these days. With so many products being made overseas, you m...
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The Best Pin Nailers for Woodworking
There are certain situations in finish carpentry and woodworking where a big finish or brad nail just won’t do. These...
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The Best Hand Trucks to Make Moving Heavy or Awkward Loads Easier
Whether you are moving to a new house, moving work gear from the truck to the garage, or moving boxes of paper from t...
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Plunge Router vs. Fixed-Base Router: What's the Difference?
DIYers and woodworkers (usually) love their tools. But, when two tools—like a plunge router and fixed-base router—app...
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The Best Chainsaw Sharpeners of 2023
Sharpening a chainsaw once meant working on the chain’s individual teeth by hand. Today’s best chainsaw sharpeners ar...
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The Best Backpack Vacuums of 2023
Backpack vacuums are a great alternative to standard upright and stick vacuums. A more convenient choice for cleaning...
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The Best Borescopes: Tiny Cameras on Arms to See Inside Walls
Even for DIYers with excellent eyesight, there are certain barriers through which they’ll never see. Whether it’s an ...
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Testing the Top 10 Hori Hori Knives To Find the Ultimate Garden Tool
 Originating in Japan, the hori hori knife is a multipurpose gardening tool used for digging, cutting, and weeding. A...
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The Best Construction Work Pants
Anyone who works with their hands knows that their clothes can take a beating. Construction, DIY projects, and trade ...
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The Best Metal-Cutting Saws
Sawing through metal by hand is hard work! A hacksaw can tackle occasional small jobs, but for larger pieces or if yo...
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The Best Glues for Rubber
When it comes to gluing rubber to rubber or a variety of diverse substrates, the project’s success depends on selecti...
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The Best Construction Knee Pads
Construction can be brutal on the body. Beyond the heavy lifting and repetitive motions involved, time spent kneeling...
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The Best Glues for Felt
Felt is a thick and warm material made from matted or compressed fibers. These may be natural wool, synthetic fibers,...
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The Best Glues for Cardboard
Creative art-and-craft projects as well as utilitarian home repairs sometimes call for gluing cardboard to cardboard ...
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The Best Electric Hand Planers
Despite painstakingly perfect measurements and perfect cuts, there are times when wood just doesn’t cooperate. Whethe...
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10 Emergency Plumbing Tools All Homeowners Should Have on Hand
Whether you just purchased your first home or have lived in your house for years, having a few emergency plumbing too...
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The Best Echo Chainsaws
Although Echo offers several larger chainsaws for professionals, the bulk of its chainsaws are targeted toward homeow...
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The Best Caulk Removal Tools for Your Tool Kit
Old caulk has a way of stealing the show—and not in a good way. That dingy, cracked sealant can deter from the clean ...
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The Best Cordless Angle Grinders
Whether it’s for the convenience of a cord-free work space or because an off-grid grinding job is on the docket, cord...
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The Best Milwaukee Drills
Milwaukee is a name that always features prominently in independent reviews of leading drill manufacturers. The compa...
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The Best DeWalt Miter Saws of 2023
Miter saws are, by far, the most popular cutting tool for residential jobsite use, and they’re also a versatile tool ...
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The Best Welding Helmets
Regardless of the welding process being used, or the welder’s skill, a proper safety helmet must always be worn. No e...
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The Best Quiet Air Compressors of 2023
If you think that air compressors are just tools for auto mechanics and house builders, think again. From inflating t...
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The Best Pickaxes
While a shovel may be the first tool one reaches for to dig a hole, hard, rocky earth often renders the common spade ...
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The Best Heat Press Machines for Your Art Projects
Heat-press machines allow you to transfer custom designs to accessories, including hats, shirts, mugs, throw pillows,...
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How to Cut Screws: 5 Tools That Can Get the Job Done
When a screw head becomes damaged, it can be very difficult to remove from the material in which it is situated. Some...
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The Best Ryobi Drills for Your Budget and Needs
Ryobi, the featured brand of The Home Depot, differentiates itself from the pricier brand names in the power tool wor...
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The Best Husqvarna Chainsaws of 2023
Husqvarna has been one of the top brands of chainsaws on the market for more than 60 years. While you can expect to f...
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Miter Saw vs. Circular Saw: Which Tool Is Right for Your Project?
Miter saw vs. circular saw is a comparison that many DIYers consider while working on home renovation projects, becau...
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10 Inflation Price Hikes That Will Increase the Cost of Your Home Projects This Year
While some industries are beginning to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic, the home improvement trade continues to st...
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Chop Saw vs. Miter Saw: What’s the Difference Between These Cutting Tools? 
It’s not unusual for miter and chop saws to get mixed up. The fact that miter saws are sometimes mistakenly called ch...
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How to Organize a Tool Box Like a Pro
Whether you’re a keen DIYer or a pro, there’s little more frustrating than being unable to find the right tool when y...
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Jointer vs. Planer: What’s the Difference Between These Big-Ticket Woodworking Tools?
Craftspeople tackling fine woodworking projects need their stock to be as flat, square, and consistent as possible. T...
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How to Change a Drill Bit
Changing a drill bit is one of the first steps in a DIYer’s journey from green to great. But, for someone who isn’t q...
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The Best Heated Socks of 2023
Outdoor activities in cold weather pose challenges for both safety and comfort. That’s why it’s imperative to wear op...
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The Best Welders for Beginners of 2023
Welding (commonly defined as the process of uniting metal substances) can be used to fix auto bodywork, repair a gate...
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The Best Plate Compactors
Nothing is as effective as a plate compactor when it comes to creating a solid foundation for hardscaping projects li...
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The Best Table Saws for Beginners
When shopping for table saws for beginners, the primary focus must be safety. In many cases, this means not settling ...
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The Best DeWalt Impact Drivers for Every Job
DeWalt is one of the most well-respected power tool brands in the business, so it’s no wonder that the company makes ...
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The Best DeWalt Drills
As one of the best-known and best-regarded names in power tools, DeWalt has a collection of drills that are highly re...
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The Best Milwaukee Impact Drivers
Impact drivers are the go-to tool when dealing with long screws and other large fasteners. An impact driver delivers ...
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The Best TIG Welders for the Workshop
The TIG welder was first developed in the 1930s as a way to weld lightweight magnesium for the aircraft industry. The...
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The Best MIG Welders of 2023
MIG (metal inert gas) welding, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), is generally accepted as the easiest type ...
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How to Use a Drill
One of the most important DIY tools is the trusty power drill. Equipped with speed and torque, a power drill can bore...
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How to Measure a Chainsaw Bar and Chain
An essential tool in the professional- and DIY-forestry worlds, the chainsaw is a powerhouse—when it's running well. ...
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Antique vs. Vintage Wares: This is the Actual Difference
Antique and vintage—these two terms are commonly confused and often erroneously used interchangeably to refer general...
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The Best Lawn Mower Repair Services of 2023
The yard is a great place for the kids and pets to run and play. It’s also nice to have outdoor space for get-togethe...
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The Best Rotary Laser Levels of 2023
A rotary laser level is an invaluable tool for a variety of jobs where maintaining accuracy over a wide area or long ...
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14 Invaluable Tools to Have on Hand When DIY-ing Alone 
DIY projects big and small are often solitary tasks. Sometimes there’s nobody around to lend a hand and other times, ...
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How to Use a Circular Saw
DIYers have a wide variety of cutting tools available to them, but few are as convenient and versatile as the circula...
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The Best Makita Drills
Makita offers an impressive range of drills that are highly regarded for their competitive performance and excellent ...
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How to Change a Circular Saw Blade
A staple in workshops and on construction sites, circular saws are one of the more popular portable power tools, priz...
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The Best Trenching Shovels
An all-purpose shovel will surely come in handy for all sorts of digging projects, but having the best trenching shov...
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15 Demolition Tools Every DIY Remodeler Should Know
Whether you’re gutting a 1970s-style bathroom, converting the kitchen and living room into a space with an open floor...
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The Best Welding Gloves to Keep the Heat at Bay
Welding can produce temperatures upward of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it absolutely essential to have the righ...
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How to Tighten a Chainsaw Chain
Chainsaw chains are the part of the chainsaw blade that cuts through wood. Over time, the chain can stretch slightly ...
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8 Handy Ways to Use a Reciprocating Saw
While it is a common tool in many DIY projects, some people still ask what is a reciprocating saw and what is a recip...
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15 Easy Ideas for Tool Storage
When your tool shed or garage is organized, it can make tackling a new project so much easier. Rather than searching ...
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The Best Hard Hats Tested in 2023
The jobsite can be a danger zone, and various home improvement projects come with their share of injury risks as well...
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How to Use a Miter Saw to Make Miter and Bevel Cuts
Whether it’s for cutting framing lumber square and true, or cutting a perfect crown molding joint, a miter saw can be...
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Power Tools Substitutions: What to Do When You Don't Have Just the Right Tool for the Job
Most folks are familiar with the phrase, “the right tool for the right job. ” While there’s good reason for that adag...
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Brushless vs. Brushed Motor: Which Is Best for Your Power Tools?
Often, two power tools from the same manufacturer will have very similar specifications. The only clear difference ma...
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How to Dispose of Old or Broken Tools
DIYers and pros love their tools, but they’re also keenly aware of this harsh reality: They don’t last forever. Wheth...
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How to Dispose of Knives Properly: 3 Safe Solutions
Q: My old knives have seen better days, and I’m ready to purchase a new kitchen knife set. However, I’m not sure how ...
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The 10 Coolest Things We Saw at the 2022 International Builders’ Show
Back in action after a 1-year hiatus, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) welcomed enthusiastic exhibito...
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The Best Stump Grinders of 2023
Investing in a tree stump grinder may not make sense for homeowners who just have a stump or two they need to remove ...
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Black+Decker's New Line of Power Tools Is for the Sustainably Minded DIYer
Two industry leaders have developed a greener approach to power tools for sustainability-minded DIYers. Black+Decker ...
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The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2023
Electric fireplace inserts, popular electric room heaters, are not only energy-efficient and relatively easy to insta...
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The Best Tool Rental Services
Whether a customer is a professional contractor or a homeowner getting ready to kick off their next project but don’t...
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How to Use a Sewing Machine Like a Pro
Knowing how to use a sewing machine opens the door to a whole new world of DIY projects. These tabletop machines are ...
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12 Things That Belong In a Beginner Sewing Kit
Many see sewing as a fun hobby. For others, it is a way to reduce household expenses by making or repairing clothing ...
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13 Essential Tools for DIY Auto Maintenance
Before starting any new maintenance work or repairs on the vehicle, you will need to know the types of tools that are...
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A Carpenter’s Dream Workshop: 10 Things You Need If You Have the Funds—and the Space
Many veteran and would-be carpenters dream of setting up the ideal space for their crafts. They may pine for a dedica...
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How to Clean a Shop Vac Filter After Dirty Work
Considering the abuse that most shop vacs see on a regular basis, they have a pretty tough life full of dirt, grime, ...
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How To Build the Perfect Starter Mechanic’s Garage
A version of this story originally appeared on The Drive. Bob Vila is partnering with The Drive to share syndicated a...
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How to Use a Shop Vac for Floods, Spills, and Other Liquid Messes
When a liquid mess occurs, such as a water main break, leak, or flood, there may be no more indispensable tool than a...
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How to Sharpen Loppers—and Why You Should
Unlike garden shears, which are similar to scissors in design, loppers are designed for use with both hands, which al...
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10 Mistakes That Are Killing Your Power Tool Batteries
 Your Bad (or Misinformed) Habits are Killing Your Power Tool Batteries When asked which power tool brand someone sho...
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Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washer: Choosing the Right Cleaning Machine
A pressure washer is an indispensable tool for all kinds of cleaning tasks, both DIY and professional. Light-duty mod...
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The Best Tool Subscription Boxes
While most people build their tool collections over time by acquiring tools to complete particular projects, such a p...
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These 32 Black Friday Tool Deals Are Still Available on Amazon
Prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 11/28/2021. DIYers, get excited: With Black Friday sales sti...
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The Best Home Depot Black Friday Deals You Can Still Find on GE, DeWalt, and More
Prices listed here are accurate as of the last update on 11/28/21. The best Home Depot Black Friday deals are still g...
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These 9 Handy Helpers Make the Best Stocking Stuffers
Looking for a gift they'll enjoy for years to come? Check out our gift guide to find the perfect multi-purpose accessory for that special someone. <i>This ...
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Find an Amazing Deal on Brand-Name Tools? They Might Be Fake
Power tools that look like those made by well-respected brands may not always be what they seem, especially if there’...
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The Best Chainsaw Mills of 2023
Store-bought lumber is expensive, and it can vary in quality considerably. For those who have access to a supply of l...
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Jigsaw vs. Reciprocating Saw: Which Cutting Tool is Best for Your Project?
Reciprocating saws and jigsaws are both popular tools capable of a multitude of DIY and professional tasks. While bot...
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The Best Portable Table Saws Tested and Reviewed in 2023
Table saws are a baseline necessity in many homes and professional workshops. Portable models are the go-to tool for ...
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25 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the DIYers on Your Holiday List 
Unlike gift-buying for many hobbyists, shopping for stocking stuffers for a DIYer can be a lot of fun. There are so m...
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The Best Drill Bits for Tile Tested in 2023
Drilling holes in tile—to install towel rods in a bathroom renovation, say—can be tricky. There's always a risk the t...
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The Best Anti-Fog Safety Glasses
Safety gear is required on job sites for a variety of professions, and DIYers are strongly advised to follow that lea...
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12 Products Under $30 That Will Make Renovating Your Home Easier
Hammers, cordless drills, reciprocating saws, and the like are all essentials for serious home renovation projects, b...
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4 Different Types of Welding Every DIYer Should Know
Welding can be an absorbing hobby on its own, or it can be a useful skill for DIYers, vehicle restorers, home enginee...
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The Feature-Rich Bosch GLL3-330GC Laser Level Comes With a Hefty Price Tag. Is It Worth It?
During almost any renovation, repair, or building project, a laser level can be one of the most important tools a DIY...
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The Best Cheap Tools
Cheap tools are often the ones consumers overlook in favor of the sought-after high-end brands DIYers and pros alike ...
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The Best Electric Scissors
Electric scissors may be one of the lesser-known power tools, but for those who spend a lot of time crafting or sewin...
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The Best Circular Saw Blades
Circular saws typically include a standard blade for general-purpose work. Although these blades work well to crosscu...
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The Best Gas Fireplace Inserts of 2023
There are several different types of fireplace inserts, but gas fireplaces are a favorite because they offer the ambi...
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The Best Fireplace Tools to Keep Your Fireplace Clean—and Stylish
Whether you have a traditional open fire, a wood-burning fireplace insert, or a wood stove, a set of fireplace tools ...
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13 Cheap Home Repair Products You Never Knew You Needed
Perform your own home repairs and maintenance using these affordable, problem-solving products.
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11 Types of Axes Every Homeowner Should Know
Many people can think of a few different types of axes, but if they are asked to expand on this list to include types...
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The Best Miter Saw Blades for Fine Cuts
Most saws are typically sold with a budget blade, regardless of the saw type. Even the best miter saw includes a basi...
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15 Surprising DIY Products You Can Have Auto-Delivered via Amazon Subscribe and Save
Think Amazon Subscribe and Save is just for household items like toothpaste, baby wipes, and laundry pods? Think again. Keep your workshop stocked with auto shipm...
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How to Cut Foam in 3 Easy Steps
Refurbishing old furniture is a popular hobby, and for good reason. It’s amazing how a new coat of paint or a change ...
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This DEWALT TSTAK Tool Organizer Is Affordable, But Does It Work?
When it comes to tool storage, many DIYers may envision that red metal tool box that plumbers and handymen carried fr...
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This Husqvarna Axe Handles Well But Is It Worth It?
With origins in 1600s Sweden, Husqvarna has a long history of quality products. While they’re no longer known for rif...
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For Us, This Estwing Hammer Is a Solid Hit. Find Out Why We Like It and if It’s the Hammer for You.
I spent many years leaning on my tools to make a living. No, I don’t mean leaning against a shovel or workbench while...
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I Put the No-Frills Milton Tire Gauge Through Its Paces: See How It Performed
New technology is great, as it can make life simpler, more convenient, and fast-track our daily lives. But there is s...
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Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: Which Power Tool Is Best for Your Project?
Put a brad nailer and a finish nailer side by side, and it might be difficult for novice DIYers to tell one from the ...
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The Makita Angle Grinder is Durable, But Does it Perform?
For a long time, angle grinders—tools typically used for cutting, sharpening, cleaning, and polishing metal—were used...
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The Best Air Compressor Hoses for All Your Building and Repair Needs
An air compressor is a valuable asset in any workshop. For jobs as varied as fixing a deflated tire to building a she...
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The Best Portable Band Saws for Your Projects, Tested
In the workshop, a freestanding band saw makes quick work of cutting metal pipes, rebar, conduit, or angle iron, but ...
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Is the NITECORE Flashlight Worth the Money? See What I Found Out When I Put It Through Its Paces
Consumers can choose from a wide variety of tactical-style flashlights that are designed to offer the same benefits a...
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The 12 Best Flashlight Brands
The world is full of lights, so it may seem unnecessary to have a flashlight until the power goes out, or you leave c...
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The Best Rotary Hammer Drills of 2023
Standard hammer drills are powerful tools that can drill through a variety of tough materials, but even the best can’...
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The Best Corded Circular Saws
Both keen DIY woodworkers and professionals have numerous different saws to choose from, but without a doubt the two ...
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Solved! My Leaf Blower Won't Start. What's The Issue?
Q: I’m trying to complete yard work, and my leaf blower won’t start. How can I fix the problem without buying a brand...
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The Home Depot Just Expanded Its Equipment Rental Program—But Should You Rent Your Tools?
DIYers and pros have been relying on rental tools to help them get jobs done for years. From earthmoving equipment to...
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The Best Portable Tool Boxes Tested in 2023
Electricians and plumbers sometimes favor a tool bag, but auto enthusiasts may find that a tool chest makes better se...
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The Best Tools
Building an extensive collection of tools takes time. Even DIYers with a few years and plenty of projects under their...
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The 14 Best Tool Brands for DIYers and Pros
What makes a tool brand rank among the best tool brands? It’s not an easy question to answer. I'm an engineer by trai...
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I Tried The New Cutting-Edge Stud Finder―Did It Work?
The idea that a DIYer could see what's within a wall cavity using a smartphone screen is the stuff of science fiction...
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Are These Affordable 3M Safety Glasses Durable Enough for Tough Jobs?
A wide range of projects around the home requires appropriate safety glasses to help ensure I’m protecting my eyes fr...
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How to Use a Glue Gun for Crafting and Home DIY
A glue gun is a household tool that is both easy to use and super versatile. A crafter’s best friend, it can be put t...
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Solved! Why is My Flashlight Not Working?
Q: Help! My flashlight won’t light up. I’ve only had it for a few months, so age isn’t the issue. Why is my flashligh...
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Is the DeWalt Staple Gun the King of Tacking?
Staple guns are one of those long-standing, classic tools that all DIYers can use. They aid in reupholstering furnitu...
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Solved! How Long Does Wood Glue Take to Dry?
Q: I have some old wooden furniture that I’d like to restore. I was going to repair the damage with wood glue because...
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How To: Move a Shed
If you don’t know how to move a shed, it might seem like an impossible task. But, with the right information and prep...
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The Best Pocket Knife Brands for Everyday Carry
Pocket knives are everywhere. They have become everyday essentials for many, useful for cutting twine, whittling wood...
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The Best Air Impact Wrenches to Make Tough Jobs a Breeze
It’s difficult to imagine the immense torque (twisting force) an air impact wrench can apply, but here’s an example. ...
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Is Husky’s Rolling Tool Bag Worth the Extra Money?
Large, extensive DIY tool kits need storage options that can match them. While some builders, fixers, and creators mi...
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Power Rake vs. Dethatcher: What's the Difference?
A power rake and a dethatcher are sometimes referred to interchangeably as though they are the same tool, but these g...
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The Klein Canvas Tote Bag Provides Quality and Durability—But is it Right for You?
When shopping for a new tool bag, the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming. With bags full of pockets, zippers...
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The Best Glues for MDF Projects Around the House
If you’re tackling woodworking projects using medium-density fiberboard (MDF), it doesn’t take long to realize the di...
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The Best Battery Testers of 2023
A weak or underperforming battery can do strange things to a vehicle, a piece of equipment, or a device. But, simply ...
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The Best Screw Extractors for Removing Stripped or Stuck Fasteners
Few things can bring a building project or repair effort to a grinding halt like a stripped screw or bolt. This frust...
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The Best Orbital Polishers
Keeping a smooth, glossy finish on your truck, boat, trailer, or car is important. Not only does that shine look grea...
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Amazon Prime Day 2021: The Dates and Deals You Need to Know
 Amazon is already known for its low prices, but the best deals of the year come on Prime Day, when the site drops pr...
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Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof: What's the Difference?
If you’re confused about the difference between the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof,” don’t worry, you’re in ...
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The Best Concrete Anchors
Anytime a DIYer has to attach an object to a concrete or masonry surface, the amount of work increases considerably f...
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The Best Sawzall Blades for Sharp Cutting
With the correct blade, a reciprocating saw or saber saw (commonly known as a Sawzall) can make short work of cutting...
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The Best Jigsaw Blades for Sharp Cutting
The broad versatility of jigsaws means you’ll find them just about everywhere, from home tool kits to construction si...
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The Best Dowel Jigs for Your Workshop, Tested and Reviewed
When it comes to wood joinery, creating dowel joints is one of the easiest, most accessible options for DIYers to sta...
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The Best Combination Squares for Your Workshop
Among the wide variety of measuring tools available, a combination square is perhaps the most versatile. It can not o...
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Solved! Does Titanium Rust?
Q: Is it OK to wear a titanium ring while showering or swimming? Does titanium rust?A: Titanium is an incredibly usef...
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The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws Tested in 2023
Reciprocating saws—power tools with long, thin blades that employ a back-and-forth motion to rip through material—hav...
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The Best Glue for Particle Board Projects
Although particle board can be one of the more affordable materials to use for making furniture and even countertops,...
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The Best Sanders for Furniture in 2023
Furniture projects and repairs can be challenging. But, using abrasive sandpaper and rapid oscillation, sanders can g...
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The Best Cordless Finish Nailers of 2023
The finish nailer is arguably the most versatile of the many types of nail guns available. The nails they use provide...
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6 Angle Grinder Uses All DIYers Should Know
Angle grinders are a versatile power tool with a rapidly rotating disc that cuts, grinds, polishes, sharpens, and cle...
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The Best Jump Starters With Air Compressors Tested in 2023
Vehicle breakdowns happen. Whether it’s because someone left a light on or a random item punctured a tire, these mish...
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The Best Cordless Brad Nailers Tested in 2023
For virtually every construction or craft project, including heavy-duty roofing and light upholstery work, there's a ...
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The Best Detail Sanders Tested in 2023
Whether you plan to paint or stain your wood project, you’ll almost certainly need to sand it to smooth the wood grai...
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Solved! My Lawn Mower Won't Stay Running. What's Wrong With It?
Q: I can’t seem to figure out why my lawn mower won’t stay running. There’s plenty of gas and oil in it. Can it be re...
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The Best Cordless Framing Nailers Tested in 2023
Driving a nail with a single hammer stroke is almost a skill of the past—but with today's power nailers, it's no long...
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The Best Back Saws for Precise Cuts
Although a back saw may not be considered an essential woodworking tool, it should by no means be viewed as a luxury ...
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The Best Aluminum Floor Jacks for Your Garage
Floor jacks are excellent for raising a vehicle off the ground. They allow access for regular maintenance, repairs, a...
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The Best Wood Routers for Beginners of 2023
A wood router is an indispensable tool both in the workshop and on the job site. The tools are powerful yet easy to m...
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The Best Fabric Shavers
The pilling starts, and suddenly, that perfect sweater looks perfect no more. Enter the fabric shaver, the rescuer ex...
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The Best Table Saw Accessories for Your Workshop
While the design might seem simple, table saws are incredibly customizable. Pros and hobbyists can choose from an arr...
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The Best Floor Jack for Trucks of 2023
When it comes to truck or SUV maintenance, everything is bigger. Tires, brakes, suspension, and even oil filters are ...
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Solved! My Chainsaw Won't Start
Q: My chainsaw won’t start, and I’m not sure what’s wrong with it. What’s the issue, and how can I fix it?A: A chains...
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The Best Bushcraft Axes for Chopping Wood
Bushcraft, also referred to as wilderness survival skills, requires an extensive amount of knowledge and talents. Amo...
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The Best Cordless Glue Guns of 2023
Cordless hot glue guns provide a quick and convenient way to create adhesive bonds between surfaces such as paper, wo...
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The Best Right-Angle Drills Tested in 2023
Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, you've likely encountered situations where a standard...
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The Best Rolling Tool Bags to Easily Transport Your Tools
Carrying around a heavy tool box might’ve been a badge of honor in generations past, but it can take a toll on your b...
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The Best Oscillating Tool Blades of 2023
Oscillating tools are the multi-tool of saws, capable of performing diverse tasks ranging from cutting and grinding t...
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The Best Shop Stools for Your Garage or Workshop
The proper setup in your garage or workshop is key to quickly and efficiently completing projects. You need a sturdy ...
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The Best Router Lifts for Your Workshop
If you take woodworking seriously, a router can be one of the most valuable tools you can own. Routers offer the abil...
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The Best Low Profile Floor Jacks for Extra Lift
If you’re a hot rodder at heart or simply prefer not to pay for vehicle work that can be done yourself, having the ri...
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The Best Breaker Bars for Loosening Tight Bolts
Removing lug nuts from a rim or getting a frozen or rusted bolt to cooperate can be a frustrating and back-straining ...
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The Best HVAC Multimeter to Check Your System Anytime
Whether you’re repairing your own HVAC system or you’re a professional technician, an HVAC multimeter can be your ace...
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The Best Lineman Pliers for Electrical Work in Your Home
Every home electrician’s tool belt should carry at least one pair of lineman pliers. Used by people in the electrical...
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The Best Floor Scrubbers for Hard-To-Clean Messes, Tested
When a mop and bucket won’t cut it, consider a floor scrubber to get floors back to gleaming clean. The best floor sc...
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The Best Waterproof Tape to Use Around Your Home
Waterproof tape is a large product category that includes several tape types with distinct designs and purposes, incl...
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The Best Waterproof Gloves, Tested and Reviewed
Like a rain jacket for your hands, waterproof gloves are essential accessories for those working—or playing—outdoors ...
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The Best Utility Knife Blades
A utility knife is one of the handiest and most versatile tools to keep in a tool box. It can score drywall, slice ca...
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The Best Gas Chainsaws
Gas chainsaws have a reputation: they’re loud and sometimes hard to use. However, we've found that some of the best g...
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The Best Allen Wrench Sets for Your Tool Box
Although square and triangular drives appeared around 40 years earlier, it was William G. Allen’s hex drive, introduc...
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The Best Compact Circular Saws Tested in 2023
The best compact circular saws have balance, output, and ergonomics that match the work being performed, whether it's...
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What’s the Difference? Hammer Drill vs. Impact Driver vs. Cordless Drill/Driver
Stroll down the power tool aisle at the hardware store and you’ll see a variety of drills and drivers that look fairl...
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The First Power Saw New DIYers Should Buy, According to Experts
Shopping for a power saw can be intimidating. Somebody who’s new to DIY projects might not have the experience to kno...
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The Best Straight Edge Clamp for Making Precision Cuts
Making straight cuts with a circular saw, router, or jigsaw is a challenging task. While a cut with a few hitches in ...
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The Best Slip Joint Pliers to Add to Your Tool Box
It often seems there are pliers for every task, but few offer the versatility of the best slip joint pliers. They mak...
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The Best Fencing Pliers for Fence Repairs and Maintenance
Many different types of fencing are available, and various methods are used for installation and maintenance. Post an...
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The Best Splitting Wedge to Split Logs Easily
Many homes rely on firewood as their primary source of heat, but converting wood logs into usable stacks on your fire...
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The Best Chainsaw for Cutting Firewood for Your Home
Whether for cutting up downed trees for firewood, cleaning up after a bad storm, or doing some pruning around the yar...
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The Best Titanium Hammer to Add to Your Tool Box
Hammers have been an essential carpentry tool for centuries and are found in practically every household tool chest. ...
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The Best Milling Machine for Your Workshop
During the milling process, metal, wood, or plastic is fed through a rotating, multipoint cutter on a table that move...
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The Best Concrete Saws
With any project, it’s important to use the right saw. Otherwise, you can cause premature damage to the blade and wea...
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The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site
Anytime a DIYer or industry professional needs to work up at heights, the usual tool for this purpose is a ladder. Ho...
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The Best Miter Gauges of 2023
The miter is perhaps the most common of woodworking joints. Simple miters can be cut by hand using a miter box. It’s ...
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The Best Saw Blade for Cutting Laminate Flooring
Completing a flooring project with your own skill and expertise is something to be proud of, but trying to tackle a l...
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The Best Spindle Sander for Your Workshop
Where you’re a pro or a hobbyist, taking a woodworking project from good to great requires a bit of an edge—quite lit...
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The Best Welders of 2023
Welding has a reputation for demanding expensive equipment and a high level of skill and training. While historically...
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The Best Router Tables
While a handheld router allows you to do many things without other tools, it does have limitations. Routers are heavy...
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The Best Roof Rakes to Keep Your Home Safe from Heavy Snow, Tested
Wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds per square foot, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),...
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The Best Dust Masks for Woodworking and Other DIY Projects
Creating something with your hands, whether it’s woodworking, painting, renovating, or any other creative pursuit, ca...
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The Best Hole Saw Kits
Cutting a perfectly round hole in wood, plastic, metal, or even ceramic tile requires a specialized type of cutting t...
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The Best Sewing Tables for Fabric DIY Projects
Any project around the home is easier to tackle with the proper tools to get the job done. When working on larger fab...
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The Best Tile Leveling Systems of 2023
Tile offers an extensive range of style and design possibilities for your walls and floors. While it may seem that ti...
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The Best Manual Tile Cutters of 2023
For homeowners considering a tile project or repair, the idea of working with this durable material might seem intimi...
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The Best Bench Sanders of 2023
Bench sanders are designed to sand down large surfaces quickly and easily, so you can finish a woodworking project fa...
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The Best Air Hammers
Few tools can match the versatility of an air hammer. These handy tools are invaluable for auto work, enabling the us...
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The Best Drain Hair Catches for Your Shower
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day. Most of that ...
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The Best Bow Saws for Fast Cuts
The bow saw has been popular with woodworkers since Roman times. Early bow saws were made of wood, with a steel blade...
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The Best Masonry Drill Bits for Concrete and More
Drilling through stone, brick, granite, and even marble is possible, but it takes a tough drill bit made of hard meta...
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The Best Siding Nailers of 2023
Siding helps protect the structure of your home, adds an extra layer of insulation that can lower your energy bill, a...
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The Best Sledgehammers for Your Demolition Project
There’s no denying that swinging a sledgehammer is a ton of fun for many people, but beyond the amusement at hefting ...
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The Best Grass Shears, Tested and Reviewed
After careful mowing, the lawn looks nearly perfect. Yet some grassy areas might require spot trimming or edging to a...
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The Best Shoe Glues of 2023
Shoes, like many common clothing items, can range widely in price, durability, and purpose, but when you find a pair ...
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The Best Splitting Mauls for Cutting Firewood
Those living in wooded areas with plenty of hardwoods have the luxury of free firewood if they have the right tool fo...
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The Best Screwdriver Bit Sets for Your Cordless Drill
The cordless drill may be one of the most versatile tools in any home or shop. Recent advances in battery technology ...
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The Best Forstner Bit Sets
While ordinary drill bits are quite efficient, their cutting action can create ragged holes, particularly when workin...
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The Best Cement Mixers for Your Concrete Projects
There are lots of DIY-friendly projects that require a bit of concrete work. From building decks to erecting a new ma...
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The Best Magnetic Screwdrivers for Your Toolbox
Magnetic screwdrivers create a connection between the tip of the screwdriver and the screw. This magnetic pull settle...
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The Best Crimping Tools Tested in 2023
The best crimping tools can help a variety of wiring projects go smoothly. That's why we performed hours of hands-on ...
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The Best Lock Pick Sets for Emergencies
Though many people associate lock picks with nefarious intent, there are actually plenty of legitimate reasons for ha...
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The Best Penlights for Precise Illumination
If your health care provider has ever pulled a tiny flashlight from the pocket of a lab coat to examine the pupils of...
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The Best Voltage Testers for Your Tool Kit, According to Experts
Those undertaking electrical projects around the home need certain tool box essentials at the ready, including a volt...
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The Best Grease Guns for Car Repairs
Grease guns are used in a variety of applications—from automotive garages to household tool maintenance—to quickly an...
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The Best Mechanic Gloves for Auto Repairs
Whenever you are working with your hands in the workshop or garage, it’s essential to keep in mind the possible reper...
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The Best Impact Sockets for Your Toolbox
If you’ve spent any length of time working on automobiles, you’ve likely come across the benefits an impact wrench of...
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The Best Drawer Slides
Rarely do we give a second thought to the way our cabinets and drawers open and close—that is, unless they squeak whe...
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The Best Candle Lighters
Few moments are more frustrating than reaching down to the bottom of a deep candle to light the wick only to wind up ...
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The Best Roofing Nailers for Shingle Repair
While replacing or repairing a roof can save you hundreds in labor costs, attempting a complete roofing job with a ha...
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The Best Wire Cutters
Whether you’re an electrician, mechanic, or DIYer, a quality pair of wire cutters can make an indispensable addition ...
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The Best Pry Bars for Your Tool Kit
Wrecking bars, crowbars, and pry bars are often combined in the same category, but important differences exist. One o...
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The Best Paper Cutters, Tested and Reviewed
A paper cutter can cleanly cut paper, photographs, and other items more quickly and accurately than a pair of scissor...
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The Best Deck Screws
Deck screws secure decking boards that make up the walking surface of a deck, porch, dock, or boardwalk. If you are c...
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The Best Drill Bits for Stainless Steel, Tested and Reviewed
Available in several grades, each with at least 10. 5 percent chromium, stainless steel is popular because of its low...
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The Best Wood Screws for Your Projects
You’ll recognize a wood screw by its flat-topped head, tapered base, pointed tip, and medium coarse threads. DIYers u...
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The Best Tools for Kids
A basic understanding of how to use simple hand tools like a screwdriver, hammer, or wrench is invaluable. Many paren...
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The Best Nail Pullers for Your Projects
Whether you’re a professional or a DIYer, there are times when you’ll want to pull a nail safely and efficiently from...
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The Best Tile Cutters for Your Retiling Project
Retiling is one of those home projects that can make a significant impact relatively quickly. Whether laying a new ce...
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The Best Digital Tape Measures Tested in 2023
The traditional steel measuring tape has been around since 1829, when James Chesterman patented it. These manual meas...
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The Best Pipe Wrenches for Your Plumbing Repairs
Standard wrenches are useful when tackling various jobs around the home and yard, but they’re less helpful for plumbi...
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The Best Chalk Lines for Project Planning
Every amateur renovator knows straight lines are grueling to draw. Thankfully, with the simple addition of a chalk li...
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The Best Coping Saws for Cutting Molding
A coping saw is a handy tool for DIY woodworkers and professional carpenters alike. The standard coping saw employs a...
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The Best Electric Can Openers to Help You Out in the Kitchen
Perhaps the humblest of kitchen gadgets, the manual can opener is also one of the clunkiest and toughest to use. Usin...
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The Best Nails for Hanging Pictures
When you hang a piece of artwork, you should feel confident that it will stay put. The wrong hardware can set you up ...
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The Best Framing Tool Belts, Tested and Reviewed
No one wants to be running back and forth from project to tool bench to pick up a forgotten hammer. Nor does anyone w...
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The Best PEX Crimp Tools of 2023
PEX piping is becoming more popular with DIYers and pros alike. Instead of using expensive copper piping, torches, an...
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The Best Oil Filter Wrench for Your Garage
Henry Ford’s assembly line production method made personal ownership of automobiles a fact for millions of people. Al...
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We Tested the Best Laser Measures for DIYers and Pros
Laser distance measures use a laser and an optical sensor to determine the distance between two surfaces to find the ...
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The Best Tin Snips
A set of tin snips looks like a pair of heavy-duty scissors with thick, durable handles and short, strong blades that...
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The Best Garden Forks
Though you may be like some gardeners who love to hoard gadgets, it is possible to achieve most gardening goals with ...
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The Best Adjustable Wrenches for Your Repair Needs
There are a few classic tools that everyone needs, whether you are a DIYer or a professional repair technician. One o...
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The Best Woodworking Books for Honing Your Craft
If you are interested in acquiring a new hands-on skill, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than learning...
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The Best Precision Screwdriver Sets for Your Projects
The right screwdriver makes a world of difference. Instead of damaging the fastener head or having the blade slip and...
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The Best Wood Routers Tested for DIYers and Hobbyists
Seasoned DIYers and hobbyists know the difference a wood router can make on the quality of a woodworking project. Fro...
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The Best Cordless Ratchets for Your Projects
Cordless ratchets allow users to work on their vehicles or homes without putting in the effort to operate a manual ra...
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The Best Tire Pressure Gauges for Car Owners
As Taylor Swift sang, “The devil’s in the details. ” You might not think a simple thing like tire pressure is crucial...
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The Best Biscuit Joiners of 2023
As a woodworker or DIYer, there are certain essential tools that, once the DIYer discovers them, help unlock their re...
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The Best Step Ladders Tested in 2023
From tucking away totes on top shelves in the closet to cutting in paint edges along the top of a wall, a step ladder...
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The Best Digital Torque Wrenches Tested in 2023
A torque wrench is a specialized tool that is regularly used in automotive repair to ensure that the parts of the veh...
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The Best Thermal Cameras to Identify Issues and Avoid Drilling Holes
Thermal cameras can help detect potential issues in your home, such as a termite nest in the wall or a leak from a pi...
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The Best Telescoping Ladders Tested in 2023
If you find yourself tired of lugging heavy traditional ladders around, you may want to consider the best telescoping...
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Testing the Best Sharpening Stones for Knives and Tools
Having a set of dull kitchen knives isn’t just inconvenient; it can also be very dangerous. A good sharpening stone k...
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The Best Benchtop Jointers of 2023
Instead of throwing warped or uneven wood into the scrap bin, DIYers could benefit from equipping their workshop with...
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The Best Pocket Knives, Tested and Reviewed
Thanks to its compact folding design, a pocket knife allows the blade to be stored in the handle, and the tool itself...
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The Best Woodworking Clamps for Your Projects
Between gluing materials, building picture frames, assembling cabinetry, or doing other shop activities, having the r...
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The Best Tool Boxes, Tested and Reviewed
Whether for home improvement, hobby projects, or simply making minor repairs, there’s not much you can accomplish wit...
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The Best Glues to Repair Your Most Treasured Ceramics, Tested
Breaking a ceramic household item is frustrating, but most can be repaired—so long as you have all the pieces and a h...
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The Best Ratcheting Wrench Sets for the Garage
You’ll find many kinds of wrenches and sockets in millions of garages across the country. They are indispensable for ...
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The Best Dovetail Jigs for Woodworking
For DIYers looking to increase their craftsmanship during woodworking projects, dovetail jigs could be the answer. Th...
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The Best Pocket Knife Sharpeners for Tool Maintenance
Any professional chef will tell you that a sharp knife is a safe knife—and that goes for your trusty pocket knife as ...
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The Best Wire Strippers, Tested and Reviewed
A wire stripper boosts productivity for professional electricians, budding apprentices, and DIYers, but with a variet...
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The Best Electrician Tool Belts Tested in 2023
Electricians wear belts and shoulder harnesses that frequently have 10 or more pockets for optimal customization and ...
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The Best Tile Saws Tested in 2023
Achieving professional results from a tile project starts with thoughtful consideration—not only regarding tile selec...
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The Best Band Saws of 2023
A sturdy band saw makes rip cuts like a table saw, crosscuts like a miter saw, and reduces the thickness of a board l...
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The Best Drill Bits for Metal Tested in 2023
Home improvement centers often dedicate an entire aisle to drill bits, which come in a plethora of types and sizes fo...
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The Best Hand Planes Tested in 2023
Whether shaving down a wood door that’s sticking or smoothing the surface of a wavy board, no tool works quite as wel...
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The Best Drill Presses
A hand drill is controlled by the user’s hand and arm, so human error can create a hole that’s slightly off-center. A...
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The Best Sergers of 2023
The best sergers machines offer a few key advantages over conventional sewing machines. They create stronger, more du...
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The Best Portable Workbenches Tested in 2024
Whether it’s for use as a stable work surface at a job site or to address a lack of room for a permanent shop, a port...
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The 7 Best Digital Calipers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Calipers have been around for centuries, standing the test of time as one of the most effective and accurate measurin...
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23 Practical Products That Make Great Gifts
This holiday season, make life a little easier for the ones you love by giving them practical items that will get plenty of use all year round.
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The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers Tested in 2023
With a backpack leaf blower, yard cleanup is a snap. Leaf blowers make quick work of removing fallen leaves, grass cl...
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The Best Butane Torches
Whether you’re searing the perfect crust on a rump roast or brazing a copper pipe fitting in a bathroom remodel, a bu...
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The Best Scissors for Everyday Use
Believe it or not, scissors are one of the most important tools in your home. Although scissors can be used to cut a ...
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The Best Hand Tools Tested in 2023
Hand tools are the mainstay of any well-equipped workshop. Choosing the right ones will go a long way toward helping ...
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The Best Contour Gauges of 2023
Whether you’re installing flooring, siding, tile, or some other material, you may eventually run into a door frame, s...
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The Best Rolling Tool Boxes of 2023
Whether for small automotive-work tools in the garage or larger power tools on a jobsite, a designated durable contai...
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Best Heated Vests To Beat the Cold, Tested
When temperatures drop, working outdoors can become downright uncomfortable if you don’t have a way to stay warm. We’...
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Never Make These 13 Mistakes with a Ladder
Avoid these dangerous errors when using a ladder, and you can safely complete your home maintenance projects without any surprise trips to the emergency room.
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The Best Home Depot Black Friday Deals 2020: The Best Deals and Sales on Appliances, Furniture, Kitchenware, and More
Holiday shopping will look very different this year: instead of lining up overnight and packing the stores, shoppers ...
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The Best Wood Lathes for Woodworking
A wood lathe is a power tool for your workshop or garage that rotates a piece of wood around a horizontal axis so you...
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The Best Ratcheting Screwdrivers, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you’re working on a car, installing a doorknob, or driving a screw by hand into a piece of dense wood, the be...
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The Best Framing Nailers, Tested and Reviewed
There was a time when neighbors could tell a crew was framing a house by the sound of metal-on-metal-on-wood, since h...
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The Best Pitchforks
Digging into tough, compacted soil can be challenging work. Over time, fallen rain, heavy snow, and footsteps from pe...
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The Best Airbrush Compressors for Your Studio or Workshop
An airbrush is a specialized tool that uses pressurized air to spray paint, ink, dye, or other liquid mediums. It’s e...
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The Best Bench Grinders of 2023
Many household and DIY projects require bladed tools or machines, whether it’s mowing the lawn or chiseling some wood...
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The Best Jointers for DIYers and Pros
A jointer is a woodworking machine that smooths and flattens the face and edge of stock lumber to make it perfectly s...
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We Tested the 9 Best Wood-Burning Tools
If you’re looking to express yourself creatively in a new way—to add an extra touch to your projects or perhaps to st...
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The Best Sewing Machines for Beginners and Beyond
Sewing machines are great for hemming pants and curtains and making other minor alterations. With a good machine, you...
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The Best Hand Saws Tested in 2023
Walk the aisles of a home improvement store and it seems that every project requires power tools—compound miter saws,...
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The Best Dual-Fuel Generators for Home and Outdoor Use, Tested
Like gasoline-only generators, dual-fuel models convert fuel into electricity, but since they run on either gas or pr...
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The Best Tire Inflators for Vehicle Maintenance, Tested
Most drivers have looked down at their dashboard and noticed a warning light indicating a tire with low pressure. If ...
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The 7 Best Oscillating Tools for the Workshop
When it comes to popular power tools, the oscillating tool is the new kid on the block. It features a small blade tha...
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The Best Benchtop Planers for DIY and Professional Projects, Tested
Benchtop planers—box-shaped power tools that reduce board thickness while smoothing the surface—top many a woodcrafte...
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The Best Cordless Impact Wrenches, Tested and Reviewed
There are few things more frustrating than struggling with stubborn nuts and bolts that don’t want to budge. A handhe...
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The Best Bench Vises Tested in 2023
You only have two hands—which can be a challenge with certain projects, such as when you still need to hold an item a...
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The Best Reciprocating Saws of 2023
Also known as a “recip saw,” a “saber saw,” and a “Sawzall,” the hand-held reciprocating saw is the tool of choice fo...
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The Best Fabric Scissors For Crafters
Anyone who sews knows that a quality pair of scissors will ensure the precision shaping of fabric pieces. Crafters an...
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The Best Right Angle Clamps for Your Projects
When it comes to woodworking, it can be frustrating to hold two pieces of wood together at a 90-degree angle to join ...
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The Best Tool Backpacks for On-the-Go Jobs
Tool backpacks have become must-have gear for on-the-go DIYers and industry professionals because of their flexibilit...
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The Best Corded Drills
Despite the advancements in cordless drill battery technology, the best ones aren’t powerful enough to do the job. Dr...
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The Best Torque Wrenches
A torque wrench is a specialized tool prominent in the automotive repair industry that addresses various parts of a c...
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The Best Cordless Circular Saws
Advancements in battery technology have paved the way for a whole new crop of powerful cordless circular saws, some o...
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The Best Table Saw Blades of 2023
While a good table saw makes large jobs easier and more accurate when it comes to cutting wood, a good blade is a thi...
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The Best Fishing Pliers for Unhooking Your Monster Catch
When fishing, a heavy thump on the end of your line and the sound of the wire pulling from your reel is a moment to c...
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The Best Portable Air Compressors of 2023
Pneumatic tools that run by a portable air compressor can be a huge help and time-saver on a range of projects and at...
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The Best Magnetic Drill Presses to Add to Your Workshop
A magnetic drill press, also known as a magnetic drill or mag drill, is a tool designed for drilling into metal. A st...
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The Best Bolt Cutters Tested in 2023
Whether it's to cut that padlock with the missing key from the backyard shed or to trim metal chain links for fencing...
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The Best Pocket-Hole Jigs for Woodworking
More than just challenging, wood joinery requires a degree of expertise that practically rises to the level of art fo...
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The Best Chainsaw Chains for DIY Homeowners
Professional lumberjacks, landscapers, and arborists—as well as ambitious DIYers—turn to chainsaws for a variety of w...
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The Best Airless Paint Sprayers
Airless paint sprayers are a significant step up from paint brushes or rollers. They use a mechanical pump that produ...
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The Best Cordless Hammer Drills Tested in 2023
Drilling through concrete, bricks, and stone requires additional force from a drill, and even the most powerful corde...
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The Best Rubber Mallets to Add to Your Workshop
Rubber mallets are excellent additions to many toolboxes. They give you the ability to adequately address specific ta...
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The Best Packing Tapes of 2023
If you have ever grabbed a stray roll of packing tape and used it to secure a box or container that holds dishes, clo...
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The Best Cobalt Drill Bits of 2023
There aren’t many materials strong enough to put holes in hardened steel. For that kind of strength, the only answer ...
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The Best Wood Chisels Tested in 2023
Metal hand tools with either a straight or beveled edge, chisels have been around for thousands of years, standing th...
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The Best Wrench Organizers to Keep Your Tool Box Tidy
The wrench is an essential hand tool required for just about anything that involves working with nuts and bolts, incl...
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The Best Whittling Knives for Your Woodworking Projects
Whittling is similar to wood carving in that they both form wood into a new, creative shape. However, wood carving us...
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The Best Cordless Screwdrivers Tested in 2023
Whether you’re working on a bicycle, replacing kitchen outlets, putting batteries in a child's toy, or completing a h...
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8 Types of Torque Wrenches for Your Tool Collection
For beginners and seasoned veterans in the garage alike, one tool that frequently comes in handy is the torque wrench...
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The Best Tap and Die Sets
Taps cut threads into a piece of metal or wood with a hole for fastening with threaded bolts. Dies cut threads onto t...
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The Best Shovels, Tested and Reviewed
The smell of freshly turned earth, the weight of a sturdy shovel, and the view of healthy bedding plants just waiting...
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The Best Tool Chests to Organize Your Gear
Tool belts carry the essential items for a project while you’re working, and tool boxes transport more than just the ...
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The Best Small Flashlights To Keep in Your Pocket
If you’ve ever struggled to find your keys or fumbled with them in a lock, then you likely understand the importance ...
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The Best Carpenter Pencils for Your Projects
A carpenter pencil may just look like an odd-shaped regular pencil, but it’s so much more than that. These precision ...
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The Best Needle-Nose Pliers, Tested and Reviewed
Needle-nose pliers have long, pointy jaws for reaching into narrow or tight spots, such as the backs of electrical ou...
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The Best Hearing Protection Tested in 2023
If you spend time operating power tools and machinery, you’re undoubtedly making a racket in the process. While most ...
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The Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for Tool Maintenance
Drill bits aren’t cheap, but they do seem to dull quickly. Whether you’re drilling through dense hardwood or hardened...
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The Best Respirators for Safety in the Workshop
Some DIY activities can send irritating particles or vapors into the air. Having to work around airborne particulates...
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The Best Heated Gloves to Keep You Comfortable in the Winter, Tested
Whether you’re shoveling snow or walking the dog, the right pair of gloves can make outdoor winter work or sports mor...
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The Best Socket Organizer to Keep Your Tool Box Clutter-Free
A quality socket wrench set is essential for a wide variety of auto and home repairs. It’s one of the most important ...
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Buyer's Guide: The Best Carabiners
Carabiners are light- to heavy-duty clips designed to hold anything from a set of keys up to the full weight of a cli...
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10 Types of Router Bits Every DIYer Should Know
Handy homeowners and do-it-yourselfers who have spent any time on improvement projects have encountered situations wh...
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The Best Power Tool Sets for Your Needs and Budget, Tested
When you find yourself in need of some new power tools, consider buying an entire corded or cordless tool combo kit t...
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The Best Winter Work Gloves of 2023, According to Testing
Work doesn't stop just because the temperature drops, but getting jobs done in the cold can be downright painful with...
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The Best Framing Hammers, Tested and Reviewed
A standard household hammer—weighing an average of 12 to 15 ounces—is indispensable for simple tasks like tapping a n...
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The Best Expandable Hoses Tested in 2023
Expandable hoses are self-draining kink- and twist-resistant alternatives to standard garden hoses. They weigh far le...
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The 7 Best Brad Nailers Tested for Your Trim, Molding, or Cabinet Project
Brad nailers helped spur the DIY movement by making quality trim projects achievable for DIYers and pros alike. These...
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The Best Soldering Stations
Fixing electronics—such as a television, computer board, or even a drone—can be intimidating. But a reliable solderin...
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Solved! What Is an Impact Driver?
Q: When shopping for the right tool for the job, I see so many choices. Cordless drill, hammer drill, and impact driv...
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The Best Track Saws of 2023
For ripping sheet goods or cutting long lengths of lumber to width, a track saw can often be easier to work with than...
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The Best Socket Sets Tested in 2023
Socket wrenches allow you to tighten and loosen fasteners with a speed and ease that isn’t possible with a traditiona...
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The Best Levels of 2023
In almost any home renovation, achieving the best results requires some type of level. Whether you’re trying to hang ...
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The Best Benchtop Drill Presses Tested in 2023
When a DIY project requires some precision drill work, only the best benchtop drill press will do. These handy tools ...
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The Best Moisture Meters Tested in 2023
Moisture meters can test the moisture content of many different materials, including drywall, paneling, and wood stud...
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The Best Electric Screwdrivers Tested in 2023
For DIY projects that call for a lot of manual screwdriving in places too tight for a trusty drill, an electric screw...
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The Best Router Bits for Your Woodworking Needs
A router is a powered cutting tool that uses different bits to cut various grooves, angles, and shapes into wood. The...
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The Best Ladders Tested in 2023
The need to replace light bulbs, hang artwork, and maintain gutter cleanliness inevitably arises in every household. ...
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The Best Miter Saw Stands for Your Workshop
Miter saws are designed for making simple, accurate, quick cuts in trim, lumber, and some other materials. But use on...
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The Best Home Air Compressors in 2023
An air compressor pulls air from the surrounding environment and jams it into its storage tank. It stores the air und...
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The Best Drip Irrigation Systems of 2023
Keeping up with watering your garden can be a challenge. Vacations, busy schedules, and changing weather conditions c...
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The Best Plunge Routers Tested in 2023
Whether it’s rounding off the edge of a shelf board or creating a mortise in the center of a piece of hardwood, woodw...
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The Best Home Tool Kits Tested in 2023
Whether one owns or rents, a home repair tool kit is essential for inevitable fixes and projects around the house, fr...
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The Best Mechanic Tool Sets Tested in 2023
A basic tool kit with the DIY essentials—a hammer, screwdriver, and measuring tape—can see you through any number of ...
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The Best Electric Chainsaws Tested in 2023
The best electric chainsaws allow for quick and easy cutting. Just plug the saw in or snap in a battery and you're re...
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The Best Rototillers
Few gardeners are blessed with the loose, loamy soil plants love. For those who must break through heavy clay soil or...
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The Best Lawn Sweepers Tested in 2023
The best lawn sweepers quickly and efficiently gather leaves, grass clippings, and even pine needles, giving your yar...
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The 11 Handiest Ways to Use a Hot Glue Gun
You’ll be surprised at what you can make, fix, and restore with a little hot glue. Save money and time with these helpful DIY ideas!
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The Best Heat Guns of 2023
A heat gun is one of the best-kept secrets in an avid DIYer’s tool box. These helpful tools resemble hair dryers by p...
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The Best Angle Grinders, Tested and Reviewed
Angle grinders are versatile power tools that can handle a variety of projects, such as cutting iron pipe to replace ...
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The Best Spring Clamps for DIY Projects
Spring clamps are a great solution for when you need a "helping hand" on a woodworking or home improvement project. T...
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The Best Strap Wrenches
Those who do any sort of plumbing repairs already know how difficult it can be to remove twist-on connectors that hav...
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The Best Knife Sharpeners, Tested and Reviewed
Knives are among the most essential tools for gardening, DIY projects, food prep, and more. And the sharper they are,...
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The Best Jigsaws of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
As an electric saw with a vertically plunging blade, the jigsaw tends to be underappreciated. True, it’s not as power...
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The Best Grout Removal Tools for DIY Renovations
Taking on a home improvement project is exciting, but removing grout—the dense material that fills gaps and seals joi...
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The Best Hacksaws, Tested and Reviewed
The hacksaw is a time-tested hand tool for cutting through metal materials such as pipes, studs, and rebar. The best ...
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The Best Ratchets of 2023
Don’t get it twisted: Anyone who may be doing repairs around the house or on their car needs a ratchet—a wrench with ...
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The Best Miter Box Sets for DIYers
Those who prefer making quick cuts with a power saw might overlook miter boxes, but these tools still hold a place in...
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The Best Scroll Saws for the Workshop, Tested
If you need to make precise cuts for projects like jewelry boxes, wood signs, or birdhouses, a scroll saw is probably...
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The Roofing Tools That Are Most Important for Repairs
Homeowners rarely step foot on their own roofs. When roofing issues come up, most homeowners just hire out the job to...
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The Best Hammer Multitools for DIYers
You don’t have to carry an entire bag of tools around with you—not if you have a hammer multitool. These compact tool...
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The Best Staple Guns, Tested and Reviewed
The best staple gun could be just what you need for jobs where a nail gun would be overkill. Staples can penetrate an...
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The Best DIY Security Systems for the Home
The safety of your home and its occupants should not be taken lightly. A security system is often the first line of d...
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The Best Angle Finders for DIYers and Pros
Whether you’re installing crown molding or cutting complex angles for a parquet tabletop, a quality angle finder enab...
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We Tested The Best Dish-Drying Racks for Quicker Kitchen Cleanup
A dish-drying rack streamlines kitchen cleanup, offering a place for clean dishes and utensils to air-dry—no more sog...
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How To: Remove Stain from Wood
If you're updating hardwood floors or refinishing a piece of furniture, for the best results, you need to remove the ...
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The Best Workbenches for DIY Projects
Almost any home DIY project is made easier by having a clean, flat surface to work on. If this surface sits at the pe...
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The Best Glue Guns Tested in 2023
A versatile glue gun comes in handy for creating everything from kid-friendly crafts and seasonal decorative items to...
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The Best Pruning Shears Tested in 2023
Keeping a garden and landscape in top shape requires care and maintenance, including regular pruning. Whether you nee...
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10 Plastering Tools for Wall Installation and Repair
There tends to be a bit of mystery surrounding plaster walls. As a less popular material today, the act of plastering...
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The Best Palm Sanders Tested in 2023
The finishing touches on a woodworking project can transform decent work into stunning craftsmanship. Using just the ...
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The Best Drywall Anchors Tested in 2023
Drywall—composed of compressed gypsum (a soft sulfite mineral)—creates wonderfully smooth walls. Yet insert a nail or...
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The Best Watering Cans
Whether your green thumb involves caring for houseplants or young seedlings that prefer not to be drowned by a blast ...
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The Best Circular Saws for the Workshop
The words "versatile" and "tool" are combined so often these days that it's hard to tell if it's the truth or just a ...
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The Best Hose Nozzles Tested in 2023
Using your thumb to direct the flow on an open-ended garden hose is hardly an effective way to water plants. A good h...
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The Best Table Saws Tested in 2023
Table saws top the wish lists of both DIYers and seasoned woodworkers. After researching more than 25 popular models,...
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The Best Miter Saws of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Today's miter saws are a significant improvement over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s, having evolved into powerf...
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How To: Use a Tape Measure
You’ve no doubt heard the carpentry proverb “Measure twice, cut once” and may even have made it a mantra for your own...
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The Best Safety Glasses for Debris and UV Damage, Tested
Many common DIY projects around the home, and in professional trades as well, require the use of safety glasses. Whet...
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The Best Grill Brushes of 2023
When the weather is great and cookout fans are calling, the last thing you may want to worry about is whether your gr...
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The Best Toilet Plungers
Stuff happens—and so, alas, do stuffed-up toilets. Excessive amounts of toilet paper, waste, hygiene products, and ev...
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The Best Microfiber Cloths for Cleaning
With cleaning an ever-pressing priority for us all, how can we better protect ourselves from germs, pollen, dander, d...
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The Best Leaf Rakes Tested in 2023
We’ve researched more than 30 leaf rakes to compile the following group for testing. As opposed to “hard” rakes used ...
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The Best Brooms for Household Chores
One of the most relied-upon household cleaning tools is also one of the simplest. The first brooms were nothing more ...
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The Best Garage Shelving Tested in 2023
It’s difficult to get anything accomplished in a cluttered, disorganized garage or workshop where your supplies, tool...
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The Best Weeding Tools Tested in 2023
Though herbicides control weeds, these chemicals can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Manual weeding...
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The 10 Best Screwdriver Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Basic as they are, screwdrivers are not a one-size-fits-all tool, nor does one type of screwdriver fit all situations...
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The Best Lawn Edgers Tested in 2023
Whether your yard is large or small, minimally landscaped or filled with flower beds, one of the easiest ways to tame...
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The Best Extension Cords of 2023
A length of insulated wire with a plug at one end and a socket at the other, an extension cord comes in handy to conn...
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How to Remove a Broken Bolt
In theory, metal bolts—headed fasteners with external threads that fit into suitable non-tapered nuts—can be removed ...
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We Tested the 7 Best Laser Levels for DIYers and Pros
Laser levels provide accuracy, consistency, and convenience. The best self-leveling laser level can make all the diff...
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The Best Hammer Drills
A hammer drill is a multipurpose tool that bores holes, drives screws, and drills into stone, brick, metal, and other...
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The Best Wood Fillers for DIY Fixes to Wooden Surfaces, Tested
Cracks, divots, holes, or rot can crop up on wooden surfaces due to ordinary wear and tear and accidents, or during D...
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The Best Impact Drivers Tested in 2023
Are you ready to tackle challenging jobs involving larger or longer screws and fixings? Look no further than the migh...
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The Best Ice Scrapers to Keep You on the Road This Winter
Removing frost and ice from a windshield or driveway is a straightforward task. Just grab an ice scraper and get to w...
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The Best Duct Tapes
If you’ve heard the expression “like water off a duck’s back,” you may be surprised to learn that it was the original...
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The Best Super Glues Tested in 2023
A handy tube of super glue can quickly turn complicated home repairs into quick fixes—if you have the right product. ...
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The Best Pole Saws Tested in 2023
In order to stay healthy and look their best, trees need occasional pruning to remove broken branches and to thin out...
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10 Tools Every Lazy Gardener Needs
Have a beautiful yard and garden without having to break a sweat. Add these garden tools to your arsenal for easy gardening.
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The Best Random Orbital Sanders Tested in 2023
One of the first rules of woodworking is to sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating cross-grain mar...
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The Best Loppers Tested in 2023
Handheld pruning shears are great for nipping off narrow stems and branches up to ½ inch in diameter, but for pruning...
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These 6 Best Tool Bags Offer More Organization Than Any Tool Box
There comes a point when collecting a complete DIY set of tools starts causing storage issues. A tool box might do th...
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The Best Rechargeable Batteries
One of the simplest ways to save money and protect the environment is to buy reusable products—and batteries are one ...
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The Best Nail Guns, Tested and Reviewed
Whether you're repairing a roof, redoing wood floors, or starting any other type of major do-it-yourself project, cha...
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The Best Sawhorses
Invaluable in the workshop or on the job site, a good set of sawhorses gets construction, woodworking, and DIY projec...
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The Best Snow Shovels for Safely Moving Ice and Snow, Tested
Removing snow from the driveway the old-fashioned way might not be fun, but it’s a good-for-the-Earth way to clear dr...
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The Best Work Gloves of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
A good pair of work gloves can help DIYers get tough jobs done without suffering through painful reminders of the day...
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8 Types of Nail Guns You Should Know—and How to Use Them
Whether you’re looking to add shiplap, install trim, or tackle one of the hundreds of other carpentry projects, a nai...
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The Best Tape Measures, Tested and Reviewed
The “measure twice, cut once” adage is the key to success in all kinds of craft and construction projects. Following ...
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The Best Multi-Tools Tested and Reviewed in 2023
A twist on the tried-and-true Swiss Army knife, the aptly named multi-tool offers a number of DIY-friendly functions ...
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The Best Multimeters Tested in 2023
From testing batteries to determining the amount of voltage in an electrical circuit, the multimeter is a standard di...
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The Best Drain Snakes of 2023
Potato peels down the kitchen sink. Loose hair swirling through the tub drain. The little plastic soldier that a todd...
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The Best Drill Bits Tested in 2023
When one is assembling a tool kit for home improvement, maintenance, and construction projects, one of the first item...
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The Best Dusters to Clean Every Corner of Your Home
Getting rid of household dust—those pesky fine particles composed of plant pollen, human and animal dander, environme...
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The Best Cordless Drills for DIYers
With many of today's tools running on powerful, long-lasting batteries, DIYers aren't limited by the length of a cord...
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The Best Vinyl Siding Cleaners for the Home Exterior
Vinyl often trumps siding types like wood, aluminum, or fiber cement for its low maintenance and affordable attractiv...
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The Best Plungers
It will probably happen to all of us at one point or another. A shower drain backs up during a shower, water refuses ...
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The Best Flashlights: Tested for Camping, Power Outages, and More
Flashlights have come a long way since they were first introduced in 1898. Battery-operated and portable, these handh...
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The Best Axes Tested in 2023
Enjoying the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace is priceless to many, but buying firewood can be expensive. A cord, w...
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The Best Caulking Guns Tested in 2023
Caulking guns are designed for one thing: to deliver a continuous bead of caulk in order to seal joints between two s...
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The Best Drain Cleaners of 2023
Nothing slows you down like a clogged sink, shower, tub, or toilet. The first step should always be to plunge the dra...
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The Best Reel Mowers Tested in 2023
Quiet in operation, simple to maintain, and largely affordable, reel lawn mowers can be smart options for yard mainte...
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The Best Wheelbarrows for Zipping Around the Yard
If you spend a good amount of time gardening or landscaping, a dependable and capable wheelbarrow can help lessen you...
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General Contractor-Approved: The Best Stud Finders of 2023, Tested
If you’ve ever had to install shelving or hang picture frames, you’ve more than likely had to find out where the stud...
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The Best Grout Sealers
Applying a high-quality, long-lasting grout sealer is one of the best ways to protect tile installations from water, ...
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The Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners of 2023
Hardwood flooring gets acclaim for its natural beauty, but it requires varying degrees of attention to maintain its g...
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The Most Important Things to Keep in Your Tool Kit in 2020
Every homeowner should have a tool kit, and every tool kit should have the essentials. Don’t start the New Year without having these tools and supplies at the ready.
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The Best Wood Glues Tested in 2023
With its unique grain patterns and natural tones, thick and thin wood earns praise for being a beautiful building mat...
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The Best Hammers, Tested and Reviewed
The more fix-it projects you tackle, the more crowded your toolbox becomes. But facts are facts: there's no rival or ...
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The Best Utility Knives, Tested and Reviewed
Though sometimes called a box cutter, the term “utility knife” is much more apt for this multipurpose hand tool. A go...
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4 Important Tools for Detecting a Gas Leak
Stop for a moment and consider the number of appliances in the home that run on gas.  These days, many stoves, furnac...
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The 14 Best Tools for Conquering Ice and Snow
Make sure you’ve got some of these tried and true tools to help you combat the ice and snow Old Man Winter dishes out this season.
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No Ultimate Workshop Is Complete Without These Tools and Accessories
Grow your workshop (and your skill set) with these 15 handy power tools, accessories, and more. This content is paid advertising created in partnership with ...
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What's the Difference? Miter Saw vs. Table Saw
Power saws have changed the woodworking industry, giving DIYers the muscle they need to create large projects in a sh...
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The 12 Best Tools Powered by Batteries
Don't let tangled cords get in the way of your home projects. These innovative tools help you get the job done all while running on battery power.
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The Best Gardening Gloves, Tested and Reviewed
Behind every beautiful, bountiful garden is a great deal of dirty work. Fortunately, a pair of rugged, reliable glove...
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Nails vs. Screws: Which Fasteners Are Right for My Project?
The unsung heroes of construction and carpentry, nails and screws are used to hold together everything from house fra...
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Replace Dated Popcorn Ceilings with This New Texture
They are cheap and easy to install, and they camouflage a host of flaws, but popcorn ceilings are also dated and tend...
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Garden Hose Repair: 4 Fast (and Frugal) Fixes
When intact, your garden hose is a trusty tool for hydrating your lawn, rinsing debris from your deck, and just about...
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Chalk and 19 Other Things You Don't Keep in Your Toolbox—But Should
Every homeowner knows the importance of having a good toolbox stocked with all the basics—screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and the like. But there are a few, more ...
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17 New Essentials for Your Best Ever BBQ
Backyard barbecues have taken on a new look in recent years. Innovative tools and technology are making the experience of prepping, grilling, and enjoying cookout...
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The One Tool You’re Probably Not Bringing to a Paint Job—But Should
Nothing refreshes a room and improves its ambience quite like a new coat of paint. If you’re like most DIYers, you ha...
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The 10 Best Ways to Spend $10 at Walmart
As one of the largest retailers in the United States, there’s not much that Walmart doesn’t offer. From the fun to the functional, the budget-friendly store has y...
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The 9 Smartest Ways to Organize Your Entire Home with S-Hooks
We’re always looking for new ways to organize every room in the house, but storage systems and fancy containers take up a lot of space and can get pretty pricey. ...
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10 Creative Ways to Care for Your Yard
Maintaining a manicured yard requires effort, patience, and the right tools. If you’re responsible for the landscaping chores at your house then you should alread...
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25 Types of Hammers and When to Use Them
DIYers can't get much of anything done without a good hammer. In fact, they might need several hammers, all of which ...
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Bob Vila's 14 Best Tips for Drilling
Every homeowner encounters a bit of drilling sooner or later in their list of projects—whether that's installing curt...
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The Best Tool Belts
“Do” is the fun part of “do it yourself. ” Time spent searching for the right hand tools, tape, and fasteners—especia...
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Here's Why All Cutting Boards Aren't Created Equal
A cutting board acts at any given moment as a chopping block, food preparation surface, or serving station—sometimes ...
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Solved! When, Why, and How to Use Pilot Holes Correctly
Q: I know it’s a good idea to pre-drill before nailing or screwing two pieces of wood together, but I can’t seem to g...
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The Dos and Don’ts of Taping Drywall
Professional drywall taping crews make it look so easy: They move quickly, slather compound on every joint and nail h...
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5 Common Yard-Care Challenges, Solved
Beautiful yards and lush landscapes don’t happen by chance. They require frequent hands-on attention to keep the gras...
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Why Buy? 15 Surprising Things You Can Rent
Owning isn't always the best option. Sometimes renting makes more sense, especially for very expensive, bulky, or rarely used items.
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3 Reasons the Pros Choose Dust-Free Sanding Tools
Sanding certainly isn’t the most fun part of a furniture or room makeover. Still, it's a vital step in the prep work ...
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10 Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Trip to Home Depot
It seems like everyone decides to start a home improvement project at the exact same time. And when the crowds descend on The Home Depot, a supply run can easily ...
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10 Best Ways to Spend $10 at Target
Any Target shopper can relate: You go in for one thing, but wind up with a lot of other stuff that you discovered as you browsed (and hopefully still remember to ...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Safely Felling a Tree
Whether it's blocking your view, is diseased or damaged, or is taking up space you'd rather use for something else, f...
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10 Reasons Every DIYer Needs a Pry Bar
Lugging around a heavy toolbox gets old after a while, but you often need half a dozen tools just to complete even a simple do-it-yourself repair. Make it easier ...
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How to Choose the Right Sandpaper Grit and Type for Your Project
Seeing sandpaper on a project checklist may seem like an easy enough item to check off—that is, until you hit the har...
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Cult Favorites: 9 Top-Rated Amazon Products That Homeowners Swear By
Online shopping is the way of the world—but some online purchases still elicit hesitation: Just what can you expect when that package arrives at your door? Even i...
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7 Tricks to Test a Tool’s Quality at the Hardware Store
Buying hand tools can be a confusing—and at times a losing—proposition. When faced with aisles full of putty knives, hammers, utility knives, and other toolbox mu...
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Cheap Thrills: 15 Favorite Amazon Buys for Under $5
Amazon is loved for its great deals and quick shipping. Some prices from this virtual retailer, you just can't beat. Here's a roundup of the best household buys y...
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How to Use a Caulk Gun
Caulking is one of the easiest and most affordable home fixes. By sealing off unwanted cracks around windows, doors, ...
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Cool Tools: An Easier Way to Repair and Finish Drywall
Drywall taping has always been a notoriously messy, imprecise undertaking. In the past, no matter the size of the job...
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15 Household Items That Could Save Your Life
The only thing you can expect in life is that the unexpected can and eventually will happen. So, it’s worth making sure that you and your household are prepared f...
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The Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Concrete
Concrete holds a place of honor in both the professional construction and do-it-yourself worlds. When mixed correctly...
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How To: Use a Table Saw
Anyone serious about woodworking or DIY eventually wants to add a table saw to their power tool arsenal. Named for th...
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What Tools Do You Need for PEX Plumbing Projects?
Homeowners rarely do their own plumbing, right? Wrong. Nowadays, intrepid do-it-yourselfers rely on their own skills ...
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25 Types of Screwdrivers and How to Use Them
Ask any seasoned carpenter or DIYer what tools take up the most room in their toolbox, and the answer is probably “sc...
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How To: Sharpen a Pocket Knife
The handiest people advocate keeping a pocket knife within reach (if not actually in a pocket) at all times. Its fold...
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7 Types of Saws Every DIYer Should Get to Know
Whether you want to build a rustic bench, install trim molding, or plumb a new sink, odds are that you’ll need to cut...
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Prep for Disaster: 10 Things You'll Need in a Home Emergency
When disaster strikes, how prepared are you to handle the fallout? It pays to prep for all manner of calamity—from power outages and house fires to extreme weathe...
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How To: Choose the Right Scraper for the Job
This content has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. Removing old wa...
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How To: Use a Jigsaw
Whether doing fine woodworking or tackling a kitchen or bathroom remodel, chances are you’ll need to create some curv...
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5 Types of Screws Every DIYer Should Know
Though they may not be much to look at, screws hold a place of honor in the construction, hobby, and furniture-making...
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Get a Grip: Choosing the Right Wrench for the Job
If you’ve ever tried to remove a stuck nut with a pair of pliers in a pinch, you know how easy it is to scrape and da...
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Best Car Accessories: 19 Gadgets Your Ride Really Needs
Vehicles are expressions of their owners' interests and priorities. Outfit your auto with the best car accessories for convenience, style, and fun.
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How To: Sharpen Drill Bits
Do-it-yourselfers live by the rule of “the right tool for the job,” but just as important is maintaining those tools ...
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How To: Use a Stud Finder
When hanging heavy mirrors, bracing large furniture, wall-mounting a new television, or erecting shelving, you need t...
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How To: Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are like insurance: You have it in hopes of never needing it (and there’d better be at least one i...
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8 Products Guaranteed to Last a Lifetime
In this modern age, it seems that as swiftly as new products are invented, they become outmoded, swept away by something newer, shinier, and (inevitably) more exp...
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How To: Use a Screw Extractor
At some point in the never-ending list of do-it-yourself projects, nearly every handy homeowner encounters a stripped...
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How to Sharpen a Chainsaw: 7 Safe Steps to Keeping Your Tool in Good Working Order
Like any other tool in your arsenal, a chainsaw must be properly and consistently maintained in order to perform effe...
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How To: Use a Speed Square
Planning a carpentry project? Quick, grab a speed square! Also known as a rafter square or triangle square, this simp...
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How To: Remove Rivets
Plenty of DIYers find themselves eager to start a project only to come to a full stop when confronting rivets. The fa...
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How To: Magnetize a Screwdriver
Few things are as frustrating as trying to drive a screw into a tight corner or over your head, only to have it fall ...
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15 Handy Things to Get at Home Depot for Under $15
Any homeowner knows that a trip through The Home Depot can be like sending an unsupervised kid into a candy shop: You may walk out with more than you bargained fo...
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The Secret to Sanding Almost Anything—Without All the Dust
This post has been brought to you by Hyde Tools. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila. com. If you’ve ever fin...
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6 Low-Cost Lifesavers to Make Wall Repair a Cinch
Walls take a beating. Overzealous furniture movers, rowdy kids, and constant doorknob bangs can leave dents, cracks, and holes that mar your walls' once-smooth su...
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6 Things You Didn't Know Adhesive Can Do
Construction adhesive: It's a do-it-yourselfer favorite, a labor- and time-saver that long ago earned pride of place in the workshop. The best part? As advanced t...
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10 Reasons Every DIYer Needs a Putty Knife
Even with all the new hand and power tools on the market, nothing can replace the dependability of the simple putty knife for everyday DIY tasks. Until now, you h...
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Quick Tip: The Trick to Drilling Through Slippery Ceramic Tile
Cutting a hole through the glazed surface of ceramic tile can be tricky, as the glaze is slippery and ceramic is brea...
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Cool Tools: Is This the Only Adhesive You’ll Ever Need?
Imagine that you’ve just spent several hours—the better part of a weekend afternoon—painstakingly adhering ceiling ti...
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Quick Tip: How to Remove a Broken Screw
A screwdriver, a screw, and a willing surface to drive it into are familiar features of many home projects. But over-...
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15 Types of Glue and Adhesives Every Homeowner Should Know
There is a wide assortment of glues, cements, and epoxies at your local hardware store that are designed to work with...
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How To: Use a Multimeter
Once reserved for engineers and electronic technicians, multimeters—sometimes called “multitesters”—have come down in...
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How to Cut Plexiglass
Plexiglass, the clear acrylic material that revolutionized modern architecture and design, was developed in the 1930s...
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Genius! DIY a Roof Rake with Hardware Store Supplies
When the snow started to pile up on handyman Bill Bachand's roof, he did what any responsible homeowner would do: run...
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Bob Vila Radio: Remove Old Paint with a Heat Gun
Looking for a quick way to remove old layers of paint? Your best bet might be a heat gun—and it's easy enough to use ...
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10 Things You Didn't Know Super Glue Can Do
Everyone has reached for the Krazy Glue at least once when fixing a broken object. Its sheer versatility makes this accidental invention one of the most ubiquitou...
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7 Tools That Contractors Swear By
Do-it-yourselfers rely on tools to get the job done. But for contractors, tools are much more than a means to an end—they are nothing short of a livelihood. Contr...
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All-Purpose Transfer Pumps Move Water with Ease
Sure, there may be calm before the storm, but afterward, once the dark clouds have given way to sunshine, there's oft...
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How to Remove Rust From Tools
Over time, as iron, steel, and other ferrous metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture they can undergo oxidation, a ...
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Genius! Turn a Plastic Fork into a Tiny Screwdriver
Instructables user deluges, a self-described amateur tinkerer, has nothing against custom screws—just the added cost ...
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10 Good Uses for Charcoal Briquettes That Have Nothing to Do With Grilling
Like sunscreen and insect repellent, charcoal is a summer staple you don't want to be without. Come the weekend, when...
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8 "Must Have" Tools for Home Improvement
Owning and maintaining a house can feel like a full time job—but it's certainly a rewarding one. DIY jobs like hanging drywall, painting the walls, or removing ru...
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7 Essential Wallpaper Tools Under $20
Now more than ever, homeowners are embracing wallpaper as a renovation-free method of transforming a room. Not least among its virtues is that, unlike some other ...
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How To: Sharpen Scissors
Used for cutting paper, cardboard, fabric, string, price tags, plastic packaging—that list goes on—those scissors in ...
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Organize Your Garden Gear with 11 Crucial Buys
Easy access to essential tools makes gardening more of a pleasure than a chore. And when these pieces are simple to store, you’re likely to take better care of th...
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9 Clever Things You Can Do with a Rubber Band
Rubber bands—those unassuming desk accessories—seem to multiply every time you turn around. If you’re like most people, you have a junk drawer and an office caddy...
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Grime Fighters: 10 Heavy-Duty Tools for Deep Cleaning
This spring, you don't have to break your back when cleaning your home home from top to bottom. That's because a heap of amazing cleaning tools can help you do a ...
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9 Gifts for the Tool Nut Who Has It All
If you know someone who gets starry-eyed over T-squares and power drills, chances are that special someone already has a well-stocked workshop chock-full of tools...
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7 Ways to Set Up Your Home Workshop
Where do you keep your workshop? It's best to set it up in a place where noise, dust, and space aren't an issue. But there are other considerations to keep in min...
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Hardware Store Decor: 9 Ways to Repurpose Tools
Tools were made to be used, even long after their heyday of tough DIY assignments has passed. Whether you've shelved your older tools for newer models or you've i...
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10 Toolbox Hacks for Your Next DIY Project
There's a little MacGyver in all of us. And when it comes to DIY, who couldn't use another shortcut? Whether your toolbox is fully stocked or you're slowly acquir...
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9 Handy Uses for Your Cordless Drill/Driver
Some folks swear by their wet saws for cutting tile, while others couldn’t bear to part with their trim router. But there's at least one power tool that any DIYer...
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19 Home and Garden Brands That Were Born in the U.S.A.
When you’re shopping for tools, household products, and home fixtures, consider buying quality goods that are made right here in America.
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This Is the Best Way to Remove a Stripped Screw—Plus 11 Methods That Work in a Pinch
The best-laid DIY project plans can hit a snag if a stripped screw turns up. Though stuck fasteners with stripped hea...
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Building the Essential Toolbox: 20 Tools You Can't DIY Without
You already have a claw hammer and a screwdriver set—now what? Here are the tools you need to buy next if you want to up your DIY game.
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Get a Grip: 8 Clamps to Help You Handle Any Project
Clamps are immensely helpful (even essential) in performing cer­tain tasks. But, which clamp—among the various hand-screw, bar, spring, strap, pipe and C-clamp—is...
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How To: Use a Phillips-Head Screwdriver
 When you're using a Phillips-head screwdriver, make sure that you're not doing it the hard way. Here's how. Be sure ...
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Think Outside the Toolbox: 9 New Uses for Old Tools
When it’s finally time for old tools to retire, don’t ship them off to Florida. Give them a second career as a crafty DIY project.
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Finishing Sanders
Names like orbital sander, pad sander, and oscillating sheet sander are used to identify finishing sanders. You'll fi...
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How To: Use a Scraper
This is a tool for minimalists, for those who admire simplicity of form and function beyond all else. That's because ...
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How To: Make a Mortise and Tenon Joint
Mortise and tenon joints are the preferred style of joint for furniture and cabinetwork. It's strong, durable, and li...
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Doweling Jig
A convenient method of joining boards is a dowel joint. Especially useful when two or more boards are being joined (b...
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The Shaper
For those woodworkers for whom a molded edge, a contoured decorative curve, is the difference between a proper job an...
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The Thickness Planer
The planer is a tool for woodworkers who require large quantities of planed stock and who elect to buy it rough cut. ...
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Operating a Drill Press
The controls vary from one drill press to the next, but there are a number of ele­ments that remain largely the same....
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Radial-Arm Saw
There are always ongoing debates within a universe of people who are committed to their work. One such argument among...
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Jigsaw
The jigsaw resembles the band saw in that the workpiece is presented to the blade atop a small table (nine inches by ...
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Tilting Arbor Saw
For many woodworkers, the single most important workshop tool is the table saw. Though it is most often referred to b...
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Saw Blade Sharpening
A good handsaw, when properly treated, is a tool that can be passed with pride from one generation to the next. Essen...
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Spokeshaves
Most tools seem to develop in families. There are resemblances from one generation to the next, and cousins are recog...
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Rasps, Files, and Surfoams
Files are easily taken for granted. They've been around for thousands of years, predating even the ancient Egyptian c...
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Rabbet Planes
One of the most common wood joints is the rabbet. Consisting of a rectangular slot at the edge of one piece into whic...
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Making Plane Adjustments
Using woodworking planes whose cutters are out of adjustment is like driving a car in the wrong gear: You may be able...
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Woodworking Gauges
These simple tools haven't changed much in generations (no doubt the old cliché about not fixing things that aren't b...
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Bevel Gauge
A near relation of the try square, the bevel gauge also consists of a handle or stock with an attached tongue (or bla...
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Plumbing Tools
Plumbing makes possible the cleanliness we know today. Yet solving some kinds of plumbing problems involves sink trap...
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All About Wrenches
The first nuts and bolts, which were put to use during the early years of the Renaissance, had square heads. The hexa...
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The Story Pole
To those who have used one, a story pole does indeed have a tale to tell. To the uninitiated, however, the story pole...
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25 Types of Pliers and How to Use Them
Pliers are one of those essential tools that most every DIYer and professional has in their tool arsenal. Used to gri...
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Flexible Tape Measures
Today, the tape measure may be the carpenter's best friend, but in dozens of other trades, too, the tape measure can ...
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4 Scraper Tools Every DIYer Should Know
I've lumped together, under a single heading, a family of tools that are used to perform many tasks. They resemble on...
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Cold, Masonry, and Brick Chisels
Cutting through stone, brick, or metal? These tools can help. Continue ahead to understand the main types of chisels ...
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Wood Chisels
Suppose you borrowed H. G. Well's time machine and traveled back into history a few centuries or even a millennium. S...
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Top Tips for Sharpening Chisels
I know you've heard it before, but it's true: sharp tools are safer tools. The chisel is a perfect case in point. A d...
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How To: Use a Hammer
At first, I felt a bit foolish explaining how to use a hammer. Most of us have seen children banging away with toy ma...
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The Essential Toolbox
Whether you’re a rookie handyman or a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, a range of basic tools is essential to doing the sma...
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Levels
In making or repairing small rectangular objects, a square is invaluable in helping ensure the joints are tight and t...
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The Transit Level
The practice of plane surveying (determining the position of buildings, boundaries, and topographical features as if ...
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The Plumb Bob: What Is This Tool, and How Do You Use It?
This tool has ancient origins. Evidence suggests that Egyptian architects used plumb bob-like tools to establish vert...
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The Coping Saw
Coping is a process by which one piece with an irregular surface is fitted to another. In practice, most of us encoun...
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Table and Radial Saws
One of the crowning achievements of many do-it-yourselfers is to purchase a stationary bench power tool. Unless you'r...
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Pneumatic Nailers for Homeowners
Pneumatic nailers, known as nail guns, have changed the way builders work, and are as common on the job site nowadays...
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Choosing Essential Tools for Woodworking
Whether starting a workshop from scratch or enhancing an existing one, few woodworkers will come up with the same wor...
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Inexpensive Ideas and DIY Tips for Storing Sandpaper
When you first start tackling home projects, it's no problem to hit the hardware store for one of those sandpaper mul...
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How to Sand Wood
Sanding is often the unsung step of any project with wood. It can take a long time, and the results are subtle: Sandi...
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16 Workbench Plans Perfect for Big or Small Home Shops
It’s hard to say that a workshop is actually a workshop if there isn’t at least a small workbench somewhere within th...
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Bob Vila's Holiday Gift Guide: For Tool Lovers
Whether you're looking for a stocking stuffer or a gift to slip under the tree, our top tool picks will help you shop for the tool-loving handyman or woman in you...
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7 Essential Measuring Tools for Any Job
Besides "righty tighty, lefty loosey," there's one DIY phrase that nearly anyone can recite: Measure twice, cut once....
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How to Use a Saw the Right Way
Every time you use a power saw, you put your very own flesh and blood at risk. I've worked with more contractors than...
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Top Tips for Using a Floor Sander
Use a floor sander effectively in order to complete your hardwood refinishing project more quickly and easily.
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The Best Floor Sander for Beginning DIYers
Unless you plan to sand many floors in your lifetime, the best choice for do-it-yourself floor refinishing is the ran...
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Why Every DIYer Needs a Thickness Planer
The thickness planer is not the most versatile tool in your arsenal. In fact, it really only does one thing: it plane...
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Protective Gear
There's nothing hard about wearing safety goggles or earplugs or a respirator when they are needed. The cost for such...
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Everything You Need to Know About How to Sharpen a Spade Bit
Spade bits, it seems, are always encountering nails, at least in the kinds of rough drilling chores that renovation w...
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Installing Sound Attenuation Insulation
The house is insulated for sound control to provide a quiet environment for baby. The installation of the insulation is demonstrated along with the necessary safe...
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Removing a Hazardous Tree
A large rotted tree is removed for safety reasons.
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Building the Roof Deck With Ipe
Bob watches the ongoing installation of the roof deck, which is being built woth a sustainable tropical hardwood decking called Ipe.
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Kitchen Cabinet Installation
John Wellborn (from Wellborn Cabinets) and carpenter Paul Anderson join Bob for the kitchen cabinet installation.
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Building Planter Boxes
Bob Ryley is in the garage workshop building a planter box for the sunroom.
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The Dominy Workshop at Winterthur Garden
Bob takes the first of many visits to the Winterthur Garden and Museum in Delaware's Brandywine Valley.
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Installing Molding on the Kitchen Cabinets
Paul Anderson attaches pre-finished crown molding around the kitchen cabinets in the modern Colonial project house.
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Sanding Wood Floors
In the sunroom, Howard Brickman is at work sanding the floors.
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Wall Stenciling
Decorator Leslie Curtis joins Bob in the modern Colonial project house parlor to discuss the room's wall treatments.
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Wall Stenciling, Continued
Artisan Ken Forcier are applying the second "layer" of the stencil he's using to decorate in the parlor of the modern Colonial.
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Picture Framing
Interior designer Leslie Curtis shows off another of her decorating ideas in the dining room.
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Installing the Subfloor
Thorough Construction's lead carpenter Connor McKenna applies panel adhesive to the tops of the new, sistered joists before laying four-by-eight sheets of Georgia...
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Steel Bulkhead, Cedar Siding and Metal Flashing, and Standing Seam Steel Roof Installation
In a progress report, Ted Riley shows Bob the pre-primed red cedar siding , the heavy-duty metal Bilco bulkhead installation, and the Quechee home's standing seam...
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Building the Foyer Staircase
Bob visits with carpenter Mark Fortunati, who is building a traditional-looking staircase in the foyer.
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Home Technology Update
Bob meets up with Tim Woods (of the Internet Home Alliance) in the basement of the Quechee home to hear about the progress made integrating the connected home tec...
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Reviewing the Features of OnStar and the Home Entertainment Center
Bob checks email from his truck using GM OnStar's Virtual Advisor functionality. He then meets with Tim Woods (from the Internet Home Alliance) to check out the P...
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Skylight and Gable Window Installation
Bob goes up to the attic of the Victorian project house, where an ODL tubular skylight is being installed. Also, Bob looks back at the installation of windows on ...
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Installing Copper Gutters
Bob watches as gutters are installed along the copper-roofed breezeway.
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Building the Backyard Deck
Bob observes as general contractor Charlie Tomaszewski finishes up the picture framing for the mahogany deck.
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Building Cabinets
Bob visits Todd Allen's cabinet shop, where he helps to mill and assemble the cabinets for the loft conversion project.
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Porch Railing and Screen Door Installation
Carpenter Bob Ryley helps install a new porch railing and new screen doors. An underground sprinkler system is also installed.
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Installing a Brick Walkway and Porch Lighting, and Milling the Railings and Balusters
Contractors put in the brick walkway. Forester Moulding and Lumber replicates the porch railings and balusters. Also, new security and sprinkler systems are insta...
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Block Wall Demolition
Bob and contractor Ed Weller meet to demolish a block wall in order to open up the room for remodeling.
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Laying Redwood Decking
Bob confers with carpenter Cortney Lofton, as he lays the redwood decking for the back porch.
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Wood Floor Repair
Bob and homeowner Gavin repair and refinish a 75-year-old oak floor. Because the new patch floor panels have a different thickness from the original, a belt sande...
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Shingle Siding
Bob joins carpenter Bob Ryley, who is putting sidewall shingles onto the exterior of the new addition.
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Skylight Installation
Bob joins contractor Bob Ryley, who is installing a Velux skylight on a curb mount. Ryley describes the screws and mounting hardware used, and Bob demonstrates th...
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Discussing the Framing and Selecting a Garage Door
Bob and contractor Bob Ryley review the building plans and the progress made on the post-and-beam garage. Framing continues, and Bob discusses the various joints ...
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Removing Trees from the Project Site
Bob joins contractor Bob Ryley and the tree removal specialist to discuss clearing the site. Special tips on chainsaw use and safety are provided.
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Finishing Touches in the Kitchen
In the kitchen, where the white pine cabinets have been installed, Bob Ryley demonstrates how to adjust a European door hinge before he finishes putting in a plat...
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Adding Clapboard Siding
Contractor Bob Ryley explains the process of installing the new clapboards. Using galvanized nails, the boards are added in a staggered pattern for better visual ...
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Building the Farmer's Porch
Bob discusses the process of building the farmer's porch with contractor Larry Landers. The natural crowning of wood is discussed, as are methods for ensuring a l...
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Building a Medicine Cabinet
Bob helps contractor Bob Ryley hand-craft a medicine cabinet using a radial arm saw, Dado blade, router, screws, and carpenter's glue.
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Blueboard and Plaster
Bob joins plastering contractor Bob Fragakis, who will install blueboard, then apply a skim coat of plaster over it. Fragakis explains the tools and materials use...
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Pine Porch Ceiling
Contractor Larry Landers installs V-groove pine on the ceiling of the new front porch and demonstrates how to stagger and miter boards for an attractive, old-fash...
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Recycling a Hardwood Floor
Flooring contractor Leo Boudreau shows Bob how to recycle hardwood flooring. First, the floor must be salvaged. A pry bar is used to lift and remove the wood, pie...
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Installing Fixtures in a Tiled Bath
Bob checks out the handmade tiles and selected plumbing fixtures in the remodeled bath. When general contractor Tim Berky drills into the tile, he stresses the im...
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