Read the latest articles from Bob Vila

Tools

How to Use an Axe Safely

When you're cutting down trees or splitting wood for your backyard campfire, wielding an axe improperly can have dire consequences.

Windows

5 Smart Tips for Soundproofing Windows

Is the world outside your window so loud you can’t hear yourself think? Overcome outdoor noise with these window-soundproofing strategies.

Repurposing

13 Retailers You Never Knew Would Recycle Your Old Stuff

These retailers will reward you for giving them your unwanted electronics, furniture, and housewares. 

Tools & Materials

The Best Jump Starters with Air Compressors, Tested and Reviewed

Don’t get stranded by a dead battery or a flat tire. Here’s what worked—and what didn’t—in our hands-on tests.

Hand Tools

Walmart Has Milwaukee Tools Up to 40% Off for Early Black Friday—Save on Drills, Automotive Tools, Storage Options, and More

Shop the premium tool brand for less, with a $210 M12 FUEL combo kit, discounted M18 power tools, and PACKOUT storage for the DIY gift list.

Plumbing Supplies

The Best Water Heater Blankets of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Save money on utility bills and reduce overall energy consumption with the best water heater blanket for your tank, home, and budget.

Gardening

13 Potted Plants You Can—and Should—Winter Indoors

Bring these cold-tender plants indoors for the chilly months and they'll flourish again when the weather warms again.

Hand Tools

The Home Depot’s Early Black Friday Sale Slashes Ryobi Tools Up to 57% Off—Save on Drills, Batteries, Saws, and More

Shop $99 saw-and-battery bundles, AirStrike nailers, rolling toolboxes, and stocking stuffers from $4.97 for the DIYers on your list.

Holidays & Celebrations

31 Vintage Christmas Ideas Worth Bringing Back This Year

Are you over Christmas commercialism? Revisit these tech-free, 20th-century traditions for your best holiday yet.

Holiday Decorations

Tractor Supply’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Country Christmas Decor to Clearance Pricing Starting at $6

Shop Red Shed gingerbread pillows, lighted farm animals, and cowboy stockings for a country Christmas, with deals on decor for the porch, mantel, and sofa.

Hand Tools

The Best Multi-Tool Gifts of 2026: Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, and More

Outfit the DIYer in your life with a handy sidekick for their home projects.

Hand Tools

Amazon Drops Craftsman Tools Up to 41% During Its Early Black Friday Sale—Save on Drills, Saws, Batteries, and More

Pick up tools for your own projects or your favorite DIYer, including a $99 drill-and-impact kit and a $129 mechanics set.

Tools & Materials

The Best Roof Rakes of 2026, Expert-Tested and Reviewed

Safely remove snow from your roof with a rake designed to reach high places.

Tools & Materials

The Best Benchtop Planers, Tested and Reviewed

Benchtop thickness planers make quick work of smoothing and leveling boards. We tested the top models in our woodshop—find out which ones aced our hands-on tests.

Generators

This Trending Home Feature Is More Practical Than Pretty

If you want to keep your home safe and powered up no matter the weather, then you’ll want a whole-home backup generator.

Everyday Essentials

The Best Window Insulation Kits of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Reduce your energy consumption and make your home cozier with insulation kits that keep cold air out.

Deals

Ace Hardware Has Yeti Gifts Up to 30% Off During Its Early Black Friday Sale

Save on coolers, insulated drinkware, and lunch bags, with gifts starting at $8 for the Yeti fans on your list.

Deals

Amazon’s Early Black Friday Sale Drops Ego Tools 35% Off—Save on Blowers, Snow Blowers, Chainsaws, and More

Save on Ego leaf blowers, chainsaws, and snow blowers, and get ready for the season’s next round of yard work.

Holidays & Celebrations

Holiday Decorations That Take Up Next to No Space to Store

Avoid storage stress with these smart holiday décor ideas.

Outdoor Furniture

Timber Stoves Scout Review: Wood-Fueled Warmth From a Tabletop Heater

Delivering 25,000 BTUs of clean wood-pellet heat, this compact tabletop stove brings fireside warmth to any gathering.