Ryobi RJ162VK Reciprocating Saw Review
The Ryobi RJ162VK is a sensible 6.5 amp reciprocating saw that is perfect for the handyman or do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t require oodles of power and who isn’t planning on doing tons of demo work. Its very reasonable street price makes it one of the more handy “gotta-have-it” tools we recommend for anyone who plans on doing any type of projects around the home.
Ridgid R3020 Review Twist Handle Orbital Reciprocating Saw
Bottom line is that the Rigid R3020 Twist Handle Orbital Reciprocating Saw is not your regular reciprocating saw. With a number of really useful features and very manageable size, this saw is a solid performer. The fact that no tools are needed for blade changes or any of the other adjustments is a major benefit. Aside from our trouble with the blade change lever this saw is definitely a step up from your regular reciprocating saw.
Ryobi HPL51K Review 3-1/4″ Electric Hand Planer
The Ryobi HPL51K electric hand planer is a budget tool that includes some very nice features such as a left/right dust ejection dial, adjustable depth knob and blade-protecting kick stand. This tool really enables easy planning of uneven surfaces – up to 3/32″ in a single cut – and even performs edge and rabbet cuts with the included edge guide.
Bosch 1590EVS Jigsaw Review
Bosch really put everything into their 1590EVSK orbital jigsaw. Now, depending on what you do for a living (or in your do-it-yourself project world), a jigsaw may not be your standard go-to tool. However, with 4-stage orbital control, tool-less blade changes & bevel adjustment, and variable speed control with trigger lock, this is a one-stop jigsaw shop. We’ve used lots of jigsaws before, but Bosch’s take on this staple seems to put it on higher ground and leave nearly nothing out of the mix.
Black and Decker JS515 Jig Saw Review
The Black & Decker JS515 4.5 amp Jigsaw can be found for a reasonable “street” price and offers reliable, if simplistic performance. The saw is your basic model and certainly doesn’t feature many frills besides tool-less changing of both universal and t-shank blades and a handy magnetic storage area for up to 3 blades. If you can find it on sale you may have a deal, but paying retail isn’t something we’d recommend for this model.
Dremel 6300-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit
Dremel is well-known for their rotary tools, but the new Multi-Max oscillating tool may put a fresh smile on the face of those who ever wanted to plunge cut into a door jamb or easily remove nasty old caulk from around a sink or tub enclosure. The Multi-Max features multiple attachments that allow it to be used for cutting, grinding, sanding scraping and even grout removal. It’s the kind of tool that actually does something no other tool does, making difficult and otherwise messy jobs rather simple.
Milwaukee D Handle Drill with Right Angle Drive Review 1107-6
We reviewed the Milwaukee 1107-6 7 amp D-handle drill with the optional right angle drive attachment and were blown away by its powerful torque and drilling capability, especially in tight corners. This is a tool that, bar none, any serious contractor should have in their arsenal. This tool is not for bargain hunters, however as it will set you back quite a bit to benefit from its stellar performance.
Hitachi C7SB2 Circular Saw Review
The Hitachi C7SB2 7-1/4 inch 15 amp circular saw is a workhorse product which can be found for a very reasonable price if you look hard enough. Its clean lines, comfortable feel, and powerful motor make it a decent saw for cutting, but clumsy depth and bevel adjustments give it at least some areas of improvement. This tool will do well in any handyman’s kit and some professionals may even find its lightweight styling is worth a second look.