Other stories by Doug Mahoney

  • Bosch ROS65VC random-orbit sander

    Bosch's ROS65VC random-orbit sander is designed for rough or finish sanding of wood, paint, and just about anything else that can be sanded with hook-and-loop paper.

  • GoSaw vertical panel saws

    Though they're great for cutting sheet goods, vertical panel saws are not known for their portability.

  • Swanson Savage Jab Saw (SVK666) two-position jab-saw blade

    The Swanson Savage Jab Saw (SVK666) is the Swiss army knife of the drywall trade.

  • Metabo Wet/Dry Vac (ASR 35) vacuum

    The Metabo Wet/Dry Vac (ASR 35) is designed for both the shop and the job site: You can set it to manual and use it as a shop vac, or set it to auto so that it's activated by a tool plugged into its onboard electrical outlet.

  • Porter-Cable Clamp Saw

    A number of companies have released small 12-volt reciprocating saws, but the Porter-Cable Clamp Saw is the first one that actually holds onto the material for you.

  • Johnson Stud Squared Framer's Tape

    In addition to functioning like a standard 25-foot tape measure, the Johnson Stud Squared can assist with framing layout.

  • Irwin 2500 Box Beam Level

    The Irwin 2500 Box Beam Level has an unusual feature that makes it easier to use: a mirror that allows you to read the plumb vial from the edge of the tool (for those times when it's hard to look from the side).

  • Oregon PowerNow 40V MAX Chain Saw

    It's not always easy to get a chain saw started, and all that tugging on a pull cord can get pretty frustrating.

  • Channellock 13-in-1 multi-tip screwdriver

    Channellock's 13-in-1 multi-tip screwdriver packs a lot of function into one small tool.

  • Hart steel-handled framing hammer

    Hart's new steel-handled framing hammer has features that could be useful to any carpenter: a magnetized nail slot at the top of the striking face, a hole through the head that can be used as a rebar bender, and a nail puller at the side of the head for pulling stubborn nails.