TOOLS ARE IMPORTANT. WE NEED THEM TO WORK ON OUR HOUSES, FIX OUR CARS, AND WHIP OUR YARDS INTO SHAPE. BUT THERE'S ANOTHER ASPECT TO TOOLS: WE LIKE USING THEM. EXPERIENCING THE POWER TO WORK FASTER, MORE EASILY, OR WITH GREATER ACCURACY IS DEEPLY SATISFYING BECAUSE THE TOOL IMPROVES THE PROCESS AND THE RESULTS. IF YOU FEEL THE SAME WAY, READ ON. WE HOPE ONE OF THESE WILL HELP YOU ENJOY YOUR NEXT PROJECT.
BEST CORDLESS TRACK SAW
Ryobi PTS01 $299
We've learned one thing from testing track saws in the last year: We like them a lot. And there certainly is a lot to like in this easy-handling, 18-volt saw from Ryobi, a power tool priced for homeowners and hobbyists that's capable of doing very smooth, straight, and accurate cuts. The kit version of the saw comes with a two-piece, 55-inch track, a 4-Ah battery, and a charger. It's more than enough capability to help you knock out a plywood shelving project.
BEST VALUE DRILL-IMPACT DRIVER KIT
Ryobi PBLDD01 $199
The PBLDD01 isn't as fast as a contractor-duty tool (it did hang up many times at the bottom of the hole). But the fact that a DIY-grade hammer-drill made 49 one-inch holes through framing lumber in our test without much complaint is pretty remarkable. In terms of value, it's hard to beat because it comes with an equally spunky impact driver.
BEST JIGSAW
Bosch GST18V-50N $149
Bosch has long held a commanding position in jigsaws because it has given this power tool attention in a way that other manufacturers have not. That institutional expertise explains why this jigsaw cuts wood and metal so smoothly and easily, without vibration or even a lot of noise. The GST18V-50N is also equipped with a dust blower, a work light, and tool-free access to install and remove blades.
BEST RECIPROCATING SAW
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Popular Mechanics US.
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This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of Popular Mechanics US.
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