12 Splurge-Worthy Tools You Should Add to Your Collection, According to Our Editors
Updated: Aug. 28, 2023
Feeling extravagant? Here are our editors’ favorite splurge-worthy tools.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Let’s be real: Not every DIY tool with a hefty price tag is worth it. Some expensive tools may seem like a waste of your hard-earned dollars while others make you question how you ever accomplished a project without them. We asked our editors about some of their favorite tools worth the cash, and narrowed down the list to the most splurge-worthy picks.
When deciding which of our favorite tools classify as a “splurge,” we considered not only the price tag of the item in general, but also the price of each tool in relation to other comparable tools on the market. Not all the products on our list break the bank, but they’re all sure to impress even the most experienced DIYers.
SawStop Compact Table Saw
“If you are a serious woodworker or are considering getting serious about woodworking, splurge on safety with a SawStop,” says editor, Ethan O’Donnell. “Often, people attribute the high price of these saws to their safety mechanisms, which prevent the blade from causing severe injury before it has a chance to do so, rather than their overall quality. These saws are just as well constructed as others and can save your extremities. Don’t believe me? Call a few professional woodworking shops in your area and ask what they are using. I bet more than half of them are using SawStop cabinet saws.”
Ryobi One+ Cordless Two-Tool Combo Kit
“I will always defend a Ryobi cordless drill with all the attachments,” says senior home and garden writer, Van Van Cleave. “Because I’m a clean freak, my partner and I love the cleaning brushes—they spent hours using it to clean my AllClad, which is back to its best factory shine!”
DeWalt Heavy-Duty Bench Planer
“I highly recommend the DeWalt corded bench planer,” says editor, Alex Shoemaker. “It’s a must-have for serious woodworkers who deal with lumber in rough shape.”
This powerful, high-speed cutter handles large cuts in wide materials with ease. It features a three-knife cutter head and two-speed gearbox. Plus, the planer also has a removable material gauge and thickness scale that ensure accurate cuts every time.
McLane Gas Lawn Edger
“This gas edger cuts from every angle and is made in the USA,” says senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinsky. “It is high quality and will last you for years to come.”
This McLane edger is known for using a single lever blade clutch and depth control for the exact cut you want. It’ll have your outdoor space looking fresh and tidy in no time.
Husqvarna Rancher Gas Chainsaw
“This Husqvarna chainsaw is the only chainsaw I’ve ever used where the chain doesn’t fall off repeatedly. It cuts through trees like butter,” Lubinsky.
If you need a saw that can tackle tasks such as professional tree work and land clearing, this 20-inch Husqvarna saw is the tool for you. Plus, it starts quickly, with minimal effort.
Saker Mini Chainsaw
“This mini chainsaw is adorable and powerful,” associate shopping editor, Sheri Kaz writes in her Saker mini chainsaw review. “It’s not one bit intimidating or hard to handle. I didn’t feel any fatigue using it, especially compared to cutting branches with a lopper or a hand saw.”
Bosch Bluetooth-Connected Laser Measure
“As an interior designer, I can’t live without my laser measure. It makes space planning accurate and fast,” says Kaz. “I use it at home and on the job. When I need to get ceiling height, no problem, I can measure an entire room without needing someone else to hold the other end of a tape measure.”
Sharper Image Rolling Tool Box
Content director, Nicole Doster, says this toolbox/creeper seat combo has become indispensable in her house. “The Sharper Image rolling tool box saved our backs when we were doing work on our bathroom remodel, making it easier to reach places that were low to the ground while demoing, painting and installing trim,” she says.
Stiletto Ti-Bone 3 Titanium Hammer
No good tool kit is complete with a high-quality framing hammer, and although there’s no shortage of these on the market, most of them have the same problem–weight. That’s where Stiletto’s Ti-Bone 3 titanium hammer comes in. At under 1 pound in weight, it leaves your arm feeling fresh for much longer on the jobsite.
Dremel Rotary Tool Kit
A rotary tool is one of the most versatile tools you can own, and the Dremel kit has a powerful variable-speed motor and three-jaw chuck, enabling you to change accessories without a wrench. With its 360-degree grip, improved airflow design and a pivot light to illuminate your work, this is the Dremel tool you’ll wish you’d bought years ago.
Bosch Orbital Sander
What does a top-of-the-line, 6-inch random orbital sander get you? More power, fewer swirl marks and less fatigue. Sanding’s a dirty job. Why not splurge a little so you can get it over with sooner? The Bosch orbital sander is the tool you need if you’re a DIYer who refurbishes wooden furniture.
Flir Handheld Infrared Camera
When you need to see what’s hot and what’s not around the house, there’s no substitute for a thermal imaging camera. The Flir infrared camera detects temperature variations, allowing you to spot drafty windows, insufficient attic insulation, electrical hazards, leaky pipes and other areas needing repair.
