Tools & Equipment
Reviews, comparisons, and news about the latest tools and equipment for trades and DIY.

Lowe's Tool Rental vs Ownership Cost Comparison
Instead of buying a specialized tool you'll use once, Lowe's now lets you reserve it online for a half-day, picking it up instantly at a self-service kiosk.

Community groups, libraries lend tools for sharing
At the Asheville Tool Library, an annual household membership costs between $50 and $350 on a sliding scale, providing access to nearly 4,000 items—from power tools to party supplies—as of April 2026,

ToolBank Detroit expands community projects with new equipment resources
A paint can key costs just 2 cents to rent weekly at Detroit's new ToolBank.

Colorado Bill Proposes Critical Infrastructure IT Exemption
In Colorado, a state known for championing the right to repair everything from wheelchairs to farm equipment, a new bill, SB26-090, now seeks to exclude 'critical infrastructure' information technolog

Smart Home Devices for Tradespeople in 2026
A plumbing contractor recently saved 3 hours on a complex leak detection job by deploying a smart water sensor that cost less than a single service call, preventing thousands in potential structural d

Milwaukee's Hollowcore Driver Boosts Job Efficiency
Milwaukee's new 7-in-1 Hollowcore Multi-Nut Driver promises 'unlimited depth' for threaded rods, a direct solution to a common job site frustration.

Milwaukee 7-in-1 Driver: Streamlined, Effective Performance
Imagine tackling seven different nut sizes and unlimited threaded rod depths with a single, compact tool that fits in your pocket.

Top 8 Cordless Power Tool Brands To Watch in 2026
In December 2024, MetricsCart analyzed 6,270 reviews across 15 impact tools from 9 leading brands, revealing a critical disconnect: while new features are abundant, user satisfaction often hinges on p

John Deere partners with Tarter USA on American-made rotary cutters
In a strategic move, John Deere has partnered with Tarter USA to produce a new line of American-made Frontier Flex Wing Rotary Cutters, with manufacturing set to begin in Liberty, Kentucky.

Amarillo Public Library Launches Innovative Lending Program
On April 20, the Amarillo Public Library began lending items like reel lawnmowers, cake pans, and even a ghost hunting kit.

Duenweg Fire Department Unveils New Battery-Powered Extrication Tools
On Wednesday, the Duenweg Fire Department unveiled new battery-powered extrication equipment, eliminating the need for bulky hydraulic hoses and separate engines during critical rescues, according to

7 Top Cordless Power Tool Accessories for Tradespeople
In a significant departure from traditional tool buying, contractors increasingly select essential power tools based on accessory compatibility, not individual tool merits.

Massachusetts Fire Departments Receive Millions in New Grants and Equipment
307 fire departments across Massachusetts will share $5 million in state grants in 2026.

Choosing Pressure Washers for Heavy Equipment
A crane, uncleaned for 12 months, took 1.

Top 5 Manual Cutting Tools for Trade Pros
A top-tier manual tile cutter, the Montolit Masterpiuma 161P5, can precisely cut materials up to 63.

DeWalt Pressure Washers: Versatile for Home Cleaning
The Ryobi RY142500 Brushless 2500 PSI Pressure Washer is widely recommended as the best choice for most homeowners, signaling a clear shift towards balanced performance over sheer power.

Top 10 Best Cordless Drills for Versatility and Power
A Dewalt Atomic 20-Volt drill punches through 16-gauge steel in just 1.

Auto Care Tech Tools 2026 Updates Add New Data Costs
For an auto care company generating under $1 million in global revenue, accessing essential industry data standards like ACES and PIES now requires an annual investment of $2,500, according to the Aut

John Deere releases self-repair tools, with a price
John Deere, after years of resisting, has agreed to a $99 million settlement that will allow its US customers to fix their own equipment, but the "right to repair" now comes with a price tag that can

The 7 Essential Tools for Electrical Wiring Projects: A Guide for 2024
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a dedicated DIYer, having the right electrical tools is crucial for safety and efficiency. This guide breaks down seven indispensable items, from basic wire prep to complex installations.

7 Essential Harbor Freight Tools Under $100 for 2024
Looking for top-performing tools that won't break the bank? This guide reveals the 7 essential Harbor Freight tools under $100 that deliver serious value for DIYers and professionals alike.

7 Top-Rated Cordless Tools for Plumbers, Electricians, and Carpenters
The days of being tethered to a power outlet are long gone. This guide reviews 7 top-rated cordless tools for plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, evaluated based on third-party lab tests and expert consensus.

The Best Cordless Power Tool Systems for Pro Trades: A 2024 Comparison
Choosing the right cordless power tool system is a long-term investment for professional tradespeople. This guide breaks down top systems like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, and Makita, evaluating them on tool selection, battery performance, durability, and overall value.

Best Mechanic's Tool Sets at Every Price Point in 2024
Choosing the right mechanic's tool set is crucial for efficiency and quality work. This guide compares top-performing options across distinct budget tiers to help you make an informed investment.

Top 5 Innovative Power Tools for Professional Efficiency in 2025
This ranked guide breaks down the top 5 innovative smart tools that are changing how work gets done on the job site, focusing on advanced engineering for unprecedented performance. These tools are for professional tradespeople who need equipment that can keep up with demanding schedules and complex tasks.

Choosing a Professional Cordless Tool Combo Kit in 2026: DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita Compared
Choosing a professional cordless tool combo kit in 2026 involves selecting a battery ecosystem for long-term business growth, considering tool match to daily work, brushless motors, and platform expandability. DeWalt 20V MAX XR, Milwaukee M18 FUEL, and Makita 40Vmax XGT offer distinct advantages for different trades and priorities.

Comparing Top-Rated Cordless Drills for Professional Tradespeople in 2024
Choosing the right cordless drill is crucial for professional tradespeople. This guide breaks down top-rated models by their ideal use case, helping you match the tool's performance and ergonomics to your specific workflow.

AI Revolutionizing Robotics in Manufacturing and Construction
In a modern factory, advanced AI systems now process terabytes of data daily, making critical quality control decisions that often challenge even their own developers to fully explain.

Top 2 Cordless Power Tool Systems for Tradespeople
The M18™ REDLITHIUM™ HIGH OUTPUT™ XC5™ Battery Pack delivers a staggering 50% more power than its predecessor, yet raw power alone isn't the most critical factor for a tradesperson's daily grind.

Essential DeWalt Kit for New Tradespeople Under $700
An entry-level tradesperson can now acquire a 10-tool DeWalt cordless combo kit for $619, nearly half its original $1,099 price.