Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 88)

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
Power Tools

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.

The Best Power Strips
Tools & Materials

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.

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.
Painting & Finishing

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
Furniture & Decor

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.
Skills & Techniques

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.
Painting & Finishing

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
Power Tools

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).
Landscaping

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.

A selection of the best circular saws
Power Tools

We Tested the Best Circular Saws, and Our Favorite Is a Powerhouse

We tested 10 top circular saws to see which ones offered the most cutting power. Find out which models excelled in our hands-on testing.

Gravel driveway leading up to beautiful pink cottage at Dyffryn Fernant near Fishguard, West Wales.
Driveways & Walkways

How to Make a Gravel Driveway

A gravel driveway is a classic, low-maintenance entryway to a home. It complements a range of house styles and, what's more, it's a reasonable undertaking for a determined DIYer.

Blue colonial house covered in snow
HVAC

The 20 Best Products for Surviving Winter

Don’t suffer through cold weather. These smart buys can help you stay warmer, safer, and prepared for whatever the chill and snow throws your way.

The Best Drawer Slide Options
Tools & Materials

The Best Drawer Slides for Soft-Closing Cabinets and More

Make sure your drawers close smoothly and silently with some of these high-quality drawer slides.

Multiple circuit breaker finder tools lined up on a floor
Reviews

This Tool is Essential for Simple Home Upgrades

A circuit-breaker finder can be a must-have tool for anyone planning DIY electrical upgrades. After testing 10 top-rated models, here are our favorites.

The Best Carpet Tiles Option
Reviews

The Best Carpet Tiles for Every Space in Your Home

Providing a soft feel underfoot and DIY-friendly installation, carpet tiles offer an affordable option to wall-to-wall carpeting.

one of The Best Water Softeners Option in a room
Plumbing Supplies

We Researched and Compared Over 20 Water Softeners to Find This Top Pick

Well water tends to be hard, which can clog your pipework and damage your appliances. It's important to combat hard water with a proper water softening system for well water. Here are our top picks.

Young couple working on improving their home.
Bathroom Remodeling

Experts Predict These 5 Home Improvements Will Have the Highest ROI in 2025

Don’t hesitate to renovate your kitchen, install smart-home tools, and take other steps to boost the comfort and value of your home.