Tools

Ordinary blackouts--let alone hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms--can easily leave you without lights, heat, and refrigeration for hours if not days. A generator can help keep you comfortable and safe during a power failure, and power yard tools and camping gear the rest of the year.

Chain saws are handy for homeowners who maintain a number of large trees or cut fire wood. And they can be a lifesaver in areas where severe storms cause fallen trees and branches.

If you've ever sawed molding or flooring by hand, you know how hard it can be to eyeball angles and keep a firm grip on the project. Portable miter and table saws are trimming away more of that guesswork and elbow grease as they move down the ladder from contractors to homeowners.

Months of drilling holes, driving screws, and rip-sawing lengths of pine beams confirm that even high-priced, heavy-duty cordless tools can be light on performance. We also found that you don't have to pay extra for lithium ion batteries, though their lighter weight and longer run time helps.

The key to maintaining tire pressure, and safe tire operation, is a simple once-a-month check with an accurate tire pressure gauge. However, there are many gauges to choose from. Through our testing and experience, we provide buying advice on how to choose the best tire pressure gauge for your needs.