Pro Tool Reviews exists to give professionals, serious DIYers, business owners, and industry decision-makers the most accurate, trusted, and thorough tool information anywhere online. Since its inception, the site has focused on hands-on evaluations, real-world testing, and expert insights grounded in decades of jobsite experience.
Our History
Pro Tool Reviews began as a simple idea in 2008: What if we created a website where power tool reviews were written by actual working Pros instead of marketing departments? That idea took root when Clint DeBoer, a recording engineer turned home renovator and technology specialist, teamed up with construction veteran and contractor Tom Gaige to build a site that published authentic, knowledgeable tool reviews based on practical, real-world use.
As the audience grew, so did the team. By 2013, Tom had moved on, but the company added Kenny Koehler, who eventually became the site’s Editor-in-Chief. Under his leadership, Pro Tool Reviews expanded testing facilities, standardized testing methodologies, and deepened coverage across power tools, hand tools, outdoor power equipment, and jobsite technology.
Today, Pro Tool Reviews reaches millions of professionals and enthusiasts each year, serving as a go-to resource for tradespeople, manufacturers, and media outlets. Even better, they teamed back up with co-founder Tom Gaige, who now serves as the frontman for the company’s long-form videos.
Our Mission
“Our mission at Pro Tool Reviews is to be the most reliable and accessible source of quality tool reviews in the world.”
Everything we produce—tool tests, videos, award programs, buying guides, and industry analysis—is rooted in that mission.
Why Readers Trust Us
Hands-On Testing
We test tools the way real pros use them: cutting, drilling, ripping, torquing, trenching, fastening, measuring, and replicating the same environments our readers work in every day.
Professional Reviewers
Our team consists of current and former contractors, tradesmen, renovators, mechanics, landscape professionals, and long-time tool journalists with decades of combined experience.
Standardized Procedures
We use standardized and structured tests that are both reliable and repeatable. Whether we’re measuring torque, runtime, power, decibels, or vibration, our goal is to ensure every tool is measured as fairly and accurately as possible.
Zero Sponsored Reviews
We do not accept compensation for positive reviews, and our reviews do not get peer-reviewed by manufacturers before publication. We disclose how tools are obtained and maintain full editorial independence. You may see sponsored content, but it will never be labeled or positioned as a tool review.
Transparent Data
Where possible, we publish measurable performance data rather than marketing claims. That way, our readers can see exactly how a tool performed against the competition.
Real Jobsite Use
While we test many tools in our 2600-square-foot shop space, we also get them in the field for real-world feedback. When performance testing, tools are compared against known industry standards whenever possible to replicate real-world use.
Decades of Credibility
Over the years, Pro Tool Reviews has been cited, referenced, or quoted by major trade publications, retailers, manufacturers, and media outlets. Our reviews are frequently featured in magazines, circulars, tool manufacturer websites, and online industry articles.
Meet the Founders & Editorial Leadership
Clint DeBoer, Founder & Publisher
Clint holds a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another for over thirty years, having started his first company in 1995. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews. He also created the Pro Tool Innovation Awards in 2013 as a way to recognize the “movers and shakers” in the industry. He has reviewed thousands of tools and played a key role in developing many of the testing standards the company uses today.
Tom Gaige, Co-Founder
As one of the original cofounders, Tom brought decades of hands-on experience in construction, remodeling, and contracting to Pro Tool Reviews from day one. His practical understanding of tool ergonomics, safety, durability, and real jobsite performance helped define the “pro-first” perspective of the site. Tom rejoined the PTR team as its frontman for long-form video reviews and our popular head-to-head tool comparisons.
Kenny Koehler, Editor-in-Chief
Kenny has a background in education and brings a methodical approach to product testing and data acquisition, which helped establish and solidify the editorial standards PTR is known for. Kenny now manages the editorial review process, supervising the writing team and continuing to test and review power tools and other products. He helps ensure every published review meets our rigorous reliability standards.
The Pro Tool Innovation Awards
In 2013, Pro Tool Reviews launched the Pro Tool Innovation Awards (PTIA), an annual industry-wide program recognizing truly innovative tools, accessories, fasteners, and products across every major trade.
More than 150 manufacturers participate yearly, and winners are selected by industry professionals who judge each entry on its innovation, performance, value, and/or overall impact on the industry. The PTIA has become one of the most recognized award programs in the tool and equipment sector. Many brands feature PTIA badges directly on retail packaging, signage, product pages, and in national product launches.
Where You’ve Seen Us
Pro Tool Reviews has been featured or referenced in:
- Manufacturer product pages (Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Hilti, Ryobi, and many others)
- Home improvement news outlets
- National hardware retail marketing materials
- YouTube tool channels and podcasts
- Trade shows, including World of Concrete, Equip Expo, STAFDA, and SEMA
- Power and hand tool manufacturer media events
Manufacturers have also used our testing to validate performance claims, compare competitive models, and improve next-generation products.
Our Social Media & Metrics
Primary Social Media Handles
- YouTube (171k+ subscribers): https://www.youtube.com/protoolreviews
- Instagram (249k+ followers): https://www.instagram.com/protoolreviews
- Facebook (139k+ followers): https://www.facebook.com/protoolreviews
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/protoolreviews
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/protoolreviews
Key Metrics (approximate)
- Website Visitors: Millions of readers annually
- YouTube Subscribers: 171,000+
- Total Video Views: 100,000,000+
- Newsletter Reach: 26,000+ subscribers (~42% open rate)
- PTIA Manufacturer Participation: 150+ brands each year
Our Editorial Standards
At Pro Tool Reviews, editorial integrity is non-negotiable. We adhere to the highest standards when testing tools and communicating our thoughts and opinions on new products. Our standards include:
Accuracy & Verification
Every claim is double-checked against data, manufacturer info, or direct testing.
Independence
Brands do not control our content, scores, or recommendations.
Hands-On Priority
We prioritize testing tools in the field rather than relying on spec sheets.
No Pay-to-Win
We do not accept payment for favorable placement or results in either individual product reviews or head-to-head comparisons.
Continuous Improvement
Testing methods evolve as technology evolves. We update articles when new data becomes available.
In Summary
Pro Tool Reviews stands as a trusted, data-driven, professional voice in the world of power tools, hand tools, outdoor power equipment, and jobsite technology. Founded by working professionals and maintained by a team committed to accuracy and integrity, the site’s purpose remains simple:
Be the most reliable and accessible source of quality tool reviews in the world.
Professional tool reviews written by professionals, for professionals.
That’s Pro Tool Reviews.
Check out more resources to learn about Pro Tool Reviews:
- See our Pro Tool Reviews Reviewers, Writers, and Editors
- Learn more about our Reprint Rights
- Get information about Advertising with Pro Tool Reviews
- Join the popular Pro Tool Reviews Newsletter