Home tools and toolboxes

After testing four Painter’s multitools, we believe that the Hyde 17-in-1, the most versatile, is the best for most people.

Grip and hold just about anything with a versatile tool that can last decades.

This tool’s details are excellent—but to be honest, a cordless pressure washer doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Here’s our advice on all-in-one problem solvers.

After 30 hours of research and testing, we think the C.H. Hanson 03040 Magnetic Stud Finder is the best magnetic stud finder for most people.

Try these saws for precise cuts in wood that are simpler and safer than using power tools.

The Anvil Homeowner’s Tool Set from Home Depot is the best basic pre-assembled home toolkit we’ve found.

After testing 15 wrenches over the past three years, we’ve determined that the Channellock 8WCB WideAzz 8-Inch Adjustable Wrench, with its comfortable handle and wide jaws, is still the best for all-around home use.

Get a grip on anything with these all-purpose clamping tools.

If you're planning on doing any carpentry–successfully–you'll need a way to mark a straight line. After researching at least 20 combination squares and testing six during the final phase of a whole-house remodeling project, we’re convinced that the best option for most people is the Irwin 1794469 12-inch Combination Square.

Duck Max Strength is the best all-purpose duct tape.

A handy, compact, quality multi-tool makes everyday tasks so much easier.

You can do better than the flashlight on your phone.

It took hundreds of cuts and years of reader requests for us to finally post the best wire cutter: The Channellock 337CB is a truly superior snipper.

We love a good pair of standard scissors for multiple uses, but we also have favorite shears for when you need a special pair for a special project.

Our expert-backed moving checklist has all the tips and advice you need to make moving less stressful.

After 45 hours of research and durability tests on 17 tape measures, we think that the Stanley 25-foot PowerLock Tape Measure is the best option for most people.

After interviewing electricians and testing seven non-contact voltage testers, we think the Klein NCVT-3 is the safest tool for checking electrical currents.

The Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage is an ideal utility knife.

The U.S. Wire & Cable 50 FT. Extreme All-Weather Extension Cord is the most flexible, durable cord we found, and should last years even in harsh environments.

For the biggest messes, these vacs can handle anything.

A dedicated hex wrench set works far better than the random freebies clattering around your junk drawer.

These were Wirecutter’s most popular home and gardening picks for 2023.

Believe it or not, it’s actually a joy to shovel snow with the True Temper Mountain Mover, which we’ve recommended for a decade.

To work safely on hard-to-reach home projects, invest in a reliable ladder.

Ryobi’s 300-Piece Drill and Drive Kit and 95-Piece Drill and Impact Drive Kit are the best drill bit sets we’ve found in years of testing.

This excellent tool reveals the limitations of lesser flashlights.

A new drill can help a novice or pro tackle projects with capability and ease.

For small screws on toys, thermostats, and sunglasses, get a precision screwdriver.

After enlisting three veteran carpenters to test 16 different pairs of needle-nose pliers, we found that the Klein J203-8 Heavy Duty Journeyman Pliers are the best.

The Megapro 13-in-1 (or the identical Channellock 131CB) is the best screwdriver.

Good paint tools make your work look better with less effort—here's what it takes to improve what you can do.

Everything we recommend for mounting heavy stuff on a wall or ceiling.

There’s a better way to rig an AC in a window.

A good toolbox makes tools easy to store, find, transport, and use—without the clutter.

Your local repair café could bring your busted toaster or dying laptop back to life.