Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 113)

Woman wearing safety glasses attaches a smoke detector to the wall above a door.
Building & Installing

How to Install a Smoke Detector

Learn how and where to install these champions of fire safety.

Friedrich’s Mini-Split Heat Pump Review
Reviews

Friedrich’s Mini-Split Heat Pump: Efficient, Smart, and Quiet

We installed and tested an 18,000 BTU ductless AC from Friedrich’s Floating Air Pro Series. We were impressed!

The Bio Green Palma Heater: A Hands-On Review
Reviews

The Bio Green Palma Heater: A Hands-On Review

Keep your greenhouse functional year-round with a high-quality greenhouse heater. See how this model fared in our testing.

The DeWalt DWS780 Review
Power Tools

The DeWalt DWS780: A Tested Top-Notch Miter Saw for Pros and Serious DIYers 

Miter saws handle a wide range of cuts, making them one of the most popular power tools on the jobsite.

GE 50-Pint Portable Dehumidifier With Built-In Pump
Reviews

The GE 50-Pint Dehumidifier Kept My Humid Basement Bone-Dry

Say goodbye to a humid house. I tested this large-capacity dehumidifier, and it works with or without its included drain hose for a dry home or basement.

Best Chainsaw Review
Tools & Materials

The Stihl MSA 300 Electric Chainsaw Outperforms Gas Models

Stihl dominates chainsaw tests with an electric model capable of handling anything. From firewood to tree felling and large jobs, this electric chainsaw is up to the task.

Three boxes in DeWalt Tool Box Set
Storage & Organizing

Does the DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Tool Box Stack Up?

I tested DeWalt’s best-selling 3-piece stackable tool box. Find out if it stacked up to its reputation in this tested review.

Master Lock Compact Door Stopper Folding Security Bar
Safety & Security

Master Lock’s Folding Door Security Bar Offers Cheap and Effective Home Security

I tested this affordable door security option in my own home. Here’s what I found.

Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Review
Cleaning Supplies

The Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Made My Pressure Washer Even More Powerful

I tried out Chemical Guys’ short pressure washer gun. It was simple, fun, and (for some uses) a significant improvement over standard wands.

toilet parts inside toilet tank
DIY

How to Replace a Toilet Flapper

Is your toilet running when it's not in use? You probably need a new flapper.

The Best Nut Driver Set Options
Hand Tools

The Best Nut Driver Sets for Working on Appliances and Cars, Tested and Reviewed

A nut driver set is a useful tool for working on everything from bicycles to cars to HVAC systems.

A group of the best backpack leaf blower options sitting together on green grass
Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Backpack Leaf Blowers to Keep Your Yard Looking Pristine, Tested

Put down your rake and pick up one of these powerful landscape helpers. A backpack leaf blower will make quick work of messy yard debris.

The Best Rakes for Pine Needles Options
Reviews

Keep Your Yard Tidy With The Best Rakes for Pine Needles

This type of specialized rake features tines that are designed to collect fine needles that would pass through the head of a lead rake.

How to Use a Multimeter
Tools

How to Use a Multimeter

No more scratching your head at malfunctioning appliances. With this guide, you'll learn the ins and outs of troubleshooting your home and household electronics using one of your toolkit's handiest instruments.

Fly perched on the edge of a drinking glass.
Pests

How to Get Rid of Flies in the House

More than merely pesky, houseflies can transmit disease. Use these simple tactics to banish the bugs and keep them out for good.

Vermont work gloves on a log next to an orange Echo chainsaw
Clothing & Gear

Vermont Gloves Review: Handcrafted Work Gloves that Set a High Standard

A small Vermont company has been making work gloves by hand for over a century—and they’re the best work gloves we’ve ever tested.

Pest Control Cost
Interior

How Much Does Pest Control Cost?

Pest infestations can do a lot of damage to the home. At a price of $200 to $600, pest control cost may be a worthwhile investment.

Signs of Carpenter Ants In The House
Pests

Don’t Ever Ignore These 6 Signs of Carpenter Ants in the House—Here’s Why

Signs of carpenter ants in the house can easily go unnoticed until it's too late—but if you suspect an infestation, it's best to get professional help right away. Your very home may be at stake.

Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches
Pests

Solved! What Are These Bugs That Look Like Cockroaches in My Home?

There are plenty of bugs that look like roaches, but the following guide can help you narrow down which specific insect you’ve found and the best way to get rid of them—for good.

How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums
Lawn & Garden

How to Get Rid of No-See-Ums for Good in Just 8 Steps

No-see-ums are an irritating nuisance both indoors and out. But how does one deal with a barely visible pest? Here’s how to get rid of no- see-ums.