The iconic Vise-Grip locking pliers quite literally aren’t what they used to be—in 2008, the manufacturer shuttered their Nebraska plant and moved production to China. How do the new Vise-Grips hold up to the no-longer-sold classic? (Published in the November 2009 issue)

The hand-tool market is so competitive that any good idea is bound to breed copycats. Take the new Craftsman Dog Bone and Black & Decker ReadyWrench socket wrenches. Both tools feature essentially the same design—so how did the dueling doppelgängers make their simultaneous debut?

Two new weed whackers recently ditched the traditional gas/oil fuel mixture. One switched to propane, the other to lithium-ion batteries. The new tools seem capable, but how do their cutting-edge designs compare to the veteran petroleum blend?

PM’s last blender test had a clear winner, but it still wasn’t the blender of our dreams. This time around, we went in search of the top blender on the market, no matter what the price. Shouldn’t a blender be able to handle a whole fruit apple, orange or banana? Read on for the full results.

A single measuring tape calculates the lengths of everything from lumber to copper, but when it comes time to mark those measurements, the tool to use depends on the material. Keeping the line clear and legible is one of the keys to an accurate cut. Stow these items in the toolbox and you'll be read...

Popular Mechanics teamed up with the Science Channel’s Brink to scour, staple, drill and melt safety glasses. Here's how these three pairs of eye protection held up to our abuse. (Published in the September 2009 issue)

Oscillating tools are making some big news these days, as a number of toolmakers have recently released their own versions of the multifaceted tool. Are oscillating tools worth it? These three tests shed some light on the answer.

Popular Mechanics is roaming halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center for this year's National Hardware Show. It was tough to narrow it down, but here are our 15 favorite tools at the 2009 National Hardware Show.

There are iPhone apps for just about everything. And thanks to the iPhone's built-in accelerometer, the App Store has a whole crop of programs aimed at simulated household tools. PM decided to put a few to the test.

Can Vise-Grips save a life? Sure, and they can replace a stick shift, save a marriage and clamp blood vessels. Ten unbelievable tales from Irwin's "Tell Us Your Vise-Grip Story" contest.

Many woodworkers consider the router to be the most versatile portable power tool in the shop. Here are six router tips divided by experience level: practicing these techniques will help you get the most out of your router while expanding your woodworking skills.

These staple guns add a little oomphh to your standard Swingline, firing off fasteners for tasks like securing wires, screens or fabric to lumber. We tested three construction staplers for a magazine feature, and then three more just for fun. (Published in the February 2009 issue)

There's nothing new about powering tools with compressed air. Professional contractors and factory workers have been using air-powered pneumatic tools for decades.

Everyone loves a good head to head, particularly when the opponents are hideously mismatched. In this match up, the David and Goliath of the reciprocating saw world duke it out over power, maneuverability and accuracy.