Tools

Table saws make quick work of cutting wood, offering an accurate cut, while a reciprocating saw uses a push-and-pull motion of the blade to cut through many materials, including metal, and is used primarily for demolition jobs. Circular saws power through wood, plastic, metal, and masonry, and jigsaws help to perform precision cutting of patterns, including circular, curved or jagged designs.

Grinders are used to grind, cut through, shape or polish metal or concrete materials. Bench grinders mount on a workbench and typically feature two wheels for grinding. Die grinders are designed with a straight shaft, used to cut, grind, buff, sand or carve woodworking projects. An angle grinder gets its name because the grinding wheel is at a 90-degree angle from the tool's shaft. Angle grinders can sand, polish, sharpen, grind or cut such materials as metal, tile, stucco, and mortar.

Hand-held orbit sanders use sandpaper disks to sand wood, often in the finishing process, while belt sanders are more aggressive, typically used in the beginning stages or to remove paints or other finishes from wood. A drywall sander is used during drywall installation to smooth plastering compound, and many models contain a built-in vacuum to reduce dust. Shop models from top-quality brands that include Bosch, Porter Cable, and DeWalt.

Rotary tools serve multiple functions in a handyman's toolbox, and most models come with attachments designed for various jobs, including sanding, polishing, etching, cutting, sharpening and engraving. Browse popular brands such as Dremel and Black & Decker.

Arc welders can be used on any metal that's 18 gauge or thicker. The economical welding method can be used to weld most alloys or joints. Flux welders are appropriate for welding materials as thin as 26 gauge. Both arc and flux welders work well on dirty or rusty metals. MIG welders make for cleaner welding and can be used on metals of various thicknesses.

A traditional claw hammer drives and removes nails. Frame hammers are designed to be heavier with a longer handle and serrated face to prevent slipping off the nail head. A ball-peen hammer has a rounded head, commonly used for shaping metal or setting rivets, while a drywall hammer sets nails in drywall without breaking through the surface.

A Phillips head screwdriver features a cross tip, while flat heads have only a flat, straight tip. A Torx screwdriver has a six-pointed star pattern, and a hex head screwdriver features a hexagonal tip. Like a screwdriver, a nut driver features a socket to tighten nuts and bolts.

Bolt cutters cut through bolts, chains, padlocks or wire mesh, while tin snips are used to make straight cuts in vinyl, aluminum or other thin metals. Hand pruners are designed for use on shrubs or tree branches, and cable cutters are used for electrical jobs, such as cutting coaxial cable. A hobby knife has a fine blade for precision projects, such as model making, while a utility knife cuts through thicker materials, such as cardboard boxes or plastic cartons. Shop cutting tools from high-quality brands such as Fiskars, Stanley, and Irwin.

Groove-joint pliers feature an adjustable jaw that can grip objects of various sizes, and needle-nose pliers have a long tip to hold small items. Diagonal cutting pliers are often used to cut wire or remove small nails, and lineman's pliers are used for cutting or twisting wire. Wire strippers remove the insulation from electrical wiring.

Open-end wrenches come in various sizes and are used to loosen or tighten bolts with a turn in one direction or the other, while a ratcheting wrench loosens or tightens bolts without the need to reposition the tool with each turn. An adjustable wrench has an adjustable head to accommodate bolts of different sizes, and a torque wrench tightens a nut to a specific pressure, often used for automotive purposes.

Lawn mowers come in a variety of types, including manual and electric. Some models contain bags that collect grass clippings, and self-propelled mowers work on a drive system to reduce the amount of effort you use to cut your grass. Consider quality brands such as Maxpower, GreenWorks and Weed Eater.

Hedge trimmers are used to clean up shrubbery, and telescoping models get those hard-to-reach areas. Trimmers clean up grass in areas where your lawnmower doesn't reach, and edgers create a clean line along walkways and driveways. Choose from electric, gas or battery-operated models at Overstock.com.

Shop battery-, electric- or gas-powered chainsaws from top brands that include Blue Max, Earthwise, and Sun Joe. Blade lengths range from 4 to 20 inches. Pole saws make it easy to get those out-of-reach vines or branches without the use of a ladder.

Browse handcarts, platform carts, swivel casters, flatbed carts and wheelbarrows to move large objects and gardening materials easily. Top-quality brands include Cosco, Hi-Craft, Jackson and Sportman's Series.

Yard care hand tools range from rakes, shovels, trowels, and spades to snow pushers, weeders, aerators and grain scoops. Brands include Ames, Fiskars, and Seymour.