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From drills and drivers to multi-process welders, these new tools stood out among all that we tested this year.
Throughout the year, a lot of tools pass through our hands in the Popular Mechanics workshop. These tools run the gamut, with many just launched, brand new models, while others that are simply new to us. It takes time to run these tools through a battery of tests to be sure they perform as expected. Some tools go above and beyond with clever features that solve age-old problems and some, well, they just feel right.
These Tool Awards highlight some of our favorite tools that we keep coming back to, time after time, whether for big projects or small tasks.
Bosch’s new 14-inch Dry Cut Saw is a departure from traditional abrasive chop saws. Instead of a fiber disc, it Comes with a Bosch Edge Extreme Carbide saw blade, that cuts through metal, rather than grinding it away. Since it cuts rather than grinds, it doesn’t fling fine dust and grit into the air for you to breathe in. We cut several types of steel stock, including 3/4-inch rebar, and the Dry Cut Saw made remarkably clean cuts, without heating up the steel. Bosch ensures that your cuts will be accurate with a red laser line that helps you quickly align your measurement marks with the saw path. We particularly appreciated the tool-less vice with integrated miter to be sure stock—round or square—is held securely at any angle.
You’d be hard pressed to find a cordless miter saw that rivals the power and performance of a corded one—but this saw from DeWalt is right there with the best of them. It’s a big deal tool in DeWalt’s lineup—essentially their attempt to bring true 12-inch shop-level miter saw performance into a cordless 20v platform.
We threw just about everything we could at this saw—2x8 framing lumber, trim, pressure-treated 4x4s, and crown molding—and it handled all of it without a hitch. The saw has exceptionally smooth table movement with locking detents and the bevel is straightforward and not at all awkward to access and operate. A clear shadow line, great dust collection, and a full day of cuts on an 8Ah battery round out the performance. And while it’s something of a beast to move around at almost 70 pounds fully loaded, it seems worthwhile if you anticipate doing bigger and better projects with it.
Metal cutting circular saws are more than just a regular saw with a special blade. DeWalt’s new 20V Max XR Circular Saw illustrates this perfectly. It’s their most powerful cordless metal cutting circular saw, with RPMs and torque optimized for the task. We were impressed with how well it cut everything from corrugated metal siding to 3/8-inch plate steel. And, we were amazed at how clean it left the cut edges of that plate steel. We cautiously picked up the cut scrap expecting it to be hot, but it wasn’t. The 20V Max XR Metal Cutting Circular Saw doesn’t create heat like abrasive cut-off wheels, so material can safely be handled right after cutting. The saw also features a removeable chip catcher, which does a good job collecting debris and can easily be emptied into the trash.
We all got in on the action when we broke out DeWalt’s cordless jackhammer for the first time. After breaking up a few large pieces of concrete around the grounds of our offices, we looked at each other and said, “I wish there was more stuff to break up” at the same time. It’s just that good.
Fully cordless on 60V FlexVolt batteries, this breaker is designed for concrete demolition, breaking slabs, trenching and channeling, and easily cutting through asphalt and hard-packed soil. While plenty heavy at 40 pounds, this breaker is not quite as relentless as 60-70 lb. corded pavement breakers. Still, it’s infinitely mobile, simple to swap bits and operate, and easy on the body thanks to the Shocks Active Vibration Control which reduces vibration at the handles.
It’s happens to everyone at some point, getting that feeling your circular saw may have seen better days. But the right blade can completely transform a saw—so it’s good to have a couple on-hand for specific tasks. For clean cuts that make gap-free joints, Diablo’s 7 ¼-inch Wood Demon Ultimate Finish saw blade is hard to beat. Cutting soft and hardwood species with this blade left with no perceptible arcs or ridges in the cut face. Additionally, there were no wood fibers blown out where the saw teeth exited the kerf, yielding a sand-free finish. The proof is in the pudding, as they say though, when your butt and miter joints close tightly with no gap and finishing required, you’ll be happy with the Wood Demon Ultimate Finish saw blades.
For folks without a shop full of tools, who want to take on a couple DIY projects, the Dremel Portable Saw Station could be a solution. It is designed for jobs like trim work or vinyl plank flooring, where it can help you make precise miter or right-angle cuts. Unlike a typical miter saw, the Portable Saw Station comes in a box no bigger than a briefcase—which won’t take up much room when not in use. Opening the case reveals a work surface, with the saw and other components stored below. Following the provided instructions, the setup was straightforward and quick. After charging the saw battery, we were able start cutting in minutes. Cut depth is limited to about ¾ inch, which is fine for vinyl flooring and most trim moldings, and exactly what the Portable Saw Station is intended for. It’s a tool that won’t break the bank, and in fact can help homeowners tackle a few DIY projects and save some money.
It can be frustrating to cut metal with hand-held tools, especially if precision is important. Grizzly’s new 10-inch Vertical Metal Band Saw is a reasonably priced shop tool that can speed up metal cutting, improve accuracy, and eliminate frustration. Unpacking and assembling of the saw was straight-forward and only took about 30 minutes. Once we had the blade adjusted and square to the table, we were able to use the fence to accurately cut strips of steel and aluminum with parallel edges. The saw features a laser line guide for reference to help keep cut lines aligned. Removing the fence, we cut curves free-form, following a pattern scribed on sheet metal with relative ease. The variable speed control made it easy to optimize cutting for type of material and thickness—which gives the saw versatility, moving from thin gauge sheet metal, up to thick wall tubing or solid stock. Additionally, the table tilts allowing for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
If you’ve ever had to cut a 6 x 6-inch timber accurately, you know it can be challenging with a standard circular saw. It takes at least two cuts on opposite sides, and lining them up is tough. If you have a lot of timbers to cut, Makita has come to the rescue with their new 40V max XGT Cordless 16‑5/16 inch Circular Saw. You can cut pressure treated 6 x 6s or timber framing in one precise pass. Our testing involved setting pressure treated posts in concrete to support a structure, and then topping the posts level. Using the Max XGT Cordless Circular Saw meant we just set the ladder once and made one cut, versus setting it twice on opposite sides of each post, for two cuts—so the task went faster, and the post tops were cut more precisely. An interesting thing we noticed was that the saw spins at noticeably lower RPMs than typical circular saws, which makes sense since the blade is larger and the tooth speed would be higher at the same RPMs. The saw does seem to have a lot of torque at these lower RPMs and easily cut through the pressure treated lumber without straining.
If we’re making a case for full-capacity 12-inch dual bevel miter saw in these awards, we thought it best to shine a light on Makita’s 8 ½ inch sliding compound miter saw as well. With a crosscut capacity of 12 ¼ inches—a dimension reserved for larger, heavier saws—this model punches well above its weight class. We liked that the saw has a rail-forward design instead of backwards, which makes it far less obtrusive, whether in the truck, the shop, or on a jobsite.
And the saw has that classic Makita build: compact and sturdy, with a cast aluminum turn base layered with steel components for the miter mechanisms. It just feels solid, yet it moves with total fluidity. We found it to be smooth and powerful with super clean cuts and an exceptional dust collection system that connects to a shop vac via the saw’s onboard hose.
It’s also manageable to move around—something you can’t say about most 10- or 12-inch sliders. Blade selection is a bit limited at this size, but if portability and cut size matter, this Makita is a really compelling middle ground.
Milwaukee has upgraded its Hole Dozer bi-metal hole saws with a new quick release arbor that makes swapping sizes easier than ever. This new set comes with the Quik Loc arbor, two pilot bits, nine sizes of hole saws, and a Packout compatible case. The Hole Dozers have been around for years but swapping the hole saw on the arbor was always a fiddly process. The hole saw simply slips onto the new arbor, and releases by pulling a collar back—it couldn’t be easier. And, if you’ve already got a bunch of Milwaukee Hole Dozers, the good news is they have a Quik Lok Arbor Set that comes with two adapters that screw into any of their Hole Dozer hole saws.
We’ll admit it, we came to this saw with a bit of skepticism. A table saw that leans into multi-material cutting—wood, plastic, even light gauge metal—seemed like a wonky pitch. But after spending some time testing it, the appeal was apparent. Setup takes a little patience and, while the rolling stand could be a bit sturdier, the saw itself settles into a really usable groove once you start cutting with it. The fence is straightforward, onboard storage keeps things handy yet tucked away, and the leveling feet are a welcome add when you’re not working on a level surface.
It took a bit of cutting, but we were ultimately won over by performance. It made clean, accurate rips with minimal tear-out, smooth operation, and solid dust collection when paired with a vac. True to its marketing, we went back and forth between ripping framing lumber and some light-gauge metal angle—without a blade change—and it cut through both without issue.
Finally, what seemed like a gimmick turned out to be one of the best elements of this upstart table saw: it has a built-in crosscut sled that works perfectly and keeps those cuts safe. It’s a smart saw at a great price, and worthy of consideration for anyone looking to add a jobsite table saw to their tool crib.
We’ve always been partial to a traditional wood-handle axe, and this Pro Splitting model from Stihl just hits different. Most axes fall into one of two camps: overbuilt and exhausting to swing—verging on a maul—or light enough to handle but lacking any real bite. Stihl’s axe threads that needle nicely.
The hickory handle is a big part of the appeal. It’s got that natural feel and flex you just don’t get from composites, and it sits right in the hands. The head has a blockish, aggressive shape that does the heavy lifting once it bites into a log. It doesn’t feel so much like you’re repeatedly chopping but actually splitting, which is a huge advantage when working through hardwoods. And the balance and weight ratio make sense, too, as there’s enough mass to carry through a log, but not so much that you’re gassed after a few rounds. In the end, it’s a simple yet well-executed axe—and one you’ll likely keep reaching for.
One of our testers has a nostalgic fondness for the Skil brand of tools, as they learned from their father working with Skil tools. The truth is, brands don’t last this long on nostalgia alone. The tools need to perform well and on a consistent basis year after year. Oddly enough, Skil’s worm-drive table saw was one that we were unfamiliar with until it arrived for our buying guide testing. Now, it’s a hands-down favorite.
This saw is certainly no shrinking violet. As rolling jobsite saws go, it’s a beast mounted on two, oversized 16-inch wheels. We had a little trouble with assembly and had to resort to a YouTube video for proper parts placement, but once it came together this saw delivered on every level. The worm-drive gearing gives it a slower, albeit powerful, cutting process which was on display ripping pressure-treated 2x6s repeatedly. Every accessory has an onboard home on the saw itself, and we especially liked the handy material support that extends from the rear of the table should you need it. All in all, this is an exceptional corded jobsite saw that you’ll likely run for years to come.
Drilling holes in metal can be a laborious multi-step process that takes a toll on drill bits—even good ones can quickly dull if they get over heated. Diablo’s Metal Demon 29-piece drill bit set can reduce the steps to drill a specific size hole. The split-point design enables you to start holes, without walking, with the desired size bit, reducing or eliminating pre-drilling smaller holes and then making them bigger. Diablo claims their proprietary Thermal Shield Protective Coating creates a barrier protecting the bit from heat. Using the bits we discovered they had surprising resilience and remained sharp, hole after hole—even when drilling larger holes in one shot, with aggressive feed rates. The bit set is designed for use on mild steel, hardened, and stainless-steel alloys and comes in a plastic, cylindrical case that makes it easy to select, remove, and replace bits.
Milwaukee’s 12-volt 3/8-inch Sub Compact Impact Wrench is the perfect size and weight for most common repair and assembly tasks. It’s relatively light and compact to reach places other impact wrenches can’t—but it also just feels good in your hand. In fact, we’d choose it over a manual or cordless ratchet for many tasks, because it’s so versatile. It features four drive modes, with three RPM ranges, and one called Drive Control that limits tightening to 10 foot-pounds and slows rotation once fasteners break free during removal. Mode selection is accomplished by setting the direction control to neutral and pulling the trigger, making it a simple one-handed operation. The mode indicator is located right on top of the tool for clear visibility. The Sub Compact Impact Wrench is so handy, it will see a lot more use in our shop.
Simpson’s Strong Tie QuickDrive Project Pro will turn your favorite drill driver into a speedy screw driving machine. Simply tighten your chuck on the hex drive shank and strap the base around your drill’s battery and it’s ready to go. Simpson offers strips of collated deck and wood screws to speed you through your next project. They claim you can drive screws up to four times faster, but after testing the QuickDrive Project Pro, we think they’re under selling it. It virtually eliminates faulty starts with bits popping out of screw heads or screws not biting in right away. To be honest, we were really surprised how well it worked, and how fast we drive 2 ½-inch deck screws. We could drive one strip of 30 screws in about two minutes.
Ryobi’s MaxView Lag Driver set boasts a simple feature that helps prevent over-driving lag bolts, crushing washers, and damaging wood. Lag drivers are typically deep sockets that cover the head of the lag bolt as it’s being driven. And, since they’re deep sockets, it’s hard to know exactly where the head is, inside it—it’s easy to drive it in too deep. So, Ryobi created slots, or windows in the side of the driver where the head is visible as it’s being driven in, and you can slow or stop driving at the appropriate time. A simple solution that works really well in practice and is especially useful if you don’t use lag bolts every day. The Ryobi MaxView Lag Driver set come with four sizes, 7/16, ½, 9/16, and ¾ inch and utilize an impact rated ¼-inch hex shank for use with impact drivers.
The V3121 is a cordless rivet tool that turns the whole process of riveting into a one-trigger operation. Load the rivet, pull once, and it sets cleanly and consistently every time. No squeezing, no second-guessing the seating of the rivet. It’s fast enough that you stop thinking about the process and keep moving down the line.
That said, this isn’t really a tool for the general masses. It’s built for trade-specific work—metal fab, automotive, HVAC—anywhere that repeat fastening is an integral part of the job. It’s not small, and it’s not cheap—so the average homeowner probably won’t be looking at this tool for repairs on gutter downspouts—but in the right hands, it takes a tedious, physically demanding task and makes short work of it.
DeWalt’s multi-head drill/driver is more a problem-solving system than anything else. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of situations—like squeezing a drill between rafters or worming it into base cabinets—where drilling a hole was next to impossible with a standard drill. While this multi-head system may not have the overall power of some conventional drills, it more than makes up for it in convenience and versatility.
The system heads swap in fast and easy on to the drill base via a quick-connect system on the stubby drill base. No struggling with twisting threads or unlocking device latches. Once mounted on the right-angle attachment, all three drive heads— ½-inch metal chuck, ¼-inch impact drive, and offset drill—allow for just about any configuration for you to access those hard-to-reach areas. One thing’s for sure: there’s a place for this tool in your permanent kit.
Specialized tools like Klein’s Proflex Micro Ratchet Bit Set are fantastic, when they’re well executed. And it’s a bonus when they’re reasonably priced, like this one. With 18 bits , an extension, and a small, reversible ratchet, it will help reach places full size tools might not reach. The selection of bits will cover slotted, Phillips, Torx, square, and hex drive fasteners. The ratchet is long enough to apply ample leverage for stubborn fasteners, and the svelte case will keep the bits organized and helps prevent losing them. This isn’t new tool tech, but it a wonderful new configuration of hex drive essentials.
Oscillating multi-tools have been around for a while, filling niche tasks like removing grout or trimming installed moldings with minimal damage. Initially they were pretty expensive, but as they became more common, the prices came down. Dremel recently released its affordable version, the Project Multi-Tool. It comes complete with a sanding pad, saw blade, scraper, and grout remover—everything you need to get started in one kit. While many multi-tools have a variable speed control, the Project Multi-Tool has an operation selector that tailors tool speed to the task you choose, taking the guesswork out of speed adjustment. The Project MultiTool is powered by a rechargeable 12-volt battery for maneuverable, cord-free operation. The kit will help you complete multiple specialized tasks and retails for less than $100.
Polishing or sanding in tight areas can be difficult to do with common 6-inch polishers or 5-inch sanders. To address those precision polishing and sanding needs, Makita recently released a Cordless Polisher Sander. It comes with a 3-inch polishing pad and 2-inch sanding pad, with tool-free interchangeability. The tool has a variable speed trigger, with two RPM ranges—one for polishing (0-2,800 RPM) and one for sanding (0-9,500 RPM). We used it on a car to polish a narrow area in a door jamb and to finish welds on angle iron. In both cases, the tool’s smaller discs and compact design were a huge advantage over standard, larger tools. The angled side handle allowed for steady, two-handed operation, application of even pressure, and excellent results. The dual purpose nature of Makita’s Cordless Sander Polisher almost feels like getting two tools, for the price of one.
There have been plenty of compact cordless routers for smaller jobs, but there have been far fewer full-size models with corded router capabilities. Makita’s new 2-1/4 HP Cordless Plunge Router takes advantage of their 40V Max XGT platform to provide the power of a traditional corded model. And this Makita router delivers on the power promise. We found it has ample power for cutting deep, aggressive profiles—able to plunge right into solid wood without hesitation and make wide bevels, in one pass, edge routing. Of course, the cordless-ness of it is wonderful too. Routing especially, is one process that really benefits from being untethered as you work your way around something like a tabletop. The 40V Max XGT accepts ½-inch bits and has a variable speed control from 8,000 to 25,000 RPM, to match speed to the specific task. It also features a soft start and soft brake to prevent sudden jerks that can damage your project.
The new ESAB Rogue EMP 210 PRO multi-process welder comes with everything you need to start stick, flux core wire feed, MIG, and TIG welding—no optional accessories needed, except a cylinder of Argon or Argon/CO2 shielding gas. This multi process welder can be used with 120 or 240-volt outlets but note that the output amperage drops on the lower voltage. Multi-process welders are handy because each of the processes have different strengths, so with one machine you can weld everything from sheet metal up to 3/8-inch plate steel. You can even weld aluminum, with an optional spool gun. We tested each of the processes on various thicknesses of steel and found the Rogue EMP 210 PRO relatively easy to use. Set up for MIG welding using its Synergic weld program, we could select the wire size, material thickness, and the settings adjusted automatically. For the other welding processes, we manually adjusted settings, referencing the chart under the side door. Considering the price, the ESAB Rogue EMP 210 PRO represents a significant value for what it can do.
We haven’t had much need to remove decals in the Popular Mechanics shop, but one editor has an old beater van used for hauling tools and materials still covered in graphics from its past life. It seemed like a good opportunity to test out Ingersoll Rand’s Adhesive/Decal Remover—seeing as how we didn’t have to be worried about damaging anything.
The G3241 uses a rubber eraser wheel to lift decals and adhesive, and it works a lot faster than we expected. Once you get the angle right, it starts peeling material away in a pretty satisfying way. What surprised us most was how controlled it feels. It’s easy to stay in one spot without wandering or digging in, even along edges and curves. We expected some burnishing of the finish—well, what little finish is left on the junker—but that was never the case.
It’s also lightweight and cordless which makes it far less awkward than juggling a heat gun and scraper for this task. You’ll still have some cleanup afterward, but the heavy lifting is accomplished quickly. If you’re an auto person, someone who services graphics-heavy situations, or perhaps purchased a car or truck with unwanted signage that you want to remove, this tool is a much easier way in.
Miller’s Multimatic 215 Pro is the company’s newest multi-process welder. This one machine covers stick, flux core wire feed, MIG, and TIG welding processes—the TIG torch is available separately. We tested the 215 Pro bundled with the TIG kit and wireless foot pedal. The 215 Pro is a multi-voltage machine that can be plugged into 120- and 240-volt circuits and can weld material from sheet metal, up to 3/8 inch thick. This versatile machine has an Autoset feature that allows you to select the welding process, electrode size, material, material thickness, and it automatically adjusts to the optimal settings. For less experienced welders, this eliminates guesswork and helps you get better welds faster. We tested the Multimatic 215 Pro using Autoset, on several thicknesses of steel, using each process and were impressed with easy it was to use. None of us here had ever done any TIG welding and were able to get satisfactory welds in less than 10 minutes—an amazingly short learning curve. The Multimatic 215 Pro is a multi-process welder with premium features that gives you the ability to weld a wide array of materials.
The idea of buying and using a paint sprayer is predicated on many different factors—mainly use case, the amount of paint being used, desired finish, and how long it takes to clean the sprayer after use. For some jobs, in the time it takes to consider all of that, you could be painting with a brush and pail. Smaller HVLP units get heavy over time, and larger airless models hold too much paint in the supply hose to make projects of less than a gallon cost effective. The minute we setup Graco’s QuickShot sprayer, the calculus changed.
Rather than fill a large reservoir incorporated into the gun with paint, the QuickShot keeps it separate—and cordless via DeWalt’s battery platform—conveniently clipping the motor housing and paint supply to an included belt. You can also carry the unit or simply place it close to your work as the 6-foot hose gives you plenty of room to move without being cumbersome.
But the key here is the finish it delivers. The Graco QuickShot moves a perfect amount of paint and, best of all, it does with typical airless sprayer control. Overspray seemed limited and, overlapping passes, we saw no sign of heavy paint or runs in the work. Setup and priming are quick and easy—none of the typical bag-squeezing and closing of airlock covers associated with other handheld airless systems—and cleanup took a matter of minutes. For future jobs, this sprayer will no doubt cause us to second guess using brushes and rollers.
We ask two things of our tools: that they work well and stand the test of time. We’re generally ok with spending a bit more if the tool in question will satisfy both requirements. And this 18V cordless laser level from Bosch certainly meets that benchmark. Simple to operate and able to mount just about anywhere, this green laser shows out up to 115 feet on its own, 400 feet with a receiver. It’s accurate by approximately an 1/8-inch at 30 feet, which is perfect for framing, drywalling, tiling, or hanging a drop ceiling in your basement.
We loved that the laser works so well with Bluetooth connectivity, making it fully controllable—on/off, line control, and setup—from across the room or job site. Bosch also uses its VisiMax tech to optimize brightness over battery life, for those instances when you need a little extra from the green line. Another great added feature is the fine adjustment knob, which allows you to dial the laser in laterally as opposed to just higher and lower on the tracking knob.
Whether you have a shop or not, shop vacs are a necessary tool when your work sends dust and debris in every direction. Of course, it’s easier to clean up if you pre-empt the distribution of debris. Milwaukee’s Nexus Vaclink Shop Vac connects to vacuum ports on compatible tools to collect dust before it gets airborne. In and of itself, that’s nothing new. But the Nexus Vaclink, aside from being cordless, is also connected wirelessly to the tool being used. So, when the Vaclink compatible tool is turned on, the vacuum turns on. And when the tool is turned off the vacuum turns off after a short delay to allow the dust to be cleared from the hose. The tool-controlled on/off cuts down on noise and extends the vacuum’s run-time, since it’s only on when the tool is. And while this capability alone is worth the price, the vacuum also comes with a 9-foot hose, a floor nozzle, a crevice tip, and a two-piece extension wand. Plus, as a vacuum, it works really well.
This compact, extremely versatile work light from the Milwaukee lineup is a low-light lifesaver. For starters, the light mounts in just about any fashion to suit your needs—a strong magnetic strip that instantly clicks to metal studs, a small hook hides in the top for hanging, and you can screw the detachable base to a temporary work surface for extra stability. The light is also compatible with Milwaukee’s Packout system, so you can lock it on your work boxes in a pinch, too.
The 1200-lumen light lens retracts from the body and spins fluidly in any direction. We noted it casts a nice, broad light across a work surface when used in close proximity. The further you mount, the less effective it will shine on your work—but it’s still a great “kicker” light for a little added coverage. A fully charged M12 battery will run the light for anywhere from four to 16 hours, depending on the light setting you choose, and the stout and sturdy build is water, dust, and impact resistant, too.
For folks with limited space, Ryobi’s new Stowaway Wall Mounted Workbench could be a project lifeline. When collapsed it only projects 5 inches from the wall and can act as a shelf. But lift and lock it in place and you’ll have a 44 x 22-inch work area for your next project—and it easily folds back up when you’re done. It mounts to studs in the wall with included hardware and only took about 15 minutes to install. It’s remarkable in its simplicity and versatility—use it anywhere you might need a temporary work surface: garage, basement, laundry room, or walk-in closet.
Stabilizing ladders when used outdoors is a common gripe with our testers. Rocky ground, sloping foundation beds, steps—it’s all out there and, despite our best efforts, it can feel like you’re on precarious footing. Little Giant’s Conquest 2.0 changed that game for us. Two solid aluminum outriggers fall away from the rails, creating a kind of mini A-frame at the base for true stability. Better still, they’re each independently adjustable thanks to a series of preset detent positions which you settle on via a unique squeeze collar on the body of each outrigger. Leveling—and safety—couldn’t be simpler.
And the Conquest 2.0 is a true multi-position ladder, so you can configure it as an A-frame, extension, or stair ladder depending on the job. Once it’s set, the wide-flared base and solid locking hinges make it feel planted and secure, even at full extension. It’s not light, and you’ll feel that when you’re moving around solo. But Little Giant incorporated a set of rollers at the base and a nylon handle to better maneuver the ladder back to your truck or garage once it’s folded up.
If your work regularly takes you off the ground and outside the comfort of flat garage floors and level driveways, this ladder is probably for you.
Ladders still have their place—gutters, siding, anything overhead—but for lower jobs, a good work platform wins every time. This one from Werner has quickly become a go-to for us. What you gain here is lateral movement. Instead of constantly climbing up and down to reposition a ladder, you can work across a span of a few feet at a time, which adds up to real time savings over the course of a day. It’s also just a whole lot easier on your body.
The platform itself is lightweight but solid, with scuff-resistant feet that keep it planted without marking up your finished floors. But the adjustable legs are the real advantage here—a quick squeeze of the tabs lets you dial in the height you need with one hand, which is huge upgrade over older designs.
And while it’s not the longest platform out there, it is linkable, which makes it really versatile. Honestly, one is good—two is better.
Over the years, we’ve become accustomed to the limitations of our scuffed-up, beat down leather bag’s dysfunction as though it was somehow part of the overall utility. Screwdrivers fall out. Pouches become catch-alls. Tools get mixed in and lost. But then we buckled this modular system by Diamondback around our waist and got a glimpse of how tool belts really should work.
Right off the bat, the Tempo base belt is unusually comfortable, with foam padding lining the back. Once set to your waist, the aluminum buckle releases with the pinch of two tabs, and after a long day of use we felt no weight or chafing at the hips—a common occurrence for anyone who wears a belt all day. But the real win here is the modular tool holders and roomy bags for various parts and fasteners. Being well-organized is a time-saver that translates into real dollars saved. Rather than throwing a variety of tools into one or two fixed pouches, Diamondback’s system allows you to compartmentalize and carry tools specific to the task at hand.
Use the system to keep all your plumbing tools in one pouch, and electrical gear in another, so you can just grab the pouch, slot in place, and get to work. No more rooting around the toolbox for individual pieces. Everyday use tools like a utility knife, cat’s paw, speed square, and chalk line can live in the main bag, and fasteners are separated into cinched bags of their own. This is one of those systems that we’re not sure how we lived without for so long.
Klein’s new Electronic Stud Finder is perhaps one of the most unusual models we’ve tested. It works more or less like you’d expect, but its pistol grip configuration is pretty unique. It seemed strange at first, but we quickly became accustomed to it. Aside from simply finding studs, the red vertical lines that project when you hold the tool level are useful for indicating stud locations both above and below. If you’re hanging multiple pictures, the horizontal laser lines can be used to ensure they’re on the same level. You could also use the horizontal laser lines for installing molding like chair rail. It turns out the pistol grip is necessary to keep your hands out of the way of the tool’s projected horizontal and vertical laser lines. As far as the tool’s stud-finding function goes, it uses a series of LEDs that light up and stay lit as they pass over studs in the wall. This gives you a visual indication of how wide the stud is, and it gives you an audible alert when it finds the center. The Electronic Stud Finder is as useful finding studs as it is for hanging picture frames.
Brad Ford has spent most of his life using tools to fix, build, or make things. Growing up he worked on a farm, where he learned to weld, repair, and paint equipment. From the farm he went to work at a classic car dealer, repairing and servicing Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Jaguars. Today, when he's not testing tools or writing for Popular Mechanics, he's busy keeping up with the projects at his old farmhouse in eastern Pennsylvania.
Paul Russell Smith is a former NYC ironworker turned screenwriter (Grace Point) and home renovation specialist. He lives in a crooked old farmhouse in Stockton, NJ, where he’s just as likely to be clearing a clogged pipe as rewriting a third act. When he’s not working, he enjoys hiking, pedestrian beer, and cooking over a live fire. His self-proclaimed spirit animal is the English Bulldog.
Trevor Raab is the senior photographer for Runner’s World and Bicycling, a dedicated cyclocross racer, and, occasionally, a product reviewer for the Test Team. He fits the typical “how I got into bikes” story: his dad introduced him to mountain bikes when he was a kid, then found skateboarding in the middle, worked as a bike shop mechanic, and now he’s riding or racing every sort of bike he can find.
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