This article appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of This Old House Magazine. Click here to learn how to subscribe.
Summer Tools for Your Home
Track-guided Multitasker: R185CCSX Multi-Material Cutting Track Saw
Equipped with a carbide-tipped blade that cuts wood, ferrous and nonferrous metal, composites, and
plastic, this 71/4-inch-diameter saw is more versatile than many higher-priced models. It also comes with
three tracks that can be connected to offer up to 40 inches of line-splitting accuracy. For longer cuts, you can purchase an additional 55-inch track for $95. $160; evolutionpowertools.com
Palm-sized Planer: M12 Brushless 2-Inch Planer
This battery-powered planer is not much larger than a hand plane, but the rotating carbide cutters shave
away wood and manmade materials with far less effort. The cutting depth can be set from 0 to 5/64 inches for sneaking up to a scribe line or removing material quickly. $199 (tool only); milwaukeetool.com
Cordless Coiled: LEDs Snake Light
Equipped with LEDs at both ends, this 9-inch work light can be wrapped around a ladder rung or a wall stud or stood up on its coiled body to direct light where needed. One tap on the control panel turns on the directional lights on the narrow end; two taps trigger the larger area light. The rechargeable battery’s 4 1/2-to-15-hour run time should keep it lit for the duration of most DIY tasks. $40; blackanddecker.com
Ultra-durable, no-sheen top coat: High-Performance Dead Flat
Most flat finishes attract blemishes like a magnet and aren’t scrubbable. Thanks to a new polymer technology, this super-flat clear finish offers the same durability as the company’s award-winning satin
polyurethane. Dry to the touch in 10 minutes, the water-based top coat has a UV stabilizer that defends it and any underlying stain color from breaking down or fading in sunlight. $45 per quart; generalfinishes.com
Fast and easy deck railing: Rapid Rail
This seven-component system seriously simplifies railing installation. After attaching the 2½-inch-square aluminum posts, slip on the bottom rail and balusters, then the two-piece top rail. The railing is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. $164 for a 6-by-3-foot section; deckorators.com
Stowaway saw: Folding Pull Saw
This cutter’s handle splits and folds back to protect the teeth, making it safer and easier to squeeze into a toolbox or pouch. When open, the 10-inch blade offers 17 teeth per inch (tpi) on one edge for fine cuts and a progressive 7 to 10 TPI edge on the other for faster cutting. $25; toughbuilt.com
Puppy portal: Dog Door Collection
These solid-wood doors come with factory-installed doggie doors that limit air-conditioning or heat loss when Fido can’t decide between squirrels or the sofa. The door can be customized by size, wood species, and glass type to match your home’s style. To fit your pet, the saloon-style pooch portal comes in three sizes, for pets from 40 to 220 pounds. The door also comes with a 20-gauge steel plate that can be locked within the opening. From $1,800; simpsondoor.com
Timber tamer: Hercules Circular Saw Beam Cutter Attachment
Looking for an easier way to cut big beams or landscape timbers? Replacing a circular saw’s blade with this toothy chain extends the saw’s cutting capacity to 12 inches. This add-on works with most 7¼-inch sidewinder and worm-drive saws, too. $70; harborfreight.com
Quiet cleaner: DeWalt StealthSonic 12-gallon 5.5HP Shop Vacuum
This shop vac emits fewer than 65 decibels of noise—half as loud as the company’s previous models and about as loud as typical conversation. Also available in 9- and 16-gallon versions, it has a diffused exhaust system to avoid kicking up dust. $139; lowes.com
Must-have multitool: Center-Drive Rescue
In addition to the standard blade, awl, and bottle opener, this multitool sports full-size pliers with wire cutters that deploy with one hand and a bit driver that feels like a standard screwdriver. The Rescue moniker derives from the seat belt–cutting hooked blade; it’s also handy for opening plastic clamshell packaging. From $145; gerbergear.com