Power Tools


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Yard Force Gas Pressure Washer (YF3100ES-R): Product Review

The Yard Force YF3100ES-R gas pressure washer is a powerful beast of a unit, using the latest Briggs & Stratton 875EXi Series™ engine and featuring the only wireless remote start in the pressure washer world. If you have many surfaces to clean and require some serious power, I would absolutely recommend the YF3100ES-R.

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Best Electric & Cordless Pressure Washers: Guide & Recommendations

There are so many different pressure washer models available, including electric, gas and even cordless, that it’s difficult to know which will best meet your needs. Here’s what you need to know about brands, nozzles, PSI, flow rate, styles, and the capabilities of different types of pressure washers. Plus, we share our recommendations for the best pressure washers in different categories.

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Greenworks 1800 PSI Electric Pressure Washer (GPW 1803): Product Review

This 1800 PSI pressure washer (offered exclusively through Lowe’s) has some nice features. I like its compact size, maneuverability, easy to reach nozzles, large cap for the detergent container, and convenient hooks for both the high-pressure hose and electrical cord. Plus, it’s Pressure Washer Manufacturers’ Association (PWMA) Certified.

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Craftsman 60V Max Hedge Trimmer featured

Craftsman 60V Max Hedge Trimmer: Product Review

This cordless hedge trimmer is good for light- to middle-duty residential use due to its long battery life (60 to 80 minutes on a single charge), light weight (under 10 lbs.), good maneuverability, and reasonable price. It makes clean cuts on thinner stems, perfect for users with small gardens and hedges who need to keep a manicured look. But if you’re looking for a hedge trimmer that can muscle through thicker vegetation, you might want to pass on this one.

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Sun Joe® Cordless Go-Anywhere Portable Pressure Washer (SPX6001C): Product Review

What a great concept – a completely self-contained, cordless pressure washer that doesn’t need a nearby spigot, hose or electrical outlet (meaning there’s no hose or electrical cord to get tangled up in). Water is supplied from an attached 5.3-gallon bucket and power from a 40V li-ion battery. What’s not to like about that?

For a 40V power washer, the run time is excellent, averaging over 21 minutes on high power. That gives you enough time to put at least three 5.3-gallon buckets of water through the unit. It has all the industry-standard spray nozzles and a soap dispenser attachment, and it has the flexibility to be run off a garden hose if you want an unlimited water supply. With the ability to control PSI on the base unit, you can find the perfect nozzle and PSI combination to tackle any job. The wheels make the unit easy to move (no need to lift it) – just grab the handle and pull it along behind you. And, with the exception of the trigger gun holder, the machine feels solid.

Just be aware that this isn’t in the same class as a corded, electric pressure washer. It provides a lot of flexibility, but that comes at the cost of power, run time and a higher price. Still, for jobs that don’t require the PSI rating or flow rate of a mid to large size pressure washer, this portable unit gets the job done.

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WORX 20V Cordless Chainsaw: Product Review

There are a lot of things to like about the WORX 20V cordless chainsaw. It has plenty of power, even with only a single 20 volt lithium-ion battery. It makes fast clean cuts, has a nice ergonomic design, is comfortable and easy to handle, and has excellent fit and finish. Given its light weight (roughly 6.8 lbs) and petite stature, virtually anyone would be able to use this chainsaw.

Because it’s a small chainsaw, with only a 10-inch bar, it’s best used as a light-duty saw for small properties and smaller diameter branches. If you’re looking for a full-size cordless chainsaw, this would not be the right choice for you.

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Craftsman 60V Max Handheld Blower: Product Review

This is the lightest cordless blower I’ve tested to date, as well as one of the most powerful. At just over 5 lbs (10 lbs with the battery installed), a 90-minute run time (on the low setting), and 600 CFM blowing at 110 mph, this is one heck of a blower. It doesn’t have a shoulder strap but it simply doesn’t need one; it’s light-weight and well-balanced enough to be easily held with just one hand. The one caveat is that taller people (over 6-foot or so) will probably find the blower tube to be on the short side, making it uncomfortable for extended use.

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Sun Joe® SPX1501 Pressure Washer: Product Review

I like this little beast of a pressure washer. To me, it’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing – despite its petite size and toy-like appearance, it’s a powerful cleaner. I’d put it in the “beginner” pressure washer class because of its useful pressure rating of only 1400 PSI. But if you’re looking for a basic unit without a lot of bells and whistles, a unique adjustable spray nozzle (no more losing individual nozzles!), easy-to-attach high-pressure hose, and an electrical cord with a built-in safety GFCI, then look no further. Is it going to be the unit you use to strip paint from your house? Probably not. But for general cleaning jobs, it works great.

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Craftsman V60 Max 60-volt Cordless String Trimmer (CMCST960): Product Review

If you have weeds, tall grass where it doesn’t belong, or hard-to-clear areas around your yard, look no further. This cordless Craftsman trimmer is light-weight (10.2 lbs), simple to use, adjustable, highly maneuverable, and very reasonably priced. With 60V of power, it has the oomph needed to whack through thicker grass and weeds, and I was easily able to trim my 1-acre lot with only a single charge. The battery isn’t as heavy as 120V models, the trimmer is nicely balanced and it’s not too tiring to use for extended weed whacking sessions (which is good, because it doesn’t have a shoulder sling). Oh, and it’s a Craftsman.

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Earthquake Victory Rear Tine Rototiller (29702): Product Review

If you’re looking to create well-aerated soil that’s free from large clumps, roots, or debris, you’ll love the addition of the Earthquake Victory rototiller. The easy assembly and straight-forward instructions will have you quickly ready to work in your garden. The comfortable handles and CRT technology makes tilling a breeze. You’ll feel like you’re walking your dog, instead of walking behind a 150-lb. tiller. Loosen soil up to 10-inches deep or adjust the tiller for less depth. With the practical wheel design, you’ll never need to worry about flat tires or punctures while working. The Victory rototiller is a great solution for easily creating garden beds.

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WORX Hydroshot Portable Power Cleaner WG644: Product Review

For a portable, highly convenient power cleaner that requires no cords or a fixed water source, the Hydroshot™ offers a perfect alternative to typical units. Two 20-Volt Lithium Ion batteries power the unit, eliminating the need for cords or gas. It cleans well at high PSI, removing dirt and mold easily, while it also waters plants when using the two-speed trigger with a gentle squeeze. Easy assembly and smart functions make the Hydroshot™ an excellent choice for power, performance, and utility.

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Earthquake 1-Man Earth Auger Powerhead: Product Review

If you’re looking to make quick work of digging holes, the Earthquake 1-Man Earth Auger Powerhead offers an ideal solution. Even in heavy clay or rocky soil, the auger cuts through tough terrain, reducing the amount of time and effort needed to create multiple holes for fence posts or planting trees. The auger assembles quickly, and it starts easily without much effort. Its 37-lb. weight works with gravity to speed digging performance—but mobility can be challenging for smaller users. Overall, an excellent auger that performs best in areas without heavy roots and rocks. Consider using it as a two-person auger for extra support.

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Troy-Bilt Chipper Shredder (CS4325): Product Review

This 2-in-1 chipper/shredder does a fantastic job with branches up to 3 inches in diameter. With a powerful 250cc 4-cycle engine, a large fuel tank (so you can run full out for up to 90 minutes), 10:1 reduction ratio and a 5-bushel collection bag, it quickly chews up and spits out even very hard wood. RATING: 5 stars

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Yardmax Chipper Shredder (YW7565): Product Review

For the price (under $800), I love the Yardmax chipper shredder. It’s a better chipper than any unit I’ve used, and it’s almost as good as others when it comes to shredding. The self-feeding feature makes it much easier to feed material into the large hopper, and the combination of a powerful engine and heavy cutting blades makes quick work of branches up to 3 inches in diameter. It’s a well-built, heavy-duty unit that should stand up well to use over the long term. And while it’s heavy, it’s also well-balanced and easy enough to move around on the large, all-terrain tires.

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Earthquake® Tazz Chipper Shredder (30520 K32): Product Review

For the price-conscious homeowner wanting a powerful, compact chipper/shredder to use a half-dozen times a year, the TazzTM is a fantastic choice. It excels at shredding all sorts of yard debris and the 20:1 reduction ratio turns it into a nice mulch. It does a very good job chipping long, straight branches, although somewhat less so when it comes to very short or forked branches. It’s lighter weight than comparable machines, easy to maneuver and built to last.

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Redback 120V Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower: Product Review

[Video Review!] The cost of the Redback 120V blower falls at the lower end of comparable tools by other manufacturers. Having tested others, I find the Redback a great value. Power meets light weight, maneuverability and long battery life. What’s not to like?

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Yard Force 120V RX Lithium-Ion Cordless Blower: Product Review

[Video Review!] Will this help me to keep the cleanest yard in town? Absolutely. Will I recommend it others? Absolutely, but I will give the caveat that power comes at the expense of some heft. Do I think this is the best cordless leaf blower I’ve used to date? That would be a great big YES.

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Redback 120vRX Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer: Product Review

Redback does it again with a lightweight yet powerful offering with its new120vRX Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer. It’s simple to use, runs non-stop for about 70 minutes (the weeds will run out before it does!), operates at 6,000 RPM to easily tackle even tall, shrubby weeds, and is highly maneuverable. Plus, it’s very competitively priced. Of all the string trimmers I’ve reviewed, this is the one I most recommend.

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Greenworks 24 Volt, 2-speed Cordless Sweeper: Product Review

I would unequivocally recommend this sweeper. It has a lot of nice features, including dual speeds, light weight, excellent balance and charge indicator lights on the battery. I like the extra power when it’s needed and the lower MPH for normal applications (and conserving battery life). It removes the debris that a broom can’t touch, and does it with speed and precision. Note that this is not a blower and so wouldn’t be useful for moving larger debris or wet leaves. Read the full review to see why you might want this instead of a leaf blower.

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Yard Force 120vRX Lithium-Ion 18” Cordless Line Trimmer: Product Review

With plenty of power to tackle even 2-foot weeds with ease, this 120v cordless string trimmer can easily replace a gas-powered model. It has a 50-minute run time and charges in under 40 minutes. Although it’s fairly heavy (17.8 lbs with battery installed), it’s easy to maneuver and does a great job at trimming and edging.

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Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Batteries – FAQs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Lithium Ion (Li-ion) batteries used in power tools.

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WORX GT Revolution string trimmer review

WORX WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower: Product Review

If you’re looking for a lightweight, adjustable, and convenient cordless string trimmer, I highly recommend the WORX GT Revolution 20V 12” String Trimmer / Edger / Mini-Mower. It’s easy to use, does a very good job, takes up hardly any space when storing it, and with the two included batteries it runs long enough to cover a ½ acre yard. Of all the weed eaters we’ve reviewed, this is the one I turn to every time.

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Yard force pressure washer

Yard Force Pressure Washer (YF1600A1): Product Review

I like the Yard Force YF1600A1. It’s a beast of a machine packed in a small, easy to use unit. It has plenty of power to clean just about everything, especially with the included turbo nozzle. It’s simple to set up and easy to drag around on the two wheels without having to lift it (although it’s lightweight enough to be easily lifted and moved with the folding handle). I also appreciate the attention to detail when it comes to the ergonomic design; there’s an easy-to-access compartment to store every necessary piece of gear to run the unit.

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Earthquake® Versa Tiller Cultivator: Product Review

Don’t be fooled by the small package – this is a powerful tiller cultivator that can be operated safely and easily by most gardeners. It’s highly adjustable, with options to use 2 or 4 tines at widths of 11, 16 and 21 inches, and depths up to 11 inches. It’s reliable, starts easily and is highly maneuverable. Anyone who has a new yard or garden with soil that needs to be broken up can save hours of otherwise back-breaking work with the Versa Tiller Cultivator.

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Redback 120V Lithium-Ion 21” Cordless Push Lawn Mower: Review

This is a high quality, powerful, full-size, push mower (it’s not self-propelled) that’s a good replacement for a gas mower for lawns up to ¼ acre (you’ll get about one hour of mowing with one battery charge). With multiple batteries, you can cut as big a lawn as you’re willing to mow. It offers mulching, side discharge and bagging options, 7 height adjustments, and easy maneuverability. Redback offers a full range of 120V tools so the battery and charger are interchangeable with other tools.

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Yard Force Cordless Lawn Mower

YardForce 120vRX Lithium-Ion 22″ Self-Propelled 3-in-1 Mower: Product Review

The Yard Force 120vRX Lithium-Ion 22” Cordless Lawn Mower is a high-quality mower. It has a quick-start button, can distribute the grass clippings three ways (mulching, bagging, or side-discharging), is quiet and easy to maneuver, and doesn’t pollute the air with gas fumes. We tested it on various types of grass and were impressed with the results.

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Best Cordless Lawn Mowers: Guide, Reviews & Recommendations

Complete guide to the best cordless lawn mowers for 2018, including best brands, battery types, runtime, functionality, storage options, weight, cutting heights and width, mulching, bagging, discharge options and warranty. Recommendations, reviews and buying options.

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Greenworks G-MAX 12” Cordless Chainsaw: Product Review

The Greenworks G-MAX 12” Cordless Chainsaw is a smaller, lightweight cordless chainsaw that has a surprising amount of power and can cut through 10” tree trunks. Its power to weight ratio is darn good, it’s nice and quiet and will run for over 25 minutes on a single charge. Overall, this is a good saw for odd jobs around the yard and smaller wood/tree cutting. It’s available in 14” and 16” models for larger jobs.

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Yard Force Electric Leaf Shredder (YF8000): Product Review

Compact, practical and easy to use, this electric leaf shredder easily reduced 18 wheelbarrows full of leaves into a nice, tidy pile of organic mulch.

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BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Sweeper (LSW221): Product Review

This light-weight, maneuverable sweeper replaces a broom for cleaning light debris on flat hard surfaces. It’s not a blower so isn’t intended for moving heavier stuff around. It’ll run about 8 minutes on a full charge (enough for most simple tasks) but takes 3 hours to recharge.

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Greenworks 40V G-Max (22262) Cordless Hedge Trimmer: Product Review

The 40V G-Max (22262) Cordless Hedge Trimmer is designed for the homeowner and DIYer who doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles (and let’s be honest – most of us don’t need all of the “extras”). All in all, I give the Greenworks 22262 high marks for its broad usability, comfortable grip, lightweight, and battery life adequate for all my trimming needs.

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Yard Force Electric Pressure Washer (YF1800LR): Product Review

This is one of the best non-commercial pressure washers I’ve tested to date. From its easy to understand and follow instructions to the ergonomic design, from the self-contained reels that hold the power cord and high pressure hose to the great cleaning performance, and from the power to weight ratio to the small details like the nozzle cleaning needle and the included turbo nozzle, every part of this power washer works flawlessly. As the company’s name implies, the Yard Force Pressure Washer (YF1800LR) is a Force to be reckoned with. I highly recommend it.

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Sun Joe Lithium-Ion 40-volt 12-inch Cordless Tiller + Cultivator: Product Review

Don’t be fooled by its toy-like looks – the Sun Joe tiller + cultivator is a real workhorse! Lightweight, maneuverable, and compact, it’s ideal for anyone with a smaller garden or limited storage space (the fold-down handles are a plus!). It’s extremely quiet (making it great for those living with neighbors nearby or with strict noise pollution standards), incredibly easy to use, and the sharp blades and power easily turn hard soil into something your plants would be proud to grow in.

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Redback 40V Lithium Ion Cordless Pole Chainsaw (106070): Product Review

This is a decent pole chainsaw that cuts aggressively but can stop unexpectedly. I had stopping problems with the first saw I tested but Redback Customer Service quickly sent me a replacement that didn’t have the same issues. It’s well balanced, easy to use with the included shoulder strap and will run for about 25 minutes when fully charged. The instruction manual needs a major revamp and the bar and chain oiler cap has the potential to leak while the saw is in use.

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Troy-Bilt Gas Cultivator (TB146EC): Product Review

This gasoline-powered cultivator offers superior performance, and refined fit and finish. The powerful, lightweight unit is very easy to maneuver, uses a 4-cycle engine (so there’s no need to pre-mix gas and oil), and has handles for easy transportation. Starting it can be a little awkward so you may want to also buy the optional JumpStart engine starter.

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Dirty Hand Tools 10” Mini Cultivator: Product Review

The cultivator has a lot going for it, including a powerful (43cc, 2-cycle) engine that tears through soil with ease, adjustable handles, replacement blades and easy operation. However, assembly is a challenge and it vibrates a lot which makes it difficult to control and, in our tests, loosened knobs, popped off sparkplug connectors and bent the wheel connector.

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Redback 40V 12” Li-Ion Cordless Chainsaw (106068): Product Review

The Redback 40V 4.0 Li-Ion Chainsaw (106068) has all the necessary power to cut through anything from small brush to 10.5” logs, making it comparable to a consumer-grade, gasoline-powered chainsaw. It’s lightweight, easy to use, has a plethora of built-in safety features and is sturdy enough to tackle just about anything. I recommend it without any reservations – it’s simply the best cordless chainsaw I’ve tested to date.

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Breez R2 Propane Tiller Cultivator Featured

Breez R2 Propane Tiller Cultivator: Product Review

This is one heck of a cultivator! Lightweight, strong as an ox, easy to use, relatively quiet and best of all, no gasoline. This is the first propane-powered tiller cultivator on the market and it’s a winner. If I had to choose just one from all the cultivators I’ve tested, this would be it.

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Black & Decker Cordless Pruner (#BD1168): Product Review

This cordless, rechargeable pruner promises to make pruning easier for those with limited grip strength or arthritis, and those who do a lot of pruning. However, we found that those with larger hands thought it was comfortable to use, but gardeners with smaller hands and those with arthritis or little grip strength had trouble with it. It has limited utility as it won’t cut through anything thicker than ½ inch (and that’s only in softer material) and I wonder about quality control since the first one I received didn’t work.

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Sun Joe 40-Volt 16-Inch Battery-Powered Chainsaw (iON 16CS): Product Review

The Sun Joe 16 in cordless chainsaw is a powerful tool, well balanced, with important safety features. However, its one flaw is the amount of times it stops while cutting.

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