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Buy once. Buy the right one.
Plain-language buying guides. We say what the numbers mean, what most people need, and when the cheap one is enough.
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12 guides
Tools
The handful of tools that do most jobs around a house, and how to choose each one without overspending.
Pressure washers
Most homes do well with an electric pressure washer around 1,800 to 2,300 PSI and 1.2 to 1.8 GPM.
Tools · $25 to $150Home tool kits
Most homes need a mid-size kit with a 16 oz claw hammer, a 25 ft tape measure, screwdrivers and pliers.
Tools · $30 to $450Nail guns
For trim, crafts and small projects, buy an 18-gauge brad nailer.
Tools · $60 to $450Garbage disposals
Most households should buy a 3/4 HP continuous-feed disposal with stainless steel grinding parts, for $150 to $280.
Tools · $70 to $450Wood routers
Start with a compact trim router, about 1 to 1.25 HP, for $70 to $150.
Tools · $50 to $700Paint sprayers
For cabinets and furniture, buy an HVLP sprayer, from $50 for a handheld to $250 and up for a turbine unit.
Tools · $60 to $500Ladders
For indoor jobs, a 6 ft stepladder rated Type I (250 lb) costs $60 to $130 and reaches about 10 ft.
Tools · $50 to $250Shop vacs
Most garages do well with a 9 to 12 gal wet/dry vac with a 1-7/8 or 2-1/2 in hose, for $90 to $160.
Tools · $30 to $700Air compressors
For trim nailers and tires, buy a 6 gal pancake compressor that makes about 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI.
Tools · $250 to $5,000Table saws
Most DIYers should buy a 10 in jobsite saw with a 15 amp motor, a rack-and-pinion fence and at least 24 in of rip capacity.
Tools · $50 to $300Cordless drills
Most homes should buy an 18V or 20V Max brushless drill kit with a 1/2 in chuck and two 2.0 Ah batteries.
Tools · $130 to $800Miter saws
For trim and small projects, a 10 in single-bevel compound miter saw at $130 to $250 does the job.
6 guides
Maker machines
Bigger buys for people who make things: printers, cutters, engravers and sewing machines.
3D printers for beginners
Most beginners should buy a filament printer with automatic bed leveling and a build area around 220 x 220 x 250 mm.
Maker machines · $250 to $5,000Laser engravers and cutters
Most hobbyists should buy an enclosed diode laser with 10 W of optical power.
Maker machines · $350 to $12,000Embroidery machines
Most people should buy a single-needle embroidery machine with a 5 x 7 in hoop, which runs about $450 to $900.
Maker machines · $130 to $400Sewing machines for beginners
Most beginners should buy a full-size mechanical machine with a metal frame, a straight stitch, a zigzag and a one-step buttonhole.
Maker machines · $100 to $1,100Craft cutting machines
Most crafters should buy a full-size cutting machine that cuts 12 in wide.
Maker machines · $50 to $700Heat presses
Most people making shirts should buy a 15 x 15 in clamshell press with a digital time and temperature display.
10 guides
Kits
Everything in one box. Good first steps into a craft, and reliable gifts.
Pottery wheels and kits
Start with a $15 to $35 air-dry clay kit or one studio class before you buy any wheel.
Kits · $15 to $120Kids tool sets
For ages 3 to 5, a chunky wooden pretend set for $15 to $40 is plenty.
Kits · $8 to $60Diamond painting kits
For a first kit, get a full drill, round drill canvas around 12 x 16 in (30 x 40 cm) for $8 to $15.
Kits · $8 to $60Paint by numbers kits
Most adults should buy a 16 x 20 in kit already stretched on a wooden frame, for $15 to $30.
Kits · $12 to $45Candle making kits
Most beginners should buy a soy wax kit with a pouring pitcher, thermometer, wicks and tins for $25 to $45.
Kits · $8 to $25Embroidery kits
Buy a stamped beginner kit with a 6 in hoop, pre-printed fabric, floss and needles for $8 to $15.
Kits · $10 to $35Crochet and knitting kits
For crochet, start with a 5 mm (H-8) hook and smooth, light-colored worsted yarn, about $10 to $20.
Kits · $15 to $120Resin kits
For coasters, trays and molds, buy a 16 to 32 oz starter kit of 1:1 epoxy for $20 to $45.
Kits · $10 to $35Craft kits for kids
Match the kit to the age on the box and to how much mess you can stand.
Kits · $12 to $50Craft kits for adults
Pick by what the person already likes, then check the contents list.