Smart buys, value picks and money-saving guides for power tool shoppers
Replacement batteries are the quiet cost of owning cordless tools. The drill may have cost $100, but two replacement packs several years later can cost nearly as much as the original kit. A sensible...
Tool deals often look simple: buy the battery platform you already own, or choose a cheaper universal accessory. The better choice depends on what the accessory must do, how often you will use it,...
Workshop tools get expensive quickly, but the cheapest tool on the shelf is not always the best bargain. A low price can mean soft metal, poor tolerances, weak batteries, or a design that makes...
A coupon can look better than a seasonal bundle because its discount is printed in large type. But the bundle may include batteries, accessories or a second tool you would otherwise buy later. To...
Tool-store memberships can save regular buyers money, but the advertised reward rate is only one part of the calculation. A program that returns 5% in points may be worse than a free program with...
Start With the Job, Not the Brand The best new-versus-used decision starts with the work you actually do. A homeowner who drills a few holes each year does not need the same tool as...
Buying tools for a rental property is different from outfitting a personal workshop. The goal is not to own the best version of everything. You need dependable tools that survive occasional abuse, solve common...
Comparing professional-grade tools with budget models is less about finding the toughest tool and more about matching its cost and working life to the job. A contractor may run a drill for hours every...
How to Decide Whether a Battery Upgrade Is Worth the Added Cost A larger tool battery can make a real difference, but it is not automatically a better buy. The right choice depends on...
A useful car-maintenance kit does not need to fill a garage or cost several hundred dollars. For basic jobs—changing oil, replacing a battery, tightening loose fasteners, checking tire pressure, and handling minor roadside problems—a...
