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Tool of the Year Awards is an annual tradition of celebrating the most notable new tools and solutions for pros and average Joes. This series spotlights the handiest products launched in the last 12 months across 10 essential categories, ranging from power tools to cleaning tools.
Not all home improvement projects require hefty power tools or specialty equipment to get the job done. Sometimes you just need the basics, and that’s what our DIY Essentials category for Tool of the Year Awards is all about. We consider the most common home repair and improvement projects and what it takes to do these jobs properly. While the products themselves may be straightforward, they span a broad variety of uses.
Over the past several months, we’ve whittled down our favorites to this list after extensive research and testing. The tools that win this category are ergonomically designed, ruggedly built, moderately sized, and value-priced.
This year’s winners include a cordless LED work light that can go anywhere, an evolved electrical outlet that simplifies wiring projects, and more. If you’re into home improvement, there’s something here to help you complete those projects with fewer headaches and greater satisfaction.
1. Gladiator Light Bar
When you need to shine a little extra light on your DIY projects, the new Gladiator Light Bar from Gladiator Garage Works is a versatile option. This portable, rechargeable, multi-position LED light provides up to 7 hours of illumination on a single charge.
Three secure mounting options (a quick-release mounting bracket, built-in mounting magnets, and a pull-out hook) allow for either horizontal or vertical installation as the project requires. We especially appreciate that it’s small enough to store and transport easily, but not flimsy—it’s rugged enough to withstand tough working conditions.
2. Purdy Altitude Paint Roller Cover
Painting is one of the most common DIY projects, and we considered quite a few paint supplies for Tool of the Year. The Purdy Altitude paint roller cover stood out as a familiar, yet notably improved tool that painters of all skill levels are sure to appreciate.
The premium microfiber/polyester blend material lays on a super smooth finish, splatters less, and covers more area each time you load it with paint. Altitude covers are an ideal choice for drywall, doors, floors, and other lightly textured to semi-rough surfaces. They work well with latex and oil-based paints in any sheen, so you can confidently pick up a multi-pack to prepare for a wide range of projects in the future.
3. Leviton Lever Edge GFCI Outlet
Electrical installations just became easier with the introduction of Leviton Lever Edge outlets. Traditional outlets often require curving wires around screws or inserting them into locking clips that make them difficult to remove down the road when replacing.
Leviton’s new system utilizes a secure and easy-to-operate lever-action clamp for wiring and easy removal of wires, as needed. And the outlets themselves are sturdy enough for all kinds of construction. We tested a 15-amp duplex GFCI outlet, but the Lever Edge system is available in an extensive range of residential, commercial, and industrial wiring devices.
4. Deckorators StealthLock Universal Deck Clips
Planning on building a deck anytime soon? Deckorators StealthLock Deck Clips are streamlining the assembly process. They serve as both spacers and hidden fasteners for all types of grooved-edge decking, providing a perfectly uniform appearance for the finished product.
Simply wedge the two tabs on a clip into the grooves along the boards’ edges, and the clip stays in place until it’s ready to be fastened. Each clip comes preloaded with a #6 1¾-inch 305 stainless steel screw, and every box of clips includes a T-10 driver bit. They hold strong, maintain ¼-inch spacing between deck boards, and even allow for thermal expansion.
5. InoKraft GoSpray S1 HVLP Paint Sprayer
The second painting tool to make our DIY Essentials short list is the InoKraft GoSpray S1 HVLP paint sprayer. This easy-to-operate sprayer is designed to shorten the learning curve for newcomers—and make a professional-looking finish that much more accessible.
The 600-watt motor produces a highly consistent spray texture, minimizes clogs, and, perhaps best of all, eliminates the need to thin most paints. The kit includes a set of 3 brass nozzles (1.0, 1.8, and 2.6 mm) and is compatible with water-based paints and stains. It also has a magnetic intake hose and base to help keep the paint flowing while holding the sprayer at different angles. For quick color changes and easy cleanup, the kit includes disposable paint reservoir liners and a quick flush adaptor for the nozzle assembly.
More Top-Rated DIY Essentials
- FOR WORK WITHOUT A LADDER: The lightweight, durable Purdy Pole+ Extension Pole locks securely and makes reaching high ceilings or walls a whole lot easier.
- FOR SMOOTHER RESULTS: With extra-stiff bristles that hold more paint, Purdy Pro-Extra High-Capacity Brush lays down smooth, even coats on tough surfaces.
