Start here
The Best Socket Sets for Your Money
How to judge socket set value by piece mix, drive sizes, ratchet quality and case design, so you pay for the sockets you will actually use.
Buying Guides and Reviews
Sockets, Pliers and Measuring Buying
Buying criteria for socket sets, organizers, pliers and tape measures.
The Best Socket Organizers for Your Money
Compare socket rails, trays and clip organizers by capacity, retention, portability and cost, so you can pick a way to keep your sockets sorted.
The Best Tape Measures for Your Money
Judge tape measure value by blade standout, hook design and durability, and learn where paying more helps and where a basic tape is enough.
The Best Tape Measures for Your Workshop
What to look for in a shop tape measure: readable markings, useful blade width, and case features such as locks, magnets and clips that help at a bench.
The Best Types of Pliers for Your Needs
A task-by-task look at slip-joint, needle-nose, locking and cutting pliers, with notes on what each does well and where it is the wrong tool.
Related topics
More in buying guides and reviews
Table Saw and Router Table Buying What to look for when choosing table saws and router tables. Portable and Hand Saw Buying Selection criteria for circular saws, jigsaws, reciprocating saws and hand saws. Impact Drivers, Wrenches and Heavy Drills Choosing drivers, impact wrenches and heavy-duty drills. Cordless Sander Buying What matters when choosing a battery-powered sander. Compressor Gauges and Regulators Gauges, regulators and compressor sizing for small shops. Choosing Tools How to pick a power tool, hammer or work light for the job. Compressor and Air Tool Buying What to weigh when choosing a compressor, tank and air accessories. Cordless Drill Buying How to choose cordless drills and drill sets for home or heavy use. Cordless Impact and Grinder Buying Selection criteria for heavy-duty cordless impact tools and grinders. Multi-Tool and Reciprocating Saw Buying Choosing cordless multi-tools and reciprocating saws for tough jobs. Cordless Sander Picks What to look for in cordless random orbit, rotary and finishing sanders. Drill Press and Drilling Picks What to look for in drill presses, magnetic drills, rotary hammers and bits. Rotary Tools, Multitools and Accessories Choosing rotary tools, multitools, saw blades and power tool add-ons. Toolbox Buying Picking a toolbox by size, storage style and workshop space. Workbench Buying What to weigh when choosing a workbench for a home or pro shop. Work Light and Lighting Buying Choosing work lights and shop lighting that suits the space. Stationary Machine Picks Selection criteria for table saws, drill presses, router tables and bits. Sander, Air and Bench Picks Selection criteria for sanders, compressors, airbrushes and workbenches. Cordless Top Five Lists What to look for when a cordless tool list promises the top five. Choosing Drills Pick the right drill or drill press for the work. Cordless Shop Top Fives What matters in cordless multi-tool, sander and workshop kit lists. Multi-Tool Options Folding and pocket multi-tools for different settings.