Tools Tools & Materials
Discover a guide to the tools & materials involved with your tools.
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All About Combination Squares
Learn how to use a combination square with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, then see our picks for the best tools available.
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.
All About Multimeters: How To Use, Monitor, and Calibrate
A multimeter is a useful tool that can measure voltage for basic electrical work. Read our guide to learn how to use a multimeter as part of your next do-it-yourself project.
Best Tool Brands (2024 Guide)
This guide to the best power tool brands covers top choices for value, performance, cordless tools, corded tools, warranties and more.
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.
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.
Tool Lab | Shop Vacuums
This Old House master carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares his favorite tips for choosing and using shop vacuums.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Do Laser Levels Work?
This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares how laser levels work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Miter Saws (2024 Guide)
The best miter saws in 2024 are the Bosch Sliding Miter Saw, Metabo Miter Saw, Delta Compound Miter Saw, and the CRAFTSMAN Sliding Miter Saw.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Products to Help Tackle Your Home To-Do List
Take care of the tasks around your home with these handy products.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.