Tools & DIY
78 buying decisions in tools & diy, each synthesized from independent testing and real owner reports. We name the pick - and the popular option to skip.
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Digital Calipers: Which to Buy and Which to Skip We compared six 6 inch digital calipers on the spec that actually decides whether you can trust a reading: published accuracy, not display resolution. Also body material, IP rating, battery type and data output. Our pick: Mitutoyo 500-196-30 ABSOLUTE Digimatic Caliper
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The Best Thermal Imaging Cameras: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current thermal cameras on image detail, refresh speed, measurement accuracy, form factor and real-world value. Our pick: Thermal Master P3
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The Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets: 6 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared six auto-darkening helmets on the numbers manufacturers actually publish and can be held to: optical class, light state shade, sensor count, switching time, UV and IR protection, and how the power supply is replaced. Our pick: Lincoln Electric VIKING 3350
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The Best Pipe Heat Cables: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four plug-in pipe heat cables on cable type, watts per foot, the safety listing and ground-fault rules in each maker's own documents, pipe material limits and whether the cable may overlap. Our pick: Heat-Line Paladin for Pipe (120 V GFC)
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The Best Roof Rakes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared a wheeled pull rake, a budget telescoping rake, a 30-foot slide-style rake and a common extendable rake on reach, head design, roof protection, assembly and warranty, using each maker's published specs and manuals. Our pick: Avalanche! SnowRake! Deluxe 20 (SRD20)
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The Best Block Planes: 4 Compared for Fine Woodworking Four block planes compared on blade geometry, adjustment and size, with separate picks for a first workshop plane and a light apron tool. Our pick: Lie-Nielsen No. 60-1/2
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The Best Framing Nailers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four framing nailers compared on a choice that can fail an inspection: collation angle decides head shape, and some building codes do not accept clipped head nails. Our pick: Makita AN924 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer
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The Best Grease Guns: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless grease guns on maximum pressure, flow rate and hose length, and found a 10,000 PSI ceiling on three of them and a two-to-one difference in published output. Our pick: Makita XPG01Z
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The Best Log Splitters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared a towable gas splitter and three electric ones on splitting force, cycle time, log capacity, power needs and portability, using each maker's published specs and manuals. Our pick: Champion 27-Ton Log Splitter (100424)
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The Best Rotary Tools: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four rotary tools on speed range, motor and power source, collet and chuck system, included attachments and warranty, using each maker's published specs and manuals. Our pick: Dremel 4300-5/40
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The Best Scroll Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four benchtop scroll saws compared on throat depth, speed range, blade compatibility, tilt design, frame mass and warranty, using each maker's published specs and manuals. Our pick: DeWalt DW788 20 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw
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The Best Snow Shovels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared a wide snow pusher, two combination shovels and a spring-assisted lifting shovel on blade width and material, wear edge, handle, length and warranty, using each maker's published specs. Our pick: The SnowPlow 36" Original Snow Pusher
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The Best Splitting Axes and Mauls: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four splitting tools on head weight, overall length, handle material, blade geometry, wedge use and warranty, using each maker's published specs. Our pick: Gränsfors Large Splitting Axe
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The Best Utility Knives: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four utility knives on mechanism, body material and blade storage, and found inconsistent published blade lengths for a blade that is the same in all of them. Our pick: DeWalt DWHT10319
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The Best Welding Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four welding gloves on the things makers actually print: the EN 12477 welder classification, the six digit EN 407 thermal code, leather and lining, stitching thread, and which process the maker names. Our pick: Weldas COMFOflex 10-2000
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The Best Welding Jackets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four welding jackets on what the makers actually publish: the fabric and the leather, the standard printed on the spec sheet, what that standard was written to test, the wash life, and the collar and cuff details that decide whether sparks get in. Our pick: Steiner 1260 Weldlite Plus Hybrid
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The Best Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums for Garages: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current wet/dry shop vacuums on suction, filtration, capacity, noise and build for real garage and workshop cleanup. Our pick: RIDGID 14 Gallon 6.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Vac
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The Best Wire Strippers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four wire strippers on the thing that actually matters: whether the tool takes the insulation off without scoring the copper underneath. Everything here is checked against what the makers publish. Our pick: IDEAL Stripmaster 45-092
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The Best Wood Chisel Sets: 4 Compared for Fine Joinery Four bench-chisel sets compared on usable widths, blade sides, preparation and handle design, with a clear reason to avoid an incomplete first set. Our pick: Narex Richter 4-Piece Bevel Edge Set 860501
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The Best Wood Routers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four routers compared on the collet size that permanently decides which bits you can ever fit, and on a horsepower figure the industry was supposed to have retired. Our pick: DEWALT DW618 2-1/4 HP Electronic Variable Speed Fixed Base Router
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The Best Work Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four general purpose work gloves on the numbers their makers actually print: the EN 388 abrasion, tear and puncture digits, published impact ratings under ANSI/ISEA 138, coating chemistry, and knit gauge. Our pick: Ansell HyFlex 11-840
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The Best Work Lights: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless work lights on published lumens, runtime and ingress protection, and only one of the four states how long it runs at each brightness. Our pick: Makita ML005G
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The Best Adjustable Wrenches: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four adjustable wrenches against the numbers in the live international standard: how much jaw play is allowed, how thick the head may be, and how much torque the tool has to survive. Our pick: Channellock 8WCB
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The Best Air Compressors: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four portable compressors compared on the one number that survives marketing: SCFM delivered at 90 PSI, plus what each maker will and will not put in writing about horsepower and noise. Our pick: Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
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The Best Angle Grinders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four angle grinders compared on the things the makers actually put in writing: switch type and whether it latches on, published restart protection after a power cut, published brake behaviour, and whether anyone prints a vibration or noise figure at all. Our pick: Metabo WEPBA 17-125 Quick RT DS
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The Best Bar Clamps: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared parallel, one-handed and budget bar clamps on published clamping force, throat depth, jaw design and how well each holds a glue-up square. Our pick: Bessey K Body REVOlution Parallel Clamp (KRE3524, 24 in)
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The Best Belt Sanders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four belt sanders on belt size, published belt speed, amperage and noise, and found the speed figures are not published in the same unit. Our pick: Makita 9403
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The Best Bench Vises: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four currently sold bench vises on the specs makers actually publish: throat depth and jaw opening rather than jaw width, the casting grade, the mounting hardware the manual calls for, and whether any load figure comes with a method behind it. Our pick: Wilton Tradesman 1755
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The Best Benchtop Planers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four benchtop thickness planers compared on cuts per inch, the figure that predicts surface finish, and on a similar-sounding number that predicts nothing. Our pick: DEWALT DW735X 13 in. Three Knife Two Speed Thickness Planer
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The Best Brad Nailers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four 18 gauge brad nailers compared on the one specification with a published injury statistic behind it: whether the trigger fires sequentially or on contact. Our pick: DEWALT DCN680B 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer
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The Best Caulk Guns: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless caulk and adhesive guns on dispense force, flow rate and cartridge capacity, and the published performance numbers differ a lot from maker to maker. Our pick: Makita XGC01Z
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The Best Circuit Breaker Finders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four currently sold breaker finders on the one thing that decides whether they work: what each maker tells you to do when the receiver lights up on two breakers next to each other. Our pick: Klein Tools ET450 Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit
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The Best Circular Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four 7-1/4 inch circular saws compared on the cut depth figure nobody quotes: the one at 45 degrees, which runs roughly 25 to 30 percent below the number in the listing where it is published at all. Our pick: DEWALT DWE575SB 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with Electric Brake
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The Best Clamp Meters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four clamp meters on the things that are specific to a clamp: whether the jaw reads DC as well as AC, how small a current it can resolve, whether it captures inrush, how wide the jaw opens, and what the maker will actually put in writing about safety approval. Our pick: Fluke 376 FC
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The Best Cordless Drills: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four popular cordless drill/drivers for home use compared on power, size, battery ecosystem, and long-term value. Our pick: DeWalt ATOMIC DCD794 20V MAX Brushless Compact Drill/Driver
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The Best Cordless Ratchets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless ratchets on published torque, head size, speed and motor type, and found the two DeWalts list the highest torque while the Makita is the fastest, lightest and shortest. Our pick: Makita RW01Z
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The Best Crimping Tools: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared hand crimpers for electrical terminals and ferrules on the thing that actually decides whether a crimp holds: whether the die profile matches the terminal you are crimping, and whether the tool completes the cycle before it lets go. Our pick: Knipex 97 33 01 MultiCrimp
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The Best Cut-Resistant Gloves: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cut-resistant gloves on the numbers their makers actually publish: ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level, EN 388 code, knit gauge, coating, and whether puncture and needlestick are rated at all. Our pick: Superior Glove Dexterity Pro S21TXUFN
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The Best Drill and Driver Bit Sets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four popular mixed drill-and-driver bit sets on tip steel, impact rating, drill-bit quality, and how much of the count is real. Our pick: Milwaukee SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty Drill and Drive Set (50-Piece)
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The Best Electric Screwdrivers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless electric screwdrivers on torque range, torque steps, speed, battery and what comes in the box. Our pick: Fanttik S2 Pro Cordless Electric Screwdriver
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The Best Extension Cords for Tools: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared outdoor extension cords on wire gauge, rated amps and watts, length and jacket, the numbers that decide whether a cord can safely run your tools. Our pick: Southwire 12/3 SJTW 50 ft Lighted Extension Cord
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The Best Fall Protection Harnesses: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared full body harnesses against what OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 and ANSI/ASSP Z359.11 actually require, then checked each maker's own published capacity, inspection interval and retirement rules. Our pick: 3M DBI-SALA ExoFit X300 Comfort Vest Safety Harness
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The Best Fish Tapes: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four fish tapes on what their makers actually publish: tape material and size, pulling strength, whether a non-conductive rating exists, and whether the tip can be replaced when it fails. Our pick: IDEAL E-Class Fiberglass Fish Tape, 100-Foot
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The Best Hard Hats: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four current head protection options on the only things a label can prove: ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 impact Type, electrical Class, retention system, and what each maker publishes about service life. Our pick: MSA V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet
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The Best Heat Guns: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four heat guns compared on what their makers put in writing: where the temperature figure is measured, whether the top of the range is available at every fan speed, and which manuals publish an overheat behaviour or a duty cycle at all. Our pick: Steinel HG 2320 Eco
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The Best Helping Hands: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared third hand tools and PCB holders on the specifications their makers actually publish: base or unit weight, jaw opening, what the jaws are lined with, how the joints lock, and whether any static claim comes with a number. Our pick: Omnifixo OF-M4.4
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The Best Hex Key Sets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four hex key sets compared on what the maker actually puts in writing: the ball end working angle, the alloy and hardness, the arm length you get to reach a recessed screw, and whether any of them names a standard. Our pick: Wera 950/9 Hex-Plus Multicolour 1 L-key set, metric
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The Best Hole Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four hole saw kits compared on the things their makers actually put in writing: published depth of cut, tooth pitch, the arbor thread they mount on, how the plug comes out, and whether there is a speed chart or a warranty behind the box. Our pick: Milwaukee 12PC QUIK-LOK HOLE DOZER Bi-Metal Kit (49-22-4702)
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The Best Impact Drivers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four impact drivers compared on a torque figure that no standard governs, what each maker does and does not say about how it was measured, and the specs that are actually comparable. Our pick: DEWALT DCF850B ATOMIC 20V MAX 1/4 in. 3-Speed Impact Driver
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The Best Impact Wrenches: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four cordless half-inch impact wrenches on the two torque figures that manufacturers publish, anvil type, motor, and what the spec sheet leaves out. Our pick: DeWalt DCF900B
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The Best Infrared Thermometers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four non-contact infrared thermometers on how each maker states its accuracy, whether the distance-to-spot ratio is qualified or just asserted, and whether emissivity can be adjusted at all. Our pick: Fluke 62 MAX+
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The Best Insulated Hand Tools: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared 1000 V insulated hand tools on the standards each maker actually claims, the markings on the tool, the insulation construction, and how easy it is to see damage before you pick the tool up. Our pick: Knipex 00 20 13 5 Pc 1000V Insulated Pliers and Screwdriver Set
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The Best Jigsaws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four jigsaws compared on the two specifications that decide what they can cut and what blades they will ever accept: stroke length and shank type. Our pick: DEWALT DW317K 5.5 Amp Corded Variable Speed Jig Saw
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The Best Work Knee Pads: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared work knee pads for flooring, tiling, plumbing and general trades on cushioning construction, cap shape, where the straps sit, and whether anything is actually certified. Our pick: Milwaukee Stabilizer Knee Pad with Thigh Strap (48-73-6051)
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The Best Laser Levels: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four self-levelling line lasers you can buy right now on the one number that decides everything, which is the accuracy figure and the distance the maker attaches to it, plus what each tool does when it cannot level itself. Our pick: Bosch GLL3-330CG
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The Best Locking Pliers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four locking pliers on what their makers actually publish: jaw capacity, what the jaws are forged from, how the release works, and whether anything holds the adjusting screw where you set it. Our pick: Channellock 102-10 10-inch Curved Jaw Locking Pliers w/ Cutter
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The Best Miter Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four miter saws compared on a crosscut capacity that the category quotes in three incompatible units, and on what blade diameter does and does not buy. Our pick: DEWALT DWS780 12 in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
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The Best Moisture Meters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four handheld moisture meters on the things that decide whether a reading means anything: how they sense moisture, whether they correct for wood species and temperature, what they actually publish for drywall, and whether you can check calibration in the field. Our pick: Delmhorst BDX-30
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The Best Digital Multimeters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four digital multimeters on the things that decide whether a meter is safe and useful: measurement category rating, independent safety listing, fusing, true RMS behaviour, input impedance and published accuracy. Our pick: Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter
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The Best Non-Contact Voltage Testers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four testers on what the manufacturers actually publish: detection range, measurement category rating, which safety standards they are certified to, and whether the tool checks itself before you trust it. Our pick: Klein Tools NCVT3P
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The Best Oscillating Multi-Tools: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four oscillating multi-tools compared on the spec that decides how fast they cut, the oscillation angle, and which makers do not publish it. Our pick: Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool
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The Best Pipe Wrenches: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four pipe wrenches on the things a maker either publishes or does not: what the body is cast from, what the jaws weigh, and whether there is a catalog number for a new hook jaw when the teeth round over. Our pick: RIDGID 31025 18 in. Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench
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The Best Pocket Hole Jigs: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four Kreg pocket hole jigs compared on what actually separates them, which is clamping and repeatability, because all four drill an identical hole. Our pick: Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig 720PRO
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The Best Precision Screwdriver Sets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared precision driver kits on the drives they actually publish, what the maker says the steel is, whether the handle has a free spinning cap, and how the case holds a 1.5 mm bit. Our pick: iFixit Mako Driver Kit
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The Best Random Orbital Sanders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four random orbital sanders compared on the specification that decides what the tool is for: orbit diameter, which Makita states on its page and CRAFTSMAN does not. Our pick: Makita BO5041 5 in. Random Orbit Sander
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The Best Rotary Hammers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four SDS-Plus rotary hammers compared on impact energy in joules, the figure that decides how fast they drill concrete, and on why a hammer drill quoting 52,700 blows per minute is slower than one quoting 5,500. Our pick: Makita HR2641 1 in. AVT Rotary Hammer
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The Best Socket Sets: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four socket sets compared on which standard the maker is willing to name, the difference six points make against twelve, and why piece count is the least useful number on the box. Our pick: GEARWRENCH 80703 11-Piece 1/2 in. Drive 6-Point SAE Socket Set
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The Best Solder Fume Extractors: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four benchtop and bench-side solder fume extractors on what their makers actually publish: filter media, particle rating, airflow, static pressure, noise and ESD construction. Our pick: Weller Zero Smog EL Kit 1
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The Best Solder Wire for Electronics: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four flux-cored solder wires on the two things that actually decide how a joint turns out: the alloy and the flux core classification under IPC J-STD-004. Every spec here comes from the maker's own product page or data sheet. Our pick: Kester 44 Flux-Cored Wire (Sn63Pb37)
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The Best Soldering Irons and Stations: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four soldering tools on the thing that actually decides whether a joint goes well: how fast the tip gets back to its setpoint after it dumps heat into a pad. Wattage on the box turns out to be close to irrelevant. Our pick: Hakko FX-971
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The Best Step Ladders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four step ladders compared on the number that decides which one is safe for you: the ANSI duty rating, which is a working load counting you, your clothing, your PPE and every tool and material on the ladder, not your body weight. Our pick: Little Giant King Kombo 2.0, aluminium, 14906-001
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The Best Stud Finders: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four stud finders on what each technology actually senses, what the maker's own manual says defeats it, and how honest each brand is about its limits. Our pick: Franklin Sensors ProSensor M210
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The Best Table Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four jobsite table saws compared on rip capacity to the right of the blade, which ranges from 12 inches to 32 and a half across this group, and decides whether you can cut a sheet of plywood at all. Our pick: DEWALT DWE7491RS 10 in. Jobsite Table Saw with Rolling Stand
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The Best Tape Measures: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four tape measures compared on the difference between a spec that describes the tool and one that describes you: certified measuring accuracy against the standout and reach figures the US market actually advertises. Our pick: Stabila BM 300 Pocket Tape, 8 m / 26 ft
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The Best Torque Screwdrivers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four torque screwdrivers compared on the mechanism that actually stops the fastener, whether the stated accuracy is a percentage of your setting or a fixed number of inch-pounds, and what each maker puts in writing about calibration. Our pick: CDI Torque Products 401SM Micro-Adjustable Torque Screwdriver
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The Best Outlet Testers: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four currently sold plug-in outlet testers on what their own documentation says they cannot see: the quality of the ground, a reversed neutral and ground, and whether a GFCI test is even possible on the circuit in front of you. Our pick: Klein Tools RT250 GFCI Receptacle Tester with LCD
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The Best Reciprocating Saws: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) Four reciprocating saws compared on stroke length rather than strokes per minute, and on a vibration claim none of them will put a number to. Our pick: DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw
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The Best Safety Glasses: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) We compared four pairs of safety eyewear on what is actually printed on the lens and the frame, on which edition of ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 the maker claims, and on whether anything about the claim can be checked by a buyer. Our pick: 3M SecureFit 400 Series Safety Glasses (SF401AF)