DeWalt

What is a portable band saw used for?

A portable band saw cuts metal pipe, conduit, strut, rod and angle cleanly, with few sparks. See what it cuts, how big it cuts, and which blade to fit.

Types of nail guns and what each one is for

Eight nail gun types, the nails each one shoots and the jobs they fit, from framing and roofing to brad and pin. Plus air vs cordless and trigger safety.

Table saw vs miter saw vs chop saw: which one do you need?

A table saw rips boards and sheets. A miter saw crosscuts and cuts angles. A true chop saw cuts metal. Compare specs, safety and which to buy first.

Is Ryobi a good brand? The facts, and who it suits

Is Ryobi good? See who makes Ryobi tools, where they're made, the warranty, the ONE+ battery promise, and when a pro brand is the better buy.

Corded vs cordless miter saw: which one should you buy?

Corded miter saws never run out of power. Cordless ones go anywhere. Compare runtime, weight, cost and cut capacity, and see which fits home use.

Can a miter saw cut metal or aluminum?

Most wood miter saws can cut aluminum with a non-ferrous blade, but not steel. See which saws can cut mild steel and why an abrasive wheel is a no.

Brushed vs brushless tools: what you actually get for the money

Brushless tools have no carbon brushes, so they waste less battery and run cooler. Makers claim up to 50% more runtime. When it's worth paying more.

Best drill bit for porcelain tile: which type for which hole

The best drill bit for porcelain tile is a diamond bit, cooled with water or wax. See which bit fits which hole, and when a carbide tile bit is enough.

Best drill bit for hardened steel: cobalt or carbide?

Cobalt bits drill heat-treated steel like Grade 8 bolts. Fully hardened tool steel needs carbide in a drill press. How to tell which you have and drill it.

Where to sell used power tools (and get a fair price)

Compare the best places to sell used power tools: local apps, eBay, pawn shops and more. See fees, speed and how to price, prep and ship batteries safely.

What is a trim saw and when would you use one?

A trim saw is a small 4-1/2 to 5-3/8 inch circular saw for light cuts in trim, plywood and sheet goods. See what it cuts, its limits and when to use one.

Rotex vs random orbital sander: which one do you need?

A Rotex adds a gear-driven mode for fast stock removal and polishing. A random orbital sander is lighter for fine work. Specs, safety and who needs each.

How to install DeWalt trimmer line (QuickLoad head, step by step)

Pull the battery, cut 0.080-in line, thread it through the eyelets and twist the cap. How to restring a DeWalt QuickLoad head, from DeWalt's own manual.

How to drain and clean an air compressor tank safely

Cleaning a compressor tank means draining the water out, not washing it. How to drain it, rust warning signs, safety valve checks and when to replace it.

How many cells are in a 12-volt battery?

A 12-volt car or mower battery has 6 cells of about 2.1 volts each. Lithium 12V batteries use 4 or 3 cells. How to tell, and how to spot a dead cell.