Tom Scalisi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Name: Tom Scalisi

Title: Contributing Writer

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer, author, and blogger with a passion for building. Whether it’s a DIY project or an entire website, Tom loves creating something from the ground up, stepping back, and admiring a job well done.

Expertise and Experience

Tom’s first experience working with tools was when he was around 8 or 9 years old, when he learned how to take old bikes apart, swap the parts, and create mismatched bikes that were barely rideable. As he got a little older, he fell in love with working on cars and building things, so he decided to go into the trades as soon as he could. He worked in the fire alarm industry, then in building maintenance and carpentry, and then ran his own contracting business for several years. He was also a police officer for a busy city agency where he served on the department’s emergency services unit as a negotiator.

Tom has been stockpiling tools of all sorts for as long as he can remember. He has a passion for hand tools and power tools alike, always needing to know more about them, how to use them, and how to get the most out of them. While he loves building and fixing, he also gets quite a thrill from using that knowledge of tools and techniques to craft a how-to or buyer’s guide that helps DIYers get things done.

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MAY 11, 2020 | MONDAY
How To: Install a Smoke Detector

Your home’s first line of defense against fires and smoke should be a trusty set of smoke detectors. These devices pick up on smoke in the air and alert you to its presence. The idea is t...

MAY 5, 2020 | TUESDAY
The Best Circular Saws Tested in 2023

The words "versatile" and "tool" are combined so often these days that it's hard to tell if it's the truth or just a marketing ploy. But a quick tour of a professional...

APRIL 28, 2020 | TUESDAY
5 Signs It's Time to Replace a Subfloor

It’s difficult to know everything that goes on below your flooring. Underneath the hardwood, laminate, tile, or carpet lies the subfloor, and it’s a component that only gets attention dur...

APRIL 24, 2020 | FRIDAY
The Best Toilet Plungers of 2023

Stuff happens—and so, alas, do stuffed-up toilets. Excessive amounts of toilet paper, waste, hygiene products, and even hair can flummox a smooth flush, and when a clog occurs, someone ha...

APRIL 23, 2020 | THURSDAY
3 Ways to Cut PVC Pipe

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a type of plastic tubing commonly used for drains. These are the white pipes with purple primer often seen in residential basements. Ambitious DIYers atte...

APRIL 22, 2020 | WEDNESDAY
The Best Office Chairs of 2023

The best office chair enhances productivity. That’s why the ideal home office includes a comfortable chair to support long days of conference calls and report writing. Read on for smart s...

APRIL 20, 2020 | MONDAY
10 Tips to Avoid Getting Upsold on Your Remodel

Protect your pockets while planning your project.

APRIL 12, 2020 | SUNDAY
The Best Laser Levels Tested in 2023

Laser levels provide accuracy, consistency, and convenience. The best self-leveling laser level can make all the difference and be easy to use. Laser levels can do everything a spirit or ...

APRIL 2, 2020 | THURSDAY
10 Tips for Surviving a Renovation Mess

Yes, it's possible to keep life moving forward and make progress on a home renovation project at the same time. Here's how to do it.

MARCH 26, 2020 | THURSDAY
The Best Tool Bags Tested in 2023

There comes a point when collecting a complete DIY set of tools starts causing storage issues. A tool box might do the trick, but they definitely have their shortcomings. Tool boxes are t...