Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 45)

A family enjoying time together on the floor of a living room with the best fireproof safe option in the background
Reviews

Our Favorite Fireproof Safes Protect Valuables in Shockingly High Temps

When a home catches fire, temps can soar to metal-melting numbers in just a few minutes, but the right safe can withstand these heat extremes and often provide protection from a variety of other threats as well.

The Generac GB2000 Portable Power Station set up outside during testing with a solar panel behind it.
Exterior

We Tested Home Generators to Find the Best Picks a Power Outage

The best time to prepare for when the power goes out is before it happens. After testing various home generators and power stations, these top picks powered through.

Man holding brush, spreading shellac on a wood workpiece.
DIY

How to Shellac Wood

Enhance your wood furnitures's natural grain with shellac, which is easy to apply and quick to dry. Our guide will help you get a flawless finish.

The Best Emergency Radio Options
Reviews

The 9 Best Emergency Radios—No Electricity, No Wifi, No Cell Service Needed

Stay automatically tuned in to timely weather alerts—even in a power outage or when cell signal is weak—with one of these durable, portable emergency radios.

A group of the best window insulation kits still in their packages together on a table before testing.
Reviews

Surprisingly, Our Favorite Window Insulation Isn’t the Thickest

Seasonal window insulation is a fairly easy task for any DIYer, but as we found after testing, certain features make some products better than others.

The Best Propane Heater Options set together against the side of a red barn.
Reviews

The Best Propane Heater Can Be Used Almost Anywhere—Even Inside

We’ve tested propane heaters since 2021, and while our favorite remains the same, we’ve found a range of models for spaces large and small, indoors and out.

Group shot of ratchets
Reviews

The Best Ratchets Based on Our Hands-on Tests

A ratchet is a basic tool but it's important to know not all ratchets are created equal. Some offer smoother operation and better grip. See our top picks after testing various models

models of Best Dovetail Jigs displayed
Reviews

The Best Dovetail Jigs for Woodworking of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Don’t fall apart when it comes to joinery. Take your woodworking projects to the next level with these top tools.

close up of all tested models of the Best Jointer Planer Combo
Reviews

Perfectly Prepare Wood for Any Project Using This All-in-One Machine

A quality jointer planer combo can be a convenient and space-saving way to prepare lumber for various projects. See our recommendations based on our hands-on testing and hours of research.

A group of the Best High-Pressure Shower Heads still in their boxes before testing.
Reviews

Our Favorite High-Pressure Shower Head Can Totally Transform Your Shower—And Installs In Seconds

High-pressure shower head can conserve water, save money, and offer a fantastic shower. We tested 11 models.

The Best Power Strips
Reviews

We’ve Tested 15 Power Strips and Like These 9 the Best

Whether you call them power strips, surge bars, or even pigtails, these modern plug-in solutions have features that might surprise you. We put 15 to the test to come up with this list of the 9 best for different situations.

layout of the best sump pumps displayed in a room
Reviews

The Best Sump Pumps for Crawl Spaces and Basements

Find out how to choose a high-performing sump pump to keep your basement safe and dry.

Snow Joe Snow Blower Review
Reviews

This Single-Stage Snow Blower is My Favorite for Moderate Snow

Leave the gas fumes behind and plow through light to moderate snow with this convenient electric blower. Read the full Snow Joe snow blower review to learn more.

A freshly painted garage floor with a gray epoxy finish, a white sedan parked inside.
DIY

How to Paint a Garage Floor

A couple of coats of epoxy paint can completely transform your garage's appearance, and protect the floor from oil stains. All you need is a free weekend and and a little elbow grease.

A group of the best tested nonstick sprays for snow blowers on a snowy surface with two snow blowers in the background.
Reviews

Yes, Your Snow Blower Needs a Nonstick Spray—And These Are the Best

For a little money and a little effort, you can improve the durability and functionality of your with a nonstick spray. We tested several nonstick snow blower sprays in an unforgiving Montana winter to find the best on the market.

The Best Fireplace Grates
Reviews

Increase Your Fireplace’s Efficiency With This Simple Upgrade

A fireplace grate improves the safety, appearance, and performance of any fireplace. Our top picks showcase the best ones available based on our tests.

Closeup of a horseshoe around a horseshoe stake and rust-colored sand.
DIY

How to Build a Horseshoe Pit

You don't need special skills to play horseshoes, nor do you need them to construct a backyard horseshoe pit. With some lumber and play sand, you can DIY a pit in plenty of time for summer.

Woman holds swatch of pink paints in front of a field of pink flowers.
DIY

How to Match Paint: 7 Effective Methods

Planning a new painting project? Find the exact shade of blue (or any other hue) you want with one of these clever color-matching techniques.

A group of the best drywall sander options together in front of a large section of drywall
Reviews

After Researching and Testing Various Options, These Are Our 4 Favorite Drywall Sanders

Speed up the drywall sanding process and reduce the cleanup needed with one of these top drywall sanders.

A man pushing an electric lawn mower (left) and a gas lawn mower (right).
Lawn & Garden

Gas vs. Electric Lawn Mowers: Which Are Better?

Gas mowers dominate when it comes to cutting power, but electric mowers are quieter, cleaner, and easier to use and maintain.