Tools Tools & Materials

Discover a guide to the tools & materials involved with your tools.

Nathan Gilbert setting up a Dewalt shop vac

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Tool Lab | Shop Vacuums

This Old House master carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares his favorite tips for choosing and using shop vacuums.
DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool, DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw, and DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jig Saw isolated on a grid paper background

Our 5 Best DeWalt Cordless Tool Picks (2024)

Check out our roundup of the best DeWalt tools that offer power, performance, and a good value for the price.
Cobalt Alloy Steel Drill Bit Set, IRWIN Step Drill Bit Set, and BOSCH BL21A Black Oxide Metal Drill Bit Set isolated on a grid paper background

Our 5 Best Drill Bits for Metal Picks (2024 Guide)

Metal requires specific drill bits you might not already have in your tool collection. Here are our top picks for the best drill bits for metal.
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Wrench, PORTER-CABLE Impact Wrench, and RYOBI 18-Volt Impact Wrench isolated on a grid paper background

5 Best Cordless Impact Wrenches (2024 Guide)

Cordless impact wrenches are maneuverable tools used for automotive repairs, construction work, and more. Here are the top cordless impact wrenches available.
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Lightweight Chainsaw, DEWALT 20V MAX XR Chainsaw, and BLACK+DECKER 20V Max Cordless Chainsaw isolated on a green grid paper background

5 Best Battery Chainsaws (2023 Guide)

Battery chainsaws are quieter and lighter than gas-powered models, making them good for small projects. Here are our top battery chainsaw picks.
DEWALT DWE7491RS Table Saw and SKIL Portable Jobsite Table Saw isolated on a grid paper background

5 Best Table Saws (2023 Guide)

Table saws are ideal for cutting large pieces of wood and other materials, such as aluminum, quickly and precisely. Here are our picks for the best table saws.
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Best Electric Screwdrivers (2024 Guide)

Electric screwdrivers efficiently insert or remove screws from almost any item. Here are the best electric screwdrivers on the market today.
Dewalt XR reciprocating saw, WORX 20V reciprocating saw, and Makita reciprocating saw against a grey graph paper background. Lead image for best reciprocating saw guide

5 Best Reciprocating Saws (2024 Guide)

See our guide to the best reciprocating saw for cutting through cut through wood, metal, drywall, or a combination of materials.
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­Our Favorite Products Seen at the National Hardware Show 2023

The National Hardware Show is where dozens of manufacturers worldwide showcase new tools and products, many carrying the promise of making DIY jobs easier and faster. Weaved in with the goofy gizmos are some new tools and products that sound promising. From hammers to hammocks, there’s a lot to see and test. Here’s a roundup of the most exciting products from this year’s show.
Woman hanging lights with clear duck tape

New Home Products to Help You Tackle Your To-do List

Check out the latest tools and home-improvement products to help you tackle your to-do list.
Dewalt 20V Max impact driver kit and Metabo circular table against a grey graph paper background. Lead image for best tools guide.

30 Best Tools (2024 Guide)

It’s good to keep various tools in your home in case you need to make repairs. Here are the best tools to have on hand.
Nathan Gilbert with laser levels

How Do Laser Levels Work?

This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares how laser levels work.
Three Dewalt tools on a green background

The 6 Best Pro-Grade Tools at Home Depot

When it comes to tools, contractors look for power, reliability, and helpful details that finish the job faster. Here are a few products that are worth a spot in your truck or workshop.
Olsa Tools Socket Holders and ARES Magnetic Socket Organizer Set isolated on a yellow grid paper background

5 Best Socket Organizers (2024 Guide)

Instead of throwing your sockets into drawers, use an organizer to keep them in one convenient location. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best socket organizers on Amazon.
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6 Best Socket Sets (2024 Guide)

A socket set gives you a wide variety of tools to choose from when you’re working on home improvement projects. If you’re a DIYer who fastens a lot of nuts and bolts for home improvement projects, read our guide to the best socket sets.
Main image for the best stud finders buying guide

6 Best Stud Finders (2024 Guide)

The ideal stud finder includes precise detection, quick calibration, and an alert system. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best stud finders on the market to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
best multimeter lead image

Our 7 Best Multimeter Picks (2024)

Multimeters measure the voltage, resistance, and current of a wiring circuit. In this review, we look at the best multimeters on the market to help you find the one that’s right for you.
Delta Sliding Compound Miter Saw and CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw Kit isolated on a yellow grid paper background. Lead image for Best Miter Saws guide.

5 Best Miter Saws (2024 Guide)

A miter saw is a woodworking tool that makes precise, angled cuts. In this review, our team looks at the latest and best miter saws to help you find the perfect fit for your workshop.
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5 Best Angle Finders (2024 Review)

Angle finders allow users to make accurate angled cuts. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best angle finders on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
DEWALT Thickness Planer and Bosch Palm Sander isolated on a yellow grid paper background

5 Best Woodworking Tools (2024 Guide)

No matter how experienced or inexperienced a woodworker you are, high-quality tools are a must. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best woodworking tools on Amazon.
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5 Best Drywall Saws (2024 Guide)

Drywall is heavy and thick, making cutting it a challenge for even the most seasoned DIYers. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best drywall saws on Amazon.
Lockport Duct Tape, Duck Duct Tape, and 3M Duct Tape isolated on a white grid paper background with blue stripes

The 5 Best Duct Tapes (2024 Guide)

Duct tape is an essential item to have around for quick fixes. In this guide, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best duct tapes on Amazon.
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5 Best Heat Guns (2024 Review)

It’s worth looking into a heat gun to make your home improvement projects easier. Learn more about our top recommendations by visiting here.
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New Products to Help Tackle Your Home To-Do List

Take care of the tasks around your home with these handy products.
generator

The 5 Best Inverter Generators (2024 Review)

With enhanced fuel efficiency, an inverter generator allows you to power devices and appliances without wasting energy. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best inverter generators on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home.
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The 5 Best Splitting Wedges (2024 Review)

A splitting wedge is a simple and affordable tool that makes splitting logs of wood easier and more precise. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best splitting wedges on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you.
air_compressor

The 5 Best Air Compressors (2024 Review)

Air compressors can perform a variety of useful tasks around your home. When shopping for an air compressor, consider the features you prefer it to have, the maintenance it requires, and the tools you want it to power.
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Tools Buying Guide: Types, Tips, and FAQs (2024 Guide)

Every home needs a dedicated set of tools to fix issues or help build new items. Here is everything you need to know when buying tools.
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The 6 Best Staple Guns (2024 Review)

A staple gun can help with a variety of home improvement projects, including fastening upholstery, carpet, and screening. Here are our top picks.
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9 Must-Have Tools and Home Products for Fall

Here are 9 great tools and home-improvement products to help you tackle your to-do list for the fall.
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The 4 Best Power Washers (2024 Review)

Power washers effectively and quickly remove grime and other debris from driveways, fences, and other surfaces. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best power washers on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.
Best Random Orbital Sander review and guide - lifestyle lead art

5 Best Random Orbital Sanders (2024 Guide)

Random orbital sanders help sand in the direction of the wood grain. Our team reviewed the best random orbital sanders for a variety of jobs.
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The 5 Best Carabiners (2023 Review)

From a reliable keychain to a trustworthy rock climbing device, carabiners are versatile accessories. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best carabiners on Amazon to help you find the one that’s right for you. The products included in this article are available at various retail stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.