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Tools Tools & Materials

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

Lee Gilliam using a string trimmer to clean up a walkway

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All About Attachment Capable String Trimmers

While it may look like an ordinary string trimmer, the unique shaft design allows DIYers to swap in different attachments, turning one machine into a lawn and garden maintenance multitool. Here’s what you need to know about the Swiss Army knife you should stock in your shed.
Close-up on an electrician fixing an electrical outlet and measuring the voltage at a house - home improvement concepts

All About Multimeters

Don’t let the wires, knobs, buttons, and attachments intimidate you. A multimeter is an essential tool for just about any DIYer. Here’s what you need to know about using one.
Milwaukee 2626-20 Orbiting Multi Tool, BOSCH JS120N 12V Max Barrel-Grip Jig Saw, and DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver isolated on a grid paper background

Our 7 Best Tool Brand Picks (2024 Guide)

This guide to the best power tool brands covers top choices for value, performance, cordless tools, corded tools, warranties and more.
Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Folding Utility Knife, Pacific Handy Cutter S4R Safety Cutter, and Gerber Gear Prybrid Utility Knife isolated on a grid paper background

5 Best Utility Knives (2023 Guide)

You can use a utility knife for various household tasks, from opening boxes to installing carpets. Here are the top utility knives on the market.
Swpeet Assorted 24 Pcs Toggle Bolt, Qualihome Ribbed Plastic Drywall Anchor Kit, and Ansoon Zinc Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors isolated on a grid paper background

Our 5 Best Drywall Anchor Picks (2024)

You can use drywall anchors to hang items from your wall when you can’t find a stud. Here are the best drywall anchors available.
Nathan Gilbert setting up a Dewalt shop vac

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.
Two electric screwdrivers against a yellow graph paper background. Lead art for best electric screwdriver

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.
Screwdriver with multiple attachments

­Our Favorite Products Seen at the National Hardware Show 2024

Each year hundreds of manufacturers from around the world fill the halls of the National Hardware Show with a bevy of new innovations and updated products. Tucked between the gadgets and gizmos, some of which you can never imagine buying, are products aimed at making a DIYer’s life easier and less frustrating. We walked every inch of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s 600,000-square-foot hall to find the best products at the 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.
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.