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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 174)

Gifts

The 35 Best Gifts for Mechanics and Auto Fanatics, Chosen by Our Editors

From tool roll bags to fender protectors and tool chests, don’t miss our list of the best gifts for mechanics. We’ve included all kinds of gifts for family and friends who love all things auto—including those with a sense of humor!

Generators

Power Outages Can Cost Thousands of Dollars—Unless You Have This Key Equipment

One important investment can actually save you money when the power goes out.

Heating

We Added an Additional 2 Bedrooms to Our 1968 House. Should We Buy a Bigger Furnace to Help Push The Air?

An HVAC pro answers your real questions about heating your home this winter.

Furniture & Decor

We Tested a King of Christmas Tree and a Balsam Hill Christmas Tree: The Results May Surprise You

These popular brands make some of the most realistic-looking Christmas trees. I tested each brand’s Fraser firs to find out which one is really worth it.

Exterior

How to Build a Fire Pit in Your Backyard

Building a fire pit is a low-cost way to carve out a place for family and friends to gather, and DIY-ing the job shouldn't take more than a day.

Gifts

The 20 Most Beautiful—And Useful—Housewarming Gifts for Any Budget

Dare to choose a housewarming gift that’s out of the box or one that’s perfectly suited to your recipient's tastes. Whether the new homeowner is a close friend or family member or someone you don't know as well, you'll find the best housewarming gifts on our list.

Lighting & Electrical

How to Replace a Light Switch

For any confident do-it-yourselfer, it's easy to replace a light switch. But as with any project involving electricity, it's essential to exercise caution. Read on for the details on getting the job done safely and effectively.

Hand Tools

Be Prepared for Emergencies With Our Favorite Flashlight for Power Outages, and Other Great Picks

When the lights go out, it’s best to have a convenient, powerful flashlight handy to help you find your way around safely.

Insulation

11 Ways to Winterize Your Home on a Budget

Keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill down with these free and cost-effective tips for winterizing your home.

Repair & Maintenance

What to Do When Your Refrigerator Is Not Cooling

There’s no need to toss—or eat—all of your refrigerated food before it goes bad. These solutions can get your fridge cooling again.

Clothing & Gear

I Barely Heard My Wood Chipper While Using This Solar-Powered Headset

Featuring Bluetooth connectivity and solar charging, this cleverly designed headset can protect your hearing while also providing entertainment.

Power Tools

This DeWalt Chainsaw Proved To Be a Cordless Beast When Cutting Firewood

Battery-powered chainsaws are a relatively new addition to the cordless power tool industry, but after testing one popular model, I was actually impressed.

Cleaning & Organizing

Spring Cleaning in the Fall? Experts Say You Should Get on Board

Now is the time to kick germs to the curb and prepare your house for cold and flu season.

Storage & Organizing

After Testing a Weather Guard Truck Tool Box, I’m Convinced It’s Worth Every Penny

When it comes to storing and transporting pricey power tools, a well-crafted truck saddle box can be your best friend.

Furniture & Decor

Our Favorite Shop Stool Proves DeWalt’s Quality and Durability Goes Beyond Tools

Bending at an awkward height can put undue strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Work more comfortably with the best shop stool.

Generators

With Up to 150 Percent ROI, This Home Amenity Practically Pays for Itself

A whole-house generator can provide you with peace of mind. It can also increase the value of your home by more than the expense of having it installed.

Garden Pests

Here’s When to Apply Grub Control—and Why You Might Be Able to Skip It Entirely

Does your lawn have bare patches in late summer and autumn? If so, grub worms may be grubbing down on your grass’s roots.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

This Robotic Lawn Mower Is a Smarter Mower Without a Boundary Wire

Robot mowers can take a painfully long time to set up, but not the Sunseeker X7.

Storage

How to Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are perfect additions to a modern, minimalist living space, but how do they attach to the wall? We'll show you how to secure floating shelves to drywall, plaster, or wall studs.

Cleaning & Organizing

How to Clean Wrought Iron and Keep It Rust-Free

Keep your outdoor furniture and decor looking pristine with these expert tips on cleaning wrought iron.