Power Tools
32 articles

A first-home tool kit should cover drill, driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw -- without locking you into a dead platform. We tested 7 combo kits and picked 3 that make sense for a new homeowner.
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Best Cordless Tool Combo Kit for New Homeowners (2026)
The DeWalt 20V MAX 7-Tool Kit wins for new homeowners on tool count, battery platform, and ecosystem scale. Ryobi ONE+ wins on value. Milwaukee M18 FUEL for pros.

Best Oscillating Multi-Tool for Homeowners (2026)
The DeWalt DCS354B wins for homeowners on quick blade change, vibration control, and the 20V MAX battery most DIYers already own. Budget and premium picks inside.

Best Impact Driver for Mechanics (2026): 3 Picks for Socket Work and Stuck Fasteners
A mechanic's impact driver is not a carpenter's impact driver. We tested 6 models for socket drive compatibility, stuck-fastener recovery, and the 2-in-1 hex/square chuck designs. Here are the 3 that work under a hood.

Father's Day Power Tool Gift Guide 2026
The complete 2026 Father's Day power tool gift guide. Three tested guides covering every budget -- premium individual tools, combo kits, and the best picks under $100.

Ryobi vs Milwaukee (2026): Is the Upgrade Actually Worth It?
Ryobi and Milwaukee are both made by Techtronic Industries -- but they're built for completely different buyers. Here's how to decide if upgrading from Ryobi to Milwaukee actually makes sense for your work.

Makita vs Ryobi (2026): Which Brand Is Better for DIY?
Makita builds pro-grade tools. Ryobi builds affordable tools. But for a DIYer, which battery platform actually makes more sense? We break down the real differences in power, battery life, ecosystem size, and long-term cost.

DeWalt vs Milwaukee vs Makita (2026): Which Brand Wins for Pros?
DeWalt 20V MAX vs Milwaukee M18 vs Makita 18V LXT — we compare battery ecosystems, tool range, price, and warranty to help you pick the right platform in 2026.

Best Garage Heater for a 2-Car Garage 2026
The Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx is our top pick for heating a 2-car garage — 80,000 BTU natural gas with 80% efficiency and quiet operation for under $400.

Ryobi ONE+ vs HP (2026): Which Ryobi System Is Right for You?
Ryobi ONE+ HP tools use brushless motors for more power and longer runtime on the same 18V batteries. Here is exactly what is different and whether the upgrade is worth it -- with specific model recommendations.

What Size Generator Do You Need to Run Power Tools?
Running power tools on a generator requires matching starting watts, not running watts. Here is how to calculate exactly what size generator you need.

Brushless vs Brushed Motors: What the Difference Actually Means for You
Brushless motors run 25-50% longer per charge and last years longer than brushed. Here is exactly when the upgrade is worth it and when it is not.

Bosch GOP18V-28N Review: 18V StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool (2026)
Bosch GOP18V-28N rated 4.5/5. StarlockPlus accessory system snaps blades in without a wrench: faster changes and better power transfer than standard

How to Extend Cordless Tool Battery Life
Cordless tool batteries last 3-5 years with proper care or 12-18 months without it. Here are the specific habits that determine which outcome you get.

How to Build the Ultimate Workshop: Equipment Guide 2026
How to build a workshop that actually works: workbenches, storage, dust collection, lighting, and the tools worth buying first. A complete setup guide for 2026.

Are Harbor Freight Tools Actually Getting Better?
Harbor Freight tools have improved significantly: but how much? We tested recent Chicago Electric and Bauer tools against name brands to find out what's worth buying.

Best Compact Routers (Palm Routers)
Five compact palm routers tested for edge work, dado cuts, and template routing. Best picks for woodworkers and trim carpenters who need precision in a small package.

Milwaukee's 2026 Tool Lineup: Gen 4 Motors, FORGE Battery Expansion, and Everything Announced
Milwaukee's 2026 tool lineup: Gen 4 POWERSTATE motors, FORGE battery expansion, and new MX FUEL equipment: what it means for contractors.

Best Starter Tool Kits for Beginners (2026): Tested
We tested 7 cordless starter kits to find the best sets for beginners. Best value: Ryobi PCK300K2. Best upgrade kit: Milwaukee 2691-22.

Best Nail Guns 2026: 7 Top Picks for Framing, Finish, and Brad Nailing
We tested 7 nail guns for 2026 covering framing, finish, and brad nailers from DEWALT, Milwaukee, Metabo HPT, Paslode, and Ryobi. Find the best nail gun for your project.

Best Thickness Planers 2026: 6 Models Tested for Smooth, Consistent Results
We tested 6 thickness planers for surface quality, feed rate, and snipe control. Best benchtop models for flattening rough lumber and hardwood in 2026

Best Drill Presses 2026: 6 Models Tested for Precision, Power & Value
We tested 6 drill presses for precision, table stability, and depth stop accuracy. Best benchtop and floor-standing models for home workshops in 2026.

Best Wood Routers 2026: 6 Top Picks for Edge Profiling, Joinery, and More
We tested 6 wood routers for edge profiling, dado cutting, and template work. Best picks for woodworkers building furniture and cabinetry in 2026.

Makita vs Milwaukee (2026): The Real Answer After 10 Head-to-Head Tests
We tested drills, circular saws, grinders, and battery systems head to head. Milwaukee wins power -- Makita wins ergonomics. Full breakdown inside.

Best Oscillating Multi-Tools (2026): Top Picks
We tested 7 oscillating tools from Fein, Milwaukee, Bosch, and DeWalt for cut speed, vibration, and blade compatibility. The Fein Starlock wins for pros.

Makita vs DeWalt (2026): Which Brand Is Right for Your Trade?
Makita vs DeWalt: we compared drills, saws, grinders, batteries, and ecosystem size.

Ryobi vs DeWalt (2026): Which Brand Is Worth Your Money?
Ryobi and DeWalt target different buyers at very different price points. We compare battery ecosystems, tool quality, and long-term value so you can p

Corded vs Cordless Power Tools: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
The evolution of power tools has changed how DIYers and pros choose their gear. We break down the real differences between corded and cordless power tools — covering power output, runtime, convenience

DeWalt vs Milwaukee Power Tools: Which Brand Wins in 2026?
DeWalt and Milwaukee dominate the power tool market, and both have fiercely loyal followings. We compare their flagship tools head-to-head across performance, battery ecosystems, durability, and value

Best MIG Welders (2026): 7 Picks for Every Level
We tested 7 MIG welders from Lincoln Electric, Hobart, ESAB, and Miller. Best overall: Lincoln 210 MP. Best for beginners: Hobart Handler 140.

Best Shop Vacs 2026: 5 Picks for Garage and Workshop Cleanup
We tested 5 shop vacs for suction power, tank capacity, and wet/dry versatility. Best picks for garage and workshop cleanup in 2026.

Best Impact Drivers (2026): Top 6 Picks Tested
We tested 6 impact drivers for torque, runtime, and speed. Best under $100: Milwaukee M18 FUEL. Best budget under $60: Ryobi PCL235B. Full rankings.