Whether you’re a professional tradesperson looking for daily tools or an eager hobbyist with a new project on-the-go, our Q3 essential picks will equip you with the right gear for the job throughout the warmer months.
Each product to make this quarter’s list has been thoroughly evaluated in terms of performance, reliability, and value for money, so you know you’ll get the most bang for your buck with all of these choices. While we’ve kept our eyes peeled for the latest and greatest, we’ve also included some DIY classics that work just as well now as they did way back when.
Ok, we get it — some of these might not quite fit inside your toolbox. Still, they’re all essential picks for making the most out of your DIY and home improvement work in 2023. So without further ado, here’s our list of Q3 2023 Catalog of Toolbox Essentials.
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Essential Power Tools
Best Portable Saw:WORX Compact Circular
Why we like it: Full size circular saws can be a real pain to operate, especially under the summer sun. This WORX compact circular is light enough for one-handed operation and incredibly light — perfect for small jobs around the house.
Best Electric Chainsaw Sharpener:Sharp Pebble Sharpener Kit
Why we like it: Along with the 120V tool itself, this kit also includes an angle guide attachment and a sharpening wheel for four different file sizes -- so you’ll have everything you need right out of the box! Its ergonomic design and accurate angle guide also make this tool suitable for novices, and unlike many competitor tools, it works just as well whether you’re right- or left-handed!
Best Combo Power Tool Kit:Bosch Cordless Tool Set
Why we like it: Bosch has outdone itself with this highly versatile 2-in-1 offering that features both the PS31 and the PS41 — the former offers easy handling for overhead drilling, while the latter is a master of precision.
Essential Hand Tools
Best Staple Gun:Surebonder TRIGGERFIRE
Why we like it: Perfect for ensuring accuracy when working at difficult angles, this TRIGGERFIRE gun makes one-handed stapling a breeze. When Trigger mode is enabled, one squeeze presets the gun, and a second sets the staple — with enough power to cleanly penetrate tough surfaces.
Best Wood File Kit:REXBETI 16 Piece File Set
Why we like it: All 16 files included in this set use long rubber handles that prevent hand blisters, even after hours of use. The impressive size choice means there’s a tool suitable for the full range of home DIY projects.
Best Handheld Weeder:Carrot Design Garden Weeding Tool
Why we like it: Dealing with pesky weeds is an unfortunate reality of gardening and landscaping, especially during the summer. This innovative circular design allows you to quickly cut weeds at the root, without disturbing the surrounding soil.
Essential Air Tools
Essential Debris Cleaner: Capri Tools 2-Way Air Blow Gun
Why we like it: It’s incredibly durable, with a smooth trigger and high-quality rubber grip handle. There’s also a knob for flow adjustment so you can choose between full blast or a light burst of air, depending on your use.
Best Calibration Tool:AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator
Why we like it: For most, the summer means more time out on the road— be that with a car, truck, bike, off-roader, trailer, or RV. Regardless of your vehicle, this professionally calibrated inflator will keep you safe, increase MPG, and reduce tire wear.
Essential Cleaning Tools
Best Grout Cleaner:Rubbermaid Power Scrubber
Why we like it: With the summer sunlight beaming into your home, grout becomes immediately visible. This is by far the best tool we’ve found for quick and effective removal — it oscillates 60 times per second and comes with various interchangeable accessories.
Best Baseboard Cleaner:Baseboard Buddy
Why we like it: If your home’s interior is desperate for a summer clean, the Baseboard Buddy is a cheap way to restore your property’s baseboards back to their former glory. The extendable handle means you can get into hard-to-reach places without putting strain on your body.
Essential Lawn & Garden Tools
Best for Lawn Health:Alkey Soil Moisture Meter
Why we like it: This soil moisture meter reliably indicates soil moisture, but also tracks sunlight lights and the pH value of your plants - plus it’s environmentally-friendly and requires no batteries.
Best Hauling Cart:Polar Cub Trailer
Why we like it: The 400lb pound load capacity, durable polyethylene tub and wide-track tires make this a no-brainer pick for hauling rock, firewood, and grass clippings during the summer heat.
Essential Safety Equipment
Best Lightweight Safety Glasses:NoCry Safety Glasses
Why we like it: In our opinion, there’s no better pick for summer summer safety glasses at this price point. As well as keeping your eyes safe, they offer UV protection, won’t fog up or scratch, and feature ‘no-slip grips’ and adjustable sizing.
Best Hearing Protectors:3M WorkTunes Connect
Why we like it: As well as protecting your ears while you’re out in the elements, these hearing protectors let you stream your favorite music, and the audio is of impressive quality. These protectors even include a microphone so you can take phone calls hands-free.
More Essential Accessories
Best Torpedo Level: Digi-Pas DWL280PRO
Why we like it: Suitable for professional use, this innovatively designed torpedo level comes with a bright L.E.D display, magnetic base, and rubberized end caps. It’s IP67 waterproof and shockproof, and we’re confident that you won’t find a more durable device at this price point.
Best Power Station:NEXPOW Portable Power Station (178Wh)
Why we like it: Where you’re heading out camping or simply want an additional power source on hand, this station — with 150W of peak power — can charge your favorite devices and fit in your backpack. It can also be recharged via a wall outlet, a car’s 12V socket, or with solar energy.
Best Summer Gloves:DEX FIT Nitrile Work Gloves
Why we like it: The work gloves strike a perfect balance between protection and convenience. They’re extremely lightweight, have a breathable stretch fit and we’re extremely impressed by the sensitivity of the ‘smart touch’ pads, which allow you to use your phone while working.