Now that we are done celebrating the new year we can turn our attention to something we are excited about – tax season. Just kidding. I don’t actually “enjoy” tax season. However, I do enjoy getting as many tax credits as possible, and I like helping out good charities and organizations. Today I’m sharing with you five different charities and places to donate tools.

These charities and organizations that you can donate your old tools to have locations all across the United States. I also share a bit about each organization, so you can pick an organization close by that aligns with your values.

Guide

• How Much is Your Donation Worth?
• Places to Donate Tools
• Places to Recycle Tools

“How much are my old tools worth?”

Do you like the idea of donating but you’re wondering “is it worth the effort?” Knowing the value of your donation can help motivate you to finally box the stuff up and bring it to a donation center.

Bob Vila created the Fair Market Value Donation Guide. It will help you realize that dusty old drill in the garage is more valuable to you as a tax credit by getting it in the hands of someone who will use it.

Back to Guide

Charities & Places to Donate Tools to

All the charities listed below have long-standing records of direct impact in the communities they serve. As a bonus, most of these organizations can be found in all 50 states for you to easily donate your tools.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) may be the biggest organization with the most direct impact that you can donate tools to. Habitat for Humanity has locations in all 50 states and is most known for low-cost home construction for low-income families and individuals. The tools you donate could literally help build someone a home.

Most people also know about Habitat for Humanity ReStore centers. These stores resell furniture and home renovation supplies to the public to help fund the organization. Because of its multiple services Habitat for Humanity accepts a long list of donations and ways to get involved.

Habitat for Humanity accepts the following donations:

• Hand tools, power tools, building equipment, and building materials.
• Old appliances, home decor, and fixtures.
• Labor – join a local Habitat chapter and donate your time to help with home construction, home repair, and more!

Want to donate? Donate tools and more at your nearby Habitat ReStore.

No Habitat Restore by you? Reach out to a local Habitat chapter. Some chapters take donations to use in upcoming builds or sell third-party to support their organization. Either way, you should still receive tax credit for your donation.

Goodwill Industries

Goodwill is a popular secondhand clothing and goods store that has been around since the 1950’s. Most people may see it as a place to save on mostly clothing and home goods. However, Goodwill Industries offers a variety of services and programs, such as employment opportunities and job training to at-risk youth and seniors, youth mentoring, and multiple programs to fight poverty.

Goodwill stores help fund these programs and opportunities and your donations keep these stores alive.

Goodwill accepts hand tools, small power tools, lawn and garden tools, and smaller outdoor power equipment. Have more to donate? Check out Goodwill’s Accepted Donations.

To donate find a Goodwill near you.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is one of the oldest charitable organizations around. This global organization focuses on ending homelessness and drug addiction for people of all ages, and has around 8,000 locations in the U.S.

Your donations help fund its programs. The Salvation Army actually takes more donations in than some other donation centers and accepts tools of all kinds.

Want to donate tools? Follow this link “Schedule a Pickup” for a full list of drop-off locations and eligible pickup services.

PickupPlease

It’s great helping out an organization you believe in, but what if you could help out multiple organizations? PickupPlease is a donation pickup program that supports a variety of charities including Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans Voice of America, The Special Olympics of Texas, and Teen Challenge of Southern California.

PickupPlease currently has locations in 15 states across the U.S. and accepts tools of any kind as long as the driver can load and unload the items alone.

Schedule a pickup to donate tools, equipment, and more.

Tool Libraries

Okay, we’re going to break the rules because this isn’t a single organization. But tool libraries are a great way to provide affordable access to tools to a wide variety of people. A lot of major cities have their tool library/sharing program, along with some larger communities. Local Tools is a great resource for finding a tool library near you.

There are a lot of tool libraries out there, but these are a few we want to mention:

• Chicago Tool Library
• The Tool Library
• Resource Central “Material Reuse” program

Each tool library program will operate differently. So, just make sure you understand the program before you join.

Tool libraries love tool donations and many are nonprofits that offer tax credit in exchange for your donation. Again, just check with your local tool library before donating.

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How to Recycle Tools for Tax Credit

Tool donation isn’t the only way to get a credit. Your tools are made out of precious metals and materials that many people want to keep out of landfills. Tool recycling is a great alternative if you don’t have any of the above organizations near you, or your tools are not in working condition.

Earth911

Earth911 helps you find either a donation center or recycling center to take your donation. Again, this can help you find a smaller organization that didn’t make our list of national charities to donate tools and more to. Earth911 also helps you find how to responsibly recycle your items. We can’t guarantee a tax credit in return, but a lot of reputable organizations do offer tax or cash incentives.

To get started, try out the Earth911 Recycle Search.

Back to Guide

Donate Tools for Tax Credits Today!

Tool donation is great for decluttering and going into the new year more organized and the possible tax credits are an added bonus. But most importantly donating your old tools gets them to people and organizations that can benefit from them.

I wish you luck on your taxes this year. Also, let us know what you’re spending your tax refund on? Ridiculous answers only.

The post 5 Places to Donate Tools for Tax Credit appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Gentlemen, start your engines! No, you aren’t in Indianapolis (INDY 500), but instead in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Equip Exposition, an annual trade show for landscape and hardscape.  We cruised (or sometimes raced on a riding mower, thanks Kawasaki) the Expo as well as Hardscape North America unearthing trending landscaping tools and hardscaping products. As your self-titled ‘Trade Show Treasure Hunter,’ I’ll be taking you through products at various trade shows throughout the year related to home, jobsite, outdoor, hardware… and many more, so let’s get rolling into this one.

Green Machine Lithium Ion Battery and Gas Hybrid Zero Turn Lawn Mower

The battle between gas versus battery clashes on, with battery power and benefits closing the gap. Hybrid technology is a great bridge to this divide as seen in Green Machine 42” hybrid zero-turn mower that engages a sealed 54V Li-ion battery with a 4kWh gas generator, automatically switching between battery and gas to ensure hours of continuous mowing. Coming in 2025 as a solution to range anxiety, long charge times, and lack of power.

Irrigreen Smart Sprinkler for Effective Irrigation That Saves Water

The grass really was greener in the Irrigreen booth. This next level, efficient way to water your lawn uses less than half of the water traditional sprinklers waste, I mean, use.  How it works is basically creating a dot to dot video game in a digital map of your yard with set up effectively ensuring nothing is watered that doesn’t need it. Smart Controller 3 is the most updated version, with a user-friendly control on the box itself, or the option to let Amazon Alexa get in the game by bossing it around to water the lawn.

Belgard Metropolitan Collection Contemporary Class: Melville Tandem Wall and Artforms

Their motto ‘Belgard Paves the Way’ lived up to the hype as their booth felt like walking into the outdoor oasis of tomorrow.  The Metropolitan Collection with its natural light, neutral tones and modern feel stacked out above the rest. As outdoor living continues to trend so does the need for easy installation of contemporary modular designs, and Melville Tandem Wall’s distinct chiseled stone texture is a solid fit for firepits, steps, walls, columns. Artforms is another impressive option with its clean lines and current aesthetic, great for outdoor kitchens, seating, planters, even rooftops. Panels are easy to install with minimal disruption to the property owner or waste.

Toro 900 CFM Battery Powered Leaf Blower Elevates Power

And the winner is … for the most powerful residential leaf blower, Toro’s new 900 CFM Battery-Powered Leaf Blower. This race continues to be elevated in the battery-powered outdoor equipment arena. Paired with features like comfortable weight distribution, easy grip, and low hum, Toro, one of the leaders in this space, blew the competition away here.

Pine Hall Brick Rumbled Bluffs Clay Pavers Authentic Style and Quality

The rustic look and dependability of clay pavers are timeless. There’s something to be said for solid clay pavers on walkways, patios, driveways, and more. Pine Hall Brick takes the look and design of clay pavers outside of the norm, with a variety of colors and styles. Rumbled Bluff captured attention with its antique reclaimed paver vibes.  Don’t let the antique look fool you, there is nothing aged or fragile about this finish, as they were simply tumbled after firing to mimic the look.

iQ Powertools iQ1550 Supreme Masonry Dry Cutting Dust Management

Stone, brick, or pavers slice ‘like butta’ with the iQ1550 Supreme Masonry Saw. This saw cuts with the ease of a wet saw without the mess as it activates dry cutting technology with built-in dust collection management. Professional contractors are the audience for this new saw, which seems to be the key to faster, cleaner cuts to make the day go faster, and the dollars roll in easier.

Next trade show… Consumer Electronics Show in January 2025, stay tuned!

The post Trending Landscaping Tools and Hardscaping Straight from Equip Exposition & Hardscape North America appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Whether you are a new homeowner on the hunt for your first outdoor power equipment (OPE) purchase, or a professional landscaper rethinking the best brand for your company, it can be extremely overwhelming sifting through all the different OPE brands. That is why we compiled this list of all the current OPE brands creating products for both everyday consumers and professionals to help you find the right OPE brand for you.

This list is divided into three categories: consumer, professional, and industrial. The brands are listed in alphabetical order, along with a short description of their primary products, and additional notes, such as specialties.

[Editor’s Note: This list is updated periodically to contain only current OPE brands.]

OPE Brand Guide

• DIY & Consumer OPE Brands
• Professional OPE Brands
• Industrial & Agricultural OPE Brands
• FAQ

DIY & Consumer OPE Brands

This list contains the most popular OPE brands used by everyday consumers and DIY’ers. These OPE products from these brands are perfect for carrying out seasonal maintenance in standard residential homes and accommodations.

Black + Decker

BLACK + DECKER is a U.S. company that has been around since 1910. In addition to OPE the company manufacturers products for all parts of the home, including: power tools, home cleaning equipment, kitchen and bar appliances, and more.

Black + Decker has been around since 1910 and in 2010 became a subsidiary of the Stanley Black & Decker Company.

• Specialty: Budget-friendly appliances, power tools, and OPE for all parts of the home.
• Price Point: $
• TIA Reviews: BLACK + DECKER OPE reviews.
• View Products: BLACK + DECKER OPE.

CRAFTSMAN

CRAFTSMAN has been a staple American brand since 1927 when it debuted as the house brand for Sears. The brand creates quality hand tools, power tools, and OPE that work with various American budgets.

• Specialty: Affordable high-quality hand tools, power tools, OPE, and storage solutions for the everyday consumer.
• Price Point: $-$$$
• TIA Reviews: CRAFTSMAN OPE reviews.
• View Products: CRAFTSMAN OPE.

EGO 

EGO is a younger OPE brand that only launched in the U.S. in 2012, but it has taken the electronic OPE industry to a new level with its impressive electronic OPE battery power. EGO has made a name for itself as a supplier of higher quality consumer OPE, but offers a few professional grade products as well.

• Specialty: High-performance electric OPE.
• Price Point: $$-$$$
• TIA Reviews: EGO OPE reviews.
• View Products: EGO POWER+ OPE.

Greenworks

Greenworks is another younger OPE brand, only launching in the U.S. in 2002. This brand produces affordable and widely accessible electric OPE products. Greenworks products can be found at major retailers, such as Walmart and Amazon. Whether you are looking for a lawn mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, or beyond, Greenworks offers a huge variety of products that fit most budgets.

• Specialty: Affordable electric power tools, OPE, and shop equipment for everyday consumers.
• Price Point: $-$$
• TIA Reviews: Greenworks OPE reviews.
• View Products: Greenworks OPE.

Kobalt

Lowe’s house brand Kobalt supplies Lowe’s consumers with affordable hand tools, power tools, and OPE. The brand has been around since 1998 and offers a quality similar to CRAFTSMAN and Husky products.

• Specialty: Affordable electric power tools, OPE, and storage solutions for everyday consumers.
• Price Point: $
• TIA Reviews: Kobalt OPE reviews.
• View Products: Shop Kobalt at Lowe’s.

RYOBI

RYOBI has been around for over 80 years and selling power tools and OPE since 1968. RYOBI has earned a reputation as America’s favorite power tool brand and OPE brand. This is because RYOBI products provide great quality at an affordable price. They also have an extensive collection of hand tools, power tools, OPE, and even specialty craft tools. The batteries are interchangeable between products of the same voltage, which also provides users with a lot of value.

RYOBI tools are sold exclusively at The Home Depot, although they can be found on Amazon.

• Specialty: Extensive collection of affordable, quality hand tools, power tools, OPE, and specialty craft tools. All are available exclusively through The Home Depot, which is the largest hardware store chain in the world.
• Price Point: $-$$
• TIA Reviews: RYOBI OPE reviews.
• View Products: RYOBI OPE.

SKIL

SKIL power tools has been around for a century when its original owner, Edmond Michael, created the SKILSAW. While SKIL may be most known for its saws and power tools, it has expanded to include electric OPE. Whether you are buying a circular saw, a lawn mower, or a snow thrower, SKIL provides a variety of higher-performance products for consumers. SKIL products are not the cheapest on the market, but they are priced competitively and offer more power than more affordable consumer brands. The batteries are also compatible with tools of the same voltage requirement.

• Specialty: Affordable high-performance power tools and OPE for everyday consumers.
• Price Point: $$
• TIA Reviews: SKIL OPE reviews.
• View Products: SKIL OPE.

Snow Joe/Sun Joe

Whether you are looking for summer or winter OPE there is a Joe product for you. Snow Joe products are clearly for winter and include items like your snow blowers, electric snow shovels, and more. Sun Joe products are a bit more extensive and include: lawnmowers, leaf blowers, leaf shredders, string trimmers, and beyond.

• Specialty: Affordable OPE, garden/outdoor, and auto tools and equipment for everyday consumers.
• Price Point: $
• View Products: Sun Joe OPE.

Toro

The Toro Company has been around since 1914 and provides a variety of products for different industries in addition to its supply of OPE. This includes products for golf courses, agricultural, underground utility construction, and more. When it comes to OPE, Toro provides a full variety of consumer and professional products that span across all price points. So, there is usually a Toro product available no matter what your budget is.

• Specialty: Consumer yard and garden OPE.
• Price Point: $-$$$
• TIA Reviews: Toro OPE reviews.
• View Products: Toro OPE.

Did we miss a consumer OPE brand? Tell us in the comments and we’ll update our list.

Back to Guide

Professional OPE Brands

This list contains the most popular OPE brands used by professional landscapers and prosumers. The OPE products from these brands are considered professional equipment that can stand up to heavy, regular commercial use.

DEWALT

DEWALT, an American founded company, is most often associated with its power tool line for professional trade workers. However, DEWALT has expanded its products to include professional OPE equipment. One advantage of DEWALT OPE is the battery platform. Products of the same voltage requirement, whether they are power tools or OPE, can be shared. DEWALT is also a trusted and fairly accessible brand with wide availability for serious consumers.

• Specialty: Professional power tool manufacturer with OPE line.
• Price Point: $$-$$$
• TIA Reviews: DEWALT OPE reviews.
• View Products: DEWALT OPE.

ECHO

ECHO has been creating professional-grade OPE for over five decades. ECHO products are exceptionally well made primarily for professional use. However, the brand does make a few consumer models. While the OPE industry has largely shifted to electric, ECHO still provides a large variety of gas-OPE that professional landscapers still largely depend on.

• Specialty: Professional outdoor power equipment manufacturer and supplier. Has a strong line of gas-powered OPE but a growing selection of electric-powered products.
• Price Point: $$$
• TIA Reviews: ECHO OPE reviews.
• View Products: ECHO OPE.

Husqvarna

The Sweden-based OPE manufacturer Husqvarna is largely respected. While the brand does provide some consumer models, the brand’s products are largely intended for professional use. Like most professional OPE companies, Husqvarna still produces gas-powered OPE products but is also continuously raising the bar for electric OPE intended for professionals. The brand’s lineup of electric OPE showcases impressive power. However, that innovation generally places its products on the higher price end.

• Specialty: Professional outdoor power equipment manufacturer. Provides a mix of gas and electric powered OPE, but is becoming a leader in electric-powered professional-grade OPE.
• Price Point: $$$
• TIA Reviews: Husqvarna OPE reviews.
• View Products: Husqvarna site.

Makita

Makita is another popular name in the professional power tool industry, but the brand also has an extensive line of OPE products. Unlike most power tool brands that mostly provide electric OPE products, Makita still offers a fair variety of gas-powered OPE.

• Specialty: Professional power tool manufacturer with OPE line. Provides a mix of gas and electric OPE.
• Price Point: $$-$$$
• TIA Reviews: Makita OPE reviews.
• View Products: Makita OPE.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is one of America’s favorite power tool brands, particularly among “prosumers”, or everyday DIY consumers who prefer professional-quality tools and equipment. The advantage consumers have with Milwaukee, like other power tool brands with OPE lines, is that the battery platform is compatible with power tools and OPE products.

• Specialty: Professional power tool manufacturer with OPE line.
• Price Point: $$-$$$
• TIA Reviews: Milwaukee OPE reviews.
• View Products: Milwaukee OPE.

STIHL

STIHL was founded nearly 100 years ago in Germany, and over the last century has become a prominent name in the professional OPE industry. Similar to other professional OPE brands, STIHL still manufactures and sells a lot of gas-powered OPE but is steadily growing its electric line.

• Specialty: Professional outdoor power equipment manufacturer and supplier and provides a mix of gas and electric OPE.
• Price Point: $$$
• TIA Reviews: STIHL OPE reviews.
• View Products: STIHL site.

Did we miss a professional OPE brand? Tell us in the comments and we’ll update our list.

Back to Guide

Industrial & Agricultural OPE Brands

The list contains the most popular industrial OPE brands. These brands are most popular among industrial landscapers and agricultural professionals.

Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet has been around since 1960 and first sold small tractors. Today the brand has expanded to provide much larger tractors and equipment for the industrial, agricultural, and commercial industries. Their line of OPE products includes riding and zero-turn mowers, 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers, a variety of commercial equipment, and UTVs, plus accessories.

• Specialty: Lawn, industrial, and commercial tractors and equipment.
• Price Point: $$$
• View Products: Cub Cadet OPE.

John Deere

The first John Deere product dates back to 1837 and the company has been a household American brand name ever since. John Deere is largely associated with the agricultural and farming industry with its collection of tractors and farm equipment. However, its products extend to construction, golf and sport turf, electronics, military equipment, and beyond.

• Specialty: Agricultural farm equipment.
• Price Point: $$$
• TIA Reviews: John Deere OPE reviews.
• View Products: John Deere OPE.

Did we miss an industrial or consumer OPE brand? Tell us in the comments and we’ll update our list.

Back to Guide

Outdoor Power Equipment (OPE) FAQ

Did we answer your most popular OPE related questions? Don’t see your question? Ask in the comments. We’ll respond to you directly and if it’s a good one we’ll add the Q&A to our FAQ to help future consumers down the road.

“What’s the best OPE brand for consumers?”

There a ton of great OPE brands for consumers, but the “best” comes down to your unique needs. However, the OPE brands that are the “best value” for consumers are quality OPE brands that also have quality power tool lines. Consumers can save money because often the batteries of these brands are interchangeable between OPE and power tools of the same power requirement.

OPE brands with power tool lines:

• Black + Decker
• CRAFTSMAN
• DeWALT
• Greenworks
• Kobalt
• Makita
• Milwaukee
• RYOBI

The post The TIA Outdoor Power Equipment Brand Guide appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Do you love summer but want to take a break from the unrelenting heat sometimes? In 2014 we shared how Arctic Cove 18V Bucket Top Misting Fans offer an an affordable and portable way to cool off during your summer activities, such as sports games, yard work, or outdoor parties. The Arctic Cove fans have since been discontinued, but RYOBI Misting Fans have filled the void with multiple ways for you to cool off with a refreshing mist this summer.

The most exciting part about RYOBI Misting Fans is that RYOBI offers consumers two different models to choose from. Let’s take a look at what RYOBI offers.

But first…

“Did RYOBI Buy Arctic Cove Misting Fans?”

RYOBI didn’t have to. Arctic Cove and RYOBI are both owned by Techtronic Industries (TTI). This is why Arctic Cove misting fans were compatible with RYOBI 4.0Ah batteries. TTI appeared to just white label the fans with another one of the company’s brands.

Our 2014 article actually received a lot of positive feedback about the Arctic Cove fans. However, RYOBI is the number one homeowner/DIY’er power tool and outdoor power equipment (OPE) brand. TTI likely realized the fans would sell better under the RYOBI brand.

According to Reddit, the bucket top misting fan actually went between the two brands with RYOBI supposedly selling it initially. So, it’s not shocking the product ended back with RYOBI, which has expanded on misting fan options for consumers.

RYOBI Misting Fans

As we said, RYOBI has at least two different misting fan options, along with multiple packages for consumers to select from. Let’s take a closer look at the two main options.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Bucket Top Misting Fan

RYOBI Misting Fans: 18V Bucket Top Fan

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• Product Name: RYOBI ONE+ 7-1/2 in. Bucket Top Misting Fan Kit
• Model #: PCL851K
• Features: Mists up to 14 ft. for over five hours with included battery kit, produces 840 FPM of air velocity, has two speed and two mist settings, can be used with a bucket or garden hose, quiet WHISPER SERIES performance, and comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
• TIA Review: This kit is identical to the Arctic Cove misting fan. It even comes with the same amp 1.5 Ah battery but with a true RYOBI label. This should also be compatible with strong RYOBI batteries for increased runtime.
• Where to Buy: RYOBI 18V Bucket Top Misting Fan Kit is $99 from The Home Depot.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Misting Air Cannon Fan

RYOBI Misting Fans: 18V Misting Air Cannon

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• Product Name: RYOBI ONE+ 18V Hybrid WHISPER SERIES 12 in. Misting Air Cannon Fan
• Model #: PCL8501K
• Features: Mists up to 15 ft. for up to seven hours with battery, or continuous with cord; has airflow of 1,400 CFM and 620 FPM air speed, features a pivoting head, two speed settings, and quiet WHISPER SERIES performance.
• TIA Review: This model lacks the bucket top function, but is a larger RYOBI misting fan with a larger battery. This is a great option for people who plan on using this misting fan with a hose and is perfect for home use.
• Where to Buy: RYOBI ONE+ 18V Misting Air Cannon Fan Kit is $199 from The Home Depot.

Already have a RYOBI battery? Browse RYOBI Misting Fan tool-only options at The Home Depot. You can find a limited supply of select RYOBI Misting Fans on Amazon as well.

More Summer A/C Hacks

The RYOBI Misting Fans are probably the best “portable A/C hacks” due to their design, price, and RYOBI’s dependable performance. However, we have a few additional A/C hacks for those trying hard to stay cool this summer.

• Frozen gallon of water with fan
• Build a “hillbilly air conditioner” or “swamp cooler”
• Freeze your sheets, shirts, pants, and even your underwear

Can you believe these A/C hacks? I think I’ll stick with getting a RYOBI Misting Fan this summer. Tell us in the comments what’s the craziest thing you have done to beat the heat.

The post RYOBI Misting Fans Your Summer A/C Hack appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Do you want to become a home appraiser, but you’re not sure what appraising tools you need? Never fear! We put together a list of 10 Appraiser Tools & Supplies Every Home Appraiser Needs. This list covers the absolute essentials you will need before becoming a home appraiser.

Top 10 List of Appraiser Tools & Supplies

If you’re coming from outside the trade professions, these home appraiser essentials could be quite an investment. However, if you are an existing trade professional or diy’er you may already own a lot of these items, which will make preparing for this new career much less expensive.

Ladder

A ladder is a must-have tool for a home appraiser because they need to be able to access all parts of the house, including attics and roofs.

What kind of ladder do I recommend? First, don’t go with a cheap ladder. Instead, invest in a quality ladder that is secure and ensures your safety since you will be using one a lot. Also, I prefer a multi-position ladder. This type of ladder allows you to adjust the legs of the ladder in case the surface is uneven, such as on stairs.

• Recommendation: Check out multi-positional Gorilla Ladders available at The Home Depot.
• Alternative: Check out Ladder-Aide if you already have a quality ladder, but it’s not multi-positional.

Don’t like heights? Check out appraiser tool #9.

Measuring Device

Square footage is a top factor in a home’s appraisal value and ensuring those numbers are accurate is extremely important for a home appraiser. In addition to calculating total square footage, you’ll be verifying each room’s dimensions. You definitely need at least some type of measuring device.

There are different types of measuring devices. I recommend a laser measurer, AKA LDM. They are easy to use, can measure long distances, and provide a clear, exact measurement.

• Recommendation: BOSCH Blaze GLM50C Bluetooth 165 ft. LDM available on Amazon.
• Review: Read TIA BOSCH LDM Review.
• Alternative: Milwaukee Measuring Tape for a tech-free alternative, and a good back-up incase you forget the batteries or forget to charge your LDM.

Computer

Not a tool, but a home appraiser spends a lot of time researching and creating reports. You need a computer. Feel free to go with your preferred brand, but a recommend a laptop over a desktop, has enough Random-Access Memory (RAM) for your required reporting software, and has a Solid State Drive (SSD).

SSD is becoming the new standard for computer hard drives because they are less likely to malfunction during transportation and from accidental drops.

• Recommendation: 2023 Lenovo Yoga Laptop (choose from various models). This laptop has great RAM, SSD, is touchscreen, it can fold and be used as a tablet, and is a fair price for a quality laptop. Lenovo is also one of the top-trusted computer brands.
• Review: Read this Forbes review of Lenovo Yoga 2023 laptops and tablets. Also, Eric and I each have a Lenovo Yoga as our personal laptop and enjoy them. Even my Apple-loving husband loves my Lenovo.
• Carrying Case: DeWALT Tool Backpack has its own dedicated laptop-protected storage pocket and can carry all your other appraiser tools and supplies. Read our TIA Review to learn more.

Camera

A DSLR camera is another essential item for a home appraiser. Your reports may require photos and it’s also good to have photos for your own reference when creating reports and responding to questions. Technically, you can use your phone’s camera. However, I think separating your work from your personal is better for organization.

• Recommendation: This Canon EOS Rebel DSLR Bundle on Amazon offers a great camera at a fair price, plus any tools you need to get a particularly difficult shot. If you are intimidated by a DSLR, check out Canon Learning Center.
• Alternative: Browse Digital Cameras on Amazon.

Flash Light

A flashlight is essential for making correct assessments of properties. A flashlight will help you see into dark and hard to see areas the homes, such as in attics, basements, or even behind or around large appliances.

You don’t necessarily need a full-size flashlight, but I recommend at least a pen light.

• Recommendation: Husky 5,000 Lumen LED USB-C Rechargeable Focusing Flashlight 3-Pack from The Home Depot.
• Review: Check out our past TIA Husky Flashlight Review.

Infrared Laser Thermometer

You may not use an infrared laser thermometer every day, but you need to be prepared for everything. An infrared laser thermometer is great for client’s who are selling their home by owner. The quick reading will provide the homeowner with needed feedback.

• Recommendation: Milwaukee M12 Temp Gun on Amazon.
• Review: Read our TIA Milwaukee M12 Temp Gun Review.

GFCI Tester

A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is an inexpensive tool that provides instant data about a home’s outlets. Obviously, the state of a house’s electricity directly impacts that house’s value. This is also extremely valuable information for the homeowner getting an appraisal done before listing. A GFCI Tester isn’t required, but offering circuit readings could make you stand out compared to other home appraisers.

• Recommendation: Klein Tools RT250 GFCI Outlet Tester available on Amazon.
• Review: Read our past TIA Klein GFCI Review.

Hand Tools

A screwdriver might be your most used hand tool as a home appraiser. However, it’s good to have a small variety of hand tools.

• Recommendation: This CRAFTSMAN 102-Piece Tool Set has a great variety of hand tools and comes with its own compact carrying case.
• Alternative: Go with a multi-screwdriver from your preferred tool brand.

Drone

Heights not your thing? Don’t sweat it. Thanks to modern tech you can check out high-up areas of a home like the roof with a drone.

• Recommendation: The most important spec to look for in a drone as a home appraiser is photo quality. Amazon has tons of drone options with 4K video quality in the $200-$400 range. I also recommend a drone that comes with its own carrying case.

Tablet

A tablet is a great home appraisal tool, especially if you choose to not go with a hybrid laptop option for your business computer. The most important features to look for in a tablet are good storage, RAM, note-taking capabilities, and a built-in camera will also be helpful for a home appraiser.

• Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Tablets Check out options from your cellphone provider or preferred computer brand. Otherwise, are several well-reviewed options in a variety of models to fit most budgets.
• Alternative: A simple notebook and pen is a great tech-free and low-budget alternative, especially for beginners. For more rugged options, check out these Rite in the Rain products. We reviewed them earlier this year and were really impressed.

Appraiser Tools Wrap Up

That completes our top 10 list of Home Appraisal Tools and supplies that you will need to start your appraisal tool career change. As you gain experience as a home appraiser you may discover more home appraisal tools that make your day-to-day easier. However, these 10 tools should help you embark on this new career with confidence.

The post 10 Appraiser Tools Every Home Appraiser Needs appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Hi, I’m Kiaya and I’m new writer/editor at TIA. Prior to joining the team, my family and I were traveling the country full-time in an RV. Today, I’m sharing my Essentials for Full-Time RV Living with you. These are tools, gadgets, tips and tricks I learned on the road that make living full-time in a camper or RV easier. However, you will still appreciate these items even if you’re a casual or weekend traveler.

Essentials for Full-Time RV Living Guide

• Our Rig
• RV & Camper Equipment
• Recommended Tools
• Household & Functional Tools
• “Drive Day” Essentials

Our Rig For Full-Time RV Living

First, I’d like to share a little bit about my family and our RV setup. I’m doing this because each RV situation is unique. Therefore, each RV’er has different priorities and this list will reflect some of ours.

So, our camper is a 27 ft. KZ Connect travel trailer that we hook up to our 2008 Ford Expedition. My husband and I chose a travel trailer because we have two small kids and a large dog that we travel with. The most important factor was safety, and passengers traveling in the tow vehicle is dramatically safer than as a passenger in a Class A Motorhome. Our setup is long, but the space in Expedition provides plenty of room for all the road snacks and toys we need, and our 90 lb. Alaskan Malamute enjoys his space. Plus, we can detach and travel freely.

Our setup was more geared towards stays at campsites with full hookups. We actually love staying in more remote and off-grid locations. However, we needed stable internet and electric for work reasons. In the future I’ll make sure to share with you “My RV Essentials for Boondocking“.

Last, we did not splurge on a “deluxe” RV, which are practically traditional homes on wheels. Nothing against those RV’s, but we knew our full-time RV plans were limited to a max of one year. Our RV was great for the traveling we did and plan to do. However, the higher grade RV’s have better kitchen equipment, more storage, and even laundry options – which did impact this list!

Again, a lot of these items are recommended for any part-time or full-time RV living situation. However, a few items are more specific to those in similar RV situations.

Alright, on to the list!

RV Equipment for Full-Time RV Living

These are my family’s essential RV and Camper equipment that is designed for RV’s and campers. Most of these items can be found in camping stores and even campsites, but are more affordable online.

50 ft. 30 or 50 AMP Power Cord. Because admit it, we like our modern conveniences. Essential for using power hookups.

Some notes: Extra length is always better than not enough. Our camper and ones smaller than ours only need a 30 AMP power cord. However, larger fifth wheel travel trailers and motorhomes will need a 50 AMP power cord.

Don’t forget: Your 30 AMP Power Adapter Cord or 50 AMP Power Adapter Cord.

Voltage Regulator & Surge Protector to avoid blown circuits or damage to your electrical system.

Similar to power cords, you’ll need a voltage regulator that matches your RV’s power supply. Voltage Regulators & Surge Protectors prevents an oversupply of energy transferring to your RV and the damage that can come with that.

Check out 30 Amp Voltage Regulators and 50 Amp Voltage Regulators on Amazon.

RV Hook-up Hoses, and lots of them

RV Hoses are not exciting, but the quality of your full-time RV living experience depends on them. Here are a few hoses you’ll need and why. Also, my general recommendation is to go with longer hoses. It’s always better to have more length than not enough!

• Fresh Water Hose: You need this if you want water for your sinks, bathing, etc. You don’t need to be picky and any Fresh Water Hose on Amazon to do the job.
• Clean-Out Hose: Whatever goes in must come out. This hose carries out all your grey water (sink water, shower water, etc.). Again, you don’t need to be picky with this product, but this 25 ft. Camco Clean-Out Hose on Amazon will do the job.
• Sewer Hose: This hose is self-explanatory. It’s for emptying out your black water tank. DO NOT skimp on length, and this 20 ft. Camco RhinoFLEX Sewer Hose should suffice. Also, DO NOT FORGET your sewer hose supports!
• Heated Water Hose: Optional, but a lifesaver. Temps can drop below freezing even in the desert (particularly at night). I learned the hard way that if your fresh water hose freezes it can break your hose and your water filter, and heated water hoses are expensive and have a BIG markup in brick-and-mortar camping store. Save money, buy one online. If only using as needed, you can go with a shorter hose, like this 25 ft. Camco Heated Water Hose.

RV/Camper Water Filter & Hose Protector to go with your fresh water hose and remove that sulfur, well-water scent.

Honestly, I can’t believe how great these things work. They have a pretty good life too. Casually RV’ers probably need one a season, full-time RV’ers need to change it out every three months.

Available at most campsites, but for a nice markup. Save money and stock up on Amazon.

RV Leveling Blocks so you’re not living on a slope every time you park.

Use these to create a level base for your camper. Check out a RV Leveling Block Tutorial on YouTube.

You can find our same RV Leveling Blocks on Amazon, except this one has a nifty carrying case (jealous).

X Camper Wheel Chocks for another level of stability when you’re parked.

These fit between your RV wheels. They expand to get a good grip on the tires to prevent them from moving while docked.

Browse a variety of brands and styles on Amazon.

Small RV Back-Up Battery to get you through power outages.

A back-up battery is not for boondocking/off-grid RV-ing. This battery simply allows you to pull in your slides, awning, and operate your hitch in case your battery fails.

This small, lightweight 12V 18Ah ExpertPower Replacement Battery is only $46.99 is perfect for saving you in a pinch.

Wheel Lift/Ramp for Trailers. Did I mention we had a tire blowout on our first trip? Wish we had this.

We liked this Trailer Wheel Ramp because it has a ramp on each side and a rest in the center.

Here is another Trailer Wheel Lift option available on Amazon.

Disposable Latex Gloves for the dirty parts of RV living (ex. anything “sewage” related).

Any brand of latex gloves on Amazon will work. I looked for fancy ones. They don’t exist.

RV Slide-Out & Window Lubricant to avoid mishaps and frustrations.

You can buy these products individually, but Amazon sells this RV Slide-Out & Window Lubricant combo for only $20.49.

Trailer Ball Grease for travel trailers and fifth wheels.

Keeping your trailer hitch greased protects your ball hitch from damage, makes towing easier, prevents towing accidents, and overall extends the life of your hitch.

Shop for on Amazon.

Back to List

Tools for Full-Time RV Living

These are the everyday tools I recommend you keep in your camper. They will help you out with day-to-day maintenance and common mishaps. You can also find these tools in your local hardware store or possibly in your garage.

Tire Pressure Gauge, the single most important tool every RV’er needs!

Good RV maintenance is obsessing over your tire pressure, at least before every drive. Driving with properly inflated tires is an essential safety measure, and just makes your driving smoother and more fuel-efficient.

You could invest in a RV Tire Pressure Monitoring System, but this basic Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge Two-Pack for $9.99 on Amazon is all you need.

SKIL PWR CORE 12 Compact Tire Inflator to address tire pressure concerns on the spot.

Eric actually gifted me this when I mentioned one of our RV tires went flat in storage. This SKIL Tire Inflator fixed the problem and we used it on our most recent trip. It’s now one of my husband’s favorite tools.

Get this SKIL Tire Inflator on Amazon.

CRAFTSMAN Tool Set makes a great RV Tool Box. It has all your essential tools for the odd fix here and there.

The vibration from traveling will shake some fixtures loose. We’ve also used hand tools to repair hinges and secure items to walls and surfaces. This CRAFTSMAN 102-Piece Tool Set has a great variety of hand tools that will address most issues. Plus, it comes with its own carrying case.

102-piece CRAFTSMAN hand tools for only $109 on Amazon.

A Caulk Gun and Caulk to fix inevitable leaks and cracks.

Cracks and leaks, particularly in the roof of your RV, are inevitable due to the vibration from travel. In fact, you should be inspecting the top of your RV every 30 days during high-use seasons. A Caulk Gun is enough for minor cracks, or can hold you over until repairs can be made.

Shop Caulk Guns on Amazon.

A Level to ensure your RV is, well…level! 

You’ll need to level your RV every time it is parked. Obviously a level essential to full-time RV living from a comfort perspective. It’s easier to walk around and prevents items from falling and rolling away (or worse, under a slide). A level RV also allows items like your refrigerator to operate optimally.

Again, you don’t need to be picky about the level you pick. We like Milwaukee levels at TIA, but most levels on Amazon will do. I suggest getting a longer, about 3 ft. level, or a 3-pack level pack.

RYOBI Drill/Impact Driver Combo will be your Go-To RV power tool.

You don’t need a ton of power tools, but a drill/impact combo is a great power tool to have in your RV tool kit. It will help with random repairs, tire changes, and quickly adjust your stabilizers.

You obviously can use your own tools or preferred brand. However, I recommend keeping an affordable brand in your RV supplies. RYOBI provides quality at a fair price.

Shop RYOBI Drill & Impact Combo Kits on Amazon.

Wire Strippers/Crimpers for all your electrical repairs and additions.

You’ll need these for repairing or adding outlets, and adding additional batteries to your battery bank.

This MulWark 8 in. Wire Stripper/Crimper Combo is only $20 on Amazon.

Tire Iron for tire repairs and changes.

You absolutely need a tire iron if you hope to have a good time living in an RV full-time or part-time. In fact, a lot of weekend RV’ers like to getaway in more remote locations that can be harder to reach repair services and roadside assistance. A tire iron enables you to tackle these problems on your own.

Shop Tire Irons on Amazon.

Voltmeter to check out electrical issues in your RV.

Watch the Basic Uses of a Multimeter for RV’ers on YouTube.

Voltmeters range from $8 to $50 on Amazon.

Ratchet Straps for the unexpected.

Use ratchet straps to secure items to your tow vehicle, your RV, pull/hold your slide in during motor issues, and more.

I’ll admit it, our ratchet straps are an assortment of ones my husband has collected over the years. Frankly, we should replace them.

Eric wrote this Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs Review. Buy the same Husky Ratchet Tie-Down 4-Pack for $16.97 from The Home Depot.

Rechargeable LED Headlamps come in handy day or night.

Our rechargeable LED headlamps are one of our most used items. We use them a lot when taking supplies out of the RV storage areas (AKA “the basement”), for walks at night, and even while grilling.

Our favorite Rechargeable LED Headlamps are available as a 2-Pack ($20) or 4-Pack ($40) on Amazon.

Pocket Knife for endless uses.

Cut things, open things, use it to look cool and feel tough. Pocket and utility knives have infinite uses that aren’t specific to RV’s, but you should still have one.

Read TIA Pocket/Utility Knife Reviews

Shop Pocket/Utility Knives on Amazon.

Propane Tank Gauges to detects fuel level, leaks, and so you’re not running out of gas in the middle of the night or while cooking dinner.

Most RV’s have two propane tanks to power at least your heat, your oven, and even your fridge while boondocking. This Propane Gauge & Leak Detector 2-Pack for $25.99 will keep you up-to-date on your propane levels.

Back to List

Household Essentials for Full-Time RV Living

Alright, now it’s time to talk about the full-time RV living essentials that impact your daily life. These are common household products. However, they are either small enough, adaptable, or used in a way that simplifies some common RV living problems.

Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum. It’s powerful, small, and has multiple attachments for cleaning your RV.

We brought two vacuums with us. This handheld vacuum was supposed to just be for cleaning our car, but I actually liked this small Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum better than our larger vacuum. It was easier to store and honestly easier to clean weird places like under the dinette and under the slide. PLUS, it’s rechargeable and cordless, which is absolutely essential in my opinion.

$99.99 on Amazon, currently on sale for $89.99.

Libman Wet/Dry Microfiber Mop to clean debris and easy, electricity-free wet or dry cleanup.

It’s great to have a cord-free, electricity-free sweeping option. This Libman Wet/Dry Microfiber Mop also fits underneath slides well.

Mop plus two extra microfibers pads for $42.99 on Amazon.

Also: I like to put my floor cleaner in a squeeze bottle for easy use.

SEYVUM 20V Leaf Blower for easy outdoor cleanup.

I don’t care how nice your RV is. The outdoors are your living room when you’re staying in an RV. Use a cordless leaf blower to remove leaves and debris. Also great for easy cleanup on drive days.

You don’t need a super powerful leaf blower. I like this SEYVUM 20V Leaf Blower for only $79.99 on Amazon.

KEEPJOY Hanging Laundry Hamper, because clothes pile up fast in a small RV.

Laundry piles up fast, especially in a small RV. We hung this hamper inside our bathroom door and it keeps laundry out of the way. The zipper on the bottom makes it easy to move clothes into a laundry basket.

I love it so much I’m getting two more for each of my kids rooms.

Only $16.99 on Amazon.

Storage Bins & Boxes…and lots of them!

We use decorative storage bins throughout our RV for a sense of order. The most important one in my opinion is the shoe bin we keep outside. This helps keep dirt and debris outside.

Shop Storage Bins & Boxes on Amazon.

Outdoor Camping Rug to Complete Your Outdoor Space

Camping rugs make it nicer to step outside barefoot, define your space, and just get into “vacation mode” easier. They’re also easy to clean and fold-up and store.

We recommend buying two (or more) 6 ft. x 9 ft. outdoor rug instead of one larger one. This way you can customize the orientation to your RV site.

Shop Outdoor/Camping Rugs on Amazon.

OUTDOOR LIVING SUNTIME Padded Folding Chair for ultimate comfort.

Feel free to use whatever chairs you want or already own. However, if you’re living in an RV full-time then I encourage you to splurge on these ultra comfortable folding chairs.

Have little ones? We loves these Camping Chairs for Boys and Girls from Walmart.

Batteries, all kinds.

You’ll find yourself using a lot more battery-powered products when you live full-time in an RV. Honestly, it’s just easier. Outlets are limited, or you need to conserve power when boondocking. It just makes sense.

Shop Batteries on Amazon.

Back to List

“Drive Day” Essentials for Full-Time RV Living

This list is small, but these are a few of my favorite items for RV “drive days”.

Milwaukee 40 qt. Packout Cooler to keep drinks and food cold on drive day.

This may seem like overkill, but I love this thing. First, it has tons of space for cold storage, a generous dry storage bin, a cutting board that doubles as a divider, and the cold retention is incredible.

Read our TIA Milwaukee 40 qt. Packout Cooler Review.

On sale for $399.99 on Amazon. Save $109!

I also keep a Sheathed Pairing Knife in my cooler.

10 oz. YETI Rambler to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drink cold.

Personal Review: my husband ran over this with the camper. It got pushed into the ground but didn’t even crack. It’s the perfect rough and tough travel companion.

Choose from 24 colors on Amazon.

napfun Travel Neck Pillow to encourage naps and prevent achy necks.

Only $21.99 on Amazon.

Back to List

Final Word on Full-Time RV Living

Well, that rounds out my list on all the things you really need for comfortable full-time RV living. If the idea of full-time RV-ing has been on your mind then I hope this list gives you some courage towards taking that step. Some of my family’s best memories were made on the road. Even if you just want to be a weekend RV’er, I promise the memories on the short trips are just a sweet. Plus, now you have an awesome list to keep the good times rolling! Pun intended.

Alright, how’d I do? Any RV’ers out there? Did I miss something?

Comment and let me know what your camper and RV essentials are.

The post Essentials for Full-Time RV Living appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

Saws are one of the most exciting tools available. Maybe it’s the danger aspect of the sharp, sometimes fast blades that makes saws so fun to work with? There is also a huge variety of saws for multiple uses. In fact, it can be overwhelming deciding which saw is best for you when assembling your first workshop. We made it easy for you. Today, we’re going over the most common types of saws.

We’ve broken the types of saws into two categories: Hand Saws and Power Saws. We won’t get into more obscure saws, but we will mention types of saws common on jobsites, in personal workshops, discuss their use, where to buy, and more.

So, let’s dive into the different types of saws.

Types of Hand Saws

When learning the different types of saws, hand saws are a great place to start. Hand saws have a straightforward, power-free, manual operation, and have been around since the stone age. Hand saws’ simple design makes them great for beginners, and every tool person should have at least one.

Today, we are going to cover some of the common types of hand saws, plus one unusual favorite of mine.

Click to jump to Power Saws.

Coping Saw

Coping saws have thin blades and are designed to make curve cuts in wood, and it can cut intricate shapes. This saw is commonly used for trim finish and precision work.

Shop for Coping Saws

Crosscut/Rip Saw

I bet when you think of a hand saw, it’s a crosscut/rip saw that appears in your brain. This is perhaps the most common type of saw and was the go-to before electric saws. You may have also seen large versions of these saws where there is a handle on each end for a two-person operation, popular in lumber cutting.

Yes, these are two different types of saws, but similar. The crosscut has a thicker blade with large bevel teeth. It’s good for rough-cutting wood and cutting short grain wood.

The rip saw is for cutting long grain wood. Combination blades are also available.

Shop Crosscut/Rip Saws

Back Saw

Back saws are used for dovetail joints in woodworking. The rigid back allows for more precise sawing.  The saws have narrow blades and fine teeth for a nice, clean finish cut.

Shop Back Saws

Hack Saw

A hacksaw is designed to cut metal. It has a thick blade with lots of teeth that make it easier to cut through metal and reduce jumping. You can use this on other materials like plastic and wood, but this is great for cutting through materials like metal pipe.

Shop for Hack Saws

Jab Saw/Keyhole Saw

A jab saw or keyhole saw has a tapered blade allowing the user to jab through the material. While this type of saw was originally used to cut keyholes, it is now commonly used in drywall applications.

Shop Jab Saw/Keyhole Saws

Japanese Saw

Unlike most blades that cut when pushed, a Japanese saw has a thick blade designed to cut when pulled. These saws are made for precision work and smaller jobs like flush cuts in trim work. Some Japanese saws feature a blade on each side. One side has a crosscut blade, with a rip blade on the other.

A Japanese saw is smaller than most of the other saws that we mentioned today, and fits nicely in most toolboxes and belts.

Shop Japanese Saws

Types of Power Saws

Hand saws are tried and true, but they can be less efficient than power saws. Power saws dramatically improved productivity and reduced fatigue in users since their introduction in 1923. Power saws have come a long way since then, achieving incredibly high cut speeds thanks to advancements in motor and power technology.

Again, there are multiple types of power saws. We can’t get to all of them today, but we will go over the most common types of power saws, their uses, and the projects or trades these saws are meant for.

Click to return to Hand Saws.

Band Saw

There are two types of band saws: stationary and portable.

A stationary band saw has a table so you can rest your material on the table while making a cut. You can make curve cuts or cut pipe, PVC, and more. A portable band saw allows you to make straight cuts onto PVC and pipe, but should not be used for curved cuts.

Neither version is designed for intricate cuts. For that, you might be interested in a scroll saw or jig saw.

Read Band Saw Reviews

Shop for Band Saws on Amazon

Chainsaw

I know the chainsaw is the saw of horror movies, but it’s actually designed for cutting trees. Chainsaws come in a wide variety of sizes. Most sizes and uses fall into the following categories: large-diameter tree trunks, cutting branches, or small tree choppers.

It’s called a chainsaw because the cutting mechanism is a chain that rotates around a stationary piece of metal. While most saws do not need oil, a chain saw requires oil as it cuts.

Read Chainsaw Reviews

Shop for Chainsaws on Amazon

Chop Saw

A chop saw is designed to cut concrete or metal.  Yes, you can cut wood, but usually you will want to use a miter saw for wood material.  A chop saw only goes up and down and doesn’t make miter or bevel cuts.  Think of a karate chop and how the hand just comes down, a chop saw uses the same concept.

Chop saws have a selection of blades available suited for whatever you are cutting. For instance, you will need an abrasive cutting wheel when cutting metal. For brick, you will need a diamond blade. Some chop saws have water attachment kits to help with dust management.

Shop for Chop Saws

Circular Saw

One of the most common types of saws is the circular saw.  This saw has a circular blade that rotates, hence, a circular saw.  There are two types of motors – Worm Drive vs Inline.

These saws are designed to cut straight and will not make curved cuts. There is a plate or show on the bottom so the saw can ride along the material while making the cut.

These saws come in a wide range of sizes. The saw size you need is mostly dictated by the type of job you’ll be doing.  The most common size of a circular saw is a 7-1/4 in. saw.

Circular Saws Reviews

Shop for Circular Saw

Miter Saw

A miter saw is a bench tool. These saws are great for making bevel or miter cuts (angle cuts). If you are a hobbyist or building a house, this is usually a must-have saw.

These saws have a blade that spins around an arbor and you lay the material on the tabletop. When ready to make a cut, you pull down on the handle and bury the blade into the piece of work to make a cut.

A miter saw can come in a variety of different styles depending on your need. While there are a variety of sizes, the two most common are 10 in. and 12 in. saws.

Miter Saws Reviews

Shop for Miter Saws

Jig Saw

A jig saw features a blade that moves up and down to make a cut.  These are great for  circular cuts, curve cuts, and tighter corners.  You can use this to cut straight lines but they are not really designed for that task.

There are a wide variety of different jig saw blades, making it versatile for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and more.

Jig Saws Reviews

Shop for Jig Saws

Oscillating Saw

An oscillating saw gets its name from a blade that oscillates back and forth to make a cut.  It vibrates quickly to make cutting quick and easy. These are versatile tools used to cut trim, make cuts into tight corners, and more.

You can cut more than just wood. You can also use an oscillating saw to remove caulk, and grout, and to scrape and grind.

Oscillating Saw Reviews

Shop for Oscillating Tools

Panel Saw

You won’t find a panel saw in most home workshops. You may have seen this saw at Home Depot, or in a professional woodshop, particularly cabinet woodshops. Even though this saw is less common it is worth knowing about.

These saws are similar to a table saw, but they don’t lay flat like a table saw does. A panel saw is designed to make vertical and horizontal cuts, and is designed to cut sheets of plywood, panels, and more.

Shop for Panel Saws

Radial Arm Saw

This isn’t a common saw unless you are in cabinet making or woodworking shop. A radial arm saw has a blade that spins in a circular motion and is attached to an arm that can slide back and forth. You can also adjust the arm to cut at angles. Overall, radial arm saws are extremely versatile saws.

Reciprocating Saw

This is one of the few saws that is designed to not produce a finished product.  Instead, a reciprocating saw is usually used for demolition projects. This has a blade that moves back and forth, similar to a jig saw, but it’s designed for heavier-duty applications and also has a much thicker blade. Jig saws are also designed to generally point down when cutting. A reciprocating saw can be used at any angle.

Reciprocating Saw Reviews

Shop for Reciprocating Saws

Scroll Saw

Scroll saws are similar to jig saws in that they are also designed to cut curves and shapes. Scroll saws have a smaller blade that allows you to get into tighter spots. The blade moves up and down and the user can rotate their work. All of this helps to make intricate cuts.

Shop for Scroll Saws

Table Saw

One of the most popular saws at job sites, workshops, and garage settings is table saws. A table saw is pretty much a stationary circular saw that is mounted into a table. Wooden boards are laid flat on the table and fed into the saw to make long, straight cuts.

Users can adjust the blade height up or down to match the thickness of the material they are cutting. Most table saws can also perform bevel cuts.

Table Saws Reviews

Shop for Table Saws

Tile Saw

As the name implies, a tile saw is designed for cutting tile.  The saw uses a diamond blade so it can cut through stone, porcelain, and more. The advantage of this saw is it will not chip or crack the tile.

There are two types of tile saws. A dry cut and wet cut. A wet tile saw has a water reservoir of water and a pump. The pump draws water from the reservoir and sprays it on the blade. The water prevents dust from flying up into the air, and keeps the blade and material cool. It also works as a lubricant. This makes a wet cut tile saw a clean type of saw when cutting tile.

Tile Saw Reviews

Shop for Tile Saws

Track Saw

You could probably say a track saw resembles an upside-down table saw. In reality, a track saw is really just a circular saw that glides across a track. Similar to a table saw, a track saw is great for making long, straight cuts. However, a track saw is portable while a table saw is stationary.

Track saws ensure straight, accurate cuts. When combined with a fine tooth blade, you also get a nice clean cut without any chips.

Shop for Track Saws

Types of Saws Wrap-up

So, there you have it. These are the most common types of saws you will come across in most homeowner and professional workshops. There are more saws. We could talk about them all day. However, most saws beyond this are very specialized. But if you want to learn more about types of saws, leave a comment. Otherwise, I hope these descriptions have given you a bit of knowledge and you know what saws are right for your projects.

The post Types of Saws appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

What is an impact driver and do you need one?  Today we are going to go over what an impact driver is and what makes them different from other tools.  By the end of this, you will know the ins and outs of what an impact driver is, how it works, the pros and cons, and if you need one in your tool arsenal. Before we jump in and learn about the impact driver, we do have to cover some tool-world basics so we are all on the same page.

A drill is different from an impact driver which is different from an impact wrench which is different from an impact ratchet.  Today we are only talking about an impact driver.  While an impact driver, impact wrench, and impact ratchet are all based on the same concept and basically the same in how they work, they are used for different applications.  Moreover, a drill is much different than the impact family of tools.  Take a look at our piece – Drill vs Impact Driver – What is the Difference?

I hope to provide some clarity because there is a lot of confusion around this group of tools, and I often hear people calling an impact driver an impact wrench.  So if you don’t already, hopefully after this you will know and understand they are different tools, and will no longer get them confused.

So let’s jump in and see what exactly is an impact driver; what makes an impact driver an impact driver.

What is an Impact Driver and How Does it Work?

An impact driver has a rotational force which means it spins, like a drill. However, an impact driver has a unique feature that a drill doesn’t.  An impact driver senses when more power is needed and delivers quick rotary bursts which produce more torque in these applications.  These bursts happen incredibly quickly, can be around 4,000 Blows Per Minute (BPM).

This punching motion or downward motion is metal on metal and that is why impact drivers can be extremely loud.  Manufacturers have tried to dampen or lower the noise by using internal hydraulics but you can always tell an impact driver by the noise.

So in essence, as the impact driver spins, it also has a blow which makes this great for tougher applications that need more torque.  Plus it’s great for fasteners as an impact driver will tend to cam-out or strip a fastener less than a drill.

Impact Driver Features

One main feature you will notice about impact drivers is how small the body is.  Impact drivers have small bodies for a couple of reasons.  One of the main reasons is they don’t have a chuck like a drill which gives them a small footprint but we will cover that in the next section.

While impact drivers can be used to drill holes, the main application is for fasteners.  With having a small body and the hand being closer to the fastener, an impact driver gives the user more control when compared to a larger body or tool with a large chunk.

Impact drivers do not have a traditional chuck like noted above.  Instead, they have a quick system that will allow a user to quickly insert a hexagonal shank bit into the tool.  A user can pull the quick-clamp system, insert the bit and let go.  The tool will lock the bit into place.

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Another feature to note about impact drivers is the speed.  Drills have a 1 or 2-speed selector which is a slide switch.  Plus a drill has torque settings.  An impact driver is different.  While some do not let the user adjust the speed, most have a push-button or electronic speed selector.  As you can see above, one has a slide switch and another has a push button to select speeds.

There are even some versions that offer a setting for slow-starting the tool. So a user can fully depress the trigger and then the tool will do the rest.  The tool will start spinning slowly and then ramp up to full speed.  This is helpful for applications like sheet metal screws.

An impact driver usually has multiple lights.  Since they are compact, they can get into tight areas, and usually, in tight areas, there isn’t a lot of light.  So a nicely designed impact driver with a nice LED placement can make your work experience much better.

Impact Driver Advantages

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There are many advantages of impact drivers such as:

• Size – Impact drivers are small and lightweight.  For the power, they are much smaller and lighter than a drill.
• Weight – Compared to drills and because of the size of the driver, an impact driver is lighter.  So if you are using it for extended periods of time, you’re arm, wrist and/or hand will not become fatigued as quickly.
• Power – As noted above, an impact driver is designed with torque and power in mind.  So if you need power and torque, an impact driver is the way to go.
• Ease of Use – The hex bit holder is much easier than trying to mess with a chuck on a drill.  There are not torque settings like a drill, just a couple of pushbuttons for speed/torque so there isn’t much to mess up and an impact driver is extremely easy to manage.  Not to mention that the head is small and your hand is right by the fastener, so they are easy to control when using.

Impact drivers are compact, lightweight, and well-balanced.  They are designed for longer periods of work or tasks that require more torque than a drill. So if you are hanging drywall or working with fasteners for longer periods of time, it’s worth the investment to own an impact driver.

Impact Driver Disadvantages

While an impact driver has many advantages, it also has disadvantages.

• Noise – Impact drivers are metal on metal so when they are in action, they can be loud, especially in smaller areas or a basement.  While some manufacturers try to dampen the noise using hydraulics, the tool can still take a toll on your ears, so ear protection is more crucial with impact drivers.
• Power – While power is nice to have, sometimes it can be too much.  If you are putting 3″ fasteners into hardwood and don’t predrill a pilot hole, you can easily snap the screw-head off and cause more work for yourself. So if you are doing certain tasks that don’t require a lot of torque, the tool can be overkill.

Because impact drivers are noisy and can sometimes be too much power for certain applications, it’s not always the best tool for the job.

Why You Need an Impact Driver

Obviously, if you are in the trades, you will need an impact driver because you will be performing so many different jobs and fastening will surely be one of them.

For the homeowner, it’s a different story.  Do you need to spend the extra money or not?

• Sporadic User – If you are just hanging blinds, maybe a picture, or other smaller tasks throughout the year, an impact driver isn’t needed.  You can easily use a drill and save money.
• DIY Enthusiast – This is where it gets tricky and if you should spend the money.  I have friends who love doing stuff around the house but they never tackle big tasks.  If they do, they just borrow my impact driver. If you are only going to tackle one or two big jobs a year, sometimes it’s better just to borrow one.  However, if you are invested in a line of tools and have the batteries, you might be able to pick up a bare impact driver where it’s a tool only.  If that is the case, you can get your own for under $100 and possibly worth the investment.
• Weekend Warrior – If you will be repairing a deck, installing a wood fence, or doing other larger tasks in and around your home, an impact driver is great to have on hand.  And because these types of projects usually entail installing large fasteners, and/or creating an assembly line where it’s fastener after fastener, an impact driver will make your life easier and are worth the investment.

What is an Impact Driver? Wrap Up

When it comes to fastening, you need power, speed, and ease of use.  The impact driver excels at all three and can make any fastening job easier.  Sure a drill can be used for fasteners but nothing compares to an impact driver.

If you are new to the trades, an impact driver is a must.  If you are a homeowner, you will have to decide your level and what you will be doing around the house to decide if the investment is worth it.  For most, the investment is worth it, but again it depends upon your tasks.

If you’ve decided you need an Impact Driver, here are some great options on Amazon.

The post What is an Impact Driver and Why Do You Need One? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

When it comes to circular saws, what do you really know about them?  Yes, it has a blade and yes, there are cordless and corded options available.  But did you know that the way they work can be different?  Some circular saws are Worm Driven while others are considered direct drivers or sidewinders.  So today we are going to take a look at Worm Drive vs. Sidewinder.  We will see what makes them different, why they share some of the same similarities, and which one is right for you?

Growing up my whole family was in the trades, my grandfather, my cousins, and eventually myself. So when it came to tools, I was pretty much always around them.  However, it wasn’t until I was a little older that my grandfather gave me his circular saw.  At the time, I just thought a saw was a saw and that was it.  I remember him telling me it’s the best saw on the market, just make sure I oil it.  There were two things that stood out to me about the saw.

The first thing was I remembered how heavy it was.  I was just a skinny teenage kid and I felt like the saw weighed more than me.  The other item I remember was being intimidated by the saw when I was using it which is not good when using power tools. The saw was extremely powerful and ripped through anything that got in its way.

It wasn’t until I was a little older that I realized what he gave me, it was a Skilsaw Worm Drive circular saw, considered the best saw in the business.  In fact, it was the saw that built America. That was when I realized a saw isn’t just a saw, in fact, there were the two kinds, the Worm Drive and the Sidewinder.

Background

The circular saw can be traced back to 1777 and has gone through some extreme changes over the years and also has lead to other forms of tools that are based around the circular saw such as miter saws and table saw.  However we are not here for a full history lesson but if you would like to read more, check out Wikipedia for more information. Since we are here regarding the Worm Drive and Sidewinder, it is helpful to understand some of the history.

The Worm Drive was the first portable circular saw that was invented. Edmond Michel invented the saw back in 1924 which later on became known as Skilsaw.  So when you see Skilsaw and why they are number one with Worm Drives, now you know.  They invented and perfected the saw.  Shortly after, in 1928 Art Emmons invented the sidewinder version.

As you can see both the Worm Drive and Sidewinder have been out for a long time.  Over the years, power tool companies have been able to reduce the size, increase the power and make the saw better for the consumer.

What is a Worm Drive and What is a Sidewinder?

Before we jump into the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages, it’s helpful to understand how each tool works and what separates them into each category. The main difference between each saw is where the motor is placed on the tool and yes, it does make a difference where the motor is placed.

• Worm Drive – A Worm Drive saw has the motor behind the blade
• Sidewinder – A sidewinder or Direct Drive has the motor on the side of the blade

You wouldn’t think the motor placement has much to do with the saw but as we see below, a simple placement makes a world of difference how the saws perform and does change how the saws operate for the user.

What are the Similarities?

• Function – The biggest similarity is the function of the tool.  Each tool has a motor that spins a blade which in return can cut wood, plastic, metal, cement and more.  As we will see, each saw will excel at different types of cuts and different types of materials.
• Features – Both saws do feature the ability to change the depth of cut and make bevel cuts.  Another similarity is that each saw can be purchased in a corded or cordless version.

While there are other small similarities, those are the major ones to point out.  Overall, there are more differences than similarities.

What are the Differences?

While the function of both types of saws are the same, the saws actually have more differences than similarities.

• Motor Position – As we discussed above, a Worm Drive has the motor behind the blade (behind the center point of the blade).  A Sidewinder has it inline with the center of the blade.
• Blade Position – Not always but usually the Worm Drive has the blade on the left while a Sidewinder has the blade on the right.
• Weight – Because of the way a Worm Drive works and how it engages the blade (non-parallel), it has a shaft with a spiral thread that engages a toothed wheel.  All this makes it heavier than a Sidewinder.  Typically a Worm Drive weighs about 11-15 lbs while a Sidewinder only weighs 6-9 lbs.
• Power, Speed & Torque – The true nature of a Worm Drive offers more torque than its counterpart, the Sidewinder.  Since torque and speed have an inverse relationship, the Sidewinder will have a higher blade speed.
• Maintenance – Most Worm Drives require the user to add oil because Worm Drive requires lubrication.  There are some Worm Drives that have closed systems and do not require the user to add lubricant.  Sidewinders are closed systems and do not require the user to add any oil.
• Handle Position – While not always true, most Worm Drives have a rear handle while Sidewinders have a handle on the top of the saw.  Recently some manufacturers have designed Sidewinders with handles on the rear of the tool.

Popularity

Depending on where you live in the United States, it might indicate the popularity of the saw.  I have been told that the Worm Drive is extremely popular in the middle of the United States while the Sidewinder is more popular along the coasts.  Now I am not sure if that is true, it’s just something I have heard over time.

However, if you are a contractor, especially a framer, you are more than likely going to be using a Worm Drive saw as you need that torque over speed.  A homeowner or other contractors will most likely be using sidewinders because they care more about the weight and run time for cordless saws.  For certain applications, a Worm Drive is overpowered and not needed, so why work with the extra weight.

Power vs Torque vs Speed

So when it comes to power, speed and torque, yes there is a difference between both types of saws.  The one thing you have to remember there is an inverse correlation between speed and torque.  The faster the blade spins, the less torque you have.  The slower the blade spins, the more torque you can produce. The same holds true for drills and impacts and this is something manufacturers always have to weigh when designing and marketing power tools.

So with that said, a Worm Drive usually has more torque and the blade does spin at a lower rpm compared to a sidewinder.  Again, I am saying usually.  There are sidewinders that have high toque.

As time has moved on and technology and motors have become better, the difference isn’t as noticeable as it once was.  You have to remember if you are going to buy a circular saw, do your research.  Don’t just assume a Worm Drive will have more power and don’t assume all sidewinders have more speed.

You need to look at your application and match your saw to your use.  In fact, they even have saws built for specific tasks like cutting concrete or cutting metal.  So do your research.

Advantages

Worm Drive

When it comes to power and production, the Worm Drive is king.  Go on any job site where they are framing and cutting 2×10″ or multiple sheets of plywood for decking and I am willing to bet they are using a Worm Drive saw.  A Worm Drive is made for production.  They don’t bog down and cut through anything without breaking a sweat.

Sidewinder

Sidewinder has a lot of advantages since they are lighter and less expensive (for the most part).  Sidewinders excel at working overhead where weight is an issue.  They are great for the homeowner who isn’t using the saw all the time and isn’t cutting through multiple sheets of plywood.  A sidewinder is great for the contractor who isn’t only a framer and that isn’t their primary tool.

Disadvantages

Worm Drive

The biggest disadvantage is the weight of the tool and yes, they can cost more.  There are a lot of times you don’t need all that power so why have the extra weight?

Sidewinder

The biggest disadvantage is the power aspect.  If you need production and are cutting all day long and multiple types of material or multiple sheets of plywood, a sidewinder isn’t going to do the job efficiently.

Which Saw is Right for Me

As a user, you have to decide what you will be using the saw for.  Use the information above and go from there.  What tasks or projects are you going to be doing more?  Are you a homeowner looking to cut some wood once in a while?  If so, a sidewinder is a perfect solution.  Are you getting into the trades and will be framing?  If so, a Worm Drive might be up your alley.

Just make sure you do your research.  Understand the difference between each tool.  Once you understand the difference, look at different saws, and compare the specs to see which one suits you the best.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are some big differences between a Worm Drive and Sidewinder.  However, there are also a lot of similarities.  As technology gets better, I only see these saws having more in common than features that are not in common.

As a consumer, the best action you can take is to understand each drive system, figure out what type of work you will be doing and find what suits you the best.  Go to a local big box store and pick each saw up.  Feel the difference, does weight matter, does blade placement matter, and do certain features matter to you?

Once you decide which drive system is best suited for you, do your research to see which circular saw is the best for your needs.  There are a lot of different manufacturers that make circular saws.  Don’t just settle and think all saws are the same because they are not.

The post Worm Drive vs. Sidewinder – Which is Better? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

I am sure if you are reading this you have noticed when you are looking to buy tools, you can buy either a Drill/Driver or an Impact Driver and sometimes you even see them in a kit together.  So the question is what is the difference and do you really need both tools?  To answer the question if you need both tools, no you don’t need both tools, well maybe you do. Okay, so there is no easy answer to that question unless you know what the difference is between a drill and an impact driver.  Once you understand the difference, then the answer is easy.

Our goal today is not to get all engineering on you and show you the inside of the tool. Our goal is to help you understand the difference between each tool and make you a better consumer to help with your purchase.

Are a Drill and Impact The Same?

They look the same so aren’t they the same tool and can they be used for the same applications?  Yes, a drill can do some of the tasks that an Impact driver can do and an Impact Driver can do some of the tasks that a drill can do.  But there is more to the story and each one really does have an advantage over the other tool.  Before we go on, it’s a great time to understand the history of each tool.

A drill goes way back to the day when our ancestors were rubbing sticks together to make fire but the motor drill was invented in 1889 and the first portable drill was invented in 1895.  The drill we know today, with many changes, was invented in 1917 that featured a trigger switch and pistol grip and was designed by Black & Decker.

So I tried to find the exact date of the first Impact Driver but to my amazement, I can’t find any record.  However, the first Impact Wrench was designed in 1939, which was 50 years after the drill.  Considering the impact wrench and impact driver are pretty close, except for some features including the head, we do know it was after the drill.

So the question was it invented as a way to sell more products or was there really a need for the impact driver?  In fact yes, there was a need for the impact driver and it was first used in the aerospace sector and then was transferred to the consumer as they found the tool to provide better and more efficient fastening solutions than a drill.

Drill vs Impact Driver – How they Work

To fully understand the difference between a drill and an impact driver, you need to know how they work.  As I said, we are not going to dive deep into the internal working and mechanics behind the tools but once you understand how they work, you will understand why each tool excels at certain tasks.

Drill/Driver – A drill/driver uses rotational force only.  So when you set your drill to a speed or torque setting, the drill spins the chuck in a forward or reverse motion only.  So the torque of the drill is consistent.

Impact Driver – An impact driver performs like a drill as it uses rotational force also but it has two extra advantages. First, it senses when more force or power is needed and delivers quick downward rotary bursts to produce more torque in these situations. These bursts happen quickly. Second, because the way it operates and the downward force, it “sort of” protects the user’s wrist as it applies that downward force when creating more torque and the hitting motion where a drill/driver has a rotational force and can jar the wrist.

Because of this hitting or punching motion, which is metal on metal, this is why an Impact Driver is loud. While the drill only has rotational force so there is no metal hitting metal and creating a loud noise.

So a drill has consistent rotational force while an impact has the rotational force along with bursts of force.

So let’s get into some other areas that make the drill/driver and impact driver different.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Features

Drill

As we talked, a drill has rotational force only, but some drills have a hammer which helps a drill bore into concrete, block and other hard surfaces.  So as the drill spins and creates the rotational turn, the tool will also start hammering.  So wait isn’t that what an impact does?

No, a hammer drill is different.  A hammer drill does spin but it hammers at the same time, just like a hammer hitting the top of a nail.  The hammer function on a hammer drill hits the internal parts just like a hammer where an impact is hitting it rotationally.

So a hammer drill hits on the top where an impact hits on the side during rotation.

A hammer drill can be switched on and off so if the user doesn’t want that function for an application, there is a way to turn it off, just like the picture above.

Impact Driver

An impact driver doesn’t feature a hammer option.  Instead, an impact driver does feature other options like slow start.  Yes, you can feather both a drill and impact driver to create a slow start but the impact is designed for fasteners. So if you are setting a fastener into metal, you want to start out slow and then rev up the rpm to sink the fastener, but you want to stop in time so you don’t strip the screw.  Here is where an impact driver shines.

There are a lot of applications where this is useful such as metal studs.  With a push of a button, the tool will automatically start slow, then ramp up and even shut down when it hits a certain torque to prevent stripping.  This is a feature that is not available on drills.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Size

As you can see, usually an impact driver is smaller.  Yes if you look at an old impact driver vs a new drill, the drill might be smaller but looking at the same class of tool and year, the impact driver is usually smaller which means it’s better for tight areas.

One of the reasons an Impact Driver is smaller is because the impact doesn’t have the front sleeve of controls for the clutch.  What is a clutch?  Well, this is the perfect time to talk about power.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Power

Drill

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Overall an impact produces more torque.  However, a drill can control the torque better by using a clutch. The clutch is the front sleeve that allows the user to stop when the tool hits a certain torque.  So if I am fastening a screw into wood, I don’t want to go full power because when the screw is set all the way, if I keep going, it will strip the hole.  If I set the torque, I protect my work.

However if I don’t care because I am drilling a hole and want to go all the way through, then there is a setting, which is usually the last setting and that is drill mode only.  So the drill will go until either the hole is complete or the work requires more torque than the drill can produce.

Impact Driver

The impact doesn’t have a sleeve so it’s up to the user to pay attention and stop when needed.  As we discussed earlier, some tools have a setting for when a user is working with fasteners and metal.  But with a drill, you can customize and tailor it to suit your project more precisely than an impact.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Chuck

Drill

The chuck or how the tool holes a bit is also different.  While drills have different size chucks, the most common drill is a 1/2″ chuck.  With a drill you can use a wide range of bits because the bit is inserted into the chuck and the jaws lock around the bit.  Some drills even have locking chucks so once the chuck is tight, then an extra turn locks the bit for added grip.

Impact Driver

As you can see, the impact is different and will only accept certain bits which are 1/4″ hex bits.  So if you have a drill bit that doesn’t have a 1/4″ hex, you are out of luck. Where if you have a 1/4″ hex bit, you can use either a drill or impact driver.

With the impact driver, it’s much quicker and easier changing bits than a drill.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Speed

Drill

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Most drills operate at two speeds.  Yes, some have a single speed or even three-speed but a majority are two speeds.  Here is how it works:

The higher the speed, the lower the torque, they have an inverse relationship.  So if you are drilling a big hole that requires a lot of torque, you need to be in speed 1.  Yes, it will take longer but the torque is increased for the users to get the job done.  If you need speed and it’s an easy application, speed 2 is the way to go as the rotation will increase while the torque will decrease.

Impact Driver

An impact driver usually has three speeds but again, it can be equipt with a single speed or more.  While a drill usually uses a mechanical switch the user needs to slide, an impact driver is a push button or electronic.

An impact is a little different than a drill where speed and torque are directly correlated.  A slower speed also means less torque and fewer hits. A higher speed means more torque, more hits, and harder hits. See the comment below from Corey.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Application

So now you know how a drill and impact work differently along with some of the features that are offered on each tool, now you can better understand what each tool is designed for and the best applications.  As noted, yes there is overlap between the two tools and what they can do but they do excel at different applications.

Drill/Driver

A drill is great for drilling holes and that is where this tool shines.  If you are drilling into soft wood or into concrete, a drill is designed for this application.  A drill is also great for mixing products like mud for drywall or paint.

Impact Driver

An impact driver is a perfect fit for fasteners.  If you are working with screws, bolts or nuts, an impact is the way to go as optimal torque and power is a huge advantage for these applications.  An impact is also great if you are working in tighter spaces.

Drill vs Impact Driver – Wrap Up

If you are looking for a power tool to drill holes easily and also precision, a drill is the way to go.  If your time is spent working with fasteners, an Impact Driver will be your best friend. The way each tool creates power is different and each tool has some unique features but in the end, both are great tools for power, speed and to complete your tasks.

Hopefully this made you a more knowledgable consumer and helps you better understand the difference between a drill and impact driver.  Both have advantages over the other tool and both can do some of the same work. As a consumer, you have to understand what work you will be doing and figure out if you can get away with just one tool or do you need each tool as you need more options for your needs?  As you can see the answer to if you need both tools for your tool collection, well it depends on your needs.

The post Drill vs Impact Driver – What is the Difference? appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We get questions through email, social media and our power tool forum about what is our favorite brand or what is the best power tool brand to buy into. So we figure we might as well put something in writing because I don’t think this question is ever going to go away.

As a consumer, you want to make the right choice.  Investing in a tool platform is expensive and if you start down the path, it’s not like you can just jump into a new platform easily.  Who really wants to spend extra money, have different batteries, different chargers and all the other hassles that go into buying into a new platform. Over the years I have talked to so many different professionals and homeowners and I always ask them what made you buy into that brand?  I get things from that is what my dad owned, it was on sale, a friend told me about it, I read a review online or something else.  With that said, I hear a lot of people say I wish I went into a different brand or I would love to jump into another brand but I am so invested into their brand, it’s hard to make the change.

But believe it or not, there are a lot of people who are making the jump into different brands and again for a variety of reasons. So today we wanted to give our two cents on the power tool brands and what is the best brand.

So before we jump into what is the best power tool brand, I have some bad news.  There isn’t a simple answer to this question.  There isn’t one brand that suits every user.  Also, there isn’t one brand that has all the best power tools.  Each brand excels at different tools and different users. So what might be the best brand for you, might not be the best brand for the person next door.

Instead, you have to look at what will you be using these tools for?  Are you a professional or a homeowner?  Are you going to use them for general work or are you jumping into specific work like HVAC?  Are you a homeowner who just needs a drill or are you a homeowner looking to expand beyond power tools and want a battery platform that will also power radios, inflators, garage doors, and more?

Once you find out what you will be using the tools for and what type of user you are, then it becomes more clear what the best power tool brand will be to suit you and your tasks.

Levels of Power Tools

When you step back and take a look at the industry there are different levels of power tools which we will get to in a moment.  What you have to understand that the levels do overlap.  Some of the companies that are professional also make tools that are good for the homeowner.  Also, I have seen some homeowner tools on job sites.  So these levels are not set in stone and there is plenty of overlap.

Professional Power Tools

Professional power tools incorporate brands that not only have tools for these heavy-duty jobs, but they have the backing by salespeople, fasteners, and not just the tools, but solutions to help get the job done.

Hilti

When it comes to solutions, no other power tool company can compete.  You won’t find Hilti in your local box store.  Hilti has a large sales force that is designed to help the end-user.  The Hilti people don’t just sell one of the highest quality tools but they help the end-user with their jobs by supporting them with accessories, fasteners, anchors, software, and more.

Hilti is made to be used in the harshest conditions and made for extreme uses like bridges, skyscrapers, and more.  While they don’t offer a ton of tools, the tools they offer are high quality and they offer big tools like jackhammers and more and all the way down to smaller drills and impacts. Hilti also shines because their large sale force can visit job sites, get tools there the same day and provide some of the industries best support

Bosch

Bosch is a German company that prides itself on quality.  When it comes to concrete, they have a solution for the user.  Bosch doesn’t offer all the adhesive and fasteners that Hilti offers but they easily have far more tools in their line up and the tools are just as high quality as Hilti.

Bosch is also designed for big jobs like bridges and skyscrapers but they also offer tools for the professional trades that are working from the start of the project to the end of the project.  So if you need to break up concrete, frame a building, install drywall or finish the job with trim and tile, Bosch will deliver.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is the most well known for their cordless tools.  In fact, they have one of the largest lines of power tools.

Milwaukee is also one of the leading companies to come out with new innovations and they are very fast to market with this technology.

Milwaukee is also known for its large line of M12 tools.  The 12V platform is dedicated to trade specific tools that no one can compete with.  They have tools specifically for electricians, HVAC, plumbers and more.

Ever since TTI bought out Milwaukee, they have grown by leaps and bounds. I have to admit, it has been fun to see them grow over the years from a 1 or 2% market share to now seeing them on every job site.  We have used their tools for years and they perform awesomely, we love the innovation and how you can expand into so many other tools with a single battery.

When it comes to a number of tools in their line up, only one other company can compete with Milwaukee and that is Makita.

Makita

Makita also has a huge number of tools in their SKU.  Makita is a little different.  Instead of having a couple of different battery platforms like Milwaukee, Makita is trying to do it with a single battery platform so the user doesn’t have to invest in different batteries.

If Makita designs a high demand tool, that tool is designed around the 18V battery and will use two 18V batteries to give it the power and run time.  Instead of having a 12V platform, Makita is designing smaller tools called subcompact and they are used with smaller 18V batteries such as 2Ah.  So you still get the same feel as a 12V but you have more power and run time and are still able to have a single battery platform.

Makita is also a leader in innovation and they do release a lot of tools.  For us, we have used some of Makita over the years and love the brand. They have lasted under the harshes conditions.

Dewalt

Dewalt is another solid company.  When it comes to tools, they are very solid tools and we haven’t seen a ton of failure with them.  For woodworking tools, they are great for the professional contractor.  They offer a great drill/driver and impact driver along with one of the best miter saws, table saws, sanders, and other professional woodworking tools.  You will see a ton of Dewalt tools in a GC arsenal.

Ridgid

Ridgid is a line that offers the best warranty in the market. Their tools are solid and build to last.  Their line isn’t the biggest line in the industry but their quality speaks for itself.  So if you are looking to into a brand that will back you for life, Ridgid is the brand to go with.

Homeowner Power Tools

Tools for the homeowners, they don’t need the high build quality, the advance features as the professional power tools.  The homeowner needs more budget-friendly tools and tools that offer a wide range of SKU’s and the batteries can be used in other household items such as blowers, mowers, garage doors, and more.

Ryobi

Ryobi is the house brand for the Home Depot.  Ryobi is one of the most well-known power tool companies that are designed for the homeowner. There is a lot to love about this brand.  First, since it’s the house brand for The Home Depot, they are easy to get.  Just go to the store and not only can you pick them up and see how they feel but you can buy them on the spot.  Second, they have a huge line of tools.  Not just power tools but other tools for the household such as speakers, inflators and more.  Third, they offer professional features but at a homeowner price point.

We have had a lot of experience with them and they have always performed.  In fact, you will even see some professionals using these tools for small one-man outfits.

Kobalt

Kobalt is the house brand for Lowes.  When it comes to quality, I feel like they have a better quality than Ryobi for about the same price point.  The downside is that Ryobi has been in the game much longer and has a lot more tools in their line up.

I would love to see Kobalt rev up other tools in their line up and compete with Ryobi because they can give them a run for their money.  With that said, as a homeowner, you can easily get these tools and build a great collection.  They offer enough tools in their line up where you can get any home project done on this single platform.

Hart

Hart is new to the scene but they are hitting the road hard.  Hart is sold through Walmart.  In fact, TTI is the name behind Hart which is the same name behind Milwaukee tools and Ryobi tools, so you know they are good tools.

What you get with Hart is a good tool for the money.  You also get the convenience of going into any Walmart and buying it right away and not waiting for shipping.  You also get a wide range of tools.  Even though Hart is newer, they already offer a wide range of tools for the 20V platform and I don’t see them slowing down.

Skil

Skil is a name that has been around for a while and they recently were bought out by a company called Chervon.  Chervon has been making tools for some of the names above (Professional & Homeowner) and they are known for their quality.  Skil just started releasing some new tools and I am sure there are a bunch more on the horizon.

When it comes to batteries, Chervon is one of the best and I am sure that experience is being put into the Skil line of power tools.

Yes, there are a lot of other brands on the market for professionals and homeowners’ tools.  We are only covering some of the biggest and most well-known names on the market that really give the consumer a wide range of choices for their applications.

Best Power Tool Brand Wrap Up

In the end, you really have to know what you demand in a power tool and what tasks you will be performing.  Yes, I know you probably wanted a definitive answer but there isn’t a one solution fits all.  Each brand has it’s advantages and disadvantages.

Let us know your thoughts on this list and what brands you like and don’t like.  Let us know about your experiences.

The post Best Power Tool Brands appeared first on Tools In Action - Power Tool Reviews.

We’ve all done it at least once. You go to the hardware store and grab the right length fastener for the job, then get home and darn it – it’s got a different head than what you wanted! Either this or you send someone else to the hardware store and they do the same thing! Though depending on what trade you’re in (if you’re in one) driver heads might be the same in your day-to-day. For most DIY’ers, and homeowners, the standard Phillips, and slotted (AKA flathead) are pretty much standard around the house. Everything else might look a little foreign! So let’s dive in and take a look at Driver Bit Types explained.

It’s easy to forget just how many driver head types there are, especially if you’re used to only a few. But what’s important to remember is that all of these heads were developed for a specific purpose. In some cases, specific industries were targeted during development. While it would be a crazy challenge to look into all driver head types, this article will explore some of the more uncommon, yet popular driver heads that you may run into. Thankfully, our awesome friends at KC Tool were able to hook us up with Wera drivers for this informational article. KC Tool sells some of the best quality tools on the market, specifically ones made in Germany. Like Wera, a lot of German tools tend to last very long in the field and always do the job without a hitch.

But First, What’s Cam Out?

Most importantly, before we can get into driver head types, we’ll have to address the why. As defined by me, a self-proclaimed garage engineer, “Cam Out” is…

“The overexertion of torque on a given fastener head, resulting in the distortion of the driver purchase area, ultimately leading to the failure of the fastener head.”

So basically, when you use your impact on setting 3 and continue to drive when the material will not let the fastener travel any further, you’re going to have cam out. Fasteners are simply not tough enough to handle excess torque in the neck of the fastener, but usually, cam out happens far before over-torquing can cause the fastener to snap. This is precisely why fastener companies have developed heads for various applications.

Phillips vs Pozidrive

Analysis: Comparing Phillips and Pozidrive (PZ) is like comparing an off-road tire to an all-weather tire. They do the same thing, the do that thing well, but the one is designed for much more grip and purpose under lots of torque. As Phillips was developed to have more purchase on the drive than a slotted head, Pozidrive was yet another enhancement. Pozidrive was originally developed to be the new and improved Phillips. As seen, the Pozidrive head incorporates a blunt nose, with an additional blade in between four intersecting driver blades. These slots are at a 45-degree angle, allowing for an additional area of purchase for the driver.

To distinguish the two, Pozidrive will have markings on the top of the screwhead that would appear to intersect with the Phillips screwhead pattern.

Applications: In my travels, I’ve noticed that PZ is more prominent overseas than here in the US. With that being said, I’ve also (unfortunately) noticed that IKEA furniture also frequently uses this drive type. This is just due to regional differences. Without doing torque tests with various fasteners and materials, it’s difficult to make a call on how much more improved PZ is on Phillips, but based on the physical layout, if you require more torque, it’s best to play it safe and go with the Pozidrive.

Advantages/Disadvantages: The Pozidrive’s additional 45-degree blades improve on the original design by allowing the driver to stay in the fastener, rather than “jumping” out at peak torque. With this in mind, if you plan on using a Phillips for a job, but keep stripping out heads due to cam out, it’s probably best to pick up some Pozidrive fasteners.

Just make sure not to use Pozidrive bits on Phillips fasteners, as you may strip out your tool. In my experience, if I don’t have a PZ tool on me and encounter a PZ fastener, a Phillips will get me through, assuming there isn’t excessive torque backing it out.

Square (Robertson) vs Slotted

Analysis: You may wonder why we’re comparing the two, but in essence, the slotted drive is just an elongated Robertson drive. Just like a square and rectangle are similar, but not the same, so are these two drives. Essentially, these drives also have equally similar applications, which is surprising. The slotted is one of the oldest types of fastener heads in the world. Applications range, now, mostly range from electrical, to woodworking, and general assembly in mass-produced items. And since the slotted drive was popular regardless of trade “back in the day” it’s not uncommon to see on many antiques. On the other hand, the Robertson is seen mostly in the electrical trade, woodworking, and construction applications. The Robertson is actually quite old, being patented in the 1870’s, so just as the slotted drive, it’s been around the block a few times!

Applications: As stated above, these are both found mostly in electrical, woodworking, and general item assembly (aka mass-produced furniture etc..). But more specifically, look for the slotted to be in a lot of older furniture, traditional woodworking, and old school DIY projects. For modern slotted applications, small electronic screw terminals, and other around the house electric fixtures may utilize this style. In terms of the Robertson, I would look to see this style on many modern industrial electronic controllers, junction boxes, and electrical enclosures. The Robertson is still present in the woodworking circle as well, just as in the past. Many popular deck screws utilize this drive style, as well as other more traditional woodworking fasteners.

Advantages/Disadvantages: The obvious disadvantage of the slotted drive is it’s obvious vulnerability to cam-out. I believe I can speak for all TIA readers that every one of us has stripped out the head of a slotted screw. However, it’s important to remember that slotted screws are designed for low torque applications! This is why we see them in traditional woodworking, electrical, and antiques. The clear advantage is that they’re cheap and easy to manufacture. Most importantly, used to secure things that need to be snugged. Again, the Robertson is much the same – but an improved version of the slotted. It’s obvious that the Robertson cams out even easier than the slotted drive due to its completely square nature. The geometry is prone to rounding completely out. Thus, we have low torque applications. But, there is a major positive – ease of use.

Unlike the slotted, the Robertson has a better tendency to “hold” the bit in the fastener. The slotted is quite shallow, and the drive can often slip out before even fastening. For the Robertson, the well of the fastener is deep and increases the likelihood that your driver will stay in place!

Torx vs TorxPlus

Analysis: Though they may look the same from a distance, the TorxPlus lives up to it’s name as a more improved version of the Torx. More robust, and less vulnerable to stripping your driver, or fastener out, the TorxPlus is a leader in many applications. The Torx however, is still a popular choice seen across the board. When considering a myriad of high torque projects, considering either Torx fastener is an improvement over Slotted, Robertson, Phillips, Pozidrive, and Hex.

Applications: Both are made for high torque applications, such as industrial/mechanical equipment, construction, and auto. Often times, I find that these are also used on many large motors, and some sizable electronics as well. As many tool enthusiasts may notice, these fasteners are also widely seen in the tool industry. These fasteners are what hold the tool shell together, as well as under the hood. This is an obvious choice for toolmakers not only because of the reliability, but also to reduce cam-out if warranty repairs must be made by the manufacturer. All in all, unless the application needs a nut and bolt, the Torx, and TorxPlus far exceed other fasteners!

Advantages/Disadvantages: Though both driver head types are more than suitable for high torque applications, the TorxPlus is the better choice in the Torx vs Torx matchup. The TorxPlus simply has more surface contact with the fastener via the wider spokes and blunt tip. The blunt tip, similar to Pozidrive, eliminates slippage of the tool since there is no angle present. The traditional Torx, on the other hand, has a slight angle, and a slimmer spoke design. Granted, the design of the Torx in general aims to minimize cam-out, and eliminate damaging your driver, so either fastener head is more than enough for most applications.

Some manufacturers, such as Wera, take the initiative to include the hex shaped shaft, and integral nut in order to use a wrench.

Where most other fasteners couldn’t normally handle this much torque, it’s not completely uncommon to see some Torx and TorxPlus screwdrivers with this mechanism. It makes it easy to apply more torque via a traditional wrench, maximizing your efficiency through mechanical advantage!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this sheds some light on an often neglected topic in tools/fasteners. There is obviously a ton more to explain on each one of these from a force dynamics/physics standpoint, as you can imagine. Deciding what type of drive head is only one piece of the puzzle in fully engineering a design. Other factors such as fastener material, length, and thread diameter can also be considered in executing your final product. Next time you build something, take a few moments to think about fasteners. Albeit overlooked, it might just make your design that much better!

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In our latest addition to our informational series, we are going to take a dive into a pretty scary topic. Now, we’ve featured a lot more content on things like What Your Tools are Made Of, or The Difference Between Brushed and Brushless Motors and many more. For those not in the know though, electricity is basically a foreign concept. Today we are going to take a deeper look at just how a commonly used tool works in How Does An Inverter Work?

How Does An Inverter Work? -Overview

Contrary to popular opinion, electricity is not voodoo witchcraft gypsy magic. In fact, it’s a fascinating mix of mathematics and design engineering that can often time be easily understood. Now, simply understanding how a given circuit works can be much different than designing one. But for our purposes, knowing how something works is valuable. We plan to inform and educate more on how the things we use in the trades and at home actually work. This can make a purchase decision on a tool much easier by knowing what to look for in terms of quality and features. And it’s especially helpful when troubleshooting, and possibly fixing a tool on your own.

Rambling aside, and back to electricity! We recently reviewed the EGO Nexus Escape 150W Power Inverter. The EGO Nexus Escape is a beastly compliment to the 56V outdoor power equipment battery. It takes a robust 56V battery system and turns it into a 100% mobile power source.

The Nexus Escape can power a myriad of devices depending on what you need to do – but how? Again, this isn’t magic! So how the heck can you take a 56V DC battery (or any voltage for that matter) and turn it into 120V AC?

How Does An Inverter Work? – AC vs DC

Most importantly, not all inverters are created equal. There are many ways to create an inverter circuit, and depending on the DC voltage, the components could vary greatly. But for the purpose of this article, we’ll look at a simple circuit, how it operates, and what role the various components play in making your DC inverter power things that require 120vac.

It all starts with AC and DC! P.S, not the classic rock band! On an oscilloscope, a device that displays electronic waveforms, the sinusoidal (sine) waveform is quite different. Direct current (DC) is just that, a direct wave of current. Alternating current (AC) is more of a wavy line and varies over time. If we want to power things built to plug into a wall, we’ll have to convert that DC to AC, so how does that work?

How Does An Inverter Work? – Circuit and Components

Before the capacitors get the electricity, we need to make sure the capacitors don’t get an overload of electricity. The reason behind this is that capacitors themselves can only take so much of a storage charge, as you’ll see. If this isn’t limited, they will blow up, with a pretty loud “pop.” That’s where the resistor comes into play.

How Does An Inverter Work? – Resistors

It’s all in the name! Resistors do just that – resist electricity. So right after our DC current comes in, the resistors are set to take the voltage down to a manageable amount for the rest of our circuit.

To recap, our DC has now entered the circuit and been regulated by resistors. The direct electric current now needs to be filtered. We need to go from a very strong and direct current to a varying, flowing AC current. Think of this as a river. If the river has no large rocks or obstacles for the current, it’s strong and direct. So, we need to filter out some of that extra “noise.” That’s where capacitors come in.

How Does An Inverter Work? – Capacitors

Capacitors are small components that take electricity, store it, and release it gradually. This will allow the current to vary, as the capacitors hold on to it, so to speak. The output of this is the creation of an alternating sine wave! So at this point, we’ve changed the electronic wave form, while protecting the capacitors from overloading, by way of resistors – make sense?

Next, we need to make sure that we get the right voltage out of our circuit to do this, we’ll need transistors, and transformers.

How Does An Inverter Work? – Transistors/MOSFETS

Transistors, or in this case, MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) are valuable electrical components with the purpose of taking a voltage, and switching it to another voltage; either higher or lower. In fact, there are many types of traditional transistors and MOSFETs to serve different purposes in circuits. The operation happening inside the MOSFET is a fairly complex process that involves several steps to switch power. For an inverter, the MOSFET will often need an integrated circuit, or driver to provide the switching logic that will ultimately drive voltage, and tell the MOSFET how much current to provide. This is more of an aid to get the job done. The IC is typically located before the MOSFETs but after resistors and capacitors. Once the MOSFETs (transistors) have driven the voltage and current, the last step is the transformation or supply of an even higher voltage to the outlet.

How Does An Inverter Work? – The Last Step: Transformers

Transformers specifically, in this case, step up transformers, make your AC voltage from the MOSFETs higher via electromagnetic induction. This is what ultimately is fed into your device. This is done by copper windings around a laminated iron or steel core. The electricity around the windings being fed from the MOSFETs into the primary current is tight windings with lots of travel. They intersect into the secondary current of the transformer with larger windings and less travel, creating a stronger and more powerful current. And viola’ we’ve got your fully baked DC to AC voltage, complete with a step up in power.

How Does An Inverter Work? – Conclusion

Overall, it’s not such a painful thing to understand! Disproving the often branded accusation of electricity being voodoo magic. Quite honestly, the electronics that go into our modern power tools are made up of all of the same components, with a few more, and perform pretty basic operations when it comes down to it. So in the future, if your power tools stop working all of the sudden, it’s worth a bit of your time to investigate, and possibly diagnose!

This Inverter is available at The Home Depot for $99.00. Thank you as always, to EGO for providing the inverter for this article and for their continued support of Tools In Action!

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In the world of woodworking, and all things sharp, few things are as important as your cutting tools. With the advent of a lot more automation, such as routers and planers some of the more traditional methods of subsided, and so have the tools. However unfortunate, there is still a vast population of woodworkers that choose to wield chisels, hand planes, spokeshaves, and drawn knives. It’s refreshing to know, especially since I’m one of them! But with that choice comes a frequent, and sometimes difficult task – sharpening. In today’s article all about tool information, we take a deeper look at How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp – Overview 

There are many products on the market nowadays that can sharpen your knives and machetes, but unfortunately, those just won’t do the job when it comes to your fine-cutting instruments. Hand sharpening, the most effective type of sharpening, is any more a lost art. Freehand sharpening woodworking tools can also be intimidating, but it’s not all that difficult!

Below we’ll outline how to take care of two very prominent woodworking hand tools, the chisel, and plane iron. Also, we’ll take you through general knife sharpening methods using the Trend Essential Sharpening Kit. Trend has been on the cutting edge (no pun intended) with sharpening tools specifically for the professional woodworking industry. Eric took a look at the Trend Airshield Pro a while back, and their innovations don’t stop there. They also have a wide variety of things like power tools, blades, and router bits! Thanks again to our friends at Trend for providing their acclaimed Essential Sharpening Kit!

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp – The Chisel and Plane Iron

The most important part to remember when Sharpening an iron or chisel is that you’re dealing with very hard steel. Typically, these will be made of high carbon steel but hardened at the cutting edge for a more reliable and long-lasting cutting edge.

With that being said, if I have just come off of some hard use with the tool, I’ll begin by taking it to a rougher grit stone. This will allow me to work out any extreme dullness, or minor chips in the chisel blade. With the Trend Essential Sharpening Kit, the stone I have on hand is a high-quality diamond stone. This double-sided stone features a coarse 300 grit side, a and a fine 1000 grit side.

First, apply a liberal amount of lapping fluid to the stone, specifically I’m using the Trend Diamond Abrasive Lapping fluid. This will assist in lubricating the stone while reducing the risk of rusting the stone like most water-based fluids often do. Trend advises not to use water on the stone as a lubricant just for this reason. Personally, I prefer actually lapping fluids like Trend’s as well, due to the increased viscosity.

After lubricating, place the back of the blade (opposite of bevel side) level on the stone. Slowly work the stone back and forth in order to even out, and in some cases, repair the back edge of the bevel. After the coarse grit side is complete, move to the fine edge for finishing the back of the chisel.

Next, we’ll take care of the cutting edge. As you place the beveled edge on the stone, try to tip the tool back and forth. This will assist in finding the angle in which the tool must be held to achieve a fine edge. Once the angle is established a few “back and forth” passes can be taken to get the hang of keeping the angle while moving the tool. After this, you are fully able to begin the figure 8 pattern that will ultimately sharpen the cutting edge on a chisel.

For a plane iron, simply continue the back and forth method, keeping both hands on the iron. As shown, this may be difficult on small irons. It’s important to have a secure and steady path in order to keep the beveled edge level. After spending a few minutes on the 300 grit side, simply flip to the 1000 grit side and repeat the back side, and cutting edge. Spend a bit more time on the fine side in order to hone the edge to maximum sharpness.

After use, be sure to clean the stone properly, removing all abrasive lubricant. Trend includes a cleaning block that will remove all excess lapping fluid and small debris from the blade. It’s also advised to store the stone in the included case to minimize the risk of any rust or damage.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp – Stropping and Finishing

In order to remove any microscopic burrs that might reside on either side of the cutting edge, a leather strop can be used. This leather strop, also included in the kit has a rough side and a smooth side. Apply stropping compound to the leather to prepare for finishing. Make sure to place the strop on a hard surface to ensure that you’re getting appropriate pressure when stropping.

There are two ways to apply stropping compound, either dry or with heat. In order for the compound to really get into the grain, I use heat. You won’t need much, but make sure there is enough to cover your working area. If the compound flakes off easily, you’ve either applied too much, or it is not working into the grain.

Once it is applied, simply pull the blade away in a swift motion, while alternating directions in order to smooth out the edge. Start with the rough side of the leather first, and finish on the smooth side.

Lastly, if you are desiring an ultra sharp edge, with a shiny aesthetic look, Trend has included the Mirror Paste. Apply just a bit to the strop, and polish the edges of the blade. This will leave you with a razor-sharp, and “mirror” edge.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp – Pocket Knives

For general use, all trades rely on the pocket knife. Since it appears in most everyone’s  “every day carry”, these tools do tend to dull rather quickly no matter what the steel type. When using the Essential Sharpening Kit, for softer steels, I would often start off on the fine stone unless some serious repair was needed. I used a Southwire EDGEFORCE Knife here, which we went into detail on in the review, and in Pocket Knife 101. 

For harder steels, I would resort directly to the 300 grit coarse side, just to establish a good starting edge. Hand sharpening a pocket knife is a bit harder than a chisel or plane iron, as the angle is not as easily identified. Only with practice can one truly get the hang of finding and executing a proper angle of between 21-25 degrees.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp

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As far as the method goes, I personally favor the swiping method. Start with the full blade on the stone, and swipe towards the end, gradually removing the blade from the stone. On the back pass, perform the same motion, but toward yourself. Be swift, use minimal pressure, and always keep safety in mind.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp

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In terms of finishing, the same methods can be used as shown above. Pocket knives may be a bit easier to sharpen in terms of time, due to softer steels that are used, in comparison to chisels and plane irons.

How to Keep Cutting Tools Razor Sharp – Final Thoughts

To recap, even though there are several factors that go into making a cutting-edge razor sharp, it’s quite simple! There is definitely a learning curve, but one that can be overcome with practice. Learning just the right angle, or just the right speed can ease the process more than one could imagine. In addition to being effective, hand sharpening is a fun skill to learn and master.

Using the Trend Essential Sharpening Kit certainly makes learning and mastering easy as well. With the kit, included are various learning and instructional materials that provide in-depth insight into perfecting your cutting provisions. A huge thank you again to our good friends at Trend for providing the Essential Sharpening Kit, available through various retailers and on Amazon.

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In recent months we’ve explored a lot of key topics in our informational articles. Our goal has been to explore common questions relating to tools, such as What Your Tools Are Made Of, or What is the Difference Between a Brushed or a Brushless Motor.  If you’ve ever been in a position to learn how to work with electricity, you quickly realize how valuable that knowledge can be. There are a plethora of tools that electricians rely on daily to help them maximize efficiency, one of which is a Multimeter. These useful tools hold a wealth of information, from diagnostics to other readings. Today, we step into a deeper look into the common tool that professionals rely on, and how homeowners can use this tool for a variety of uses. Get all the basics on this handy tool in How To Use a Multimeter.

How To Use A Multimeter – Introduction

It’s no secret that being handy around the house is a valuable trait. Even at the most basic level, being keen with a hammer, measuring tape, drill, and occasional saw can be of great value as a homeowner. One thing, however deserving enough, that tends to keep even the most advanced DIY’ers at bay – electricity. The fact is, electricity is pretty scary stuff, in some cases even in your home, deadly.

Troubleshooting electricity with a multimeter comes in many forms as a homeowner. Maybe you want to see how much “juice” is left in an old car battery that’s been sitting in the garage. Or, you’d like to test the continuity of an extension cord before attempting to use it. The fact is, there are many occasions where using a multimeter can save you time, and maybe even money. With that being said, being able to troubleshoot a problem or gain information, is much different than making improvements or changes to the circuit you’re working with. Sometimes there is no replacement for a professional electrician.

Luckily, with some help from our friends at Southwire, who have provided the 13070T, we can show you some of the basics associated with multimeter use. Always reference the manufacturer’s guide for proper operating procedures with any tool before use.

How To Use A Multimeter – Anatomy

Display: The obvious would suggest your display is just that, a display! But it’s important to keep an eye on this when taking readings, not just as soon as your leads provide a value. You may get erroneous values if you do not have your leads properly touching what you’re testing. A good rule of thumb is to always take a few readings to ensure that your numbers are true.

Mode Selector: A Mode Selector is sometimes a switch, but almost always a dial like this model. This selector allows you to choose what function or mode you’d like to test in. As you’ll see below, this will outline a few basic readings, but there are plenty more on multimeters. Some of these, you may use very seldom or never due to their advanced or minimal applicability.

Leads: This is where the magic happens! Your leads may be simple probes or gator grips, but either way, this is where your readings come from. Leads are detachable red (positive), and black (negative) wires, rated up to a certain voltage threshold that are the conduit between your test circuit and your meter.

Other Buttons: Like many other meters, there are various other buttons that you’ll encounter. A very popular dial setting, or button that you may see is voltage range (if the meter is not auto-ranging). This basically sets the parameters of voltage in which you’ll be testing, a minimum, and maximum. Some other popular misc buttons are “Mode” (for DC/AC switching), and if applicable, the LED.

How To Use A Multimeter – Measuring AC and DC Voltage

Use Case: Testing batteries, validating voltage on a wall outlet.

How To: For identifying voltage, ensure the selector is switched to the appropriate mode. Direct Current for (batteries, capacitors, etc), or Alternating Current (outlet power, power supply) with the “V” mode having a specified voltage range.

First, find the correct mode selection. For small batteries, “<20v” could be used as your range and may appear this way on your selector. Once the mode is selected, connect your leads respectively (+/-), and take note of the reading on the meter.

AC or Alternating current is represented by what is best described as a “squiggle” on the display.

For DC, you’ll find two parallel lines, with the solid line running above a dashed line.

How To Use A Multimeter – Testing Continuity

Use Case: Testing power cord functionality, Testing solder integrity

How To: First, select the option on your meter that resembles what is pictured above. Once in this mode, you can identify a break in the unpowered circuit by attaching one lead to each end. Typically, if there is a success in continuity, the meter will have an audible or visual alert stating such.

How To Use A Multimeter – Testing Resistance

Use Case: Testing home and auto fuses, or electronic resistors.

How To: Much like continuity, find the above mode, and connect your leads to opposite ends of the resistor (in this case, a pencil) or fuse.

For fuses, a good fuse will always show a lower than 100% resistance value, whereas a blown fuse will show 100% resistance. For resistors, the resistance value should match, or be close to what you’re measuring for small electronics.

How To Use A Multimeter – Final Thoughts

Although it’s very simple, knowing how to use a multimeter at a basic level is a valuable skill to have. Various appliances and random electronics can use a quick troubleshooting to save frustration down the road with a very useful, and simple tool that looks much more intimidating than it really is. Of course, since you are dealing with electricity, be sure to follow all safety best practices, and stay within the limitations of your multimeter and leads.

Thank you again to Southwire for providing one of their Multimeter’s to be used for this article. Southwire has an extensive range of tools based on providing quality and value for the professional electrician and beyond. This Model, the 13070T can be purchased from Amazon for about $70.00. 

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