The value of air tools cannot be underestimated. It all starts with the air compressor, which should be a part of every garage. Whether your inflating tires, working on cars, or building a new shed, air tools can cut the amount of time and effort to a fraction of using comparable hand or power tools. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking you’ll need every air tool made. While an air hammer may sound cool, it’s simply a waste of money for most. Stick with the tools we list that you’ll actually use and either borrow or rent others you may just need for a single use.
One of the worst mistakes a DIYer can make is to buy cheap tools. Buying cheap tools meant for high torque applications is a recipe for disaster. That’s not to say you can’t buy good impact sockets at a reasonable price, but you should always shop around cautiously to avoid something that will snap into … Read more
Whether you’re a DIY mechanic, a weekend warrior, or just an everyday garage tinkerer, having a good set of tools is an important step in making your projects run smoothly. One of the first things you’ll want to decide is whether to stock up on electric tools or invest in quality air tools (or both). … Read more
The best sandblaster and sandblast cabinet may not always be the same product. For our recommendations, you’ll find one portable unit that is ideal for small projects and moving about, and a sandblasting cabinet that gives you more control over the process, but has much less portability. The AT1251 portable sandblaster is much more popular, as … Read more
When it comes to getting the best brad nailer for the money, there’s not a lot of variation from one 2-inch model to the next. They all have to handle a range of brad sizes and work quickly, and the top rated models will always include a nose guard that prevents the worker from damaging … Read more
So, you have an air compressor in your workshop or garage. How do you make sure it stays working the way it should? The key to keeping your compressor in great working shape is preventative maintenance. This isn’t rocket science. It’s just a series a steps to keep you up and running and adding longevity … Read more
Sometimes you don’t have the right power tool for the job because you’ve never needed a random orbital sander before, or your favorite drill’s motor overheats and melts, or your neighbor “borrowed” your sawzall and never gave it back. Sometimes tools just get so old and worn-out that it’s more efficient to replace them than … Read more
When you’re away from home and you see that a tire is a bit low on air (or your TPMS sensor let’s you know), having a good 12 volt air compressor in your vehicle sure is handy. A regular air compressor for home use won’t do you much good as far as portability is concerned. … Read more
The best tire inflator gauge is small enough to take anywhere, robust enough to handle high and low tire pressures alike, and versatile enough for easy, accurate use. No garage or shop is complete without a good air compressor and the accessories that go with it, including air wrenches, ratchets, and tire inflation tools. Look for … Read more
Staple guns are useful for wallboard, wiring, plumbing and other projects, and a good staple gun can be used for additional work such as furniture building and woodworking crafts. Pneumatic guns are probably the best staple gun type to have in the garage or shop and work the same way as a brad nailer. However, … Read more
If you’re a serious Do It Yourselfer, you obviously understand the benefits of a home air compressor. But have you discovered the awesomeness of a good air hose reel for your shop? A safe and organized garage is key. The best air hose reel will put a stop to common annoyances and safety hazards such as getting the hose constantly tangled … Read more