Tools

Lathes are one of those woodworking tools that not every woodworker needs. They are a specialty tool, used for turning wood spindles for furniture, table legs, and wood bowls. While I know that some wood turners (the term for people who use a lathe) can make some amazing things on their lathes, it’s just not the tool for all of us. On the other hand, there are things which you can do on a lathe, which you can’t do on any other type of tool. I don’t care how hard you try; you’re not going to be very successful making a turned wood table leg on a table saw, although in theory it should be possible. Even so, to make it possible would require holding the part in a spindle; much like you would in a lathe. A woodworking lathe depends a lot on the skill of the individual wood turner, as they are essentially carving the spindle, with the lathe only rotating the work piece to allow the cutting action to happen evenly all around the circumference of it. Cutting is accomplished with a series of hand-held chisels, with only a tool rest to reduce the amount of strain on the woodworker’s hands. Turning wood is hard on the chisels, especially if you are turning dense hardwoods. Good quality chisels are needed, so that they will hold an edge. Even so, you'll probably find that you need to sharpen them frequently. Having a bench grinder on hand to do this makes using a wood lathe much more enjoyable.If you need additional information to help you in your search for a wood lathe, be sure to check out out buyer's guide provided below. We've compiled the best wood lathes in 2022.

If there’s any type of carpentry work where a nailer can help increase productivity, it’s in framing. While a skilled carpenter can drive a 16 penny nail in a few quick whacks, that’s nothing compared to pulling a trigger and having the nail sink in all the way. Even using a 32 ounce framing hammer or rigging axe, the best you can hope for is two whacks; one to set it and one to sink it. Put that nail gun on bump mode and you can really go to town. While framing doesn’t require the finesses that finish carpentry does, it does require a lot of nailing. Whereas a finish nailer helps make a nice, clean finish job with small nail holes, a framing nailer isn’t at all about beauty…it’s about productivity. There are several other considerations you should look at before picking a framing nailer. For more detail on what to look for check out our framing nailer buyer's guide we’ve provided below. We've compiled the best framing nailers in 2021.

Of all the handheld power tools in existence, the electric drill is the oldest. The first practical electric drill was actually created by request of Henry Ford for use in his Model T plant. He needed something his workers could use which was both portable and fast. After speaking with one of his primary tool suppliers, he proposed the idea and they came up with a workable design.While the handheld power drill has evolved and improved through the last century, the basic design is still almost identical to the original. Today we have cordless drills powered by high efficiency Lithium-Ion batteries, hammer drills, and high power drills which can be used to bore through much heavier materials; however, the basic concept hasn’t changed much as a drill is still a drill.Of all the power tools one can buy, this is probably the first one for most people. It’s also the power tool that gets used the most with a wide variety of bits and attachments that can be connected to them. To some extent, the humble drill can be used for many of the functions of other more specialized power tools, giving the owner a lot of flexibility.For more information about selecting the best drill in 2021, check out our buyer's guide listed below.

Angle grinders were first developed for use with welding, removing weld slag, excessive weld metal, and burrs from the metal. Since them, creative users have found a myriad of other uses for angle grinders, using them for everything from creating ornamental patterns in metal to finishing concrete work. Angle grinders are built on a 90 degree angle to provide the best possible torque and the best user control. By running the motor through a 90 degree gearbox, the grinder’s torque is increased. This helps prevent the grinder from binding up when encountering difficult spots in the work. It also makes it possible for the user’s hands to be at a comfortable position, while providing a clear view of the grinding wheel to work piece contact.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best angle grinder in 2022, check out our shaper buyer's guide. It will tell you the most important specifications to watch out for and what they mean to you.

If a do-it-yourselfer is only going to have one power saw, it’s going to be a circular saw. However, circular saws are limited, intended only for cutting straight lines (although how straight the lines are depends a lot on the skill of the user). They really aren’t intended for use in cutting curves or circles because one were to try to, the blade would bind up in the wood being cut, causing a lot of splintering and not much accurate cutting. To cut curves, circles and inside openings into plywood, other sheet goods and hardwood boards, a jigsaw is the preferred tool. Jigsaws, sometimes referred to as saber saws, are designed specifically for these types of cuts. The ¼” to ½” blade width along with the narrow blade thickness make these saws ideal for cutting curves.With the right sorts of blades, jigsaws can also be used for cutting metal sheeting and straps as well. While they aren’t the most efficient way of cutting through metal, they’ll suffice for those who only have to cut metal occasionally. There are a wide range of options that you can find on jigsaws, some of which are mere niceties, while others are extremely important to make sure the saw will give you the cut you need. We have compiled in this list the best jigsaws in 2022. Be sure to check out our jigsaw buyer's guide before making your selection.

The drill press is essentially a larger version of a handheld electric drill but it’s also so much more. Putting the drill on a base and mechanically controlling the drilling feed, speed and depth of cut makes for a more accurate tool than you can ever expect to get with a handheld drill. The Best Drill presses in 2022 also have larger motors, so drilling through metal and other hard materials is much easier than with a handheld drill. Surprisingly, few home workshops actually have a drill press. I say it's surprising because a small drill press was my second stationary power tool that I bought for my own workshop. That drill press has since been replaced by a bigger one, when I started doing projects I couldn't handle with the small one. We aren’t showing the best and most expensive drill presses on the market here as industrial monsters can top $10,000. Since most home users aren’t about to drop that much money for a drill press, we haven’t touched them. What we’re showing you are the best drill presses available for the home workshop, broken down into a variety of categories. To help you select your drill press, we've given some guidance in our buyer's guide listed below.

Whether ripping a sheet of plywood is the task of the day or cutting the studs to build a wall, the best circular saw of 2022 is the tool to use. This is the most basic saw for most handymen, do-it-yourselfers, and professionals alike. If one is only going to have one power saw, the circular saw is the one to have. Circular saws come in both corded and cordless models. At first, the cordless models were something of a joke, as they didn't have enough power to cut sheet goods or dimensional lumber. But today's cordless saws are much more powerful, making them an extremely convenient option for the professional and the handyman. Most circular saw blades today are carbide-tipped, allowing them to last longer. Even so, the constant use of the tool is hard on the blades, forcing replacement. A saw with a dull blade will work harder, bog down more, and make a rougher cut. A sharp blade helps the saw to function efficiently and cut smoother. If you want to know more information about how to select a circular saw, take a look at our buyer's guide listed below along with our comprehensive list of the best circular saws of this year.

Motorcycle lifts are used to elevate your motorcycle into the air for tasks like mechanical maintenance or detailing, eliminating the need to lie on the floor or crouch down. They’re also a must because motorcycles don't necessarily work with normal car jacks. There are two types of best motorcycle lifts in 2022. The first is very similar to a regular car jack, only it has two elongated platforms where your motorcycle sits (as opposed to the single, smallish lifting platform you find on most car jacks). The second is a table lift which are full platforms allowing your bike to be lifted fairly high in the air.Obviously the type of motorcycle lift you want to buy depends on a number of different factors. Since most people don’t have large, open garages with tons of available space, all the lifts on this list are the smaller, non-table varieties. All of these lifts can also hold at least 1000 pounds of weight, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not the lift you purchase will be able to hold your bike. Finally, each lift below offers some sort of manufacturer’s warranty.

There is a wider range of fasteners available nowadays than there were on the market when I first started working in a shop, but those square head screws aren't much use if you don't have the right driver. The following lists cover all of the basics and a few specialty drivers that I think need a place in your shop. No matter the style of driver I can guarantee that each of these lists is populated by high quality tools that are built to last. It may be "just the best screwdriver in 2022," but buying a quality driver is just as important as any other tool in the shop and you'll thank me 20 years down the line when they are still going strong.

The bench vise is the best shop helper one can have. The grip of a vise makes cuts straighter, joints stronger, and all projects easier. Buying one that is made with quality metal and offers the functions you need is one of the most fundamental choices you can make when setting up shop, so make sure you're getting the right vise for the job. From delicate hobby vises to industrial monsters built as strong as the Jaws of Life, vises come in a wide variety of types. Compiled here, however, are our favorite picks for the best general-use bench vises in 2022 that will work for a wide range of jobs and last for decades.

Belt sanders can be broken down into two categories: handheld and bench- mounted. They both operate under the same principles, with the bench-mounted ones being much larger than the portable ones. Typical belt size for a bench-mounted belt sander is 6 inches wide, while the most common size for portable belt sanders is 3 x 21 inches. Of all the types of portable sanders on the market, belt sanders are the fastest cutting. These tools are normally used with a coarse grit belt to take off material quickly, whether they are being used for smoothing a hardwood floor, leveling the surface of a butcher block table or countertop, or stripping finish off of a chaise lounge on the patio. They don’t work well for finish sanding; you’re better off with a vibratory sander or a random-orbital for that. Due to their size, these sanders are considerably heavier than other types of portable sanders. In most cases, this is an advantage, as the weight of the tool eliminates the need for the operator to lean on it. For larger projects, there are a few four-inch-wide portable sanders on the market. However, if the sander is going to be used to strip paint off existing doors, molding, and other vertical surfaces, be sure to buy the lightest weight one possible. The biggest issue when selecting a belt sander is the tracking. The alignment of the two pulleys that the belt travels over can make it wander to one side or another. If it does this too much, it can damage the belt, the tool, or the workpiece. Best belt sanders in 2022 generally have better tracking mechanisms, with a few of them having fully automatic tracking which you don’t have to adjust. Power is a secondary issue, but is also important. If a belt sander is going to be used a lot, you’ll want the biggest motor you can get. The same can be said if you’re the type of woodworker who leans on his sanders a lot. Without enough power, the sander can get bogged down, slowing the work. It can also overheat, which could ultimately damage the tool. Most belt sanders are designed to have one side where the belt runs right up to the edge of the tool for flush cutting. This allows you to sand the entire surface - even the surface of the floor adjacent to a wall. A few of them also do a pretty good job of providing good clearance at the front edge for getting close to vertical surfaces without damaging them. A new design that is appearing on the market has the front pulley smaller than the rear one, much like the wheels on a dragster (racing car) - this allows the sander to get under overhanging objects, such as the toe kick on kitchen base cabinets. The handles vary on these sanders, although most have a front and rear handle. You want something that will be comfortable, preferably with a rubber overmolding. A few provide movable front handles, allowing you to position them where they will work the best for you, but this feature is pretty rare. One last little detail which can be useful is how the top of the sander is designed. When using the belt sander for small pieces, it can be useful to be able to turn it upside-down and clamp it in a vice or lay it on a workbench. Most allow this, although a few don’t.

Welders aren’t exactly the most common tool you’ll find in a home workshop; then again, I have one in my workshop and it’s gotten plenty of use. Once I actually broke down and bought one, I found a huge number of projects I could use it on from making brackets for my video studio lights to building cargo trailers.If you’re looking at buying a welder, you’ve probably at least thought about buying a MIG. Compared to “stick” welders, these models are definitely the way to go. Read on for details about the best MIG welders on the market in 2022.

Cordless tools are rapidly overtaking their corded cousins in the construction trades, as well as for the average homeowner and do-it-yourselfer. The convenience of cordless tools more than makes up for their increased price in many people's eyes, helping them to justify the expense. When you have to do a quick project, cordless tools make it much easier to accomplish. These cordless combo tool kits combine several tools from the same manufacturer, all of which operate off the same power system. Typically, the kits come with two batteries and a charger, making it possible to work more or less continually, depending upon the recharge speed of the batteries. Since these tools all use Lithium-Ion batteries, it’s possible to pull a partially recharged battery from the charger and use it without any risk of damage.There are a couple of advantages of buying these types of kits rather than buying individual tools. First of all, the kits provide several tools for a lower price than if you were to buy them individually which ultimately saves you money. A second savings comes from the fact you’re buying all of your tools for the same battery system. That reduces cost on batteries and chargers, especially when you start comparing it to having a mishmash of tools from different manufacturers. All of the kits have at least one drill and at least two saws. The saws are circular and reciprocating. While that doesn't give you the capability of cutting curves like you can with a scroll saw, it will handle most construction related tasks. Some of the larger kits add a scroll saw, as well as other tools. It's real easy to get carried away when you start looking at kits like this and decide you need everything. But before buying, take the time to think about the projects you do and the types of tools needed for them. On the flip side, some of the additions to the kit may be what you end up using the most. Many cordless tool manufacturers are now building smaller sized impact drivers, which are great for driving screws into a deck or other tasks where a normal drill/driver doesn't have enough torque. You'll also find work lights in these kits which there are never enough of in anyone's tool kit. Another thing to consider when choosing a kit is any cordless tools you currently own. If you already have some tools from a manufacturer, the addition of more from the same manufacturer could put you in a position of having more chargers and batteries available for your tool collection. Unless there’s a real reason to buy another brand, it’s worth purchasing consistently. All of the kits come with soft-sided cases for storing and carrying your tools. This is convenient if you’re limited in workshop space, or just for carrying the tools to the area where you are working on the project. These heavy-duty canvas cases are rugged and can handle the weight of multiple tools, without tearing.Finally, some of the manufacturers offer more than one combo kit. In those cases, I've listed their best cordless tool combo kits in 2022 but you might want to check their websites to see if they have any smaller kits available.

A speed wrench is used to remove fasteners at a quicker pace than a traditional wrench, which requires the user to remove and reposition the tool after extending it through its range of motion. They’re also handy to use with fasteners requiring a lot of turning, like wheel nuts. Users just grip the end and spin the large, “C” shaped handle as quick as they can.Speed wrenches are great because they help to make repetitive jobs like removing the wheel from your car faster and easier. For the purposes of this best speed wrenches list in 2022, each tool listed features a drive tang size of 3/8-inches. Each wrench is also at least 15-inches long overall, and features some type of handle at the end which cuts back on hand fatigue. Finally, each wrench has a polished surface to make cleanup easier should something spill on the tool, and resists corrosion.

A strap wrench is a handheld tool that uses a large strap to tighten and loosen objects. It works by gripping an object and holding tight with the strap, thereby preventing slippage via friction. The tool is most often used with oil filters and awkwardly shaped objects, as well as things that are in tight or hard-to-reach places.Strap wrenches are useful to keep around the home because of the way they tighten and loosen objects.Given the right sized strap, the tool can fit around and loosen most objects without scratching, denting, or leaving behind any sort of mark. This makes them great for use with DIY projects where the aesthetic quality of something needs to be preserved such as bathtubs, painted furniture, showerheads, or vehicles. The following best strap wrenches in 2022 are all heavy duty with a solid metal handle. They also all feature a durable strap, rubber or nylon, as well as some type of protective warranty.

Adjustable wrenches feature an adjustable head or jaw that expands or contracts to fit a variety of differently sized nuts, bolts, and fasteners. You typically turn a gear that slides one end of the jaw towards or away from the other end of a jaw which is generally locked in a fixed position at the end of the handle.Adjustable wrenches are a necessary part of any toolbox because of their versatility. Whether you have a 10-millimeter bike brake nut that needs tightening or a loose 16-millimeter hexagon bolt on the underside of a table, you’re covered as long as you have an adjustable wrench. Pretty much any DIY fastening job can be solved with a well-placed adjustable wrench, making them a great investment for individuals needing a general-purpose tool to keep on hand.Each wrench on this list comes with a warranty, so you can get it replaced should anything go wrong. Finally, each wrench features a corrosion-resistant outer coating, either chrome or satin nickel to ensure your new tool lasts for as long as possible.

A good tactical flashlight ain't cheap. You need to be prepared to pay for quality and the best tactical flashlights that are worth your hard earned dollar are made of high-performance materials and provide powerful and varied brightness level options. LED emitters in these flashlights are impact resistant and can deliver light output at up to a blinding 600 lumens or higher; considering that a mere 80 lumens of light brightness is enough to temporarily blind someone, these lights are more than ready, willing, and able to deter any approaching threats. They also have long beam distances with flood and/or spotlight capabilities for a clear view of your surroundings in the dark. Many of these units run on rechargeable batteries which helps cut down on the price of power cells, while some others use disposable versions of batteries that aren't as widely used as a common AAA cell. C123A lithiums are often the preferred type. While multiple illumination levels and lengthy runtimes for each are important (the average is about 90 minutes for most tactical lights on high power), you also want to make sure the flashlight body and lens window are virtually indestructible. The best tactical flashlights are made of high-grade metals and are covered in anodized coating with shock-resistant glass or other similar materials used to house the emitter. They're also weather resistant or even completely waterproof, and can handle hard impact when things get hairy out in the field. If your tactical flashlight doesn't meet all of this criteria, then you've chosen poorly. Luckily, the picks on our list of the best flashlights in 2022 have all meet these exact specifications so you can rest assured knowing that each of them will serve you well.

Professional mechanics depend on air tools, especially a pneumatic impact wrench to get their work done. When working on stubborn nuts and bolts, an impact wrench can quickly loosen what would otherwise require massive amounts of effort and sweat (and probably a few busted knuckles along the way). The only drawback with pneumatic impact wrenches is you need a pretty good-sized air compressor to power them. For the rest of us, there are hand impact drivers. These wonderful and inexpensive tools allow you to take hammer force and convert it to rotational force. Attach a socket or bit and you can suddenly loosen that stubborn fastener. Not only that, but since you are applying the hammer to the back of the tool, you are ensuring that the bit or socket doesn’t come off the fastener. One added advantage of using a hand impact driver is the frustration relief provided by being able to hit the fastener that’s giving you so much trouble. It's going to take a good whack to break it loose, so you'll be able to take out all your aggression and frustration on it, rather than slamming the door and kicking the cat. That makes it an all-around better alternative. Because these tools take a lot of abuse, quality is important. While a fairly simple device, if the metal is too thin or not properly tempered, it can break rather easily. Of course, how often you have to use it becomes a factor as well. Deciding on the right tool for you can be a challenge, but we're here to help. Check out our list of the best hand impact driver sets in 2022 no matter what you need one for. These are reliable, durable, and sure to make your job get done faster.

Of all the types of drill bits available on the market, twist drills are the most common because they can be used for cutting virtually any type of material. Other types of drill bits are specialty bits, used for only certain materials. I’ve decided to limit this list of best drill bit sets in 2022 to standard “jobbers length” or standard size length twist drill bits. There are other lengths available, such as “aviation bits” which are 6 or 12 inches long. However, these are rather rare and quite costly.Twist drills come in three basic size groups: Fractional drill sizes – typically from 1/64 to 1/2 inches in 1/64 inch increments. However, they are also available in sizes up to over 1 inch. Letter drill sizes – used predominantly by machinists, these sizes are essential if you are going to tap threads into the hole. Wire gauge sizes – again, these are predominantly used by machinists.The biggest enemy of drill bits is heat which reduces the temper of the metal and causes the cutting edge to dull quicker. When drilling holes, there are two things that you can do to reduce the heat that your drill bit is creating: Drill at a slower speed. The general rule of thumb is that the harder the material, the slower you should drill. Use a cutting oil that lubricates the drill to substrate contact, reducing heat. If you don’t have an actual cutting oil, any light mineral oil will work.Manufacturers have experimented with materials, in order to create drill bits that will last longer. This is specifically dealing with drill bits that are used to cut metals. The most common materials are: Low carbon steel – Although fine for working in wood and plastic, it won’t hold an edge long for metal. High carbon steel – These can be honed sharper and hold an edge much longer than low carbon. If overheated, they will lose their temper immediately and become dull. High-speed steel – This is a special steel alloy, formulated for drill bits and other cutting tools. It’s much more resistant to heat than high carbon steel. Cobalt steel alloys – These are variations on high-speed steel that contain more cobalt. This allows them to withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees. However, they are more brittle. Tungsten carbide (typically called just carbide) is an extremely hard material that can cut in just about anything. Since it is expensive and very brittle, it is normally just welded to the tip of the drill bit, creating the cutting edge. Polycrystalline diamond – This is a man-made diamond, sintered to carbide support. These are the hardest bits, able to cut anything but they are very expensive, generally used only in industry, where taking the time to replace a drill bit might delay a production line.In addition to the materials that the drill bit is made of, many manufacturers coat their drill bits with various materials, providing reduced friction or wear. These drill bits cannot be sharpened as the process of sharpening will remove the coating on the sharpened cutting edge: Black oxide – The least expensive of coatings. This provides for heat resistance, lubricity, and corrosion resistance. Titanium nitride (TiN) – A hard ceramic material. When used to coat a high-speed steel bit, it prolongs the life by two or three times. Titanium aluminum nitride (TiAIN) – Is considered superior to TiN, with the ability to extend a drill bit’s life up to five times. Titanium carbon nitride (TiCN) – Like TiAIN, can extend the drill bit’s life up to five times. Diamond powder – This is the hardest bit coating, creating an abrasive bit rather than a cutting bit. These bits are used for cutting tile, stone, and other very hard materials. Due to the heat generated, it is typical to spray water onto the cutting point, in order to prevent damage to it.For your reference, some of the other types of drill bits available are: Step drill bits – Designed to create a hole with a counterbore or countersink Unibit – Designed to cut a number of different sized holes in sheet metal Hole saw – For cutting larger holes in sheet goods Center and spotting drills – Used for machining to create a starter hole in an exact location or create a place for a center on a lathe Core drill bit – For enlarging existing holes, such as enlarging a cast hole in a metal casting Countersink bit – For countersinking Ejector bit – A hollow design so that water can be run into the hole to remove chips Gun drill bit – Designed to drill deep holes, extremely straight for guns; they come up to 8” in diameter and over 20’ long Left-hand bit – Used predominantly in specialized operations with CNC equipment Spade bits – For boring holes in wood Straight fluted bit – Used for boring in copper or brass, so that the bit doesn’t drag and dig in Brad-point bit – For wood boring, the brad-point provides an exact center location Forstner bit – For boring precise, flat bottomed holes in wood, can go up to 4” in diameter Auger bits – For boring deep holes quickly Masonry bit – Designed more to chip out the masonry, with a flute for removing the dustJust a quick safety note: Always wear eye protection when drilling. Chips, dust, and flakes can be thrown off by the bit, causing damage to the eyes or blindness.

Spray lubricants were first introduced to the marketplace in the form of WD-40 for application to all types of light machinery, as a replacement to machine oils that required long-necked cans,. The success of WD-40 encouraged other manufacturers to move into this field, to the point where today there are a number of companies providing spray lubricants. These spray lubricants are light-weight machine oils, not heavyweight. When referring to oils, lightweight refers to a low viscosity or "watery" oil while heavyweight oils are high viscosity oils, more like molasses. In comparing them to motor oil used for automotive engines, lightweight machine oils are considerably lighter than even 5W30, the lightest of the standard automotive oils. These oils are mostly designed for lubricating fine and small machinery, such as sewing machines and lock mechanisms (but not the lock itself). The lightweight oil wicks into tight spaces, thoroughly lubricating all parts of the device. As such, it is very good for seeping into the tight spaces between bearing surfaces, providing them with lubrications. They can also be used as penetrating oils, seeping in to loosen rusted or over-tightened bolts and nuts. Most spray lubricants are petroleum based, although there are a few exceptions. Two of the most important deviations from petroleum are Teflon and silicone, both of which provide excellent lubrication as they are very slippery substances, which other materials will not stick to. Neither Teflon or silicone lubricants should be used in instances where the surfaces will later be painted, as they do not clean off. If they are applied to a surface that needs to be painted, they will prevent the paint from sticking properly. Most spray lubricants come with a slender straw which can be inserted into the nozzle for precise application of the lubricant. This is important when the oil could cause damage to fine finishes or where oil in the wrong place might attract dirt. While some people get carried away putting oil on things, you are actually much better off pinpointing the oil where it is needed. Correct lubrication means only applying the oil to bearing surfaces. That means surfaces where there is metal rubbing against metal. Lubricant applied anywhere else does not help protect the machine, but can attract dirt, ultimately causing other maintenance problems. We've compiled this list of the best spray lubricants in 2022

Laser measuring tools have come a long way in the last few years, becoming more popular with manufacturers adding more and more features as well as increasing their effective range. This has made for a very diverse field of units from those that sell for less than $100 all the way up to complex units that can accurately measure distances over 800 feet.   These tools are a great time saver for people who need a quick measurement of a house, room, backyard or entire construction site. The brighter lasers found in the better quality units have much less trouble measuring outdoors than the earlier units had. Even the lower cost units can still work at 100 feet outdoors and provide accurate measurements. Carpenters, realtors, landscapers, carpenters, and painters all find laser measuring tools a quick alternative to digging out a tape measure or pacing something off. Most of these units have the capability to remember measurements, calculate area and volume and use the Pythagorean Theorem for simple geometry. Some units have a bubble level so that you can make sure you’re taking your measurements on the level. One nice feature on the better quality units is a magnified viewfinder so you can pinpoint the object you’re trying to measure the distance to. This can be extremely useful when dealing with a cluttered landscape, especially over longer distances. Being able to pinpoint the desired target prevents errors, saving time and improving productivity. Some units now connect wirelessly with your tablet or cell phone, allowing the measurements to be integrated directly into sketches or worksheets, expanding the capability of the tool, while eliminating potential transcription errors. There are also units on the market that use sound waves to calculate distance, but these best laser measuring tools in 2022 beat them hands-down for accuracy.

The process of soldering differs from welding in that it connects two pieces of metal together by melting a third piece of metal, one with a lower melting point. Welding, on the other hand, actually requires melting the metal that is being connected together. While additional metal might be added to the weld joint, it is of the same type that is being connected together. Soldering can actually be used for a variety of purposes, such as "sweating" copper plumbing pipe together and making jewelry. However, when we’re talking about using a soldering iron, we aren't talking about those types of soldering. To solder plumbing pipe or jewelry, a torch is used. Although large soldering irons were used in the past by a tinsmith, in our modern era, the only thing a soldering iron is used for is making electrical connections. The main reason why a soldering iron is used for electrical soldering rather than a torch is to localize the heat, controlling it so that it can't damage the components. While you could probably solder wires together with a torch, if you were to try and solder a printed circuit card with one, you would destroy it. As electronic technology has improved over the years, there has been a need to improve the quality of soldering irons used for working on its components. The copper traces on modern circuit boards are much smaller than those found on electrical equipment manufactured 30 years ago. This means that the soldering irons must have better temperature control, as well as a smaller tip. A large tip or too hot a soldering iron could burn the board, detaching the copper traces. Professional soldering irons used in industry are fairly expensive devices, often costing several hundred dollars. The main advantage of these tool is that they provide very accurate and adjustable temperature control. This allows the user to set the ideal temperature for the work they’re doing and be assured it will maintain that temperature within a very small tolerance. For consumers, these soldering irons are a bit too much. I have one, which I've had for over 25 years, and it works remarkably well. But most of the soldering I do doesn't require that good a soldering iron, even when I'm repairing electronic equipment. On the other end of the spectrum, there are inexpensive pencil type soldering irons with no temperature control whatsoever. The only control there is comes from the rating of the heating element. A higher wattage heating element will put out more heat than a lower wattage one. These inexpensive soldering irons aren't good enough for working on printed circuit boards but if all you are going to do is to solder wires together, they’re adequate for the task. When selecting a soldering iron, you must select one appropriate to the purpose for which you’re going to use it. Always buy one adequate for your most critical task because that way it will work for less critical tasks as well. In this list, we are going to concentrate on soldering irons suitable for work on printed circuit boards, as selecting one for this application is harder than selecting an inexpensive one for simply soldering wires together. There are three basic power sources for soldering irons; plugging them into the wall, batteries, or butane. While plugging in a soldering iron is less convenient, these soldering irons are the best for working on sensitive electronics, as they are the ones which provide ideal temperature control. Battery operated soldering irons don't work well as they go through batteries quickly and as the battery is used, the iron temperature drops. Butane models are good for emergency repairs in places where there is no electrical power, but one must be careful about damaging electronics with them. We've compiled the best soldering irons in 2022.

Most do-it-yourself types and woodworkers look at glue guns as something for their wives to use for crafts projects. Nevertheless, all one has to do is look at how many ways hot melt glue is used in industry to realize how versatile it is. We find glue used for everything including electronics assembly, packaging, and furniture manufacturing. Hot melt glue has one major advantage over just about any other type of adhesive you can use and that’s its quick set-up time. Clamping of items glued together with hot melt glue is measured in seconds, not hours. The parts can literally be put together by hand and held for a few seconds while the adhesive sets up. Since hot melt glues are actually solid adhesives that are melted, they come out of the gun as a thick gel. This makes it possible to use the glue as a filler, when connected rough or uneven surfaces together. Unlike some adhesives, hot melt glue doesn't lose strength by being applied heavily. The gun provides the ability to apply the adhesive exactly where needed, in the exact quantity desired. This helps eliminate problems with damaged finishes, a common problem if adhesives get into the wood grain before the finish is applied. In situations where too much adhesive is applied, the excess adhesive can be cut off with a sharp knife. Parts connected together with hot melt glues can be machined. There are many different types of commercially available adhesives for use with the best glue guns in 2022. Typically, the only glues found in retail outlet are semi-transparent glue sticks used for crafts projects. In addition, there are glue sticks which have been developed for use on just about any type of substrate. If you’re considering using your glue gun with any of these types of glue sticks, you will want one that takes full-sized sticks as they don't come in the mini size. Heat guns vary considerably, ranging in price up to a couple of thousand dollars but most of us have only seen the low-cost consumer units. These are great for crafts projects, but may not be enough for heavy-duty applications. If you are working on a project where a lot of adhesive would be needed, you would be better served by buying one of the lower-cost industrial units, rather than a consumer unit. The higher heat output of these units allows them to melt much more adhesive, an essential when trying to glue large surfaces together. When looking at a glue gun, you want to match the model to your intended use. For those who need a lot of glue volume, the higher wattage units are much better. If you are using it for craft projects, where you may be gluing multiple parts together, a dual temperature unit would allow you to use a higher temperature glue for the first glue joints and a lower temperature glue for later joints. Trigger design on these guns is rather important, as the pressure you apply to the trigger is what pushes the glue through the heating element and out of the gun. A larger and wider trigger reduces fatigue from using the gun, especially when using it for longer periods of time. Some guns come with a built-in stand. While not absolutely necessary, these are a great convenience. For units that do not come with a stand, it is common to just lay them down on the work surface.

Heat guns aren't really one of the first tools that most people think of when stocking a workshop, but they’re surprisingly useful tools. You can think of a heat gun as an industrial strength hair dryer, providing more heat and air volume. Of course, that means that they consume more electricity as well so you want to be careful of what else you have one of these units plugged in with. Probably the most common use of heat guns in the home workshop is for stripping paint and varnish. Rather than use chemical strippers, many people prefer a heat gun. The gun softens the finish, allowing it to be scraped off the surface with a putty knife. Heat guns are also useful for removing linoleum floor covering or pretty much anything held in place with an adhesive or mastic. The heat from the gun softens the adhesive, just as it does with paint. This allows tile or whatever else to be scraped off. The only limitation is that you can't use it with wallpaper, as there's a good chance of catching it on fire. There are many other places where these tools can be useful, such as shrinking heat shrinkable tubing for wires, forming PVC pipe and thawing out frozen pipes. You can even use it for welding plastic. Once you have a heat gun, it seems that uses for it just seem to keep showing up. The key to an effective heat gun is of course how much heat it can put out. First of all, there's the power consumption of the gun as all but a very small amount of that power is being converted from electrical energy to heat energy by the electrical coil itself. The other major factor is airflow; the more air flowing through the gun, the less the heating coil can heat it up. While a large airflow is desirable, if it’s too large, then it reduces the actual output temperature. All of the guns I've selected have a maximum output temperature of at least 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. That's usually enough for most applications. Some of the guns provide you with temperature control circuitry and a LCD readout of the temperature you've selected. Others just have a high/low switch for you to select the approximate temperature range you want. Before selecting a gun, think of how you are going to use it. If you are mostly using it for heat shrinkable tubing, you don't need all that much heat or airflow but you do need a gun that concentrates the heat in a small area. If you're using it for stripping paint and tile, you're going to want a lot of heat and airflow. So, understanding how you are going to use it will help you pick the best gun for your needs. Check out our list of the best heat guns in 2022.

The earliest patent for a tape measure was awarded in 1922. These early models were imprinted on cloth and were intended more for use by the clothing industry, but shortly afterward metal tape measures came into being for use by carpenters and other tradesmen, using a spring return patented a half-century earlier. Before the tape measure, carpenters used a folding rule. While effective, it was difficult to perform inside measurements with the folding rule and it was limited to six feet in length. If a carpenter needed to make a longer measurement, he had to measure it in pieces and add them together. Anyone who's ever done that knows that every time you add another measurement, you reduce your accuracy. Today, we have both metal and cloth tape measures available. Cloth is still in use by the clothing industry, but also for some longer tape measures (50 and 100 feet) used in the construction industry. Metal retractable tape measures have become the standard for construction work, as they are faster and easier to use than cloth ones. These steel tape measures now come in sizes ranging from three-foot-long pocket measures to 100-foot-long reels. The most common size for the construction trades is 25 feet, which is long enough to cross most good sized rooms. Blades are curved across their width, in order to provide rigidity. The wider the measuring tape, the more rigid the blade which makes it easier for one person to use on their own because if the blade is too flexible, it will buckle as it’s being extended, especially when having to support itself across a span. For the measurement to be accurate, the blade must be straight, not buckled. The end of most steel tape measures has a sliding hook on it, allowing it to be used with equal accuracy, whether measuring inside or outside dimensions. The hook slides to the appropriate position for the measurement. These hooks are held in place by four rivets on some tape measures, but better quality ones use four rivets. One very important feature of any tape measure is the locking mechanism. Since the tape is spring-loaded to return back into the case, a worker would have to hold the tape in place with one hand without a lock. Not all locks are created equal and any tape measure with a lock that doesn't work well ends up being more trouble than it's worth.  The tape itself is marked in inches and fractions with this varying considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer, with some being easier to read than others. Tape measures designed with carpenters in mind will have an obvious marking every 16 inches for stud spacing. A few tape measures come with both inch and metric markings, but that is rather rare. When using multiple tape measures on one project such as in construction, always do a side-by-side comparison of their markings before beginning the work. Some may vary from others, causing problems when one person is measuring the place where a piece of wood needs to be installed and another is marking the wood to be cut. Taking a moment to make this comparison can save a lot of wasted material. Check out our list of the best tape measures in 2022.

Anyone who's ever done any construction remodeling or tried to hang a shelf on the wall understands the value of being able to find a stud. If you can't find a stud in the wall to put your nails into, whatever you're trying to build is just going to fall down. Not all that long ago, the only stud finders you could find were magnetic. Magnetic stud detectors don't really find the studs, rather they find the nails used to hold the drywall to the studs. That means you not only have to find the stud horizontally, but the nail vertically. You could pass one inch above or below that nail and never find it. I remember many a frustrated time looking for a nail that way, but it was still better than tapping on the wall and trying to guess where the stud was hiding. Modern stud locators are a whole lot better than those old magnetic jobs because they don't just sense the nail, but the stud as well. But they'll go even farther than that, as they sense any solid mass behind the wall thicker than just the drywall. Some modern sensors also sense plumbing pipe or electrical wires but rarely will a stud sensor find both unless they are right up against the wallboard because they work by different means. Sensing plumbing is usually done by infrared while sensing wiring is done by the voltage going through the wires. Thus, it takes two separate circuits to sense both of them. There are also new sensors which will sense deeper than just the drywall and what's immediately behind it. Some of them will sense as deep as 4 inches, helping prevent you from putting a nail into a pipe or cutting a wire with a sawzall. Most of these sensors let you know when they've found a stud or other object by a combination of flashing LEDs and sound. A few have LCDs, but really don't give that much more information via the screen although some will let you know when you're getting close to the stud via the screen. Those that don't have a screen do this by a series of LEDs, which "count down" to the edge. Any of these best stud finders in 2022 will do an excellent job for you but each is unique in the features each unit offers. Picking the right one is mostly deciding which will be easier for you to work with, as well as taking into consideration any special needs like locating wires. More expensive units aren't necessarily more sensitive, but may present the information in an easier to use manner.

The knife is the oldest manufactured tool known to humans. Before that, all we had to work with were rocks and sticks. But after learning how to chip a knife blade from rock, we were well on the way towards the industrial age. Humanity’s creativity and curiosity would take that skill of making a knife and turn it into a myriad of tools.The knife is still one of the most common and useful tools. Many other tools we use, such as saws, are based, in some way, upon the knife. In a sense, they are nothing more than an improvement on that original stone knife which was able to cut different materials in different ways, but always depending on the sharp edge it gave us.Today, many types of utility knives are available to us. Many specialized knives are created for a specific purpose. However, there are general-purpose knives carried by people of all walks of life, typically just to have a knife handy in case of need.The utility knife falls into this category, being a general-purpose knife, designed for use by tradesmen of all types. Pretty much all construction trades offer opportunities where a good knife comes in handy even if it's for nothing more than opening packages of material. In fact, carrying a utility knife has become de rigor for workers in the construction trades. Many homeowners have them as well for those times when they are pretending to be carpenters or electricians.What makes a utility knife stand out from other types of knives is the replaceable blade. The thin blade is pointed on both ends so that it can be reversed when one side becomes dull. This is a great time-saver over having to stop and sharpen a blade. While the replaceable blades may not be as high quality as a high carbon steel blade, their thin profile and sharp point make them excellent for their purpose.Traditionally, utility knives have been designed so that the blade is retractable so they are safe to carry yet easy to use. However, the retracting mechanism does have an inherent weakness of not being strong enough so it’s often easy for the blade to be pushed back into the handle, especially with the lower cost knives.Many companies have now switched over to a folding utility knife design, some with locking blades. This may not be as convenient to work with but it ensures the blade will stay extended during use. As the knife blade is not designed for stabbing, there’s little chance of the knife folding, even without a blade lock mechanism.On-board storage for extra blades is also common, as it allows the tradesman to continue working, without having to go back to their toolbox or truck in search of blades. When a blade becomes dull, it is merely flipped end for end or replaced. Some of the better utility knives now offer tool-free blade changing, replacing the screw lock for a different sort of locking mechanism.Regardless, we've put together a list of what we consider to be the top five utility blades on the market right now. Check out the list below to pick the right one for you!

The original hand tool that could do what a router does was called a molding plane. Molding planes were specific to a particular type of molding, with a carpenter needing separate planes for each profile they would cut. In carpenter shops, where there were several carpenters working, each carpenter would use the shop's "mother plane" to cut the base on their own plane, ensuring everyone else in the shop had the same profile. Considering that moldings for homes were cut and shaped on-site, this was important. It wasn't until Stanley came out with their model 45 molding plane in the late 1800s that anyone could cut more than one profile with a plane. The 45 came with an assortment of different bits, several of which could be combined in the plane at the same time. This gave the woodworker the ability to create just about any profile that they wanted. For some smaller projects, a carpenter or furniture maker would use a scratch stock, which was nothing more than a piece of broken saw blade that had been filed to match the necessary profile and mounted in a handle. Much of the beading done on antique furniture was done this way. In more recent times, the plane has been largely replaced by the router, especially for cutting moldings and profiles. Power routers began to be used in the early 1900s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that power routers with replaceable bits came into the marketplace. Today, routers and shapes are used for all types of molding work. The original router bits were made of high-speed steel. However, due to the high rotational speed of the router, the friction between the bit and the wood can generate a lot of heat. This can burn the wood, but it can also remove the temper from the bit, allowing it to dull rapidly. Today, router bits are almost exclusively made with tungsten carbide tips welded to the bits. This provides a much harder cutting edge that isn't affected as much by the heat, allowing it to retain its sharpness for much longer and cut much cleaner. Properly used and cared for, a carbide router bit can be used for years, without any loss in cutting quality. These router sets provide an assortment of bits, allowing you to cut a variety of different profiles. As a bit can often cut more than one profile, by using different parts of the bit or using it from a different angle, you have more profile possibilities than there are bits in a set. However, the more bits you have, the more possibilities it provides you. When selecting a router bit set, you are generally better off selecting a larger set for the increase in profiles it offers you. This must be compared to the overall quality of the bits, as some manufacturers are known for making higher quality bits than others. However, it’s hard to see the difference between the products of different companies. So you mostly have to go by reputation, when trying to select a particular set. Most of today's routers use 1/2 inch shank bits, with the exception of compact routers, which use 1/4 inch shank bits. The larger shank provides more support to the bit, reducing vibration and helping prevent any possibility of the bit becoming bent from the high amount of force placed on it. Larger bits, such as those used for making raised panels, will only come with 1/2 inch shanks, while smaller bits may come in both sizes. While we've listed all 1/2 inch sets, the manufacturers typically have similar sets available for both sizes, with the exception of the larger-sized bits. Check out our list of the best router bits in 2022 here.

Digital angle blocks are a relative newcomer on the tool scene, taking the place of a level in many instances. Like a digital level, they can give you an exact readout of an angle, off of horizontal or vertical, but are much more portable. Their compact design makes it possible to carry one in a pocket or tool pouch for use whenever needed. These devices are used for much more than carpentry, as they have worked their way into many other fields where precise angle measurement is needed. Digital angle blocks are used for custom automotive work, setting up saws and other tools, and even for aiming solar panels and satellite dishes. The fact they provide an accurate angle measurement gives them many possibilities for use. Digital angle blocks can be used either in an absolute mode, where they’re comparing themselves to a factory preset zero or a relative mode, and the user first sets a zero and then measures the angle. This second mode provides the capability of measuring the angle of difference between two planes, neither of which is exactly horizontal or vertical. Most of these units are less than 2-1/2 inches square and less than 1-1/2 inches thick although there are a few exceptions. Size is intentionally kept small for portability, however that does cause one disadvantage in that they measure the angle at the point where they are located. When used with warped or twisted lumber, they may not be as accurate as a level because they lack the natural averaging capability of the longer tool. The outer cases of these instruments are magnetized, allowing them to be attached to any ferrous metal object for measurement. If you are installing something with a steel frame and need an exact angle, simply attach the angle block via its magnets and adjust the frame until the right reading appears. This magnetic feature makes it possible to use these devices for setting the angle of table saw blades with extreme accuracy. As the technology for these devices has improved, some are starting to come out with an onboard level feature. A bubble diagram on the display shows you how close you are to level, giving a quick visual reference for leveling objects. Additionally, some of these tools have a hold button, allowing you to take a snapshot of the measurement and keep it in memory for later use. That feature is very handy when the angle block is used in a situation where you can’t see the display. Check out our list of the best digital angle blocks in 2022.

When we’re talking about digital protractors, we’re not discussing the kind you used to use in school for geometry. A geometry protractor is used for measuring an angle drawn on a piece of paper. As such, it really isn’t limited to size or configuration. About the only limitation is it’s possible to see through the protractor to the lines on the paper.Protractors used for carpentry work are used for measuring angles but these angles are on three dimensional objects. That limits the protractor quite a bit, as it needs to be able to fit inside or outside the angle. There is no integral means of determining the angle and in that sense, these tools are more a gauge than a measuring device.At its simplest level, a carpenter’s protractor consists of nothing more than those two legs, with a bolt and wingnut to hold them together. To use them, the two legs are placed against the two surfaces making the angle and the wingnut tightened to lock them in place. Once removed from the location, the angle between the two legs is measured or transferred directly to the piece to be cut. The protractor can also be used to set up tools for cutting operations. Once the angle is measured, the digital protractor can be placed against the blade and table of a saw, allowing the angle to be set exactly. While these digital protractors have everything simpler models do, they add a digital readout that measures and displays the angle formed by the two legs. This saves the step of measuring the angle of the protractor, while also increasing its accuracy. These digital protractors are a much more accurate means of measuring angles for carpentry, cabinetmaking, furniture making and general woodworking. Digital protractors come in different lengths and generally speaking, it’s easier to get an accurate measurement when using a longer one. However, long protractors can be limited by the spaces they will fit in. For some types of work, especially furniture making, shorter legs on the protractor might be advantageous. Besides size, the other major consideration when looking at a digital protractor is accuracy. While most units are more or less the same on this, low cost units might not be as accurate. Some low cost units have plastic legs, rather than metal ones, which could become more and more inaccurate over time. Check out our list of the best digital protactors in 2022.