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With the right set of power tools, storage, and other DIY helpers, you can cross projects off of your to-do list and complete small tasks a whole lot faster. Each year, we test hundreds of tools, cutting, drilling, carrying, and even dropping them to assess power, speed, durability, functionality, and value. Below are our eight favorite products to build, repair, clean, store, and more. They’re tough, versatile, and practical, and that’s why they’re great.
1. Gorilla 22-Foot MPXA 2.0 Multi-Position Ladder
With a whopping 300-pound load capacity and impressive 22-foot reach, the Gorilla MPXA 2.0 topped our list of the best ladders this year. Not only does it boast a sturdy build, it transforms into five configurations: an extension ladder, step ladder, wall ladder, stairway step ladder, and even a scaffold base. This adaptability may make it the only ladder you need for all your DIY tasks and projects.
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best ladders guide.
Get the Gorilla ladder exclusively at The Home Depot.
2. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
Lightning-fast cutting speeds coupled with low vibration made the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall our favorite reciprocating saw this year. With a 1¼-inch stroke length, this full-size reciprocating saw operates on a powerful, RedLithium XC 5.0-Ah battery and provides up to 3,000 strokes per minute for tearing through construction materials at top speeds. In addition to the 5.0-Ah battery, this kit includes a multi-voltage charger and carrying case to help you tackle demo projects anywhere.
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best reciprocating saws guide.
Get the Milwaukee M18 reciprocating saw at Ace Hardware (1 battery) or The Home Depot.
3. DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Tool Box
The DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 improves on its original ToughSystem storage, with larger capacities and tougher build quality. This three-piece system includes small and large tool boxes and a wheeled storage box serves as the base when all the pieces are snapped together. The ToughSystem is IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, and the durable wheels can support up to 250 pounds. For its versatile storage—and after withstanding several of our durability tests—we can say this is one of the best tool storage options around.
What our tester says: “I actually dropped each of these boxes from a low height—the tailgate of my truck—and none of them suffered any damage other than just some superficial scuff marks. I was impressed because I’ve had tool boxes break open before if dropped from a similar height. For my money, the DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 is a good investment in protecting and transporting my tools.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best tool boxes guide.
Get the DeWalt tool box at The Home Depot.
4. Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Big messes in the shop or on-site require a powerful, large-capacity vacuum, and this Ridgid wet/dry vacuum fits the bill. It easily cleaned everything we put in its path in our tests and impressed us with its power. With a 15-foot cord, two extension wands, and a 7-foot hose, this wheeled shop vac provides continuous cleaning power, no matter how far you have to go. It also includes onboard storage for easy access to attachments, whether you need to pick up dust and debris or suction spills.
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best ‘shop vacs’ guide.
Get the Ridgid shop vac at The Home Depot.
5. Husky 10,000-Lumen Twin Head LED Work Light
Providing expansive illumination for shops, garages, and jobsites, this work light’s versatility set it apart in our tests. The twin lights can be used with or without the tripod, have independent power switches, and have separate adjustment knobs, allowing you direct light exactly where you need it. Plus, at just 17 pounds, the Husky work light is easy to move and transport for any pro or DIY task.
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best work lights guide.
Get the Husky work light at The Home Depot or Amazon.
6. Bosch 18V Compact Brushless ½-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Whether they’re used for furniture assembly, door installation, or a variety of other tasks, cordless drills can find a place in nearly everyone’s tool kit. This Bosch drill/driver kit found its place on our favorites list thanks to its impressive speed of 1,900 revolutions per minute and max torque of 400 inch-pounds—all in just 2.8 pounds!. In our tests, it posted similar driving speeds as larger, bulkier drills. For the power, construction quality, and price, this Bosch is tough to beat.
What our tester says: “It has a narrower profile and slimmer battery than other budget-priced cordless drills. I found it noticeably easier to wield than other models, and that lighter weight resulted in less arm fatigue.” —-Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best cordless drills under $100 guide.
Get the Bosch cordless drill at Amazon or Lowe’s.
7. Stabila Pro Set 80 AS Spirit Levels With Case
Constructed of powder-coated aluminum, these Stabila levels offer lightweight durability for a variety of tasks. The set includes three of the most commonly used lengths, 12, 24, and 48 inches, each outfitted with non-marring rubber end caps. All the vials are encased in clear plastic for protection from breakage, and the central vial of each level is open at the top, making it easy to read from any angle. These durability and ease-of-use features placed this set above all other levels in our tests. We think they’d make a great addition to any tool box.
What our tester says: “I like that this kit includes the three sizes that I always use. They felt more maneuverable than the other levels because the proportions were different. The two long levelers were narrower and lighter than average, but the short one was chunkier and a bit longer than a torpedo level.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best levels guide.
Get the Stabila levels at Amazon or KC Tool.
8. DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DeWalt’s range-topping 12-inch double-bevel sliding compound miter saw has class-leading cutting capacities and a shadow-cut system to make precise cuts easy. It can cut bevels in 7½-inch crown moldings, saw through 4×4 posts, and cross-cut 2×14 dimensional lumber. After testing, our favorite feature was the XPS Crosscut Positioning System, which shines bright LED lights on both sides of the blade to create a sharp, crisp cutline on the material. The cutline is always in the correct position because it uses the blade as a reference, unlike laser guides, which can go out of alignment over time. It’s accuracy made easy.
Learn how we tested and reviewed more top picks in our best DeWalt miter saws guide.
Get the DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
