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Mechanics and equipment repair technicians often need to be able to take their tools with them, right to the vehicle or piece of equipment that they are working on. The mechanic’s roll around tool chest was created with this in mind, allowing the mechanic to park his toolbox right next to the vehicle he’s working on. Of course, with some of the larger tool chests, that might be a little hard to do, unless the mechanic has a team of oxen to help them move their toolbox.Best Tool carts in 2022 provide the same flexibility, without having the cost or weight of a full-blown roll around tool chest. They can vary from very simple units, which just consist of a work surface on wheels, where tools can be placed, to multi-drawer units, which provide both a place to set tools and some storage as well. Generally speaking, the ones with drawers are much more flexible, as they do have some on-board tool storage.Of course, having a tool cart won’t eliminate the need for the mechanic’s roll-around. These are designed for those things that are being used at the moment, whereas a roll-around, especially the larger ones, is designed to store all of a mechanic’s tools in a secure, organized fashion.The nice thing about tool carts is their flexibility and portability. The few drawers that they do have can be used to store the most commonly used tools, leaving the rest in the main tool chest. Having a way to lock them up when going off for lunch or break is nice as well, although not all have that capability. The other thing that a tool cart can do very well is provide an easy way to take parts along. Instead of using the drawers for tools, common parts can be stored in them. In that way, between the roll-around tool chest and the tool cart, everything is right at hand.In this list, I’ve included all units with drawers, as I feel that the added storage space is definitely worth having. I’ve always said that you can’t have too much tool storage, as my personal workshop can attest to. Even with all the tool storage I have, I never have enough.These are also all steel carts, although there are several plastic ones available. The plastic ones I’ve seen are all sturdy units, which will provide excellent service and carry quite a load. However, the best units I could find were all metal ones. My one concern with plastic tool carts is that lubricants are usually petroleum products, which could possibly be damaging to some plastics. I’m sure that the manufacturers have taken this into account in their materials selection, but I still tend to be suspicious.A few of the tool carts I’ve looked at had problems with hardware. These pretty much all require some assembly by the purchaser. If the hardware that comes with the cart doesn’t’ work with the design of the cart, then all you’ve done is buy a box of headaches. None of these units have that problem, although some others that I’ve seen do.

In our world of fancy power tools and high-tech, digital equipment, there is still a place for the humble sawhorse. Having something that will hold up a piece of wood while you are cutting it or doing other machining operations is essential, especially if you are working somewhere that you don’t have access to your workbench. Even when your workbench is available, best sawhorses in 2022 can multiply your effective working space, by providing you with an alternate work or cutting area.One of the great things about sawhorses is that they don’t take up a lot of room, but still provide you with a big enough work area that you can work on a full sheet of plywood. If you buy collapsible sawhorses, they take up even less room, while still giving you lots of room to work.While many carpenters still make their own sawhorses out of 2-by-4s and some scrap plywood, the commercially available ones do have some definite advantages, especially for the do-it-yourselfer. More than anything, they’re collapsible, saving valuable space in your workshop. At the same time, they save you the time of having to build your sawhorses, which isn’t really all that hard. Even so, I’ve seen a lot of wobbly sawhorses made by people who decided to do their own. When you look at the cost of materials to make your own and compare it to the cost of buying, there really isn’t that much different.There are a fairly large number of commercially available sawhorses on the market, plus a number of other work holding devices, such as the Black & Decker Workmate or the Rockwell Jawhorse. We feature these on our list for Best Portable Workbench, so you may want to take a look at them before making your decision. While not technically sawhorses, they do perform the same function, plus more.There are about three basic options in manufactured sawhorse. The first one is to buy an actual finished sawhorse. These are usually made of plastic, so they won’t knick your saw blades. The second is to buy folding legs to use with a 2-by-4 top. The third option is to buy brackets which allow you to make sawhorses out of 2-by-4s. All three have their place, depending upon your need and the money you have available to work with.Most sawhorses have a plastic or wood top member, so that you won’t knick your saw blades when you hit it (which invariably happens). However, there are a few around which are all metal construction. While these work fine, you need to be extra careful with them, so that you don’t accidentally hit them with your saw. Not only would that tend to dull your saw blade, but it’s rather hard to fix the sawhorse when it happens.This problem can be solved on metal sawhorses by putting a wood top on it. Most will have screw holes in the top member to allow for this, making it easy to protect your tools and giving longer life to your sawhorse.

Hand-held best spotlights in 2022 are useful for a wide variety of activities; from outdoor sports, to changing a flat tire, to looking for the dog that jumped the fence in the middle of the night. Anytime you’re out in a vehicle and you might need light, a handheld spotlight is a nice thing to have.In most cases, hand-held spotlights take over where flashlights leave off. Most flashlights are limited to providing 100 lumens of illumination. Today’s tactical lights can provide more, with some that are topping 600 lumens. Handheld spotlights generally provide more illumination than that, with a larger reflector that focuses the light into a relatively tight beam for providing high intensity illumination in a smaller area.These spotlights come in two basic varieties, cordless ones and those that run off the vehicle’s power. The ones that run off vehicle power will usually plug into a cigarette lighter socket, while the cordless ones are usually rechargeable. Both have their advantages, depending upon how they will be used.Many of the newer spotlights on the market, like many of the newer flashlights, use high intensity LEDs to provide illumination. There are several advantages to LEDs over other types of light bulbs: Longer lasting – LEDs are typically rated at 60,000 hours of life Lower power consumption – With an LED light, batteries last much longer Shock resistance – LEDs don’t have a filament to break from shock like incandescent light bulbs do. Nor do they have a glass bulb to break like halogen and other gas filled bulbs. When looking at a spotlight, normally the most important factor is how bright it is. Besides that, you want one that is durable, so that you don’t have to worry about it breaking when you use it. Battery life is another major consideration when looking at cordless spotlights. For the corded ones, you’ll want a nice long cord. Finally, you want something that is going to be easy to work with.These units can either be rated in lumens or candlepower. The difference is that candlepower describes the light radiance at its source, while lumens describes the light intensity in a particular direction. It is usually measured over a one square foot area, one foot away from the source. While it is possible to covert from one to the other, the conversion isn’t very accurate, as they are measuring different things.There are a lot of different models of spotlights on the market, being manufactured by a lot of different companies. With all the models to choose from, it’s almost impossible to pick out five best ones. However, I’ve made my best stab at it. There are a lot of other good ones out there, but these stood out to me as having something special to offer.

A tomato cage is essentially an enclosed trellis that supports the leaves and fruit growth of a tomato plant. Without it, the tomato plant will fall over, causing the fruits to come into contact with the ground, which makes it that much easier for insects and animals to ravage them, while bending of the stems under the weight of the fruit may cause them to break.Original tomato cages were merely long stakes pounded into the ground, with strings or ribbons tied to the tomato vines, that were then attached to the stake for support. The best modern tomato cages are made with metal for durability and have many horizontal supports where the tomato plant can literally hang on. Design, versatility and ease of use were the most important aspects when making this list, but durability, price and bang for the buck were also considered.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best tomato cage in 2022, We have listed below the available tomato cages for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Where I'm from, the best shop vacuums in 2022 are a necessity in any garage. They make clean up a breeze, and can handle more difficult items such as screws, nuts, bolts, leaves, bits of drywall, and anything else that you throw at it. This can make them invaluable for everyday tasks. Still, while there is much argument, there is one truth in shop vacuums: Shop-Vac is king. There are many great manufacturers and plenty of affordable models, but best in terms of quality will always go to Shop-Vac and their different capacity models. The following lists explore the best of shop vacuums, minimizing the amount of research that you must put in.

Vacuums are an essential tool when it comes to keeping the household clean. While most vacuums will get the job done in a pinch, some are obviously better than others. Each of these vacuums offer superior performance and convenience, though some may balk at the higher prices. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for in this list of the best vacuum cleaners in 2022, be sure to explore the related lists on the right and check out our vacuum buyer's guide.  

Tradesmen in pretty much all the building trades use tool belts on the job, especially carpenters and electricians. The best tool belts in 2022 gives the worker a convenient way of carrying their most common tools with them, without having to have their hands tied up carrying a tool box. With the tools on their belt, they are easily reached while working, saving time and providing the worker with the ability to grab the tool with one hand, while holding what they are working on in the other hand.Carpenters tool belts also serve as a nail pouch to hold the most common sizes of nails. While most carpentry today is done with pneumatic or cordless nailers, there are always a few nails that seem to need to be driven by hand. Having nails in your tool pouch keeps them ready at hand for those times when they are needed. The same pouches can be used to hold strips of nails for the power nailers, so that the carpenter doesn't have to go running back to get more.While all quality tool belts used to be made of leather, this is being replaced by heavy nylon materials. The advantage of the nylon tool belts is that they breathe, allowing the worker’s perspiration to wick away from their body, instead of being trapped under the belt. This helps prevent rashes and infections.Regardless of the material chosen, it’s important to pick a belt that is made of heavy-duty material which is well stitched. A poorly made belt won’t last the rigors of surviving on a construction site, especially when weighed down with several pounds of tools and nails. Having a tool belt’s seam split open in the middle of a work day is worse than not having a tool belt at all.The second important consideration when choosing a tool belt is that it has enough spaces to hold all the tools. A carpenter usually doesn't carry all that many tools with him, other than a hammer, tape measure and a pencil. At times, they might add other tools, such as a chalk line or a nail set, but you’ll never see a carpenter with a lot of tools in their belt. An electrician, on the other hand, needs a wide variety of tools for his work. To compensate for this, electricians’ tool belts have a lot more pockets to hold tools, but don’t have a place to hold nails.You want to be sure that the tool belt will hold everything even when you bend over or move in unusual ways. If you have to stop to pick up nails off the floor every time you stoop over, it’s going to make a long day of it. Better to have less space on the tool belt and have it keep everything stay where it belongs.Finally, you want to make sure that you buy a tool belt which will be comfortable to wear. Remember, you’re going to be wearing it for 40 or more hours per week, with several pounds of tools and nails in the pockets. If it’s not comfortable, you’re going to end up being miserable. Some come with built-in suspenders, which help distribute the weight better, making it more comfortable for long periods of time. However, those shoulder straps could get uncomfortable as well, so you want to make sure that it will be comfortable for you, not for your buddy.

Pruning shears have been in use for centuries. They are the basic tool for cutting branches from trees, removing errant twigs from bushes or shrubbery, or trimming back shoots from grapes and berry bushes, among others. Because these are hand-operated tools, ergonomics is the most important aspect to making the top of this list followed by durability and ease of cutting. Price wasn't considered in these selections because the best pruners will give you the easiest cutting ability while being comfortable, regardless of how much they cost. Either way, there will most certainly be a pair of shears on this list that will serve your needs; read on to use our buying guide to pick the right one for you!

Toolboxes are great for some situations, but there are some where wheeling a roll-around tool chest with top box might look a little strange. That doesn't eliminate the need for the tools however; it merely means that those tools need to be housed in something that fits the environment better. For those circumstances, there are tool cases.Tool cases are most often used by service technicians who need to perform repairs to equipment in customers’ stores, offices and other public locations. They provide an organized manner of carrying tools around in an attractive case that doesn't necessarily look like a toolbox. Even so, they are rugged enough to survive carrying the weight of the tools, while ensuring that those tools are ready to hand when needed.Some of the bigger best tool cases in 2022 come with wheels, looking like a wheeled briefcase, rather than a toolbox. The wheels eliminate the physical strain of carrying the tools, and free up at least one hand for other things, like opening doors or using a cell phone. These cases are typically larger, allowing the service technician to carry more with them as well, making it possible for them to be more efficient, instead of having to run back and forth to their vehicle after various tools they need.The various pockets and dividers inside the tool case are intended to hold the tools in place, so that they cannot move. By eliminating their ability to shift position, the case is easier to carry and move. At the same time, tools are easier to find when they haven’t shifted around during movement.Selecting the right tool case for a particular need depends mostly upon what needs to be carried along. Some types of repair work require more tools than other. Some technicians also need space in their tool kit for common parts that they repair on every service call. Others might need to carry a laptop computer with them, in order to interface with the equipment that they are working on for testing and adjustment.The other major factor for most people is the appearance of the case. Some situations warrant having a case that appears like a briefcase, rather than a tool case. Others may need to be able to transport their case with them on an airplane. The right case has to meet all of the technicians needs.

Clothes irons (or flatirons) have undergone considerable improvement when it comes to fabric care. In addition to safety and convenience features, textile changes and new synthetics have signaled the need for variable heat and steam functions to enhance ironing while better protecting the fabric. There has also been an increase in wattage for many models, which, combined with a smooth soleplate make ironing a much quicker task, with less passes needed to achieve the desired result.It's tempting to go for the cheapest available option, but it's well worth it to do a bit of research to select an iron that will perform well and last for years. The best irons provide even temperature distribution and can be used with a wide range of fabrics. Many have the ability to produce even and consistent steam, with the option for a burst of steam when needed. With the steam comes the risk of drips that can potentially damage fabric, so we selected models are well-designed and constructed so that they will not drip. Finally, these best steam irons heat up quickly and maintain accurate temperatures, so there's no extended wait time to get the job done or unpleasant surprises when the temperature is not correct for the fabric at hand.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best iron in 2022, We have listed below the irons available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Soap Dispensers are a great accessory to have in your kitchen and bathroom. The reasons for buying a liquid soap dispenser run the gamut from being more sanitary than bar soap to serving as a decorative item. They come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, plastic, ceramic, chrome, and glass. When choosing a soap dispenser, consider both the durability of the dispenser as well as the decorating scheme of the room it will be placed in. I’ve chosen the best soap dispensers in 2022, appeal to a variety of styles and preferences, but ultimately they are quality products that will look good in your home.

Tool bags have become more popular in recent time, especially for tradesman and maintenance workers who want quick and easy access to their tools. Using a tool bag makes it easy to organize those tools, while still having them contained in a way that they are easy to carry from project to project while working. With all of a tradesman’s essential tools inside, he’s got everything conveniently at hand.Although best tool bags in 2022 seem like a new arrival on the scene, they've been in existence for quite some time. I can’t find any data showing when they were first used, but some trades have used them for centuries. Farriers (those that shoe horses), have always used a tool bag for their nails, files, hammer and hoof trimmer. Pipefitters working on the cooling system for the Boulder Dam used tool bags to take their tools from worksite to worksite. Even the Army has used tool bags for years, at least as far back as World War I.The nice thing about a tool bag, as opposed to a tool box is its convenience. No matter how well organized a tool box is, it can’t keep everything ready at hand like a tool bag can. The open top and flexible sides make it easy to carry a variety of things, while the sewn-in pockets make it easy to organize a wide variety of tools.I was amazed when I started looking at tool bags for this article, to find how wide a variety of tool bags were offered and how expensive some of them are. Of course, like anything else, you get what you pay for, so those high-dollar tool bags are better than the low cost ones that you might find at your local building supply center.Tool bags are constructed out of a combination of heavy canvas, leather and plastic. Some have hard sides, with pockets sewn inside and out, while others are all soft-sided. What works better for your needs depends a lot on the tools you need to be able to carry with you and your personal work style.The key to these bags is how sturdy they are built. I have an old all-canvas one that I've had for years. While I've managed to poke a number of screwdrivers, chisels and knives through it in one place or another, I can’t say that I've really damaged it. Clean it up and it’ll look just about as good as new. The bigger risk for breakage actually comes in the ones which have plastic supports and sides. Those might break, especially if kept in the heat or cold a lot, as both heat and cold can make plastics brittle.The other thing to look for is the number of pockets that the tool bag has, and whether they are the type of pockets you’ll need for the tools that you need to carry. Some of these are designed for specific purposes, and if you end up trying to use them for some other purpose, you’ll end up pretty frustrated.One other thing I’d like to say about these is that they are not for the person who doesn't put things back where they belong. The whole concept of a tool bag is to have everything neatly organized where you can grab it easily. If you’re the type of person who is likely to throw your tools in the middle compartment, rather than put them in the pockets, don’t bother with a tool bag; you’ll just end up frustrated.

Blinds are a popular choice for those looking to manage privacy and the amount of sunlight entering the home. Window blinds typically come in a few specific materials, including wood, faux wood, fabric, vinyl, or plastic. Wooden blinds provide a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room of the home. They are more durable than vinyl, easier to clean, and more efficient in blocking light. Wooden blinds are versatile, come in a variety of colors and textures, and are made of eco-friendly materials.We've done the research to find you the top deals on the best blinds in 2022. Don’t spend another dime on blinds that break or ruin the decor of your home. By spending just a little more on quality, long-lasting materials, you’ll be saving money in the long run. They’re also easier to keep clean – a big benefit for most homeowners.

Bath mats come in handy in and out of the tub. If you’re concerned about slipping in the tub, the right bath mat will address that concern. You should look for a mat that has good suction so it’ll stay in place. The right bath mat is also soft on your feet and has a massage-like quality to it. Having anti-microbial aspects also set a bath mat apart from the rest in terms of cleanliness and extended use. With these aspects in mind, I’ve complied a list of the best bath mats in 2022.

Roller cabinets and top chests are great for the garage or workshop, but they’re not very practical for hauling tools around to various work locations. They’re really not even practical for rolling through your house to make repairs. For those projects that require carrying tools with you, or for just having a tool kit in the trunk of your car, you need a portable toolbox.There’s really no such thing as an ideal portable toolbox. A lot depends on what types of tools you are taking with you and the type of work that you do. What will work out perfectly for one person may not be useful at all to another. You really need to find what will meet your needs the best, not what works well for your buddy. Fortunately, there are a lot of portable toolboxes to choose from.The best portable toolboxes in 2022 come in a wide variety of styles, each of which has a large number of models from a large number of manufacturers to choose from. The basic styles are: Stacked roller box – This is like a smaller version of a roller cabinet, without a lot of drawers, but designed to move like a hand truck. They are usually made of plastic or a mix of plastic and steel. Multi-drawer box – These are similar to a top chest but are designed to be portable. A handle on the top is used for moving them around. They are available in both steel and plastic. Top tray box – These have a tray mounted in the top part that can be lifted out, providing access to the main storage area. The tray is useful for small tools and parts. These can be metal or plastic. Cantilevered tray box – Cantilevered trays are usually mounted on both sides of the angled top, which flips open to both sides, providing access to the trays. They give a lot of room for sorting small tools and parts, with a main central storage area as well. Usually made out of steel.Manufacturers build toolboxes out of both steel and plastic. While the steel ones are stronger, there is a definite place for plastic toolboxes. The plastic is lighter than steel, making it ideal for those who don’t want to practice weightlifting every time they have to move their tools. The better-quality plastic toolboxes can hold quite a bit of weight without any serious risk of damage to the box.With any toolbox, the ability to organize it well is an important consideration. Toolboxes with multiple drawers and cantilevered trays make this easier, dividing the space in the toolbox into smaller segments so that you can more easily organize it. However, they are limited in how many large tools will fit, as part of the space is taken up with the drawers and trays for the smaller stuff.Rarely do portable toolboxes come with built-in locks, although most have some way for you to lock them with a padlock. Even the plastic ones will be somewhat secure in this manner, as most people won’t bother to cut the lock or the toolbox to get to what’s inside.No matter what kind of toolbox you think you need, we have you covered. Below, we've reviewed a wide range of the best portable toolboxes available in 2022 that could suit your needs.

Buying a jack for your personal shop or garage is an important decision, think of it as an investment in your future. Safety and performance are the two most vital factors to consider when looking for a jack because when you’re beneath your car, you’re putting your life in the hands of whatever jack you own. You want the best quality jack depending on the conditions of your purchase. Maybe you have a strict budget to follow. Maybe money isn’t an issue, but longevity is. Whatever factors influence your decision, we’ve got you covered. The following lists feature the best floor jacks in 2022 on the market with safety and durability as a priority. You can be rest assured that only the best quality jacks are included.

A file is a hand tool used to remove portions from the surface of various different woods, metals or plastics. It’s generally a steel tool constructed from one piece, with a series of fine, sharpened teeth across the surface of one end and a pointed tang on the other.Files come in a wide variety of different shapes (for example pillar, square, half round, taper, round, etc.). For this reason, and to make the sets I have included below more valuable in regards to how many different applications they can be used for, each set I have listed has at least two different file shapes represented.There are two different kinds of file patterns: American and Swiss. For the purposes of keeping things simple for this list, all the different file sets below consist of American pattern files. This is because American pattern files consist of fewer grades of cut (how fine the teeth are) than Swiss pattern files.While I’m on the subject of cuts, each set I have listed in best file sets in 2022 is comprised of one, but no more than two, different varieties of cuts on the files to ensure uniformity in the jobs you work on. This is so that you don’t have to work on materials with multiple different kinds of cuts, which could result in strange final surface textures on whatever you’re working on.

A nut driver is a tool used to tighten nut, bolts and other fasteners. It looks nearly identical to a regular screwdriver; only it features a socket on the head of the tool. They’re a really common tool and are good to have around because they’re quicker to use than finding a ratchet, locating what socket you need, finding an extension bar if necessary, fitting them all together and then finally loosening or tightening the fastener you’re working on.Since nut drivers come in only one, unchangeable size, I will be focusing on sets for the list of the best nut drivers in 2022. To help make jobs easier, each of the sets I have included comes with at least six different drivers. This gives you a wide variety of drivers to work with, which makes working on differently sized fasteners easier. Furthermore, all of the drivers in each set are marked (either by color coding or easily identifiable markings) so that identifying what driver you’re about to use is easy as can be.To make your set purchase easier on the wallet, each of the sets I have included can be bought for fewer than $50 and comes with a warranty. This makes whatever tool set you choose a lot easier because you can have faith you’re getting great quality tools for a decent price.

A concrete mixer is a tool used to combine cement, an aggregate and water in a rotating drum to form concrete. While there are many different types of concrete mixers available, I will be focusing on smaller, more portable versions (as opposed to vehicle or trailer mounted ones). This is so my choices can appeal to a larger audience of people. Perhaps you’re a professional in need of a solid mixer for a job site. Or, maybe you’re a DIYer looking to build something in your backyard. Either way, all of the mixers on this list will be perfect for you.Since all of the concrete mixers I am including on this list are supposed to be portable, they must all easily move about any job site with relative ease at the hands of one person. This means every mixer has a set of wheels and weighs less than 250 pounds.To make any and all jobs as easy as possible, each of the mixers I have included has an electric motor. This makes them more convenient to use. You don’t have worry about running out of gas. Additionally, you want a concrete mixer that can hold a lot of concrete. So, each of the mixers I have listed has an empty drum capacity of at least 3 cubic feet. This ensures that you can hold a large weight of concrete (in my experience, 3 cubic feet of empty space can hold around 150 pounds of concrete).Finally, all of the best concrete mixers in 2022 that I have listed below come with a warranty to make your purchase as easy as possible.

A basic hose nozzle is made to concentrate a flow of water into a tight stream, much like the classic fire hose nozzles. Household hose nozzles are a bit more versatile and will allow you to adjust the stream into many spray patterns. For example, a stream works better for washing items down and a spray works better for watering gardens or lawns.Versatility, ease of use, and construction for durability are how we evaluated the nozzles here, with price and design also taken into consideration. No matter what you need it for, we have a great list of the best hose nozzles in 2022 for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

A good lawn sprinkler is essential during the hot and dry dog days of summer. This is especially true in the southern and western portions of the U.S. Standing out on your lawn and watering your grass may be a good way to pass the time, but it takes a lot of water and a lot of time to get the job done right. To that end, a lawn sprinkler is a better idea all the way around. The best sprinklers in 2022 listed below were selected based on watering performance and ease of use but price, versatility and design also were considered.

The rake was essentially invented as the poor person's version of the harrow in medieval times. A harrow was pulled along the hay fields, with a horse or an oxen, to gather hay. These were simple wooden frames with nails or tines attached that would collect the hay as it was dragged through the field. For those people that could not afford an animal, hand rakes were invented and used for the same task. Modern rakes are used for essentially the same reason. The main difference is that, instead of gathering up the hay in fields, people use them to gather grass clippings from lawns, fallen leaves from trees, and as a gardening implement for moving soil and weeding. In that sense, there are different rakes for different purposes, and no one specific rake will be perfect for everyone's needs. However, some rakes are better than others for the tasks at hand, some will be more ergonomically designed and some will perform better than the others. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best rakes in 2022, We have listed below the different rakes were chosen because they are easy to use and effective, versatility and a competitive price also were considered.

Palm nailers are a relative newcomer to the nailer marketplace. These compact tools are not designed to use with a specific type of nail, nor do they need collated nails; rather, they are designed to drive any type of loose nail that you could desire. That makes them extremely versatile and useful. By no means is a palm nailer going to replace a regular framing or finish nailer. These don’t have the high speed capacity that regular strip or coil nailers do. Rather, they are designed to replace a hammer, making it possible to drive standard boxed nails with little effort.They are excellent for use in tight places and awkward angles, where it might be difficult to swing a hammer or even use a standard nailer. The fact that you place the nail where you want it, rather than placing the nosepiece of the nailer where you want it, makes these tools an excellent choice for use in cases where you have to drive nails through metal plates, such as in the case of hurricane clips and joist hangers. They are excellent for use when building a deck, which invariably involves hammering nails at odd angles. You can check out our list of the best pneumatic palm nailers in 2022. Palm nailers come in two basic sizes, standard and mini. The mini nailers are intended for use in driving nails up to 16d (penny, 3-1/2 inches), while the standard can drive nails up to 70d (6-1/2 inches). The larger palm nailers usually come with various nosepieces, allowing them to be used with several different sizes of nails. Standard size palm nailers are the only type of power nailer which can be used for driving large nails, such as would be needed for nailing timber beams for a ceiling or in a log cabin.When using a palm nailer, a magnet in the tip holds the nail, allowing you to place it exactly where you want it. Pushing down on the nail starts the nailer working, driving the nail into the workpiece with about 2,000 beats per minute.When looking at palm nailers, these features are important:A depth of drive adjustment to stop the nailer when the desired depth is reached. A leather “glove” to go over the tool. This provides some protection for your hand from the vibration of the tool, while also providing a good gripping surface. A strap on the glove makes it easier to hang on to the tool.Changeable nose tips. Not all have this, but being able to change out the nose tip makes the tool more versatile.Magnetic nose – While most have this, not all do. These tools are difficult to use without a magnetic nose.

Coil nailers are used for two basic purposes; roofing and siding. Both of these applications require round-head nails, meaning that they need to be collated in such a way as to provide enough space between the individual nails for the nail heads. Both applications also use a lot of nails, so a large capacity is needed. For that reason, the coil nailer was developed. The coil allows more nails to be loaded into the nailer than a typical stick configuration, without making the tool too large to handle. The reason that round headed nails are used in these applications isn't because of the problem of the nails pulling out, but the material pulling out through the nails. Large nail heads help prevent shingles and siding from breaking and coming loose in high wind conditions. One really great thing about this style of nailer is that the coil magazine makes for a nice stable way of setting the gun down upright; something which can’t be done with other types of nailers. While only a small difference, it makes it easier to pick it back up and have it in the right position to continue nailing. The coil also makes for a compact package, which is easier to hold and work with. It can hold up to 120 siding or roofing nails in a much smaller space than a stick magazine can. These are used in high volume applications, so anything that the manufacturer can do to make the guns faster and easier to work with is a plus. Details like windows on the magazine, switchable triggers, rubber-coated handles, easy load canisters and tool-free depth adjustment are important, as they keep you working, instead of having to lose time to take care of your gun. Weight is also an important factor when using these guns, as they spend more time in your hand than other types of nailers do. Often, roofing crews will split the work, with one person stuffing shingles and another nailing them. In those cases, where the gun is in your hand for hours at a time, a few ounces of difference in weight can make a huge difference in the ease of using a coil nailer throughout the day. As with any nailer, jams are a reality of life. Most nailers today have easy-open nosepieces, to allow quick and easy jam removal. Roofing shingles are abrasive, so most of these guns come with tungsten carbide tip inserts. This prevents them from wearing out prematurely. There are two firing modes used for these nailers; bump fire and sequential fire. On some units, you have to change the trigger out, in order to change firing mode. On the better units (in my opinion) a simple switch allows you to change between fire modes at any time that you want it to. Check out our list of the best pneumatic coil nailers in 2022.

A pipe wrench is, odds are, what comes to mind when you hear the word wrench. It’s a metal hand tool with an adjustable jaw at one end. It’s designed to tighten or loosen in order to work on generally soft iron pipes, or fittings with rounded surfaces. In addition, the wrench also features angled teeth on the jaw that help to grip whatever you’re working on in place.While there are several different varieties of pipe wrenches (offset pipe wrench, end pipe wrench, compound leverage pipe wrench, etc.), I will be focusing on the most common type of pipe wrench that will generally work on any job you come across: the straight pipe wrench.Due to the fact that pipe wrenches are used mostly by professionals (plumbers, etc.), whatever tool they decide on needs to be long lasting. For this reason, every tool I have included in this list is made from either cast iron or aluminum. This will make sure each wrench is strong enough to work on any job (and very light, in the case of aluminum wrenches).Since ease of adjustment is very attractive when it comes to pipe wrenches, each of the tools on this list also has an easily spinning, adjustable nut. This is so that each wrench can be adjusted on the fly, even with one hand.Furthermore, for the sake of consistency, all of the pipe wrenches I have included on this list are either 12 inches or 14 inches long. This is just to standardize the list a bit. If you wish for smaller or longer pipe wrenches (depending on your job), they are available from each manufacture I have included.Finally, each of the wrenches I have decided to place on the list of the best pipe wrenches in 2022 come with a warranty. This is to ensure that your purchase is easier because it guarantees you don’t have to worry should your tool have to be replaced.

When looking for a great deal on a home security system it is important to know what you want it to do before you sign up for all the bells and whistles. If you just want to check in with your kids after school, you probably won’t need much of a system. However, if you want to monitor a distant property 24 hours a day then you will need something more. This following list of the best home security systems were selected based on their many functions, their affordable price, and how easy they were to set up and operate. By the time you are finished reading them, you will be able to have enough information to make an informed decision about what system is right for you.

Motion detection lights a re a great way to use the appliances you need, but allow them to turn off when not in use. Items such as outdoor lighting in particular will stay on all night using far more electricity than is really needed. By adding a motion detector to them, you will be able to have the light you need, only when you need it, and allow the fixture to save energy when not in use. Motion detection features are also good when someone has their hands full with groceries, a child, or whatever they are carrying. All you will need to do is walk up to the light source and it will turn on for you. It’s almost like having your own personal assistant. These motion detector were selected because they are affordable, have a detection range of up to ten feet, and the really nice outdoor motion detectors will often times run on solar power. If you are looking for a good motion detecting light fixture, then take a look at these and check out our list of the best outdoor motion sensor lights in 2022.

When searching for a good intercom, you will have several choices. You will first need to decide how you are going to use your intercom, and then consider the features you would like to have on it. Some of the features available will include: Wired, or wireless Audio, video, or both Will it be mounted inside, or outsideOnce you decide where it will be used, you will be able to sift through your choices a little faster, and find the one that will work best for you. One of the things you will need to consider is if you select a wireless model; make sure it has several channels so you will be able to switch to a different one in case your new device interferes with your WiFi service. It is also a good idea to stay with frequencies that are 900MHz and higher, as these are less likely to be flooded with white noise and other peoples conversations. Not many of these intercoms are totally secure, but you can get one that has enough channels that it would be difficult to pick up someone else’s conversation without searching for it. The following list of the best intercoms in 2022 will help you get a good idea of what is out there, and which one’s rank well. If you choose well, you will be able to use your new device for many years to come. 

The name "ratchet" can refer to a few different kinds of tools, but there is one common attribute that they each share. The head of the tool rotates in one direction and prevents rotation in the opposite. It's a pretty simple concept that makes any fastening job easier and faster. The main categories are manual, air powered and electric. Manual ratchets function much like a crescent wrench, but eliminate the need to re-position the wrench with every turn. Air powered ratchets require a compressor or air pump, which must be bought separately, but they offer unparalleled power. Electrical models can either come in battery operated or wall plug versions. The wall plug models will usually be much more powerful, but they are not as versatile and useful in jobs outside of the shop. Whether it's manual, air powered or electric; all ratchets are based on the same idea of unidirectional gears and the smaller the teeth of these gears are the smoother the action of the ratchet. This is especially important in manual ratchets where smaller teeth translate into finer working movements. The range you need to move the handle for the ratchet to engage will be smaller and allow for work in tighter situations. No matter the power source; you want your ratchets to be built sturdy, deliver the power needed for the job and function smoothly. Not only should a tool stand up to your abuse, but powered ratchets deliver enough force that they would destroy themselves if not built well. It should also be understood that more power isn't necessarily better because an air powered ratchet delivering 85 foot-pounds of power is going to rip the head right off a small fastener. Good function includes smooth gearing, low vibration and a low chance of busted knuckles. Pick from the right list of the best ratchets in 2022 and you'll find the right tool for your job.

Router tables transform any router into a shaper for cutting molding edges onto boards, rabbeting and dadoing. This is much more convenient than hand-holding the router, especially when cutting small to medium sized pieces.I've used a router table for years. In fact, I have one router (fixed) permanently mounted to my router table, while a second plunge router is available for the rare times that I actually need a hand-held one. As my home is somewhat antique styled, pretty much everything I make has extensive routing on the edges. With a router table, I am able to do this quickly and easily, without risk of injury.Router tables vary extensively in their design and manufacture. While most are tabletop units, there are some free-standing units on the market. With the right router mounted to them, these rival any shaper I've ever seen for capacity and accuracy.There are a number of important things to look at, when looking at a router table. First of all is the size. How much room do you have in your workshop for a router table and how big a work-piece are you going to be cutting? While a small router table can be used with large work-pieces, it’s difficult to maintain accuracy. While looking at size, be sure to look at the size of the insert in the table. If you are planning on using large diameter bits, such as those for making raised panels, you’ll need a router table that is designed to handle that capacity.The flatness of the table is extremely important for maintaining a consistent depth of cut. The cut made by many bits, such as beading bits will look extremely bad if the depth isn't consistent. Some of these router table manufacturers go so far as to provide a leveler for the table inserts to help with maintaining flatness. Some also provide special coatings to the table top, in order to reduce friction.The second thing to look at, after the table top itself, is the fence. If you are working on a lot of curved pieces, you may not use the fence much, but if you are cutting profiles on straight edges, you’ll have to have a good fence. Just like a table saw, the fence on one of these can make or break it. Fence styles differ widely, with some better for one thing and some better for others. I personally like a high fence, as it gives me the option of standing the board vertically for a different sort of cut.Finally, the miter gauge is important, especially for cutting profiles across the grain. There are times where you will use the miter gauge in conjunction with the fence, holding the piece as square as possible to cut the edge molding or for cutting a slot to be used as a drawer slide.Although you can do a good job with a low dollar router table (I do), a more expensive model will usually provide you with features that make it easier to work with, especially for ensuring that your profile cut comes out exactly like you want it. Check out our list of the best router tables in 2022.