Tool Reviews

You can access our tool reviews in many different ways. Here, we organize tool reviews by tool type. This includes power tool reviews and hand tool reviews as well as reviews of air tools and pneumatics. We also cover hardware, outdoor, and industry-specific products. All are organized by specific tool type. You can also check out our tool reviews by the tool brands or manufacturer, but if you’re looking for a circular saw, hammer drill, or other particular tool by tool type, then this section will get you to everything you need. Use the dropdown in the menu above to further refine your selection. With that you can get to a listing of exactly the right tools you’re interested in. Pro Tool Reviews covers and/or reviews over 400 tools each year, making this your one-stop shop for everything tool-related. If you want to know what the best tool in a particular category is, you’re in the right place.

Newer Tech Power2U USB outlet Review

USB Outlet Review – Newer Tech Power2U

It seems like every portable consumer device needs a USB power supply these days. So how does the rampant availability and use of iPads, smart phones, and Kindles affect how we build homes? Since it’s very likely that your own office, your kitchen – possibly even your bedroom – is littered with a myriad of power adapters, accommodating this new trend is something that would be convenient to you, and certainly beneficial to your clients. Newer Technology’s Power2U is an innovative device that combines two USB charging ports with a standard electrical outlet or receptacle. That means you eliminate those bulky power adapters and can, instead, plug in a USB cable directly to the outlet’s accessory ports. And the 2A (2000mA) rating means that it delivers enough power to charge even high-current devices like the new iPad.

RotoZip RotoSaw SS355-10 Preview

RotoZip RotoSaw SS355-10 Preview

RotoZip introduced its most compact, lightweight Spiral Saw yet, the RotoSaw. This new versatile Spiral Saw system is specifically designed to tackle plunge and freehand cuts in more than just drywall. In fact, it’s designed for portable use in nearly any building material, including tile, wood, plastic, laminate, underlayment and, yes, drywall. The RotoSaw is compatible with more than 20 different cutting bits and is available with a dust collection system which greatly reduces airborne debris. Special venting on the tool maximizes visibility and accuracy while keeping the work space clean. This is especially important when working in finished spaces, making the RotoSaw a versatile solution for today’s remodeling professionals, skilled DIYers and drywall installers.

Makita LXMT025 18V LXT Li-ion Cordless Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Makita LXMT025 18V LXT Li-ion Cordless Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Makita just released two new multi-tools, including the new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool Kit (model LXMT025), and the corded Multi-Tool Kit (model TM3000CX5). Compared to other models on the market, these tools look to be hitting the market as “second-gen” level tools, with sufficient build quality to impress us out of the gate and enough run-time (18V cordless) and power (corded model) to be very practical.

Makita TM3000CX5 Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Makita TM3000CX5 Multi-Tool Kit Preview

The new TM3000CX5 Oscillating Multi-Tool is powered by a 3.0 amp motor with soft start for smooth start-ups. The variable speed control dial allows a flexible operating range (6,000 – 20,000 OPM) and enables the user to match the speed to the application, and the electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother, higher-quality work. Similar to the 18V Lithium-Ion Multi-Tool, the new TM3000CX5 has a 3.2 degree oscillation angle engineered for faster, more aggressive cutting and sanding.

Irwin 250 Series 9" Magnetic Torpedo Level Review

Irwin 250 Series 9-inch Magnetic Torpedo Level Review

It’s easy to say that all torpedo levels are the same. It’s just as easy to think that if you have one you don’t need another, or that any 9″ level will do. For some that might even be the case. But as we’re introduced to more and more products, like the new 250 Series Magnetic Torpedo Level from Irwin, we are being made away of more and more handy features that will appeal to some trades over another. Let’s dive right into the 250 and talk about some of the stand-out features. A mirror on a level isn’t something you see every day, but Irwin put one on the 250. They dubbed it, sensibly, the “Plumb Site” and it’s there so you can check if you’re plumb without having to look around the level or move it to the side.

Craftsman Long Handle & D-Handle Digging Shovels Review

Craftsman Long Handle Digging Shovels

Craftsman’s new Long Handle and the matching D-Handle Digging Shovels are made in the USA. The new shovels, branded by Craftsman (and available at Sears and Kmart), feature Powerstep plates which give you tons of room and lots of leverage for using your boots to really dig in deep, even in compacted soil. The round point blade also feature a nice serrated edge for when you want to rock it back and forth to really saw through tough material.