Tools and Reviews

Tools and Hardware Info and Reviews

Here at Tools and Reviews, we provide unbiased customer product info, prices, ratings, and reviews for thousands of tools in dozens of categories, and provide links to sites where you can make easy, secure purchases.

When you're shopping for tools, sometimes you know precisely what you need. Use our quick search to jump straight to the page for that tool and see what other customers say (plus see prices and buy if you're ready).

But sometimes you may not even know what it's called, but know who makes it or what category it might be in. That's where we come in. With our list of popular manufacturers, you can browse their selection. Say, for example, that you're looking for a Generac generator. No problem; see our Generac page. (Or, if you'd like to compare the Generac generators with other brands, go to our Generators page.) Or maybe you're looking for a lathe. See them all on one page in our Lathes category, or shop by brand (JET, Powermatic, Delta, Fisch, and more).

1. Makita LCT203W 10.8-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit from Makita (Tools & Hardware) Price: $163.00

2. Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt Nicad Cordless Screwdriver with... from Black & Decker (Tools & Hardware) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $25.97

3. Dremel 8000-03 10.8-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Rotary Tool from Dremel (Tools & Hardware) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $64.99

4. Dremel 300-1/24 300 Series Variable-Speed Rotary Tool Kit from Dremel (Tools & Hardware) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $47.88

5. Little Giant VCMA-15ULS Condensate Removal 1/50 HP Pump with Safety Switch from Little Giant (Tools & Hardware) Price: $31.40

6. Factory-Reconditioned Dremel 6300-02L-RT 120-Volt Multi-Max Oscillating Kit from Dremel (Tools & Hardware) - Usually ships in 24 hours Price: $59.99

Browse Power Tools:

» Click here for top sellers in Power Tools

Power Tools

1.		Duracell 813-0291-07 175 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Source Inverter from Duracell Price: $26.20 Customer Review: This inverter worked well for 18 months to power a 16" TV from our car cigarette lighter. I measured the AC load on the inverter at only 20 watts, so I expected good inverter reliability. This week, when the 30Amp fuse in the car that protects the cigarette lighter blew, I suspected more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

2.		Cobra CPI 480 400-Watt 12-Volt DC to 120-Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output from Cobra Price: $24.81 Customer Review: i dont have a cig liter in car... Use battery cables...get perfect charge evrytime. No noise. Costs $40 less than any 400W in this area. No problems, 5 stars.	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

3.		Ziotek ZT1212542 Power Strip Liberator 14-Inch Extension, 5-Pack from Ziotek Price: $7.99 Customer Review: you could just attach another strip or make your own but why? also can be used as very short ext cord	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

4.		6outlet Power Strip Platinum from Fellowes Price: $4.72 Customer Review: We recently had the basement of our office building flood and needless to say.... I had to buy a ton of power strips. I bought this model and found that all of the items were in good working order, construction of the power strip was good and uniform across all the units I received. Plugging is firm... more info	Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

5.		Power Line 0900-77A 1300-mA AC Adapter with USB Charging Port from PowerLine Price: $10.52 Customer Review: This adapter has been awesome and has certainly saved me a fortune not having to purchase batteries for my exercise bike!	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

6.		Power Line 0900-74 600-mA Universal AC-DC Adapter from PowerLine Price: $8.98 Customer Review: Pros: Price, versatility Cons: lots of static sound, not very tight (connector lose contact if you move the cord)	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

7.		Cobra CPI 1575 1500 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter from Cobra Price: Too low to display Customer Review: I'm working as truck driver and I'm using this inverter 4 already 3 month ALL THE TIME 24/7! Especially 4 refrigerator, microwave, vacuum cleaner. Works great! Very recommended!	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

8.		Stanley PC1A09 100 Watt Power Inverter with USB Power Outlet from Stanley Price: $18.38 Customer Review: To try out this unit I put our two-bulb desk lamp in the car, put brand new 60 and 40 Watt incandescent bulbs in it (to load it to the rated 100 Watts) and ran it on the way to work and back. It performed wonderfully. The adjustable neck let it fit into either of the cigarette lighter jacks. Power... more info	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

9.		Black & Decker EM100B Energy Saver Series Power Monitor from Black & Decker Price: $47.45 Customer Review: I HAD TO RETURN ITEM. IT WAS INCOMPATIBLE. I AM AWAITING A SALES TAX REFUND FROM AMAZON. THANK YOU	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

10.		Cobra CPI-A4000BC AC Power Inverter AWG Cables from Cobra Price: $24.81 Customer Review: These cables are of mediocre quality, with their insulated jacket material somewhat mixed into some of the outer layers of the wire strands. The freshly-stripped copper shows signs of oxidation, probably from being manufactred of recycled copper. I'm not complaining, as due to the bargain... more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

1 - 10

Portions © Amazon.com, Inc.

Featured Tool Manufacturer: Porter-Cable

1.		Porter-Cable 690LR 11 Amp Fixed-Base Router from Porter-Cable Price: $110.00 Customer Review: simply the best hand-held router i've ever owned. protected controls won't fill up with dust. excellent power and speed. simply the best	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

2.		Porter-Cable 7424XP 6-Inch Variable-Speed Polisher from Porter-Cable Price: $118.25 Customer Review: This machine is absolutely brilliant. I have used the older 7424 and I thought THAT was great. However, the new machine with its larger switch and more power make a great machine even better. I used this to bring 4 cars headlights back to optical clarity. You know what I am talking about: the... more info	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

3.		Factory-Reconditioned Porter Cable PC3PAKR 3-Gun Nailer Compressor Combo Kit from Porter-Cable Price: $189.99 Customer Review: I bought this even though I didn't need the nailers. I just wanted to use it as a compressed air tank for blowing out my computers with compressed air and for filling my car tires and filling various sports balls. I figured I would try to sell the nailers here on Amazon to recoup some of the cost.... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

4.		Porter-Cable C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit from Porter-Cable Price: $179.00 Customer Review: Never owned an air compressor before. This small unit is perfect for my small garage workshop. The accessories are NOT of a high quality; I would have preferred a few more higher quality and more useful accessories. But I'd purchased this unit again. The price and performance produced a valued tool... more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

5.		Porter-Cable PC180DK-2 18-Volt NiCd Drill/Driver Kit from Porter-Cable Price: $89.95 Customer Review: I just returned this drill to Lowes, it was making an annoying whistling sound. The man at Lowes told me that there was nothing wrong with it, that all of these same model drills make this noise. I think he was lying and I doubt he'd ever heard this drill in action, but regardless, I didn't want to... more info	Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

6.		Porter-Cable PC418C-2 18-Volt NiCd Cordless 4-Piece Combo Kit from Porter-Cable Price: $145.99 Customer Review: I bought this kit earlier this week, so the impressions below are only from a few hours of use. Also, I'm a DIY homeowner, not a contractor or professional. Because some people may be considering Ryobi's similarly-priced cordless P842 18V Nicad kit, I've thrown in a few comparisons to that as... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

7.		Porter-Cable 557 7.5 Amp Plate Joiner Kit from Porter-Cable Price: $169.95 Customer Review: I have used the joiner four times. Easy to set up and use. It is very accurate. The only negative thing I have found is the exposed springs that control the return of the saw blade, otherwise this would rate five stars. This is not a big deal. Well worth the money.	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

8.		Porter-Cable 13904 5-Inch Hook and Loop Pad (for Model 333 Sander) from Porter-Cable Price: $15.99 Customer Review: The product does what one would expect it to do. However,Amazon makes it too difficult to review products by requiring one to "sign in" in order to rate a product. I, therefore, will not do this again even if I purchase from/through Amazon.com in the future.	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

9.		Porter-Cable BN200B 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer from Porter-Cable Price: $99.00 Customer Review: After using the nailer for over a year a air leak started right at the bottom of the nailing housing opposite the trigger. I took the four hex screws out of the top cover and looked around. Investigation revealed a leak between the drive cylinder which runs vertical above the nail head and the gun... more info	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

10.		Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer from Porter-Cable Price: $180.00 Customer Review: I have used this unit to complete my house and it has been a life saver. I can't imagin ever hammering a nail again.	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

1 - 10

Portions © Amazon.com, Inc.

Featured Tools: Lathes

1.		JET JML 1014VSI 10-Inch-by-14-Inch Variable Speed Indexing Mini Lathe from JET Price: $429.99 Customer Review: I bought this lathe to turn pens on which it does just fine and I'm also glad that I got the variable speed, this makes pen turning so much easier. Out of the box the tail stock spindle hand wheel was bent, most likely from shipping, all it took was a couple of lights taps with a soft face hammer... more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

2.		SHOP FOX W1704 1/3-Horsepower Benchtop Lathe from SHOP FOX Price: $166.67 Customer Review: I had only one problem with the lathe,I needed to align the head with the center of the tail stock,after that the lathe has performed better than expected. I would like to see more adjustment in the speed control,so to me this is a great tool for the money	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

3.		5" X 7" Mini Combo Lathe/Mill from Bolton Price: $540.00 Customer Review: I AM RETIRED. DURING MY WORKING CAREER I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MACHINE TOOL ENGINEERING FOR A MACHINE TOOL BUILDER. MY COMMENTS REFLECT THIS BACKGROUND. The machine as offered by Bolton has very limited functionality as a milling machine. 1: No details are offered as to milling space... more info	Customer Rating: 2.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

4.		SHOP FOX W1752 Mini Wood Lathe from SHOP FOX Price: $224.00 Customer Review: I purchased this lathe for my son who wants to make pens etc. Checked around as usual and Amazon had the best price and free shipping. The lathe arrived in the expected time and was easy to unpack and set up. There was one small handle broken and the company selling the lathe replaced it with no... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

5.		JET JML 1014I 10 Inch X 14 Inch Indexing Mini Lathe from JET Price: $349.99 Customer Review: This is a truly nice piece of equipment for my use which is making fishing lures. I don't have the variable speed control which I now wish I had purchased. I would recommend you get that Jet lathe model because it will increase the projects you can do (such as painting).	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

6.		PSI TCLPROXB Extension Bed for PSI TCLPRO Turncrafter PRO Woodworking Lathe from PSI Woodworking Price: $42.08 Customer Review: Bought this a couple years ago and this lathe is still going strong. Great for pen and small bowl and vessel turning. Plenty of power and variable speed works great (a must have feature you won't regret paying a little more for). BTW, I considered the Jet model but found the Turncrafter had... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

7.		PSI Woodworking LCMINI2 Mini 5-Piece HSS Wood Lathe Chisel Turning Set from PSI Woodworking Price: $24.75 Customer Review: Good inexpensive set for the money. I feel that the smaller gouges could use a little harder tempering!	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

8.		Grizzly H2669 Hobby Lathe from Grizzly Price: $46.95 Customer Review: I bought this with pretty low expectations given the price, but after using it a few times, I think this is a good basic hobby lathe, particularly if you are short on space and don't need a high precision tool. The tool rest is easy to move around, if a bit shaky at times, and the whole thing... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

9.		Jet 708376 JWL-1220 12-inch X 20-inch Wood Lathe from Jet Price: $449.99 Customer Review: The unit is nice, clean, well designed, and though small, I think it will do a good job. The packaging was well done, and the unit basiccally ready to go. It is no "Shop Smith" in size, but it is also not that much money either. When it says it is a 10 inch lathe, do not make the mistake... more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

10.		Anytime Tools 9 pc SMALL MINI LATHE 1/4" C5 CARBIDE BIT SET from AnytimeTools Price: $17.99 Customer Review: These are c6 carbide bits. The carbide seems to be brazed good and are consistently made. They are coated and painted to prevent any corrosion/rusting prior to use. As another stated some will need to be touched up a bit for clean cutting. All in all a good value for the money.	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

1 - 10

Portions © Amazon.com, Inc.

Featured Tools: Generators

1.		All Power America APG3014 2,000 Watt 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Generator from All Power America Price: $199.99 Customer Review: As soon as you take it out of the box, check all nuts and bolts and tighten as needed. After a couple of days, the exhaust bracket broke off because the mounts were loose. Upon inspection, we found that most of the bolts were not securely tightened. Otherwise from that, the generator performed... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

2.		ETQ TG32P12 4,000 Watt 7 HP 207cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator from Eastern Tools & Equipment Price: $359.99 Customer Review: I bought this generator in late June 2008 while living north of Houston, Texas, just in time to try it out and have it on hand for the hurricane season, and I was so glad I did! I always shopped around very carefully, and this was the least expensive generator for the output, and with several plug... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

3.		Honeywell HW2000i 2,100 Watt 125cc 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) from Honeywell Price: $479.00 Customer Review: Some have compared this unit to brands that cost twice as much. That isn't fair, however that being said, it doesn't compare well to other generators either. Right out of the box it didn't run well on efficiency mode. It revved up and down with no load or a light load (under 500 watts roughly).... more info	Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

4.		Honeywell HW7500E 9375 Watt 15 HP 420cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Home Generator With Electric Start from Honeywell Price: $849.99 Customer Review: I was excited to be able to purchase a 9375 Watt generator for the price I paid. However the unit is only 7500 Watts, the peak output is around 8500 Watts. The higher Wat was prominent in the add. I figured it out but still bot it. It is not quiet as your average HONDA but it was advertised as... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

5.		Yamaha EF2000iS 2,000 Watt 79cc OHV 4-Stroke Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) from Builders World Wholesale Distribution Price: $989.10 Customer Review: This little gem arrived to me in perfect condition. Kudos to Amazon for their quick delivery time. The genny itself is bigger than the pictures let on, but for 2000watts, this isn't bad at all. THESE UNITS DO NOT COME WITH OIL IN THEM. Go buy some 4 stroke 10w30 oil at home depot or lowes. Follow... more info	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

6.		Blue Max GEN4000B 4,000 Watt 6.5 HP 4-Stroke OHV Gas Powered Generator from Blue Max Price: $349.99 Customer Review: Great item for the price and for the use camping. May not last as long as the more exspendsive ones but it does the job for what i needed it for.	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

7.		Champion Power Equipment 46534 4,000 Watt 4-Cycle Gas Powered RV Ready Portable Generator With Wheel Kit (CARB Compliant) from Champion Power Equipment Price: $299.99 Customer Review: This is a great generator for its size. We had a storm about a week after we got it. And it took the power out for about seven hours. I started this thing on the second pull, and ran a 10,000 BTU window AC unit and a side by side Frig. and satallite reciver and TV. Never sputterd when the Frig shut... more info	Customer Rating: 5.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

8.		Honeywell HW1000i 1,000 Watt 53cc 4-Stroke Portable Gas Powered Inverter Generator (CARB Compliant) from Honeywell Price: $349.00 Customer Review: I compared the HW1000i ($325) to my Yamaha ef1000is ($800) The HW1000i had a greater surge power but the fuel efficiency was poor,combined with the smaller fuel tank it required me to fill the tank twice as much as the Yamaha. The HW1000i tended to stall and even die with no apparent... more info	Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information

9.		DuroMax XP4400E 4,400 Watt 6.5 HP OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator With Wheel Kit And Electric Start from Power Max Price: $449.99 Customer Review: On June 17, 2010, we purchased a Duromax XP4400E portable generator from Max Tool after speaking to Arvin in Sales/Customer Service and explaining what the generator would be used for, a 1-1/2 Hp 230 volt AC single phase water pump. This generator is advertised as having a max AC... more info	Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 Click here for more information

10.		ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt 13 HP 420cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start from Eastern Tools & Equipment Price: $699.97 Customer Review: ETQ TG72K12 8,250 Watt 13 HP 420cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator with Electric Start PROS Very good well built generator with steel piston cylinder in engine. Low thd percentage {total harmonic distortion} which means "clean power" or clean sine wave so your circuit boards in... more info	Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 Click here for more information