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The Laser Measuring Revolution
Picture yourself trying to measure an entire room with just a traditional tape measure. You’re stretched across the floor, struggling to keep the tape straight, hoping your measurements are accurate. According to a report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is expected to add over 1 million jobs by 2026, highlighting the growing need for efficient measurement tools. The laser measuring tool market size is estimated to be USD 3.2 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.8 Billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2026 to 2033. We put some of the best laser distance measures through the paces to test how accurately they measure, noting their features, to compile this list of the best laser measures for both DIYers and pros. Manual tape measures are invaluable tools to have on hand for quick, relatively short measurements, but when it comes to measuring longer distances accurately, nothing beats a laser tape measure. These handheld electronic devices use a laser to calculate the distance between it and the surface of which it’s reflecting, delivering a digital readout in the palm of your hand. Laser tape measures eliminate sagging, stretching, and second-guessing, giving you spot-on measurements every time. A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology indicates that accurate measurements can reduce construction errors by up to 30%, thereby saving costs and time.
Oscillating Multi-Tools: The Swiss Army Knife of Power Tools
An oscillating multi tool is one the most versatile gadgets in your workshop’s arsenal, capable of trimming baseboards and cutting metal pipe, sanding furniture, removing grout from tile and even scraping away old adhesive. When it comes to popular power tools, the oscillating tool is the new kid on the block. It features a small blade that’s fixed at one end while the other end moves rapidly back and forth in an arcing motion that mimics a pendulum swing. The action, a combination of vibration and sawing, works well for cutting materials like metal, wood, and drywall and, with the right attachments, can also sand and file. Advancements in battery, motor, and vibration control technologies offer more options than ever. The oscillating multi-tools of today feature advanced vibration control and accessory interfaces, plus they benefit from carbide tooth blades and innovative problem-solving accessories. Think of it like having a complete workshop in your palm – this single tool can replace several specialized tools for most home projects. While an oscillating multi-tool may seem like overkill, avid DIYers will find that owning one makes many home-repair projects quicker and easier.
Impact Drivers: When Regular Drills Just Can’t Cut It
Setting big screws with minimal effort is what an impact driver is designed for. Inside the tool, a spring compresses an internal hammer — a round steel plate — that pounds the bit forward as the screw or drill bit you’re working with rotates. In exchange for some vibration in the hand, and a bit of noise, DIYers can drive long screws, structural fasteners, and big lag bolts quickly, without stripping. An impact driver is the workhorse in any workshop. Dealing with screws and other fasteners that require some real muscle to handle? Step aside, cordless drill, and let the impact driver take over. An impact driver is a handy little dynamo designed to do one thing: drive various types of fasteners. As a drill, it uses rotational force to drive screws into wood, for example. But, unlike the smooth rotation of a drill, an impact driver uses rotational hammering, which is more effective at driving fixings with screw threads. The beauty of these tools is that they prevent cam-out (when the bit slips out of the screw head), making one-handed operation possible. When these tools first came out, they were all single-speed, which made controlling them a steep learning curve even with a variable speed trigger. But now, most have selectable modes that vary the amount of impact so you can match the torque to the job at hand, and rotate fast enough to drill holes.
Shop Vacuums: More Than Just Cleanup Duty
While standard household vacuums excel at most light-duty cleaning, they lack the power and durability to handle liquids or large spills. Shop vacs, also known as wet/dry vacs, use their powerful motors and rugged construction to tackle heavy-duty messes much quicker than a mop and broom. These vacuums excel at cleaning up both wet and dry messes using airflow and a variety of nozzles. Professional contractors, tradesmen, DIYers, and homeowners can all find a need to own one. You can collect dust from tools, clean out your car, suck up the water from an overflowing toilet, and so much more. Many shop vacs offer convenient compatibility with woodworking tools like sanders, miter saws, and table saws, sucking up sawdust as you work and greatly reducing cleanup time. Our experts recommend a tank size between 6 and 10 gallons for the average homeowner. If your main intention for the shop vac is to clean out the car, a 2-gallon model will do the trick. On the other hand, if you’re a serious DIYer with a workshop in the basement, or if flooding is a constant issue, a larger shop vac might be in order. It’s like having a powerful cleaning assistant that never complains about getting dirty.
Cordless Drills: The Foundation Tool Every DIYer Needs
Finding the right drill is one of the most fundamental tool decisions. A quality drill will be one of your most essential workhorse tools for your household, coming in handy for repairs, DIY projects, and more. If you plan to hang a picture, put together furniture, or tackle any DIY home projects, a cordless drill will be an indispensable tool in your lineup. Whether they’re used for furniture assembly, door installation, or a variety of other tasks, cordless drills can find a place in nearly everyone’s tool kit. This Bosch drill/driver kit found its place on our favorites list thanks to its impressive speed of 1,900 revolutions per minute and max torque of 400 inch-pounds—all in just 2.8 pounds! Modern cordless drills have come a long way from their bulky ancestors. Tool technology has advanced a lot in the past decade when it comes to safety, so modern and newer tools tend to have better safety and lockout features built into them. When it comes to acquiring DIY tools, investing in each piece beats buying cheap versions that don’t last through the years. The best tools last decades or more and offer features that make DIYing fun, accessible and fast. Today’s models pack incredible power into lightweight packages, with some featuring brushless motors that provide longer runtime and increased durability.
Digital Tape Measures: Bridging Old and New Technology
For anyone seeking precision in measuring, the ACEGMET 3-in-1 Digital Tape Measure stands out as an essential tool in 2025. This versatile device combines a 16-foot traditional tape with a 131-foot laser measure and a clear digital display, making it perfect for various tasks. I love how it offers unit switching and a Pythagorean mode for calculating distance, area, and volume effortlessly. This digital laser tape measure has a nice lock button and nylon-coated tape. The flip side of the tape, which has the stud and rafter markings, makes it a great all-in-one tool for hanging drywall. While it is a simplified model, it does store the previous measurement. Additionally, the backlit LCD screen offers a clear display. Adding a laser measure to a tape measure may sound like a great idea. However, even the best tape measure is still a consumable item on jobsites. DIYers can get much longer use from their tapes, and that’s the target user for most of these hybrid tape measures/laser measures. These hybrid tools give you the best of both worlds – the familiarity of a traditional tape measure with the precision and convenience of modern technology.
Compact Circular Saws: Big Power in Small Packages
If you find yourself regularly taking on woodworking projects, a circular saw is essential. With batteries getting better every year, going cordless is becoming more appealing. The real draw with this tool is its upgraded electronics package coupled with the advancements of the PowerPack battery. This allows the saw to draw more power from the PowerPack battery than it could from a standard 20V battery, giving it a compelling performance advantage. Modern compact circular saws have revolutionized how DIYers approach cutting tasks. A reciprocating saw is the tool of choice for DIY demolitions, so if you’re facing a big renovation project, it will simplify this initial task. We tested various models to find the best reciprocating saws and found the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit to be our favorite. Lightning-fast cutting speeds coupled with low vibration made the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall our favorite reciprocating saw this year. With a 1¼-inch stroke length, this full-size reciprocating saw operates on a powerful, RedLithium XC 5.0-Ah battery and provides up to 3,000 strokes per minute for tearing through construction materials at top speeds. In addition to the 5.0-Ah battery, this kit includes a multi-voltage charger and carrying case to help you tackle demo projects anywhere. These tools make cutting lumber, plywood, and other materials accessible to homeowners who might have been intimidated by larger, corded versions.
Tool Storage Solutions: Organization That Actually Works
The entire chrome-plated tool set comes in a molded 10-in. x 14-in. heavy-duty plastic storage case. Every piece looks and feels sturdy and strong. The set as a whole is compact and easy to carry, weighing less than ten pounds—a good addition to any DIYer’s tool stash! Stocking a toolbox isn’t something that