12 Splurge-Worthy Tools You Should Add to Your Collection, According to Our Editors

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SawStop Compact Table Saw

Available for $899

“If you are a serious woodworker or are considering getting serious about woodworking, splurge on safety with a SawStop,” says editor, Ethan O’Donnell. “Often, people attribute the high price of these saws to their safety mechanisms, which prevent the blade from causing severe injury before it has a chance to do so, rather than their overall quality. These saws are just as well constructed as others and can save your extremities. Don’t believe me? Call a few professional woodworking shops in your area and ask what they are using. I bet more than half of them are using SawStop cabinet saws.”

On Sale

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Ryobi One+ Cordless Two-Tool Combo Kit

139.0028% OFFAvailable for $99

Available for $79

“I will always defend a Ryobi cordless drill with all the attachments,” says senior home and garden writer, Van Van Cleave. “Because I’m a clean freak, my partner and I love the cleaning brushes—they spent hours using it to clean my AllClad, which is back to its best factory shine!”

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DeWalt Heavy-Duty Bench Planer

Available for $779

“I highly recommend the DeWalt corded bench planer,” says editor, Alex Shoemaker. “It’s a must-have for serious woodworkers who deal with lumber in rough shape.”

This powerful, high-speed cutter handles large cuts in wide materials with ease. It features a three-knife cutter head and two-speed gearbox. Plus, the planer also has a removable material gauge and thickness scale that ensure accurate cuts every time.

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McLane Gas Lawn Edger

742.226% OFFAvailable for $691.45

“This gas edger cuts from every angle and is made in the USA,” says senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinsky. “It is high quality and will last you for years to come.”

This McLane edger is known for using a single lever blade clutch and depth control for the exact cut you want. It’ll have your outdoor space looking fresh and tidy in no time.

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Husqvarna Rancher Gas Chainsaw

$549.99 at Amazon

“This Husqvarna chainsaw is the only chainsaw I’ve ever used where the chain doesn’t fall off repeatedly. It cuts through trees like butter,” Lubinsky.

If you need a saw that can tackle tasks such as professional tree work and land clearing, this 20-inch Husqvarna saw is the tool for you. Plus, it starts quickly, with minimal effort.

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Saker Mini Chainsaw

99.9948% OFFAvailable for $51.95

“This mini chainsaw is adorable and powerful,” associate shopping editor, Sheri Kaz writes in her Saker mini chainsaw review. “It’s not one bit intimidating or hard to handle. I didn’t feel any fatigue using it, especially compared to cutting branches with a lopper or a hand saw.”

On Sale

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Bosch Bluetooth-Connected Laser Measure

249.0015% OFF$211.81 at Amazon

“As an interior designer, I can’t live without my laser measure. It makes space planning accurate and fast,” says Kaz. “I use it at home and on the job. When I need to get ceiling height, no problem, I can measure an entire room without needing someone else to hold the other end of a tape measure.”

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Sharper Image Rolling Tool Box

$139 at Amazon

Content director, Nicole Doster, says this toolbox/creeper seat combo has become indispensable in her house. “The Sharper Image rolling tool box saved our backs when we were doing work on our bathroom remodel, making it easier to reach places that were low to the ground while demoing, painting and installing trim,” she says.

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Flir Handheld Infrared Camera

$2149 at Amazon

FAQ

How long should tools last?

As there is a huge difference between a hammer and a table saw, there’s no hard and fast answer for how long a tool should last. A hammer, for instance, can last decades with very little attention paid to it. By contrast, something with many moving parts, like a table saw, will require much more care, maintenance and even replacement parts. Having said that, there’s no reason a table saw couldn’t also last for a decade or more with the proper respect and responsibility. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding maintenance and replacement parts (the blade will never last for very long but can be easily replaced regularly), and you should see your investment pay for itself several times over, even with regular, hard usage.

Do tools hold their value?

A couple of factors determine whether a tool holds its value. First, you must ensure you’re using it properly—meaning you’re not using a screwdriver as a chisel and vice versa. Second, you must maintain your tools properly—something with a hinge, for instance, may require regular cleaning and lubrication (you can always check the user manual for instructions). Third, you’ll want to make sure your tool of choice comes from a reputable manufacturer—an ultra-budget wrench might seem like a good idea in the checkout line, but that could mean that it’s made from inferior metal that may chip or even snap with even light usage, thereby losing its value entirely. Long story short, tools should retain their value for a long time so long as these factors are well-considered.

Should you wash your tools?

Yes. Tools, by their very nature, are typically used in less-than-clean environments. There is often grease, grime, dirt, dust, rust and more that can build up on and in them. With enough of this buildup, your tools may become less functional or even unusable. Regular cleaning should definitely be a part of your maintenance plan—just remember to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you’re doing it properly.