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.

Ridgid WD7000 Smart Cart Shop Vacuum Review

Ridgid SmartCart Vacuum WD7000 Review

I wouldn’t have thought that a shop vac would get me excited. After all, they are nothing new and have been helping do-it-yourselfers and professionals clean up jobsites for years. But, winter is here and I find myself engaging in a lot of clean-up around the house lately. After using a traditional shop vac for several years and suffering the poor ergonomic design of the vacuums in general, I was excited to see a new form factor hit the market. Ridgid has quite possibly redesigned the genre by producing their WD7000 Smart Cart vacuum that offers, among other things, complete accessory storage and increased maneuverability. This is a very new kind of shop vac – and it’s broken the mold.

Milwaukee 2426-22 M12 Multi-tool Kit Review

Milwaukee 2426-22 M12 Multi-tool Kit Review

Last year we did an oscillating multi-tool shootout, where we compared all of the various brands and measured them to see which performed in a way that set them apart from the pack. We were able to really determine the good values on the market and make recommendations based on intended use and user goals. That part of my life was done, or so I thought, until a couple companies, including Milwaukee Electric Tool, released new multi-tool products. But, like the famous line from the Godfather, “just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.” And just like that, I’m back in the world of multi-tools. This time around, it’s the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Multi-tool Kit (2426-22). The kit comes with 2 RedLithium batteries, a charger, a few accessories, and – most importantly – an adapter that lets almost anyone’s accessories fit onto the tool.

Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit 2331 Preview

Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket Kit 2331 Preview

One of the oddest, but strangely compelling products we saw at the 2010 Milwaukee New Tools Press Event was their M12 Cordless Heated Jacket. A battery powered jacket? Oh yeah – and why not, with much of the country (our own Florida excepted) having to deal with freezing temperatures, snow and all manner of uncomfortable working environments. While we don’t envision needing this too often in Southern climates, the jacket was really an effective solution that made unique and clever use of the existing M12 battery technology.

Dremel Trio Kit 6800-01 Review

Dremel Trio 6800 Review

At this point we’d have to say that there is no reason not to have a few Dremel tools around the shop. The Trio is yet another product that is simply easy to use and handy for a variety of tasks, from sanding to cutting to routing. The trick with the Dremel is understand its target market. This isn’t a professional’s tool – simply because it’s flexibility precludes it from being the very best at anything that it does – but it IS extremely flexible, and provides a value that is almost unheard of and unseen in the marketplace. Like the MultiMax before it, this is one of those tools that makes a great gift for any DIY or enthusiast.

Bosch MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Bosch MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit Preview

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories announces the next generation of professional OIS (Oscillating Tool Interface) oscillating tools with its MX25EK-33 Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit, designed to ease flush-cutting, plunge cutting, sanding, grinding, grout removal, scraping and many more time-consuming and tiring applications. Ideal for renovation, construction, woodworking, and home repair tasks, its compact size makes it small enough for working in corners and other tight spaces. Paired with Bosch oscillating multi-tool accessories, the MX25E delivers quality results with minimal effort.

Milwaukee 6519-31 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit Review

Milwaukee 6519-31 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit Review

There are a few select products that define entire market segments such as what Skillsaw is to circular saws, Xerox is to copiers and what the Milwaukee Sawzall is to reciprocating saws. Milwaukee’s new 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall stays true its original roots, yet boasts more power, longer stroke length, less vibration, and a bargain value price point.