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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 166)

Reviews

We Tested More Than 100 Home Essentials in 2024, These Are the 8 Best

For security, emergencies, climate control, and more, these products wowed us this year when we tried them. Here’s why they may deserve a place in your home.

Wildlife

7 Mistakes You Might Be Making With Your Bird Feeders

No birds at your feeders? You might be making one or more of these common rookie bird feeder mistakes.

Reviews

We Tested the Best Pin Nailers and Our Favorite Can Handle 2-Inch Nails

If you’re looking to attach trim, molding, or mitered corners without leaving a noticeable hole, a trusty pin nailer can help.

Clothing & Gear

These Work Boots Are Lightweight and Comfortable, But Still Tough as Nails

These work boots are tough and durable, with a lacing system unlike anything I’ve tried before. Find out what happened when I wore them every day for two weeks.

Laundry

Washing Machine Smells: Common Causes and Easy Fixes

Does your washing machine smell like mildew—or sewage? An appliance pro explains what you can do to clean up the stink and keep it from coming back.

Laundry

Washer-Dryer Combo Design Leaps Forward in LG’s Newest High-Tech Space-Saver

Free up floor space while tackling large loads of laundry with the LG WashTower. This large-capacity washer and dryer unit features built-in sensors and powerful cleaning performance packed into a space-saving design.

Lighting & Electrical

Why Are Lights Flickering in My Home?

If you have flickering lights in the home, it's important to get to the bottom of the issue ASAP. Some causes have simple fixes, but others may be potential fire hazards.

Lighting

We Tested Best LED Light Strips for Illuminating Any Location, See Our Favorites

Illuminate favorite spaces in the home with hands-on tested LED light strips that are easy to install, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Reviews

We Tested the Best Belt Sanders, Our Favorite Features Auto-Belt Alignment and Ticks All of Our Boxes

Invest in a new belt sander to make quick work of rough woodworking or metalworking projects.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

We Tested the Best Battery Chainsaws, and Our Favorite is a Powerhouse

Battery chainsaws offer a convenient, low-maintenance option to gas-powered versions. This hands-on review cuts to the chase with the best models for managing your yard.

Reviews

I Can’t Believe I Found a Realistic Fake Christmas Tree for $110

National Tree Company makes some of the most beautiful artificial trees—and right now, you can snag one of our favorites starting at $110.

DIY

7 Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive, According to Designers

These simple, affordable upgrades can make your home look like a million bucks.

Reviews

We Tested the Best Borescopes for Inspecting Pipes, Engines, and Walls, Our Top Pick Has a Dual Camera Lens Design

Get a good look inside your home’s walls to see pipes, wires, and other hard-to-see parts with the best borescopes.

Skills & Techniques

How to Cut Glass Wine Bottles

Turn old wine bottles into Old World-style decor with a glass drill bit, a candle—and a steady hand.

Reviews

The 24 Best Gifts for Pool Owners Include Robotic Pool Cleaners, Lights, and More

From practical gadgets to fun pool games: we’ve put together the ultimate guide to finding the perfect gifts for pool owners.

Interior Design

Overhead Lighting vs. Lamps: Experts Settle This Great Debate

Learn what the pros say is the most ideal way to light your home.

Interior

Shiplap vs. Tongue and Groove: What’s the Difference?

Learn the differences between these two popular paneling options so you can choose which one is right for your home, inside and out.

Grills

The 33 Best Grilling Gifts for the BBQ Enthusiast

Whether you know a beginner BBQ enthusiast or an avid griller, you won’t go wrong with one of the best grilling gifts on our list.

Reviews

The Best Tool Box Organizers for Garage and Workshop Sanity, Tested

Take the frustration out of finding the right tool with one of these efficient tool box organizers.

Cleaning

Can Bugs Be Vacuumed?

Yes, but you’ll definitely want to heed this expert advice before making it part of your pest control strategy.