Best DIY Tools To Have for Homeowners in 2024, Tested by Editors
With the help of the best tools, it's never been easier (or more fun!) to be a DIYer. Here are 45 of our top picks, tested by editors. The post Best DIY Tools To Have for Homeowners in 2024, Tested by Editors appeared first on Family Handyman. Stocking a toolbox isn’t something that happens in a day. When it comes to acquiring DIY tools, investing in each piece beats buying cheap versions that don’t last through the years. The best tools last decades or more and offer features that make DIYing fun, accessible and fast. However, finding the right tool requires a little know-how. “There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for tools,” says Craftsman’s in-house DIY expert, Audrey Van de Castle. What to Look For When Shopping for Tools While investing in good-quality tools is important, locating the best tools isn’t a simple task. There are thousands of each tool type on the market. Keep these shopping tips from Van de Castle in mind before clicking “add to cart.” Brand Before buying any battery-powered tools, think about the brands you already use. “If you’ve already purchased a specific battery platform, it can be more economical to stick with that brand of power tools, and it should be a factor in your decision-making process,” says Van de Castle. Price Price is also a major factor. There’s a big difference between pro-level tools and tools for the average DIYer, so consider your applications. “Are you doing pro-level tile work on multiple jobs? You may want to spring for that expensive pro-branded wet tile saw then,” says Van de Castle. “If you are just tiling a bathroom in your house once, you might be fine with a less-expensive tile saw.” Durability and Transport Consider where you’ll be using your tools. “If you are going to throw it in the back of a pickup truck a few times a day, you should consider brands that boast durability,” says Van de Castle. For small projects at home, travel-friendly features are less of a concern. Safety Features “Tool technology has advanced a lot in the past decade when it comes to safety, so modern and newer tools tend to have better safety and lockout features built into them,” says Van de Castle. Still, it’s important to read reviews and take note of any certifications and industry standards noted in the descriptions. Power When looking at prospective tools, consider power metrics like RPM and torque. Van de Castle notes that, for example, if you aren’t going to be drilling into concrete and brick, you might not need a hammer drill. “Always look at the power output on the power tools you buy to understand if it will meet the needs of your applications,” she says. The Best Tools of 2024 Still lost? Don’t panic! The editors at Family Handyman have tested hundreds of tools over the years, so we know a thing or two about pliers, drills and all the tools in between. Our expert analysis makes it easier than ever to stock your toolbox. The list below consists of the 45 best tools, according to tests we conducted ourselves. Best Essential Tools Best Laser Level: Craftsman Crossline Laser Level Best Torque Adaptor: Performance Tool M206 Digital Torque Adapter Best Soldering Gun: Weller Soldering Gun Best Studfinder: Zircon MultiScanner L550 Best Work Light: Nebo Omni 2k Work Light Best Work Table: Keter Folding Work Table Best Mechanic Tools: DeWalt 84-Piece Mechanics Tool Set Best Drill Bit Set: DeWalt Titanium Pilot Point Drill Bit Set Best Toolbox: DeWalt’s ToughSystem 2.0 Rolling Tower Best Endoscope: Depstech DS500 Endoscope Best Generator: GoalZero Yeti 1500X Power Station Best Power Tools Best Pressure Washer: Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer Best Heat Gun: Wagner Furno 700 Heat Gun Best Air Compressor: Metabo HPT 36v MultiVolt 2-Gallon Cordless Air Compressor Best Orbital Sander: Ryobi RS290G Random Orbit Sander Best Oscillating Tool: Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Best Saws Best Reciprocating Tool: Hart 20v Brushless Reciprocating Saw Best Mini Chainsaw: Saker Mini Chainsaw Best Cordless Chainsaw: Makita XCU04 Cordless Chainsaw Best Axe Saw: Zippo AxeSaw Best Miter Saw: Chicago Electric 69684 Mitersaw Best Overall Table Saw: DeWalt Job Site Table Saw Safest Table Saw: SawStop Table Saw Best Saw Blade: Freud Diablo Demo Demon Best Drivers Best Electric Driver: Worx Nitro Switchdriver 2.0 Best Manual Driver: MetMo Driver Best Multi-Tools Most Portable Multi-Tool: PopGrip SOG Multi-Tool Best Budget Multi-Tool: Gerber Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool Best Splurge Multi-Tool: Leatherman Wave+ Best Gardening Tools Best Lawn Aerator: Corona Yardbreather Aerator Best Handheld Weeder: CobraHead Weeder Best Full-Size Weeder: Grampa’s Weeder Best Weed Puller: Handy Brush Grubber Best Hose Reel: Liberty Garden Hose Reel Best Seed Spacer: Seeding Square Best Lawn Tools Best Pruner: Stihl GTA 26 Pruner Best Budget String Trimmer: Worx 12-inch String Trimmer Best Splurge String Trimmer: Ego String Trimmer Best Wood Chipper: Sun Joe Chipper Best Leaf Blower: Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower Best Painting Tools Best Touchup Pen: Slobproof Touch-Up Paint Pens Best Edger: AccuBrush MX Paint Edger Best Paint Remover: Metabo Paint Remover Best Safety Tools Best Safety Goggles: Stoggles Best Featherboard: Hedgehog Featherboard
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