Tools

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.

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.

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.

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.

After drills, circular saws are the most common power tool in a home workshop. Versatility and portability are their strengths: A circular saw can quickly crosscut the two-by-fours and rip the sheets of plywood used in many home-improvement projects. And you can carry it to the job.