Tony Carrick

Popular Mechanics • 17th September 2026

This 102-Piece Craftsman Tool Set Doesn’t Include Fasteners. Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing.

I’ve tested a lot of home tool sets over the years and have found that most follow the same playbook. They offer smaller versions of a brand’s standard hand tools. These tools are adequate for handling the odd job around the house—hanging a frame, assembling some furniture, tightening a loose fixture—but undersized when it comes to more involved DIY projects.It’s also been my experience that purchasing a tool kit with a high piece count doesn’t always translate to actually getting more tools for...

Bob Vila • 6th August 2026

These Ryobi Pressure Washers Can Clean Vehicles, Homes, and Driveways

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Ryobi offers an impressive lineup of gas and electric pressure washers designed to help homeowners looking to wash their home’s driveways and vehicles. The brand’s pressure washers range from powerful gas models for cleaning concrete to corded electric pressure washers for lighter-duty jobs, like washing a car or patio furniture. 


We tested five of the brand’s top pressure washers...

Bob Vila • 29th July 2026

The Best Outdoor Griddles of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › An outdoor griddle is one of the most versatile appliances a home chef can own. Just like a gas or charcoal grill, a griddle is capable of cooking many foods alfresco, including burgers, steaks, and chicken. But it can also handle some foods you could never cook on a standard grill, like bacon, eggs, pancakes, stir-fry, or fajitas. 


An outdoor flat top grill consists of a broad, fl...

Bob Vila • 23rd July 2026

Why Improving Your Home’s Weather Resilience Starts With the Roof (and Where to Begin)

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Extreme weather events are striking with greater frequency throughout the country, which means roofs must endure more hail, high winds, heavy rain, and snow than ever. With roof repair and replacement costs reaching $31 billion dollars in 2024 based on U.S. residential property claims, according to risk assessment firm Verisk Analytics, the stakes are high when it comes to choosing ne...

Popular Mechanics • 4th June 2026

Milwaukee’s M12 Shop Vac Is the Most Convenient Shop Vac I’ve Ever Owned

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL shop vac is small yet mighty. This compact shop vac is a great tool for HVAC pros, plumbers, electricians, and other contractors who often need to clean up small messes on job sites and would do well to take advantage of the impressive convenience offered by this little dynamo. But so would homeowners, who can use it to tackle spills, clean up dry messes all over the house, and give their car interior a nice new look thanks to its impressive collection of attachments.I tes...

Bob Vila • 4th December 2025

Skil Jobsite Table Saw Review: It Came, It Sawed, It Conquered

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › Adding a table saw to your workshop can be a pretty significant investment—unless you’re willing to compromise performance and build quality. But with the Skil 10-inch job site table saw, no such compromise is needed. It’s about half the price of a premium table saw, yet it has enough cutting power and durability to make it onto a pro jobsite. It’s portable enough for one person to lo...

Popular Mechanics • 18th July 2025

I Switched to Solar Power for My RV. Here's How EcoFlow's Portable Solar Panels Won Me Over.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?When my wife and I decided to expand our horizons beyond campgrounds with full electrical hook-ups to experience dry camping, we didn’t want to go entirely without certain creature comforts, like lights, a coffee maker, and a working refrigerator. That said, camping is about communing with nature, so we didn’t like the idea of using a noisy, fume-spewing gas generator to meet our pow...

Popular Mechanics • 7th April 2025

This Electric Husqvarna Chainsaw Is Powerful, Fast, User-Friendly, (Yes) Expensive, and Just the Best

The Husqvarna PowerAxe 350i is an example of how advancements in lithium-ion battery technology have redefined what an electric chainsaw is. It used to be that they were really only good for pruning limbs. If you wanted to cut anything thicker than a few inches, let alone bring down a tree or carve up fallen ones into firewood, you needed to invest in a gas chainsaw.That’s no longer the case. Cordless electric chainsaws like the PowerAxe lead the pack of a new line of powerful battery-powered ma...

Popular Mechanics • 30th July 2026

Ego’s Power+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Reviewed: A Mighty Tool but Its Heavy Weight Will Test Your Arm Strength

Most cordless hedge trimmers are good for trimming a few shrubs, but if your yard is like mine—filled with bushes and hedges to manage—you’ll need a machine with serious power and battery life under the hood. My goal was to cut the 75 minutes it takes me to trim the hedges and shrubs in the yard in half, so I went looking for a hedge trimmer with the chops to handle bigger trimming jobs. Having tested both Ego’s impressive and powerful 56V leaf blower and 20-inch electric chainsaw, I was curious...

Popular Mechanics • 5th June 2026

DeWalt’s Max XR Cordless Drill Isn’t for Everyone. But It’s Worth Considering for Tougher Home Projects

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?Let me say off the bat that DeWalt’s Max XR cordless hammer drill is probably more drill than most people need. It’s one of the most powerful I’ve ever tested, capable of boring large holes into materials with speed and ease. At $349, it’s also one of the most expensive.Yet what makes this drill worth considering for the average homeowner is its control for harnessing that raw power....

Popular Mechanics • 12th May 2026

Ryobi’s Newest Battery-Powered Riding Mower Is Built for the Average Small to Midsize Yard

Yards in the quarter acre to half acre range fall in that gray area when it comes to investing in a riding mower. While riding mowers can save time over a walk-behind mower, the difficulties of navigating around trees and landscaping with a lawn tractor often make them impractical for the average suburban yard. Ryobi's new battery-powered R1 riding mower is an exception. With its 30-inch deck and short wheelbase, it’s one of the most compact electric riding mowers we’ve seen.I spent three weeks...

Popular Mechanics • 10th April 2026

I Tested Milwaukee’s Flagship Cordless Hammer Drill for a Year. Here’s Why It Became My Go-To.

I’ve tested dozens of cordless drills over the years, including DeWalt and Bosch, but I keep coming back to Milwaukee for the tremendous performance its drills offer. Nowhere is this more pronounced than with the brand’s flagship drill, the M18 2904 Hammer Drill. I first got my hands on it about a year ago, and it’s been my go-to drill ever since.It’s no secret that power typically drives the cordless drill driver market. One of the main reasons the Milwaukee 2904 Hammer Drill is the first drill...

29th March 2023

What's next in home security?

Fierce competition in the home security market will continue to breed new technologies and services that will improve the security and automation in your home. From cutting-edge Wi-Fi sensing technology and smarter surveillance cameras to the emergence of Matter, a universal standard that makes it easier to build a smart home, the home security market is continuing to evolve to the betterment of homeowners everywhere. This article will delve into the exciting technologies you can expect to see in home security systems in 2023.

Bob Vila • 26th August 2025

How AI-Equipped Appliances Can Make You a Better Homeowner

Artificial intelligence has arrived in our homes and it’s changing our relationships with our refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances. These machines no longer sit idly by waiting for us to tell them what to do. By tracking patterns in how we use them, AI-equipped appliances are proactive, adjusting how they operate to better work with our household. With its innovative technologies, LG Electronics is leading the charge in AI appliances.

27th March 2023

How secure is my home security data?

While that home security system you invested in may be doing a great job of keeping burglars at bay, it could be opening the door to hackers. Without the proper digital security precautions, cybercriminals can steal your security system password, giving them access to personal account information and even live camera footage of your family.

CNN Underscored • 16th May 2024

How to install solar panels (2024 guide)

If you live by the philosophy “if you want something done right, then do it yourself,” you might be thinking of installing your own solar panels. There are certainly plenty of good reasons to do so. By performing the labor yourself, you can cut costs in half. You’ll also learn about how your solar system works, making it easier to troubleshoot any problems that may occur with the system in the future.

But while there are many benefits to mounting your own solar panels, it’s not a project for th

2nd April 2026

Can burglars jam my home security system?

CNN Underscored • 15th May 2024

Are solar panels worth it?

Rising energy costs may have you thinking of going solar, but are solar panels worth it? Home solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars annually on your electric bill. And with new federal tax rebates that allow you to save 30% on the cost of a solar panel system, it seems there’s no better time to take advantage of solar.

Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros and cons, it’s crucial

Sense Blog • 29th November 2023

Keeping Connected: How to Improve Your Home's Wi-Fi

These days we depend on Wi-Fi for streaming our favorite shows, gaming online, working remotely, and helping maintain Sense’s connection, which is why it’s so frustrating when the Wi-Fi suddenly stops working.

Range problems, bandwidth, interference from other devices, and an aging router are some of the most common causes of an unreliable Wi-Fi network. There are fixes you can employ to solve these issues in the short term, such as relocating your router, upgrading your firmware, and prioritiz

2nd April 2026

Wired vs. wireless home security systems

Security systems dramatically reduce the odds that your home will become the victim of a burglary, but they aren’t foolproof. Nearly all security systems are susceptible to “jamming,” a process whereby a burglar uses radio frequencies to disable your security system.

CNN Underscored • 15th May 2024

Are solar panels worth it? | CNN Underscored

Rising energy costs may have you thinking of going solar, but are solar panels worth it? Home solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars annually on your electric bill. And with new federal tax rebates that allow you to save 30% on the cost of a solar panel system, it seems there’s no better time to take advantage of solar.



Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros a...

Bob Vila • 19th May 2023

Solved! What Is a Fuel Cell?

Q: During a recent blackout, my neighbor and I kicked around the idea of alternative power sources. Besides solar and wind, he mentioned fuel cells, which I hadn’t heard much about. What is a fuel cell, how is it used, and how is it different from other energy sources?

A: A fuel cell creates electricity through a process that transforms energy created from a chemical reaction between a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen). Though fuel cells aren’t used as widely as

Futurism • 6th January 2022

Best Crypto Gifts for Bitcoin Lovers in 2022

The world of cryptocurrency has its own memes and slang. Its members are a dedicated community willing to endure the uncertainty and risk of the cryptocurrency investing roller coaster. Like sports fanatics, these HODL-ing risk takers like to demonstrate their passion for blockchain technology with hats, shirts, and various tchotchkes. As the holiday season arrives, we’ve assembled a list of crypto gifts that even the most discerning cryptocurrency enthusiasts will geek out on. Our diverse colle

Popular Mechanics • 17th March 2025

Not Sure Which Size Portable Power Station You Need? Here's How to Figure it Out.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?Portable power stations are a quiet and clean alternative to the noisy, exhaust-spewing, gas-powered generators out there. These power stations use banks of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide enough juice to charge up personal electronics, run small appliances, and even power a refrigerator for hours or even days.I use a large portable power station to power my travel trai...

7th March 2026

Cove Home Security Reviews

Popular Mechanics • 28th March 2025

I Worked in the Middle of Nowhere with the Bluetti Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?There’s working remotely, and then there’s working remotely, as in places where there’s no power source for potentially miles. Bluetti’s Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station is designed for the latter.I’ve used and tested a variety of lightweight power stations, but none (until now) comes with a means of transport more convenient than a handle on the unit or a set of wheels. These desi...

Bob Vila • 3rd October 2022

The Best Property Management Software of 2022

Buildium tops the list of property management software with its comprehensive design. There are tools for advertising properties, collecting applications, and screening tenants. Tools are also provided for managing tenants once they’ve taken up residence, including an automated rent payment system and a function for handling maintenance requests. Additionally, property managers can use the software to manage finances and review financial performance, as well as create individual portals to commu

SFGATE • 16th October 2024

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 review: A portable back-up power station for the whole home

When bad weather strikes and the lights go out, you can fire up a gas generator or turn to something quieter and cleaner like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 to keep your lights on and fridge running. The latest release in EcoFlow’s line of portable power stations, the futuristic looking EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, is one of the highest capacity portable power stations we’ve seen.

When bad weather strikes and the lights go out, you can fire up a gas generator or turn to something quieter and cleaner like the...

SFGATE • 20th September 2024

The best solar generators to keep the lights on during outages and camping trips

The EcoFLow River 3 offers plenty of power in a compact form. It has a 245Wh capacity with a max sustained output of up to 300 watts and an X-boost that allows it to deliver up to 600 watts of surge power. This means you can use it to charge devices, power a PC, keep lights on and even watch TV. Despite all of that, it’s compact and weighs under 8 lbs, making it easy to tote to wherever you need it. It comes equipped with one DC output, two USB-A and one USB-C outputs, one three prong AC plug an...

Bob Vila • 1st April 2024

The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

This content has been brought to you by American Standard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

The federal government has a goal of reducing electric prices by 9 percent by 2030, and in order to do so they need your help; and they are willing to fork over thousands in rebates and tax credits in return.

Thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the Home Energy Rebates Program,

Popular Science • 31st October 2023

How to save videos from Facebook

Facebook probably has a lot of your favorite videos—from lovely, mischievous puppies and memes, to all the memories from that wonderful trip to Europe last summer. They don’t have to stay there, though: You can easily save videos from Facebook, if you want to.

However, there are limitations. The platform doesn’t have a direct way to download videos, but there is an easy workaround to save footage that’s labeled as public or has been posted by your friends. This method doesn’t require downloader

Popular Science • 27th September 2023

How to check your Internet speed on your phone, a browser, and Google

Learning how to check your internet speed can come in handy if you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth after splurging on a fiber connection. Knowing your true download and upload speeds can also be useful if your favorite streaming platform is lagging and you need to make your case to a representative of your internet service provider (ISP).

Luckily, doing an internet speed check is easy. There are many apps and websites you can use for free, and some even let you schedule netw

Bob Vila • 31st October 2022

The Best Online Course Platforms of 2022

Why It Made the Cut: The sheer breadth of Udemy’s courses, its relatively low prices, and the high volume of students make Udemy a highlight of online learning platforms.

Udemy boasts a staggering 185,000 courses in 75 languages covering a diverse range of topics from web development to some of the best online interior design courses. The platform’s class descriptions provide a comprehensive course overview, including price and class length. Udemy reviews and ratings are available for every cla

Popular Mechanics • 14th April 2025

The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is One of The Biggest Power Stations We've Tested: Here's How It Ranks as a Backup Power Solution

In these days of extreme weather, power outages are becoming an all too frequent issue in many parts of the country, making backup power a home necessity. Historically speaking, Gas-powered portable generators have been the primary solution for folks who want an affordable way to keep the fridge cold, the lights on, and the TV running when the power goes out. Portable Power Stations have been in the mix for awhile, but only a scant few can store enough power to serve as backup power at home.That...

Bob Vila • 4th August 2023

Energy Efficiency: What Do All Those Ratings Really Mean?

Do you know how the SEER rating on your new air conditioner impacts your energy bill? How about HSPF of your heat pump? Does your home meet NGBS standards?

The acronyms used to rate the energy efficiency of a home and everything in it can be confusing. However, decoding them and understanding what they mean is the key to reducing your home’s carbon footprint, improving its indoor air quality, and unlocking energy savings in your current or future home. Ahead, learn what some of the most importa

Bob Vila • 3rd May 2023

It Pays to Make These 5 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades in 2023

This is the first installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI home improvements on energy efficiency, sustainable kitchens, rooftop solar, and emergency preparedness. Each week, we’re pulling from our vast library of informational content, vetted shopping guides, and connections to industry professionals to present primers on the top projects to take on this year.

Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system, adding insulation, and installing be