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Tool reviews and trim carpentry how-tos

I did contracting and carpentry work for more than 10 years. Every tool here is one I bought with my own money and used on the job.

All reviews How I test

Tim's Makita XVJ01Z barrel grip jigsaw with an 18V 3.0Ah battery, on a concrete floor
My Makita XVJ01Z, the jigsaw I use for coping trim.

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Comparison

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z

Makita XDT13Z vs XDT14Z vs XDT16Z cordless impact driver comparison with specs, speed modes, and test data to help you pick the right Makita impact driver.

More reviews and guides

Review

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver Review

What the Makita XDT19 Quick-Shift Mode, four power settings, and Assist Mode actually do, with Makita's rated speed and torque.

Roundup

Top 5 Best Corded Oscillating Tools

My top 5 corded oscillating tools from Fein, Rockwell, Makita, Bosch, and Dremel, and why a corded oscillating tool still cannot be replaced by a cordless one.

Roundup

Top 5 Best Framing Hammers

My top 5 framing hammers, from the Estwing GG417 to the Stiletto Ti-Bone 3, with what I like and do not like about each one.

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