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Even the most experienced DIYers know that having the right tools can make or break a project. From sanding and cutting to precise measurements and secure storage, the right equipment saves time, improves results, and keeps workspaces safe. That’s why the Bob Vila team spent the last year putting hundreds of products through real-world tests to see which ones truly perform under pressure.
This guide highlights 15 of the top tools and workshop essentials that impressed us in 2025, from versatile multi-head drills to heavy-duty truck bed storage solutions. Whether you’re tackling woodworking, renovations, or everyday repairs, these products deliver professional-level results without unnecessary frustration.
With a clever two-stage tooth design that delivers both a smooth start and a fast, controlled cut, the Rob Cosman Dovetail Saw lives up to its reputation. The fine 22-teeth-per-inch (TPI) toe helps you place it precisely, and the coarser mid-section speeds through hardwood without losing accuracy. It also features a narrow .002-inch set, brass back, and ergonomic handle that add stability and comfort. Woodworkers who want precise, dependable dovetail cuts will appreciate this saw’s craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
What our tester says: “I’ve tried other premium dovetail saws, but Rob Cosman’s saw is the only one that feels like it was made to work with me. The fine starter teeth make beginning a cut effortless—no jumping or skittering at all. The weight from the brass back gives it a natural downward momentum that helps it track straight.” —Cathy Harms, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Rob Cosman back saw at Woodcraft or Rob Cosman, starting at $274.95.
Tight spaces are no match for the DeWalt Atomic multi-head drill/driver, making it an ideal tool for remodelers, electricians, and anyone tackling complex projects in confined spaces. Its compact 5-inch body delivers 20-volt torque, while four quick-connect heads—right-angle, offset, ⅜-inch chuck, and ¼-inch hex—turn it into a versatile, multi-tasking tool. The bright LED illuminates work areas, and its lightweight, powerful design handles lag bolts, joists, and cabinet installs with ease.
What our tester says: “Versatility doesn’t have to mean compromise. The Atomic drill is compact and powerful, and DeWalt was clever enough to bundle an entire category of tools into one small but mighty package. That’s why it won a Tool of the Year award—and why it has earned a permanent spot on my wall rack.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt drill/driver (tool only) at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot, starting at $249.
Lightweight and comfortable, the 3M Virtua CCS safety glasses are built to keep your eyes safe during drilling, cutting, and yard work. In testing, their wraparound design and removable foam gasket blocked dust and debris, while their anti-fog lenses with UVA/UVB protection stayed clear. ANSI Z87.1-rated for impact resistance, the 3M Virtuas provide dependable peripheral protection for extended projects without sacrificing comfort.
What our tester says: “The 3M Virtua glasses were very lightweight and comfortable, but the big revelation was the removable gasket. Without it, I was still getting sawdust in my eyes. But with it in place, no debris got through between the lens and my cheek.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the 3M safety glasses at Amazon or Walmart, starting at $8.04.
Ryobi’s benchtop belt and disc sander took top honors in our best bench sanders guide for its 36-by-4-inch belt, powerful 4.3-amp motor, and adjustable positioning that works horizontally or vertically. In testing, it delivered fast, consistent results on everything from straight edges to angled cuts. The sanding disc includes a miter gauge for angled work and a dust port that helps keep your workspace clean, making it a fantastic pick for frequent sanding projects.
What our tester says: “I love how stable the Ryobi bench sander is. I tested it with and without it being bolted to the workbench, and although I’d always suggest bolting, the Ryobi didn’t walk or move when it wasn’t bolted.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ryobi bench sander at Amazon or The Home Depot, starting at $169.99.
Built for pros who need tough, reliable storage, the Makita MakTrak modular storage system impressed us with its rugged resin construction, dual-hinged access, and smooth-rolling, oversize wheels. Its interlocking rail system keeps stacked boxes secure, and the removable trays and padlock-ready design add practical on-site convenience. After hauling, stacking, and rolling the system across multiple surfaces, we found it exceptionally durable and thoughtfully engineered for daily jobsite use.
What our tester says: “When I heard Makita was launching a rugged new modular storage system, I had high expectations—and I wasn’t disappointed. After putting the MakTrak system through its paces, I can say with confidence that it delivers.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Makita storage system at The Home Depot, starting at $59.98.
Cutting metal has never been easier than with the DeWalt DCS383B metal-cutting circular saw—this year’s Game Changer winner in our Tool of the Year competition. Compact yet powerful, its 20V MAX XR motor and built-in chip collector slices through steel, aluminum, and siding with smooth, spark-free precision. Clear sightlines and quick blade changes make it easy to control, while pro-grade construction ensures durability. Ideal for DIYers and professionals alike, it transforms intimidating metal projects into safe, accurate, and manageable tasks.
What our tester says: “My favorite feature? No sparks. My past experiences with metal-cutting resulted in flying sparks, smoking blades, and even burned holes in my clothes. With the DCS383B, the hot metal shards were trapped in the case, the sparks were gone, and I didn’t ruin my shirt.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt metal-cutting saw at Amazon or The Home Depot, starting at $479.
With its bright green lines and four 360-degree planes, Huepar’s W04CG laser level brings precision to layout and squaring tasks. It has a motorized base you can adjust via on-unit buttons, a remote, or the Hupar app, as well as a self-leveling feature that keeps lines accurate. Offering pro-level performance at a budget-friendly price, this laser level is a solid choice for contractors, DIYers, and homeowners looking to save time without sacrificing accuracy.
What our tester says: “Laser levels can either save you hours or slow you down—and the Huepar W04CG is definitely in the time-saving category. It’s easy to use and highly accurate, and the next time I need a good laser level, I’ll be reaching for this one.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Huepar laser level at Amazon, Walmart, or Huepar, starting at $289.99.
Milwaukee 20-Piece Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade Kit
Buy at AmazonThe Milwaukee 20-piece oscillating tool blade set offers impressive versatility with plunge, segmented, and sanding options that handle wood, soft metals, and multi-material cuts. In our hands-on tests, the set’s titanium-enhanced bi-metal blades stayed sharp and powered through nails and copper pipe, while the wood blades produced clean, controlled cuts. With useful duplicates and a universal open-back anchor system, it’s a great fit for both new oscillating tool owners and anyone tackling a mix of home or jobsite tasks.
What our tester says: “I liked that the Milwaukee blades fit my non-Milwaukee oscillating tool perfectly. The blades were stiff enough but also had just the right amount of flexibility, and they stayed nice and sharp. The bi-metal blade cut off a copper pipe in just a few seconds, even after sawing through ten 16d framing nails.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Milwaukee oscillating tool blades at Amazon for $69.97.
If hunting for multiple tools to complete a simple project drives you crazy, the Dremel Blueprint Multi-Drill is the answer. During testing, the unit’s all-in-one design—combining a drill, driver, stud finder, laser line, and bubble level—handled each task we threw at it with ease. Whether we were drilling holes for shelves, hanging pictures on the wall, or assembling furniture, its 1,000-RPM motor delivered steady, consistent results. Lightweight, compact, and easy to store, it’s the perfect tool for around-the-house tasks.
What our tester says: “After my tests with the Dremel multi-drill, it now has a designated spot in my hall closet where I can grab it quickly for home improvement and decor projects.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Dremel multi-drill at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot, starting at $49.
The HOTO SnapBloq R-A04 is a compact, pen-style rotary tool built for craft and hobby projects. Its 4V brushless motor spins up to 22,000 RPM, providing precise control for engraving, polishing, and light sanding without causing hand fatigue. With USB-C charging and a modular storage system for 38 accessories, it keeps everything organized and ready to go. While it’s not suited for heavy cutting, the SnapBloq delivers smooth, accurate performance in a small, ergonomic package.
What our tester says: “I was very impressed with the performance of this pen-style rotary tool. It’s easy to maneuver for fine detail work, and it has enough power to do the job quickly.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the HOTO rotary tool at Amazon, Walmart, or HOTO, starting at $75.99.
For anyone regularly hauling tools, gear, or outdoor equipment, the Decked truck bed drawer system offers a highly organized and secure solution. Its dust- and waterproof high-density polyethylene drawers, galvanized steel frame, and cast aluminum handles support up to 2,000 pounds, while dividers, storage cases, and an open-top caddy make accessing the contents easy. Installation is surprisingly simple, and Decked offers a variety of other pro-level hauling and truck storage options if the full drawer system isn’t right for you.
What our tester says: “The Decked system is incredibly well built, looks like it was factory installed, and provides an accessible, streamlined solution. If I’m working on a project that requires a full complement of hand and power tools, it has ample room for all my equipment. Plus, I don’t have to worry about anything going missing if I stop at the gas station.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Decked truck bed drawer system at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Decked, starting at $1,599.99.
As the top pick in our best cordless drills guide, the compact, powerful, and versatile Bosch GSB18V-65B12 cordless drill and driver excels in a wide range of tasks. Its ½-inch chuck, lightweight design, and included 1.3 amp-hour battery make it easy to handle in tight spaces, while the kit’s charger, carry bag, and belt hook keep everything organized. With pro-level torque capable of tackling wood, metal, and masonry, this pick delivers reliable performance for both DIYers and construction professionals.
What our tester says: “I really liked how the new Bosch hammer drill/driver felt—light, comfortable, and capable. In terms of comfort, as well as speed and torque, I preferred it over all of the other drills that I tested.” —Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Bosch cordless drill at Amazon for $179.
The Drill Doctor 750X makes it easy to get the most out of worn or dull drill bits. Capable of sharpening sizes from 3/32 inch to ¾ inch and tip angles between 115 degrees and 140 degrees, it works on black oxide, titanium nitride, cobalt, and carbide-tipped bits. Thanks to its diamond-grit sharpening wheel, you can restore or even convert bits in under 2 minutes, and there’s no need to recalibrate the machine in between.
What our tester says: “I usually prefer multipurpose shop tools, but drill bits can be tricky. A simple calibration system and near-perfect results every time made the DD750X my favorite of the group.” —Mark Wolfe, writer and product tester
Get the Drill Doctor drill bit sharpener at Amazon for $159.95.
Bora Portamate Speedhorse Sawhorse Pair
With a design you can set up in seconds, the Bora Portamate Speedhorse makes heavy-duty support simple. Each sawhorse in the pair holds up to 1,800 pounds and locks securely in place, while grooves and pre-drilled crossbars let you create a stable work surface with standard lumber. At just over 17 pounds, they’re portable yet solid enough for miter saws or other tools, making them great for both workshop and jobsite tasks.
What our tester says: “We got a kick out of being able to press a lever in the handle of the sawhorse and watch the folded legs drop into place. From there, it was effortless to lock the leg supports with a quick tap of a foot. Voila, instant sawhorse!” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Bora Speedhorse sawhorse at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart, starting at $99.31.
For anyone tackling fence building or framing jobs, the Metabo NR90ADS1 framing nailer offers a rare mix of durability and comfort. Its all-metal housing and magazine hold up to heavy use, while its less than 8-pound weight and rubberized grip reduce fatigue during long sessions. In our tests of the best nail guns for fencing, it drove full head ring shank nails consistently—even at lower PSI—and the handle switch made changing between firing modes quick and intuitive. The depth adjuster is also accessible from the trigger, making on-the-fly adjustment easy.
What our tester says: “This pick is built like a rock and yet is lighter than most framing nailers. Best of all, it buries nail heads so reliably that you can leave your hammer in your workshop since you’re not going to need it.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Metabo nail gun for fencing at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart, starting at $159.99.
