IMPLEMENTS of CONSTRUCTION

POPULAR MECHANICS TOOL AWARDS 2023

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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