Whether you're renovating an old building, repairing a damaged sidewalk, waterproofing a basement, or doing any of a thousand other jobs, demolition work is often the first step... read more

Whether you're renovating an old building, repairing a damaged sidewalk, waterproofing a basement, or doing any of a thousand other jobs, demolition work is often the first step in a construction project. The DeWalt D25940K demolition hammer is designed to handle a wide variety of demolition jobs efficiently. Powered by a 15 amp DeWalt-built motor, the hammer delivers 22 foot-pounds of impact energy at 1,620 bpm for fast material destruction, yet it's also surprisingly easy to operate. The unit weighs just 26.4 pounds and features an antivibration system that makes it easier to control and less strenuous than many comparable models. Insulated, soft-grip handles provide comfort, added control, and protection from potential shock when working in areas where hidden wires might exist. A one-step chisel rotation feature lets you align the chisel with the angle of the work surface for even more efficient work. --Carl Thress (hide)

All circular saws are not equal. This one would sit above the rest even if all that set it apart was its blade-change system. No more wrestling with... read more

All circular saws are not equal. This one would sit above the rest even if all that set it apart was its blade-change system. No more wrestling with wrenches—-say hello to Porter-Cable's Quik-Change keyless, tool-free blade change setup. It's ingenious in its ease and simplicity. But the good news doesn't stop there. It's aggressive and powerful, cutting cleanly through whatever you feed it. Some really nice features distinguish it, too, like the on-board cord clip that keeps the power cord clear of your cutting line. And the built-in dust port that rotates 205 degrees for efficient dust collection with a 1-inch outlet. Even the handle gets a nod from us, with its soft, comfortable grip. Miter capacity is a versatile 0-50 degrees, and of course, there's a super-accurate positive stop at 45 degrees. Whether you're a dedicated home do-it-yourselfer or a professional, you can't go wrong with this saw.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

Throw out your chalk lines and trash your plumb bobs—-Crossfire is all you'll need. Just place it where you need it and the Crossfire levels itself for accurate... read more

Throw out your chalk lines and trash your plumb bobs—-Crossfire is all you'll need. Just place it where you need it and the Crossfire levels itself for accurate straight, level lines every time. It's spendier than Black & Decker's Sight-Line model, but you do get more for your money, and its "cool factor" is high. First, it levels itself automatically, eliminating the need to squint at bubble vials and ensuring accuracy, something we've never been fond of. But what distinguishes this laser is that it projects two lines at once—-one vertical, one horizontal—-and the position of each can be adjusted individually. So if you need a square work area, the smooth rack-and-pinion mechanism will let you create it easily. We think this is the perfect tool for laying floor tiles or hanging a suspended ceiling. Once you've got your hands on it, you'll find dozens of uses around the house.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

The Stanley Powerlock 25-Foot by 1-Inch Measuring Tape is a classic, and for good reason. Designed for professionals and weekend warriors alike, this top-notch product offers maximum usability... read more

The Stanley Powerlock 25-Foot by 1-Inch Measuring Tape is a classic, and for good reason. Designed for professionals and weekend warriors alike, this top-notch product offers maximum usability in all types of measuring situations. Equipped with a range of useful goodies, the highly-portable tape will meet just about anyone's needs. Standard features include a lockable blade for precise measurements and minimal slippage, a belt hook for easy access, a 1-inch wide blade for easy reading, and 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings. Plus, Stanley has added a heat-treated spring to increase the tape's lifespan.

Two unique features make this tape a standout. First, the blade is coated with mylar to help it stand up to abrasion associated with repeated use. Second, the patented Tru-Zero hook doubles as a pivot for drawing circles and arcs, and it automatically adjusts to handle inside or outside measurements. What this means is that the hook on the end has a small amount of play that is equivalent to the thickness of the hook blade. This is so that when you measure with the hook inside a stop (like a window jam), the front end of the hook is the zero point. When you hook it over the edge of a board, the zero point becomes the back of the hook.

Stanley does make a host of other measuring tools that may be worth checking out. At such a great price, most users can't go wrong with this one.

What's in the Box
25-foot by 1-inch measuring tape

The Stanley Story
The Stanley Works, originally a bolt and door hardware manufacturing company located in New Britain, Connecticut; was founded in 1843 by Frederick T. Stanley. A few years later, in 1857, Frederick's cousin, Henry Stanley, founded The Stanley Rule and Level Company. In 1920, The Rule and Level Company merged with The Stanley Works and would go on to become it's famous Hand Tools Division. Over the years, The Stanley Works has produced some of the most innovative and useful tools ever made. Among these tools are the Bailey Plane, the Surform shaper, the PowerLock tape rule and most recently the FatMax line of products. Today, more than ever, Stanley continues to be an industry leader in tool innovation. In 2001, Stanley introduced more than 100 new products, bringing to 400 the number of new products introduced in the past four years. As a direct result of Stanley's commitment to excellence, Stanley was awarded the Prestigious Golden Hammer Award, presented for New Product Innovation in both 2000 and 2001. (hide)

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that... read more

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that grips beefy bits, an 18-position adjustable clutch, and a high-performance motor for the torque you need, packaged in a truly lightweight, comfortable drill. The variable speed has a high and low range for any application, and the reverse switch is right above the curved trigger for easy access. The included charger juices up a spent battery in an hour. We especially like the light weight, even more so because it doesn't cost in the power department. Lots of pluses: on-board bit storage, two batteries, hard case. We think contractors will be pleased with this drill, especially after a long day.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

For the tool hound, this is nothing short of happiness in a big box. The pair of 18-volt lithium-ion batteries power each of these gorgeous tools: hammer drill/driver,... read more

For the tool hound, this is nothing short of happiness in a big box. The pair of 18-volt lithium-ion batteries power each of these gorgeous tools: hammer drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, recip saw, and angle grinder/cutoff saw, as well as an impressive work light.

The 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver puts 560 inch-pounds of torque in your hands, but it's incredibly lightweight and compact. It's got three speeds for great efficiency no matter what you're drilling or driving into, and we like the one-touch switch to move from hammer drill to driver mode as well as the LED to illuminate what you're doing.

The impact driver, weighing in at a mere 3.3 pounds, delivers an unbelievable 1,280 inch-pounds of efficient torque, and the circular saw has a high-torque motor for surprising power. Capacity's good, too, cutting 2-by stock at 45 degrees. Two built-in LEDs light your work target, and we particularly liked the integrated blower that keeps your line of sight and your stock clean.

We like this recip saw for its compact size, 2,900 strokes per minute and its one-handed blade changes and shoe adjustments. Like most of the other tools in this combo kit, it has LEDs for a clear view of your workpiece. The flashlight will come in handy in so many ways because it's so flexible, with four positions for just about any angle. The charger will juice up a spent battery in just about 45 minutes, and everything fits neatly into the cool Makita cargo bag. The price might be a little intimidating, but this is a great collection of tools that, bought individually, would cost a whole lot more. Definitely worth the investment. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
BHP451 hammer drill/driver, BTD140 impact driver, BSS610 circular saw, BJR181 reciprocating saw, BGA452 grinder/cutoff tool, BML185 worklight, 2 batteries, 45-minute charger, and cargo carrying bag (hide)

Hands down, we love this saw. It's packing as much power as its corded colleagues—-maybe more—-but with the awesome convenience of a cordless. It sacrifices nothing in the... read more

Hands down, we love this saw. It's packing as much power as its corded colleagues—-maybe more—-but with the awesome convenience of a cordless. It sacrifices nothing in the way of strength or guts with its 1-inch stroke length and 2,900 strokes per minute. It's relatively lightweight for its power, but the battery does add some heft to it, and that's really the only less-than-perfect feature about it. The keyless blade clamp system lets you change out a blade without even touching the used blade or reciprocating shaft. We like that the open-topped shoe will pivot, so your visibility is never impaired. The trigger is encased in the same hand-friendly compound that wraps the handle grip as well as the front boot grip, and it's total comfort in your hand. We always like a trigger lock for reduced hand fatigue, too, and this one's got it all. Another great feature is that the blade reverses when you're faced with flush or plunge cuts. For speed, power, quality and cordless convenience, we give this saw two thumbs up.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

Cordless screwdrivers are nothing new, but this model from DeWalt puts a heavy-duty twist on the idea, and professionals are sure to appreciate it. DeWalt's 7.2-volt has the... read more

Cordless screwdrivers are nothing new, but this model from DeWalt puts a heavy-duty twist on the idea, and professionals are sure to appreciate it. DeWalt's 7.2-volt has the most powerful battery pack of any cordless screwdriver on the market, without sacrificing compact design. This screwdriver gets into all the tight spots cordless drills can't, and unlike other cordless screwdrivers, it won't leave you wishing for more power once there. Its 80 inch-pounds of torque is beyond even the toughest competing model, and with 16 clutch settings, it's easy to avoid stripping out screws. We also like this tool's quick-change keyless chuck and the extra maneuverability provided by the two-position handle. This is a generous kit, including the driver, a charger, two batteries, two bits, and a tough case. It may not be a revolution, but it does seem to be the first serious cordless screwdriver designed with professionals in mind. --Brian Trinen (hide)

A staple in the professional woodshop, a drill press should be able to perform grunt work, yet quickly adjust for precision applications. Jet's 16-1/2-inch model does just that.... read more

A staple in the professional woodshop, a drill press should be able to perform grunt work, yet quickly adjust for precision applications. Jet's 16-1/2-inch model does just that. Made of cast-iron and heavy-gauge steel components, this press spins bits up to 5/8 of an inch with 16 speeds from 200 to 3,630 rpm. A 3/4-horsepower induction motor drives the belts, and, for your convenience, it can run off either 115-volt outlets (for which it comes prewired) or 230-volt sources. The large 13-3/4-inch worktable glides easily with rack-and-pinion adjustment and tilts 45 degrees right or left to accommodate your needs. Two features we like are the positive depth stop on the left side, which quickly adjusts and locks in place via three nuts, and the built-in lamp, a nice touch some competitors don't offer. Changing belt position is a snap after flipping open the hinged metal cover, and, to personalize the press for your comfort and peace of mind, you can adjust the tension on the spindle return spring, as well as lock out the start button to protect others in your absence. This industrial-style drill press is a tool any professional or serious home woodworker can depend on. --Justin Paul (hide)

18V, 15 Gauge, 34 Degree Angle Finish Nailer, 1-1/4" To 2-1/2" Capacity, Engine Design Allows Consistent Nail Penetration Into Both Soft & Hard Joints, Sequential Operating Mode Allows... read more

18V, 15 Gauge, 34 Degree Angle Finish Nailer, 1-1/4" To 2-1/2" Capacity, Engine Design Allows Consistent Nail Penetration Into Both Soft & Hard Joints, Sequential Operating Mode Allows For Precision Placement, Bump Operating Mode Provides The User With Production Speed, 6 Position Dial Allows The User To Move Between Applications, Easy Access To The Nosepiece For The Removal Of Jammed Nails, Integrated LED Lights, Rear Load Magazine Offers Loading Styles, Top Cap Is Impact Resistant & Easy To Remove For Troubleshooting, Reversible Belt Hook Provides Increased Portability & Versatility On The Job Site, Increased Visibility & Durability. (hide)

We think this benchtop is actually a cabinet saw in a compact, totally portable disguise. Its looks are completely deceiving, because it handles any job a big saw... read more

We think this benchtop is actually a cabinet saw in a compact, totally portable disguise. Its looks are completely deceiving, because it handles any job a big saw can, yet it's compact for the home workshop and super convenient to take to a job site.

First, it's got the largest table surface in the worksite class, but lift the lock handle and open out the built-in extension rails and, believe it or not, you're running sheet goods with a 25-inch rip capacity. The table surface is smooth as glass, and with a coat of wax on it, it's superb. The extension rails ride effortlessly and lock securely, and the extension doesn't give even under a full sheet of 3/4-ply. Bosch sells auxiliary left-side and rear supports for unbeatable capacity and stability.

The fence, not even considering that it's on a benchtop, is awesome. It locks front and back, slides like a dream, detaches and seats without any struggle, stores neatly right on board, and the viewer has a great magnifying lens (though none of us will admit we need it yet) for ultra-accurate fence settings. Out of the box, our fence was totally true and perpendicular to the blade. We like the substantial height of it, and it will easily accommodate any type of auxiliary fence you might want to put on it. The miter gauge is sturdier than what we usually see on a benchtop, and it's longer, too, for a little more room at the infeed and more stability, too. Positive stops were right on when we checked ours out of the box, but of course, you'll want to check yours anyway. And like the fence, the miter gauge stores neatly right on the saw base.

Startup is jar-free, and it's surprisingly quiet for a 15-amp saw, even under a full load. We didn't experience any bogging down at all in our trials, and Bosch says that's due to what they call Constant Response Circuitry. We're just toolhounds here, not rocket scientists, but it has something to do with monitoring the torque demand on the machine and instantly adjusting to deliver enough power for a totally consistent speed. It's direct drive, of course, yet we felt no-—and we mean zero—-vibration. Now, that could be because it's heavier than you'd expect a worksite saw to be, but because of the wheeled stand, that's definitely not a detractor.

Once the saw is mounted to this ingenious stand (and that's not a taxing task), it only takes seconds to set up or break down with practically no effort. It actually uses the saw's weight to raise and lower it, and it's perfectly balanced and provides an ergonomically comfortable work height. Big, beefy, treaded pneumatic tires roll beautifully over even the most rugged jobsite surfaces.

Bosch probably intended this as a worksite saw, but we think it's ideal too for the home woodworker and do-it-yourselfer, especially one who's tight on space. The stand lets you fold it up and roll it out of the way when your work is done. Absolutely can't go wrong with this one.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

The Stanley 20-Ounce AntiVibe Rip Claw Hammer features a one-piece double-forged steel head and handle for superior swing and greater durability. Its patented tuning fork design reduces harmful... read more

The Stanley 20-Ounce AntiVibe Rip Claw Hammer features a one-piece double-forged steel head and handle for superior swing and greater durability. Its patented tuning fork design reduces harmful vibrations three-times more than conventional one-piece forged steel hammers. The unique grip design is great for both framers and nail hammers.

Made with the professional and serious DIYer in mind. View the detail. You can also learn more about AntiVibe technology.

Its patented ergonomic handle with a rubber grip molded directly onto shaft is designed for multiple grip positions and is specially textured for improved performance even when wet. The grip is flared at the end to help prevent the hammer from slipping. The hammer comes with a manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.

About Stanley AntiVibe Hammers
Stanley AntiVibe hammers are made with the professional and serious DIYer in mind. Made of one-piece double forged steel head and handle for swing and durability, the hammers feature a patented tuning fork design that helps reduce harmful vibrations. The ergonomically designed handles, with the rubber grip molded directly onto the shaft, allow for multiple grip positions. The handles also have a specially textured grip for improved performance in wet conditions and an enlarged handle design that helps reduce gripping fatigue. A specially designed head shape provides for better balance and a larger "sweet spot."
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This electronic stud and metal finder locates wood and metal studs and joists up to 1-1/2-inch deep beneath the surface of walls, ceilings, and floors, in one simple... read more

This electronic stud and metal finder locates wood and metal studs and joists up to 1-1/2-inch deep beneath the surface of walls, ceilings, and floors, in one simple step. An integrated erasable marker makes it easy to mark the spot for anchoring without removing the tool from the wall. 9 light LED display indicates stud edges, center, and deep targets. AC Wirewarning automatically detects hot AC wiring up to 3 inches deep. The signal strength indicator distinguishes between deep and shallow targets It automatically recalibrates continuously to ensure proper operation even if scanning begins over a stud. (hide)

From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes this complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, and working people of... read more

From the renowned company that created the Swiss Army knife a century ago comes this complete set of tools for campers, hikers, hunters, fishers, and working people of all trades--all neatly contained in a single implement that measures just 3-1/2 inches long. Sheathed in the famous Swiss Army red plastic, the Swiss Champ pocket knife is a toolbox small enough to fit into a pocket. (It also comes with a key ring.) A valued companion, this pocket knife contains 32 stainless-steel tools and carries a lifetime warranty against defects. The tools include a large knife blade, small knife blade, can opener, bottle opener, small screwdriver, large screwdriver, fine screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, mini screwdriver, corkscrew, wire stripper, reamer, sewing eye, punch, tweezers, plastic toothpick, scissors, hook, wood saw, fish scaler, fish hook disgorger, ruler, nail file, nail cleaner, metal file, metal saw, chisel, pliers, wire cutter, magnifying glass, ballpoint pen, and pi