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Two of the top 10 items that define a civilized culture are access to clean water and effective sanitation. While few of us drink out of the toilet, the wonderful commode that we take for granted places us in the top 1 percent of the civilized world. Not only do 99.99 percent of the homes in America have a toilet, we have at least three or more. Not only do we have three or more, but our toilets are the smartest, most sophisticated toilets in the world. They come with lids (an important factor if you live with flies that spread dysentery) that open and close themselves, seats that are heated, bidets that take care of the dirty work, and they can even come with stereo surround sound for our added enjoyment. Our commodes on these lists will also use water as efficiently as possible, give us options about how much water to use, and some toilets can even recycle, sterilize and re-use the water depending on how efficient we want to be. Check out our top picks for best toilets in 2021.

When small or intricate objects need to be painted, there’s nothing that works better than a can of spray paint. Spray allows you to apply an even coat of paint to an object, without leaving tell-tale brush strokes. Available in a wide range of colors, spray paints make it easy to match decorative items to home decor, repair scratches and nicks in car finishes and provide quick and easy protection from the weather for items intended to be left outdoors. With spray paint, cleanup is minimal. There are no brushes or rollers to clean and no spray gun to take apart. The only actual cleaning needed is to turn the can upside-down for a moment and spray, allowing the propellant to clear out the nozzle, so that it doesn't clog. If that little step is forgotten, the can may not work the next time. One does need to watch out for overspray when using spray paint, just as they would with a large spray gun. The process of atomizing the paint tends to cause droplets to float around in the air, landing in places you may not want. For that reason, one needs to be careful about where they are spray painting, selecting a location where the overspray can’t damage anything. For small objects, a makeshift “spray booth” can be made out of a cardboard box. Due to the small nozzle size, spray paint is thinned considerably, making each coat extremely thin. If a thicker finish is needed, it is recommended to apply several coats. Most spray paints can be recoated within 30 minutes, making it easy to apply several coats. There are also a few high solids spray paints on the market, which build a thicker film per coat. For the best possible finish, spray in a back and forth pattern which starts and ends past the ends of the object. This will help prevent runs caused by excessive paint buildup at the ends of the object. You should also try and always keep the surface “wetted” so that the new paint is being laid down overlapping existing wet paint. This will help to eliminate the striped effect that is typical of poorly applied spray paint. Spray paint can also be buffed once dry, to help eliminate any sheen striping. Only buff it if several coats of paint have been applied, as buffing does remove some paint from the surface. Hand buffing is better, as you are less likely to buff though the paint film. One nice thing that is being done with some of the newer spray paints is multi-colored and textured paints. Both Krylon and Rust-Oleum, the two largest producers of spray paints, offer several different types of multi-colored and textured spray paints. These are excellent for use on surfaces that are not perfectly smooth or that have imperfections, as they hide those imperfections quite well. Paints of this type are not high gloss, which also helps to hide imperfections. When selecting spray paints, look at the price. Low cost spray paints are just that; low cost. They typically have lower solids, so will provide less coverage. This can be dealt with by applying more coats. A higher cost spray paint will generally be higher solids, providing a thicker film and better coverage. A few spray paints will actually cover in one coat. Check out our top picks for best spray paints in 2022.

Electric blankets have improved in terms of technology and material to be much more versatile and comfortable than their earlier scratchy counterparts. They use much less electricity than a heating fan or radiator would, which can help reduce winter heating bills. Larger blankets have dual controls so two people can comfortably share a blanket. These top picks of the best blankets in 2022 are comfortable, plush blankets that will warm the coldest nights, as long as you are near an outlet.

Wok cooking can be a fun and exciting experience. There are two main types of woks to choose from: Electric or Traditional. Traditional stove top woks typically have a flat or round bottom. Round bottom woks are generally for pit stoves because the bottom sits in sort of a fire lit hole. Flat bottom woks are for standard or induction cook tops. They also come in electric versions. Woks are made from stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel and has become very popular as it is a great way to cook quickly. The surface of the woks are nonstick which allows for healthier cooking without the need for extra oil. They heat quickly and maintain that heat throughout the cooking process. The high sides of the wok makes it easy to utilize the entire surface of the wok. Whether you choose an electric or traditional wok, you will be able to enjoy the versatility that comes with owning one. You can also use your wok to braise, steam or deep fry.Woks come in a variety of sizes and you don't have to spend a lot of money to find a good quality one. With so many types on the market, it won't be hard to choose the best wok for your needs. Just a little bit of research goes a long way when selecting the right one for you. Check out our list of the best woks in 2022 below.

Scroll saws are ideally adapted for cutting curves in wood. These saws can make the tightest cuts, even cutting 90 degree angles or five degree internal angles. The thin cutting blade is held firmly and stretched between two arms, ensuring it stays rigid and at the right angle to the wood.If you’ve ever tried cutting anything complex with a hand-held jigsaw, you probably got as frustrated as I did. I used one of those for years, before finally breaking down to buy a scroll saw. What a difference! The quality of cuts that I’m able to make it much better, following the pattern line on the workpiece, and producing cuts exactly perpendicular to the face of the workpiece. That’s extremely hard to do with a handheld jigsaw.Some may think that all scroll saws are essentially created equal but in fact they’re not. The biggest difference is the drive system used which affects the accuracy of the cut, as well as the possibility of splitting the wood. Take a look at our list of the best scroll saws in 2022 and the buyer's guide below to learn the difference as well as other key pieces of information.

Everyone needs to paint their house from time to time, giving their home a fresh, clean look and protecting the home's materials from weather damage. A proper paint job is not only aesthetically pleasing but an important part of a home's maintenance. Therefore, it's worth taking the time to do it right.The right paint can make a huge difference. Not all paints are created equal, either in quality or in purpose. When picking paint, you need to make sure it is not only of high quality but that it will work well with the substrate you've chosen. A poor choice in this regard will mean paint will peel off the home, long before you should be expecting any problems.However, picking the right paint can be tricky at best. Most people depend on the guy in the paint department to tell them what they need; however, you're better off having a good idea of what will work best for your situation. That's why we've put together a buying guide down below to help you choose the right paint for your home. We've also included what we think are ten of the most versatile paints on the market right now, ranging from paints for metal and exterior paints, all the way to ceiling and floor paints. Keep on reading!

After table saws, band saws are the most common type of shop saw you'll encounter. They are used extensively everywhere from cabinet-making shops to industrial manufacturing plants. The band saw provides the thinnest kerf of any type of saw around, making it excellent for use with expensive or rare materials like wood burls.There are two things that a band saw can do that a table saw can’t: they're excellent for cutting curves, and are also the only saw which can properly resaw wood. For curve cutting, they provide a much smoother cut than either a jigsaw or a scroll saw, with the blade exactly perpendicular to the workpiece. Although scroll saws will cut a tighter curve, they can’t cut as smooth of a curve as a band saw.Resawing wood consists of splitting the thickness of it, typically taking a 3/4” thick board and making it into two 3/8” thick pieces or three 1/4” thick pieces. With the narrow kerf of the band saw blade, very little material is lost. This is important for book matching pieces. We've put together a list of what we think are the top five band saws on the market right now- take a look at our accompanying buyer's guide to help you pick the right one for you!

There seems to be a specialized type of pliers for every job imaginable, but you can usually get away with a handful of the most basic types. From needle nose to channel lock, you'll find the best of the best on our lists of pliers in 2022 below. Each of these tools will be made with high quality materials, function smoothly and have a long working life so you can be rest assured that you're getting the best pliers for the job.

Most finish carpenters work with two types of nailers, finish nailers and brad nailers. If you look at the door casing in your home, you’ll see there’s a row of nails close to the edge of the trim, by the door opening; these are done by a brad nailer. Then there’s another row of nails farther back and these have been done by a finish nailer. If you look closely, you’ll see the finish nailers made larger holes than the brad nailers did. The longer finish nail is intended to go through the trim, drywall and well into the framing of the home. In contrast, the brads used on the edge of the door casing only have to go through the lip of the casing and directly into the door frame. Thus, the nails don’t need to be anywhere near as long nor do they have to structurally hold the trim since the finish nails going into the framing accomplish that. For more info rmation about selecting a finish nailer, check out our list for the best finish nailers in 2022 and the buyer's guide listed below.

Whether you are ripping down your own planks from fallen trees or cutting dovetails to assemble a delicate jewelry box, grab the wrong saw and you’re in for a heap of trouble. Selecting the right saw is a matter of knowing the job at hand, anticipating the grain of the wood and understanding what attributes make a good saw. The lists below will help you choose the proper saw for the job, but one major aspect requires a little explanation. Will you be making cuts with the grain or across? A rip saw is used for cuts made with the grain and named for the process of ripping down boards. Crosscut saws are the opposite and their teeth are optimized for cutting against the grain. The difference is all in the teeth and using the right one will make the job easier, more accurate and help to make a smoother cut. Beyond this, most saws are named for their intended task and are easy to distinguish. A pruning saw is meant for pruning while the wallboard saw isn’t useful for much else beyond drywall/wallboard work, so pay attention to the nomenclature. All saws benefit from hardened steel teeth. This keeps them sharper for longer and extends the time between sharpenings or replacements. The style of handle varies as much as the blade, but slight variations can really change how comfortable it is to hold. A handle that sits nicely in the hand will greatly improve your working experience. Find the properly named saw, make sure the materials are of high quality, consider the comfort of the handle and check the teeth to make sure you’ll get an easy cut. After that’s said and done, it’s time to get to work. Check out our list for the best hand saws in 2022 to learn more.

A good mechanic’s tool set is invaluable to anyone who prefers working on their vehicle at home instead of paying someone to do it in a shop. No matter what skill level you possess, a tool set is an essential thing to have. Regardless of your skill level though, all mechanic’s tool sets should have a few very key components. Whatever set you purchase needs to have a wide array of different-sized sockets, a ratchet, a set of open or box-ended wrenches, and a wide variety of supplementary tools to work with such as drivers, driver bits, mallets, pliers, and more. All of those tools could be expensive and challenging to purchase separately, so having an all-in-one kit like a mechanic's tool set is a great idea. The more supplementary tools you have in your set, the more valuable it is and the better chance you have of finding the right tool for whatever job you have to be working on.So take a second to think about your skill level and give the appropriate list a look. Do you operate a shop out of your garage and want a professional set? Do you want a great, budget-minded starter set? Or, perhaps you’re an intermediate-level tool user. Whatever your skill level, there’s a set for you. Check out our list of the best mechanic's tool sets in 2022 to learn more.

Of all the types of nailers on the market, brad nailers are the most common. If a woodworker has only one type of nailer, you can pretty much count on it being a brad nailer. That’s not just because they’re less expensive than the larger types of nailers, but also because they’re so versatile. These tools can be used for finish carpentry, cabinetry, and even furniture making. The big question for most people is whether to buy a pneumatic brad nailer or a cordless one. Pneumatic nailers must be connected to an air compressor as power source, making them great for use in a workshop, but a little less convenient on a job site. On the other hand, the added convenience of a cordless will cost you more. There are few features that differentiate pneumatic nailers although cordless ones do vary, especially in the manner in which the drive system works; choose wisely as some operate more consistently and controllably than others. For more information about selecting a brad nailer, check out our list of the best brad nailers in 2022 and the buyer's guide provided below.

A hex key set might just be my most used tool nowadays and I am regularly impressed by how well a set can stand up to the abuse inflicted upon it. For these lists I found the best balance of durability and price in the right range of sizes. Each best hex key set in 2022 on these lists will stand up to abuse and function beautifully for years to come thanks to careful designing and high quality materials.

A good set of sockets is one of the essential items you need to build a worthwhile shop. It's not as simple as grabbing the first set you see on the shelf at your local home improvement depository. Socket sets vary so much that you could buy the most expensive one in the shop with more than 200 pieces and still wind up missing the one socket you really need. Whether you are looking for a set of deep impact sockets to do some heavy-duty auto work or a budget set for the most common household tasks, we have the information you need to make the right decision.Be sure to also check out our list of the best socket wrenches in 2022.

The world of adhesive is vast and sprawling, but the king of the hill has to be epoxy. There is a special kind of epoxy for every application from simple, wooden joinery to plugging leaks in boat hulls. Choose the right one and the end result will be a joint or repair that is both strong and astoundingly long lived.We've narrowed down our selections to the most commonly-encountered types of epoxy, though this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of every type of epoxy that exists. Our recommendations take into consideration the overall effectiveness of each best epoxy in 2022, value for money, availability both off- and online, user reviews, and personal experiences with each.The following categories are represented below:Best All-Purpose EpoxyBest Wood EpoxyBest Metal EpoxyBest Plastic EpoxyBest Putty EpoxyBest Waterproof EpoxyWhere applicable, we've included multiple recommendations for your convenience. All of the epoxies selected here are great products, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Pellet stoves are increasing in popularity as a more affordable way of heating a home or a specific room in the home. These stoves run by burning pellets, which are usually made of sawdust, bark, or other wood or agricultural waste. They are extremely efficient, and provide heat at a much lower cost than traditional furnaces. Best Pellet stoves in 2022 are available in two main styles: freestanding and fireplace insert. The freestanding type looks much like an old-fashioned wood stove, and are reported to be more reliable than the fireplace insert types. The fuel can be inserted either through the top or bottom of the pellet stove, and is stored in a hopper. When choosing a pellet stove, you should consider the performance, ease of cleanup, installation, price, and efficiency.

Glue is one of the essentials of any toolbox. When something minor breaks in your home or on the job site, the majority of the time a good adhesive is what you’ll need to repair it. Perhaps you’ll primarily use glue to work in your personal wood shop. What if you want a bottle of adhesive suited to fix your children’s toys? Then again, maybe you just need an all-purpose glue to work on a wide variety of different materials because who knows what you’re going to have to fix next. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best glues in 2022, Read through our glue buyer’s guide below to help you make right purchasing decision.

Of all the methods which have been devised for applying paint, nothing has approached the efficiency and finish quality of spraying. That’s why spraying paint is used throughout manufacturing industries, as well as being the number one means for applying paint to new residential and commercial construction. Granted, there are places where spraying isn’t always appropriate, such as the inside of a furnished house. In that case, the overspray from using the spray equipment would cause unacceptable damage to the furnishings. Another such case is for doing fine detail work. In those cases, a brush often can give better results, with less time invested, that what would be required to mask everything in order to paint those details with a sprayer. However, not all paint sprayers are appropriate for all uses. You must pick the right type of paint sprayer for the paint you are going to use, as well as the category of item that you are painting. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best paint sprayer in 2022, check out our paint sprayer buyer's guide. It will tell you the most important specifications to watch out for and what they mean to you.

Torque wrenches are precision instruments, used to ensure that nuts and bolts are properly tightened in automotive engines, aviation and industrial applications. They provide a means of measuring the amount of force applied to the fastener, in order to tighten it. Without this measurement, there is no sure way of verifying that these fasteners have been properly tightened. If you’ve ever tightened up something just finger tight on your car engine and then forgotten about it; you probably have experienced the bolt or nut loosen up fairly quickly when the car was started. Since there is no opposing force to cause the nut or bolt to remain tightened, it is easy for it to become loose. However, a properly tightened bolt or nut won’t come loose, even after many hours of operation. The way that nuts and bolts work is that when tightened they put pressure, called “clamping force,” on the items they are holding together. As those items are more massive than the hardware holding them together, they push back, actually stretching the bolt microscopically. It is this stretching which prevents the bolt from coming loose. The stretching is like stretching a spring, allowing the bolt head and the nut to maintain pressure on the sides of whatever they are holding. There is a strong element of friction involved in fastener holding power. The friction between the head of the bolt or the side of the nut and the object they are holding, prevent the bolt head or nut from turning. As long as there is enough clamping force to maintain that friction, they won’t budge. While tightening fasteners to the proper torque is the way that we ensure that there is enough clamping force, this clamping force can change due to the type of finish on the fasteners and whether or not the fasteners have been previously used. The threads of a nut and bolt pair which has been tightened and loosened a number of times (without rusting) become somewhat polished by the pressure. This will increase the amount of clamping force applied each time, if tightened to the same torque. Nevertheless, the torque values which are used for nuts and bolts take into account the type of material used in the fastener, the hardness of that material and any surface coating. Engineers use pre-calculated tables, which take all of those factors into account, when specifying the proper torque to be used. Most torque wrenches today are “click type” wrenches, meaning that they make an audible click when the fastener is tightened to a pre-determined torque. The torque desired can be set electronically, with a mechanical digital readout or with a vernier, depending upon the design of the torque wrench. Generally speaking, the electronic ones are considered the best, as they are the easiest to set and work with. Vernier calipers require knowing how to work with a vernier. Torque wrenches which have a dial or needle and gauge aren’t really torque wrenches, but rather torque meters. While it is possible to use them to tighten a fastener to the right torque value, it is extremely hard to do so accurately. Torque is measured in foot-pounds or inch-pounds. Conversion from foot-pounds to inch-pounds is simple; all you have to do is multiply the foot-pounds by 12. One foot pound is one pound of pressure applied over a lever, where the force is applied one foot form the fulcrum or rotational point. So, if you have two torque wrenches, one that is one foot long and the other that is two feet long, and apply the same amount of pressure, the actual torque would be different. That one pound of force would become two ft-lbs of torque with the two foot long torque wrench. When selecting a torque wrench, it is important to verify that he tool will cover the entire torque range that you will be setting. A torque wrench that has a maximum torque value of 120 ft-lbs. won’t do you a bit of good, if you have to torque a nut to 150 ft-lbs. Having all torque ranges you need may require having more than one torque wrench, although it is possible to get one torque wrench which will cover all needed torque values for working on a car engine. Check out our list of the best torque wrenches in 2022.

Every workshop needs a workbench... or two or three. While some people like to build their own, it’s a lot faster and easier to buy a kit or one that’s ready to go. This also ensures that you’ll have a workbench that’s going to hold up under heavy-duty use, as sometimes DIY projects don’t go as planned.The workbench is the center of the workshop, providing a place to work on projects, set your parts when you’re not working with them, store tools, and whatever else needs to be done. Without a workbench, you’re stuck with trying to find somewhere else to work, and often that somewhere is someplace that’s going to upset your partner!Picking a workbench can be tricky, especially for those of us engaged in a variety of different projects. Check out our list of the best workbenches in 2022 and the buyer's guide below for some things to look for in your ideal workbench before making a selection.

If a guy’s only going to have one shop tool in his workshop, it’s going to be a table saw. While other stationary power tools are useful, a table saw is all but indispensible. Oh, you can do many of the cuts that people use a table saw for with a circular saw, but you can’t do them with anywhere near the accuracy; especially if you’re trying to get a straight cut. The table saw is a very versatile tool. Although designed predominantly for ripping wood, it can also be used for crosscutting and miter cuts. All of them come with both a fence for ripping and a miter gauge for crosscutting and miter cuts. Some people pooh-pooh the table saw’s ability to do accurate crosscutting, but I’d beg to differ with them. I won’t argue that it’s easier to do accurate crosscuts with a miter saw or radial arm saw, but I’ve done miter cuts accurately enough on a table saw, to be able to make picture frames with expensive moldings. That requires a level of accuracy that’s hard to meet with any tool. If you do a lot of miter cutting on your table saw, you may want to consider investing in a quality aftermarket miter gauge. Even the best of table saws have rather simple miter gauges. However, there are some excellent after-market models around, most of which are much larger and much more accurate than the typical manufacturer's miter gauge. Like many tools, table saws have evolved through the years. Today’s saws have many improvements over the saw that my daddy taught me on. They also tend to be more accurate, which is extremely important if you are doing any sort of cabinet work. Before looking for a table saw, you really have to decide what you want to use it for. If you don’t need that large rip capacity, then there’s really no reason to pay for it. On the other hand, buying a small saw, which doesn’t have the capacity you need, will leave you frustrated, and probably set you up for buying a larger saw later. Take a look and check out our list of the best table saws in 2022 and the buyer's guide on table saws below, before looking at the lists of reviews we have prepared for you. This will give you a much better idea of the various saws out there and what you should be looking for in them.

Purchasing a ladder can be a bit of a daunting task. On one hand, you want a ladder that you know will be strong enough to hold you up no matter what job you’re working on. On the other hand, you don’t want to pay a lot without sacrificing quality. The decision, ultimately, comes down to what you wish to use the ladder for. Will you be using it for general-purpose jobs around the home? Will you be using it in your garage? Will you be using it to gain access to your attic? The types of jobs you do, factor into what type of ladder you purchase. We have different lists available for a variety of best ladders in 2022 depending on what type you need. Rest assured that every ladder on the following list is the best of the best in each category.

More than anything, reciprocating saws are demolition tools. There’s no finesse, no fine line of accuracy, and most of all, no “finish cuts” with a reciprocating saw. When you need to take something down quickly, a reciprocating saw will do it faster than anything else, except maybe a chain saw. These saws are often referred to by their nickname, “Sawzall.” This is the name that Milwaukee Tools gave their first reciprocating saw, and it seems to have stuck pretty well. While Milwaukee is still the champ of the Sawzall, there are plenty of other contenders to look at. Because these are specialty saws, most do-it-yourselfers have a hard time justifying their purchase. In that case, you might want to consider looking at the best reciprocating saws in 2022 that we have listed. While these are not as heavy-duty as the professional models, for the homeowner who occasionally needs to take something apart or cut up a fallen tree limb, they’re plenty. We’ve also included a helpful buyer’s guide below to take some of the guesswork out of your search.

Miter saws have probably been around since the birth of carpentry. Okay, maybe that’s a bit of exaggeration, but they’ve certainly been around a long time. That’s not to say they haven’t changed, because they definitely have. The old miter box with a back saw is getting pretty hard to find these days. Now, everyone is using power miter saws and getting their work done faster. Regardless of the type and complexity of a particular model of miter saw, they all serve the same purpose which is providing a way of cutting material on an angle accurately. This originally meant cutting picture frame molding, molding used on furniture, and architectural moldings used for finishing out a home. However, today’s carpenter and woodworker use their miter saws for much more. Miter saws come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. While power miter saws are the most common, there are still manual miter saws on the market. In some cases, they’re better than the power ones. More recently, sliding power miter saws have taken over a lot of the market by adding increased capacity for larger workpieces. Check out our list of the best miter saws in 2022 and our buyer's guide provided below will help you decide what type you need.

Caulk is a sealant that's used to create weather and water tight seals in gaps around your home, like doors and windows or around bathroom fixtures. It's sometimes used like an adhesive as well for things like affixing a ceramic tile backsplash in your kitchen. The main thing you have to remember when looking to purchase caulk is to keep in mind what you want to use it for and where you want to use it. There are many different kinds of caulks and each are formulated for different uses. For instance, perhaps you need a caulk to use with the plumbing in your bathroom. In that case, you'd want to take a look at our tub & tile caulk list. Or maybe you need a good painter's caulk. In that event, you'd want to check out our best paintable caulk list. No matter what you need it for, we have a list of best caulk in 2022 for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Selecting the right paint brush goes a long way towards ensuring a good paint job. Many people try to use cheap brushes and wonder why they have trouble keeping the paint application looking neat. Others try to use the same type of brush for every type of paint and find the finish doesn't come out smooth. Picking the right brush means taking a number of different aspects of the brush's design into consideration, the type of paint you are using, and what you are going to paint with it. If properly cared for, good paint brushes will last for years; I myself have some paint brushes I've used for well over 20 years. While I don't use every brush every day or even every week, they all get plenty of use. The trick to making brushes last is to buy good brushes and take proper care of them. The biggest thing is to avoid allowing the paint to settle into the ferrule as this is what usually ruins brushes. When you dip the brush, only dip about 1/2" to 1" of the tip of the bristles; this way you’re much less likely to get the paint into the ferrule. When you’re done, be sure to clean it thoroughly before storing. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best paint brush in 2022, We've prepared a paintbrush buyer's guide below that will tell you everything you need to know about what kind of brush suited for the paint project and crafts you’re preparing for.

If you are looking for a new kitchen faucet in 2022, then you are sure to find one here. These models were chosen because of their reputable national brand, their strong brass construction, and the unique features that they each have. You won’t have to scour the internet any further; these are the top of the line for residential kitchen pull down faucets. Easy to install, and easy to use, each one has their own unique capabilities including spray, shower, and even pause in one case.

The most ecological and friendly way to split logs is with a manual log splitter. With no gas, oil or electricity to worry about, you can use these tools virtually anywhere such as at your favorite hunting cabin, on those rustic camping trips, for campfires or even at home for firewood.Now, we aren't talking about axes and mauls here, since they all do a comparable job of splitting wood as long as your back holds out. The best log splitters in 2022 on this list are either drop slide-hammer types or hydraulically activated types with handles. They offer a simplicity and effectiveness that can't be beat when you want to split a few logs for the fireplace, campfire, or stocking a pile of logs for a wood burning stove.Although in theory you would be able to split large sized logs with these selections,  smaller diameter logs or thick branches not more than 4 or 5 inches in diameter would be ideal. These best manual log splitters were chosen for their ease of use such as wheels for portability, and splitting effectiveness tops this list, but sturdy construction, and affordability were also considered.

Gas powered string trimmers have been the consistent go-to for trimming grass and weeds for decades. Invented in the early 1970s, they were initially called “weed eaters” but are also known as weed whackers, line trimmers and weed whippers, among other nicknames.All gas powered string trimmers are built around a top mounted motor powering a drive shaft which turns a rotating string trimmer head at the bottom. The most common heads are fitted with string loaded spools, but specialty heads can also be fitted that feature a variety of cutting implements like plastic or metal blades, chains or individually attached thick pieces of cutting string. These attachments make string trimmers particularly versatile when compared to other trimming methods.These best string trimmers in 2022 were chosen based on their ease of use, affordability and user friendly features. Although each one is powered by gasoline, there are 2 and 4-cycle engines; 2-cycle engines are traditionally lighter and more powerful than their 4-cycle engine cousins, and require having a gas and oil mixture as the correct fuel. 4-cycle engines, generally a bit heavier, can be filled with regular lawn mower gas and are usually less maintenance intensive than their 2-cycle brethren. Because ease of use is the main criteria, that means 4-cycle motors will figure more prominently on this list.

Leaf blowers are essentially air brooms made to blow leaves out of the way. The more powerful blowers convert to a leaf vacuum so the leaves can be sucked up, chopped into pieces, and deposited into an attached bag. There are three types of power sources for leaf blowers: gasoline, corded electricity, and battery-powered. Both gasoline and corded leaf blowers provide comparable power, and these types often convert to leaf vacuums. Modern battery-powered leaf blowers are almost as powerful as their gas-powered cousins, and the newest Li-Ion batteries give them comparable run time too. They're highly portable, and will readily take the place of fossil-fueled and corded blowers for most blowing tasks. Choosing the right leaf blower for your yard can be quite the task since there are so many options available. Check out our list of the best leaf blowers in 2022, and for additional information, consult our leaf blower buyer’s guide listed below.