In the post, he wrote that one of his supplier stated: “Our company has been in business for almost 30 years and we have never seen such drastic price changes across the board in such a short amount of time.”

In the post’s comments, a pipefitter noted that supplier Nibco said valve prices would go up by 40%. Other contractors wrote that customers were canceling projects and pushing back start dates because of the tariffs on steel and other materials, including wood, drywall and more.

“As someone who works on a daily basis with homeowners on kitchen and bath renovations, I can confirm that suppliers are already priming us for price adjustments coming in May,” says interior designer Alecia Taylor. “It’s not just high-end shower units or faucets that are being targeted; even basic plumbing fixtures and components are being affected.”

Master plumber and business owner Aaron Adams says he has been getting many questions from his customers about how the tariffs are impacting steel and other materials prices. “We have already received our first notices of price increases, and we’re confident that many more are coming,” he says. “While we’ll do our best to absorb as much of this cost as possible, at some point, our price will need to increase as well.”

The additional tariffs on steel, which are being put in place by the current Presidential administration, are impacting plumbing primarily because the U.S. gets much of its steel from Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Delta, Kohler and Nibco did not respond to Family Handyman’s request for comment, but numerous contractors verified the price hikes.

Plumbing distributor heavyweight Ferguson Enterprises told Family Handyman that while they strive to maintain competitive pricing for customers and find alternative products, “As Ferguson receives price increase notifications from our manufacturer partners, we immediately implement those price increases,” communications director Carey VonOhlen wrote in an email. “Every business in our industry is impacted by the current, constantly evolving tariff landscape, resulting in volatile pricing that changes day by day and hour by hour.

While these hikes will affect everything from new commercial construction projects to school updates and maintenance, it is low and middle-income households who will likely feel the impacts the most acutely, says George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council.

“Even modest increases on everyday fixtures, like Peerless shower heads, can stretch tight budgets,” he says. Carrillo also voiced concern about contractors and small construction firms facing significant hurdles as these rising costs cut into their already slim margins and limit their ability to plan effectively. “With global economic policies continuing to influence material costs, this development may signal a long-term shift in pricing across the home improvement industry,” he said.

Beyond raising the price of plumbing — and nearly every other construction and home-improvement material — the tariffs have also destabilized the construction industry as a whole, say many contractors.

“What’s more concerning is that many large-scale projects, especially new builds and multi-unit developments, are being paused or re-evaluated,” says Taylor. “The unpredictability is creating a ripple effect for contractors and designers.”

Small business lender Ben Johnston said this problem is unlikely to reverse anytime soon, if at all. “Given the magnitude of these new tariffs, there is no question that housing will be more expensive to build, maintain and improve for Americans in the coming months,” he says. “We can expect these tariffs to both spur inflation and lower overall consumption, slowing the economy.”

About the Experts

• George Carrillo is CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council (HCC).
• Alecia Taylor is an interior designer at CabinetNow.
• Carey VonOhlen is director of communications for Ferguson Enterprises.
• Aaron Adams is a master plumber and CEO of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling in Suwanee, Georgia.
• Ben Johnston is COO of Kapitus, a small business lender and marketplace.

RELATED: 

• The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side 
• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong 
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling 

The post Your Next Bathroom Upgrade Will Cost Way More—Here’s Why appeared first on Family Handyman.

This year’s winners are as follows:

KBIS Winners

• Best in Show: ALADDIN by Effe Perfect Wellness
• Game-Changing Innovation – Gold: VIBE by LifeValet
• Game-Changing Innovation – Silver: CERAN Luminoir TFT by SCHOTT
• Style Statement: Kitchen – Gold: Vera Deluxe Workstation Kitchen Sink by TopZero
• Style Statement: Kitchen – Silver: Billet Kitchen Faucet Collection by Kohler
• Style Statement: Bath – Gold: James Martin Vanities x Cosentino x FreePower Collaboration
• Style Statement: Bath – Silver: Guise Collection by Kallista
• Sustainable Standout – Gold: Landshapes Tile by Kohler WasteLAB x Daniel Arsham
• Sustainable Standout – Silver: Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM
• Wellness Trailblazer – Gold: Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath by Kohler
• Wellness Trailblazer – Silver: Hot/Cold Plunge Indoor Tub by EMPAVA
• Most Functional Find – Gold: SPACE STEP by Blum
• Most Functional Find – Silver: FurnSpin by Hettich

KBIS Highlights

Eco-friendly tile

Made of landfill-bound leftovers from Kohler manufacturing processes, Landshapes Tile by Kohler WasteLAB x Daniel Arsham is as innovative as it is beautiful. Constructed from 80 percent recycled materials and available in various colors, this indoor tile may just be the future of all tile production.

Streamlined home sauna

Luxury and simplicity combine in the ALADDIN personal sauna by Effe Perfect Wellness. This sauna’s sophisticated design and premium materials effortlessly enhances any living space. Notable highlights of the product include a curved-edge bench, floating heater wrapped in anodized aluminum and mirrored fascia for an elevated home sauna experience.

Seamless sink design

The Vera Deluxe Workstation Kitchen Sink by TopZero effortlessly combines beauty and functionality. Made from marine-grade stainless steel and finished with a physical vapor deposition coating, it offers exceptional durability and scratch resistance. Its award-winning stylish features include LED-in-basin lighting and a sleek, seamless design. The sink also boasts a multi-level frame for cutting, washing and drying accessories, a built-in drawer organizer, and three installation options.

Double-duty plunge tub

Experience the ultimate in contrast therapy with the Hot/Cold Plunge Indoor Tub by EMPAVA. Designed with side-by-side tubs—one for hot soaks and the other for cold plunges—this spa-quality unit offers an 18-inch soaking depth, a 41.73-inch basin length and powerful circulating jets.

Home ice bath

Ice baths are all the rage right now, and the forthcoming Kohler X Remedy Place Ice Bath would make a lovely addition for anyone interested in having their own wellness space at home. Ergonomically designed with a beautiful silhouette that would transform any bathroom into a spa, Kohler’s ice bath features an integrated water filtration system as well as a programmed user experience to create personalized sessions. No surprise why this was an award winner.  – Ryan Van Bibber, executive editor Family Handyman.

Elegant faucets

We’ve told readers for years that upgrading their faucets and fixtures is an easy way to add some design flair to a house, and I saw some incredible options for DIYers at the KBIS show. The Frank Loyd Wright collection from Brizo really captured my attention. The designs feature clean lines and a simple, function-driven focus that makes Wright’s work memorable. The products come in various finishes, but the wood trim is what really stands out. – Ryan Van Bibber

 Design-forward appliances

Another favorite from KBIS for me was the Cafe line of appliances from GE. The Cafe line has been around for a while now, but they’ve really doubled down on the idea that everyday kitchen appliances can effectively be a personal style choice. More than just something that sits in the kitchen, but appliances that truly define the space with a variety of colors and finishes that can turn a functional space like a kitchen into a true design statement. Among the products on display, I was really impressed with the Cafe Double Drawer Dishwasher. Incredibly convenient, it allows you to run small loads without having to power the entire dishwasher. Plus, it’d be great for entertaining, as you can run one drawer while waiting to load the other one. – Ryan Van Bibber

NHAB Winners

• Best in Show: Clopay VertiStack Avante garage door by Clopay Corporation
• Best Energy Efficient Product: Whole Home Electrification: SPAN Panel MLO 48 – SPAN
• Best Home Technology Product: Frontline Defense System 2 – Frontline Wildfire Defense
• Best Indoor Product: FRS200HT with 30-200 CFM Smart Sensing Supply Fan – Humidity and Temperature Control – Delta Electronics (Americas), Ltd.
• Best Kitchen and Bath Product: The Acrylic Haven Hammock – The Hammock Bath Company LLC
• Best Outdoor Product: ADORN Stone ECO2LUXE Powered by CaptureCrete – NCP Industries
• Best Window and Door Product: Clopay VertiStack Avante by Clopay Corporation
• Most Innovative Building Material: TYPAR Clear Acrylic Flashing – TYPAR
• Most Innovative Construction Tool (TIE): IQ Vise System – Work IQ Tools and ClearLOC – Legend Valve
• Best Business Solution Software Product: JobTread Software – JobTread Software

NHAB Highlights

Reimagined Garage Doors

I saw Clopay VertiStack Avante garage door in action at the show, and it was awesome. Instead of the door rolling up on tracks, the VertiStack Avante opens with sections that stack vertically above the door opening. Not only would it be great for someone who wants to maximize the overhead, but I could also see it as a door between the patio and house, combining your outdoor space with the interior into one giant living space during the warm weather months. – Ryan Van Bibber

Luxurious standalone tub

With its visually striking design, the Acrylic Haven Hammock by The Hammock Bath Company seamlessly blends style and modernity. Suspended in the air and supported by two steel end frames, this tub mimics the look of a real hammock. Crafted from molded acrylic, it offers a stain-resistant, low-maintenance finish, while its flat bottom makes it an ideal choice as a two-person soaker tub.

Forward-thinking electrical panel

Step into the future of home energy management with the SPAN Panel MLO 48. Designed to replace traditional circuit breaker panels, this advanced panel offers smart home integration and real-time energy monitoring. The MLO 48 is perfect for homes looking to optimize energy usage, integrate renewable energy sources like solar or incorporate energy storage systems such as home batteries.

Smart wildfire protection

At the core of the Frontline Defense System 2 is advanced fire detection software that monitors fire activity within a 7-mile radius of your home. Upon detecting a fire, the system automatically activates sprinkler systems to drench the home’s exterior with water and flame retardant. The companion app delivers real-time evacuation instructions and live updates, for truly smart wildfire protection.

Eco conscious construction materials

Powered by CaptureCrete technology, the ADORN Stone ECO2LUXE mortarless stone veneer actively captures and stores carbon from the atmosphere. This innovative material seamlessly combines environmental responsibility with a visually appealing, durable building solution, setting a new standard in sustainable construction.

Better screens for windows

As someone who’s repaired more than a few window screens over the years, I was really excited to see the new Integrated Rolscreen Windows from Pella. It’s a retractable screen that appears when you roll up the window and disappears when you close it, helping to prevent wear and tear as well as giving your exterior a more attractive look. Another highlight is just how tough the screen materials are on these windows. It seems like most screens get a big gash just from catching a fingernail on them, but Pella’s screen material can withstand the rigors of even the most aggressive pets. – Ryan Van Bibber 

Resilient building materials

I live in New Mexico, where wildfires are just a part of life now, so I was really impressed by LP’s FlameBlock fire-resistance OSB panels. In addition to that product, LP had a lot of resiliency-focused building materials on display at the show, including their WeatherLogic panels, which would be great if you’re building in an area where moisture and flooding are major concerns.  – Ryan Van Bibber 

The post The Most Exciting New Building, Kitchen and Bath Products of 2025 appeared first on Family Handyman.

There are other three-in-one leaf vacuums, but Worx is one of the most talked about options among lawn enthusiasts due to its efficiency and various attachments, including one that places mulched leaves directly in your garbage can.

Read on to see what our testers had to say about the Worx Leaf Vacuum, whether it’s worth the price and how it stacks up to the competition.

What is the Worx Leaf Vacuum?

The Worx Leaf Vacuum is an electric three-in-one leaf blower, vacuum and mulcher that switches modes with the turn of a knob. On the blower setting, you get a two-speed operation with a wide-mouth tube. It has a maximum air capacity of 620 cubic feet per minute (CFM).

For those who don’t know, CFM measures the amount of air pushed out by a blower. First-time leaf blower or vacuum buyers may instinctively look for how fast a machine can blow (the Worx Leaf Vacuum reaches 70 miles per hour), but you also want to look for a high CFM if you have a larger yard.

The vacuum setting sucks up the leaves that are then mulched by a metal impeller at an 18:1 ratio (18 bags of leaves can fit into one). The leaves can be vacuumed into a bag worn over your shoulder or directly into a garbage can using the LeafPro collection system.

“As a gardener who likes to compost, the option to collect leaves directly into a garbage can is a nice feature,” says product tester Sheri Kaz, who’s been gardening since she was a child.

This is a corded model, so it might not be the best fit for people with larger yards. Our testers say the cord length was only 7 inches, and the vacuum has a tube length of 19.5 inches, so you’ll need an extension cord to reach every corner of your yard.

Looking to pull the plug on your gardening tools? We tested and reviewed the best cordless leaf blowers.

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Worx Leaf Vacuum Features

Three-in-One Functionality

Three-in-one leaf cleaning tools are becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. Nobody wants to drop money on several products, and it’s annoying to have to go in and out of the garage every 10 minutes to get a new machine. The Worx Leaf Vacuum has a knob that switches it from a leaf blower to a vacuum with mulching capabilities.

Kaz says the push-and-turn knob is easy, so we rated it a 5 out of 5 when it came to the ease of alternating between functions.

Leaf Blower

Let’s examine the Worx Leaf Vacuum as a blower. It has a maximum CFM of 620 and a 70-mile-per-hour air speed with a wide-mouth tube. This combination makes it great for people who have a large amount of leaves and aren’t in a rush. The lower speed, however, means it might not pick up wet leaves or heavy debris as well as more powerful blowers.

Kaz says the 9-pound machine feels lightweight in her hand, though she notes that it only has one handle, so it’s harder to distribute the weight evenly. This causes the user to tire quicker than with blowers that have a second grip.

Our testers also noted the cord was cumbersome, though the obvious benefit is you don’t have to wait for it to charge like other electric options. “The cord unplugged easily, so the machine kept getting disconnected from the extension cord and powering down,” Kaz adds.

There are two speeds to pick from, depending on where you are in your cleanup. The first setting is for more precise blowing, whereas the second speed is for blowing leaves “everywhere,” Kaz says. She says it’s easy to switch speeds while continuing to blow.

For those looking for a dedicated leaf blower, check out our Ego Leaf Blower review.

Leaf Vacuum With Mulching Capabilities

Our testers noted the Worx Leaf Vacuum had no trouble sucking up the leaves or mulching them. “It mulches leaves very finely,” Kaz says. She notes there were several times you could see dust or dirt coming out of the bag, though this happened with every electric leaf vacuum we tested.

Worx claims their leaf vacuum has an 18:1 mulch ratio, which means it turns 18 bags of leaves into one.

There were some difficulties with getting the mulched leaves into either disposal system.

“Many of the small pieces collect on and get stuck in the wrinkles of the LeafPro bag versus making it to the trash bin,” Kaz says. When using the shoulder strap bag, she says there were times she had to hand-feed clumps into the tube because they were getting stuck.

Our testers spent about five minutes and 50 seconds vacuuming and mulching dry leaves. Vacuuming and mulching a similar amount of wet leaves took just one minute and five seconds, and a lot less dust was created.

Bag/Trash Can Disposal

The Worx Leaf Vacuum comes with a shoulder-strap bag similar to the Husqvarna Backpack Blower. You can also add the LeafPro attachment to your order so the mulch goes straight into a garbage can. The best part of the latter is that it’s a universal attachment, so it should work with other companies’ vacuums.

Kaz says the shoulder strap bag offers a bit more maneuverability and helps with stability.

Check out our picks for the best backpack leaf blowers.

The LeafPro attachment is a great feature, though it requires you to drag your garbage can around the yard or get all the leaves to one central location.

Quiet

The Worx Leaf Vacuum is much quieter than gas models and is quieter than other electric models. Our testers measured the decibel rating, the unit of measurement used for sound, at 96.8 for the blower and 90.5 for the vacuum (both on their highest setting).

Noise levels of around 100 decibels are considered dangerous and prolonged exposure to those noises could result in hearing loss, so we recommend wearing ear plugs or other hearing protection if you plan on using it for long.

How We Tested It

Our expert product testers analyzed the Worx alongside some of the best-selling leaf vacuums. Before we tried them, we researched standalone vacuums and three-in-one options based on industry rankings, customer reviews, brand reputation and price.

We then used the Worx Leaf Vacuum and the other models to clean up more than 500 gallons of leaves, dry and wet, for 45 hours to collect hundreds of data points on their performance.

Pros

• Unlimited runtime
• 18:1 mulch ratio
• Easy to switch between blower and vacuum
• LeafPro attachment for direct deposit into a trash bin
• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons

• Only one handle

• Cord can be annoying to deal with

Why You Should Trust Us

Family Handyman has been researching and testing gardening and lawn care equipment for years, and our expert product testers have used models from all the big and small brands. Many of us are homeowners with large yards that we care for year-round, including when it comes time for leaf cleanup in the fall.

Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer have tested multiple leaf vacuums and three-in-one combination blowers/vacuums/mulchers, including the Worx Leaf Vacuum. They researched all specs and features and tested the leaf vacuum in real-life situations to compare its performance to the manufacturer’s promises and the competition.

Kaz has been gardening for more than 30 years. She started on her family’s Midwest farm, where she planted her first garden as a child, and now helps clients with exterior design, including gardens and hardscapes.

Fischer has tested hundreds of products for Family Handyman, Taste of Home and Reader’s Digest.

FAQ

Which Worx leaf vacuum is best?

In our opinion, the Worx Trivac Three-in-One Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher is the best Worx leaf vacuum because it combines three machines into one. Our expert product testers said it performed well when sucking and mulching leaves, though it only has one handle, so it’s not the most stable when being used as a blower.

What is the difference between Worx 512 and 509?

The Worx 512 has a maximum cubic feet per minute (CFM) output of 620, compared to the Worx 509’s 350 CFM. This means the 512 can move more leaves per minute, though the 509 has a higher air speed at 210 MPH compared to the 509’s 75 MPH, so it’s better for heavier debris or wet leaves.

Finally, the 509 has an 18:1 mulching ratio, and the 512 has a 16:1.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

As of this writing, the Worx Trivac Three-in-One Electric Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher has an average rating of 4.2 on Amazon, with nearly 4,700 of the 7,500 ratings being five stars.

“Now, I gotta tell ya, this Worx leaf blower is a Southern yard’s best friend,” writes five-star Amazon reviewer Cory. “It’s powerful like a thunderstorm, but easy to handle like a gentle breeze. It ain’t too heavy either, so you won’t be strainin’ yourself tryin’ to tame them leaves.”

Although there aren’t many negative reviews, some customers claim it has a short lifespan or fails to deliver on its promises. “It lacks sufficient power as a leaf blower and struggles to mulch effectively,” writes one-star Amazon reviewer Suzanne B. “The vacuum function is weak and often clogs. The build feels cheap, and it’s not as versatile or efficient as advertised.”

Worx Leaf Vacuum vs DR Leaf Vacuum

The DR Leaf Vacuum has leaf vacuuming and mulching capabilities like the Worx Leaf Vacuum, but instead of also having a blower, it serves as a wood chipper that can break down branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter.

“Anyone who has to spend a lot of time raking up branches on their lawn will undoubtedly find themselves using this feature a lot,” Fischer says of the chipping capabilities of the DR Leaf Vacuum.

So obviously, the DR is a better choice for those who have more branches in their yard than the average person. Let’s compare the two just as vacuums/mulchers. The DR is the easy choice for people with larger yards, as you can fit up to 50 pounds of leaves in one bag. The Worx fits up to eight gallons of mulched leaves when using the bag, and the LeafPro attachment is only limited by the size of your garbage can, though the cord limits how far you can go unless you have a long extension cord.

The DR is also much quicker. Our testers cleared wet and dry leaves in about a minute. The Worx took more than five minutes with dry leaves and just over a minute with wet leaves.

The Worx wins on price, at under $200. The DR Leaf Vacuum costs around $2,500. Our testers also noted the DR vacuum created a lot more dust and recommended wearing eye protection when using it. The Worx vacuum created some dust, but not enough to be a nuisance.

Final Verdict

The Worx Leaf Vacuum is a cost-friendly and versatile tool that can help speed up your leaf-cleaning duties. While it’s not perfect, especially when it comes to stability, it offers a lot of bang for your buck.

We recommend it for people with small or mid-sized yards who want to use one machine for leaf cleaning. Be aware that it only has one handle, so you’ll need a strong grip to distribute the weight evenly. Also, our testers said it’s not uncommon for leaves to get clogged in the tube.

The cord provides an unlimited runtime, though you’ll need an extension cord if you want to walk around with it.

Where to Buy the Worx Leaf Vacuum

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Worx 3-in-1 Electric Leaf Blower/Mulcher/Yard Vacuum

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Shop on Worx

The Worx Leaf Vacuum is available on Amazon for under $125 with free delivery. It is also available at The Home Depot, Lowe’s and the Worx website.

The post Worx Leaf Vaccum Review: Does This Three-in-One Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher Beat the Competition? appeared first on Family Handyman.

One of our favorite leaf blowers that also functions as a leaf vacuum is the Craftsman backpack leaf blower. It’s powerful, easy to use and budget-friendly. In order to see how well this Craftsman backpack blower stands up to a mountain of leaves, we sent it to our testing lab for close inspection. Here’s everything you need to know about this model before you add it to your arsenal of lawn equipment.

What is the Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower?

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is an electric leaf blower. It has a 12-inch cord and is a true backpack-style lawn tool with two straps, making it less cumbersome than a sling bag. This leaf blower boasts a powerful 12-amp motor with a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). When it comes to speed, this tool can shoot air out at 260 miles per hour (MPH).

At under 12 pounds, this Craftsman backpack blower is lightweight and incredibly easy to use and maneuver, thanks to its user-friendly handles. But that’s not the only reason we love it so much. This Craftsman blower also functions as a leaf vacuum.

“Vacuums are effective when cleaning up smaller spaces and tight areas. For example, cleaning leaves in bushes,” explains Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook. “A leaf blower won’t be able to blow the leaves out of there, while blowers are better for quickly moving large amounts of debris across bigger spaces.”

No tools are required to switch this from blower to vacuum mode. In vacuum mode, it sucks up and mulches up to 55 liters of leaves into the backpack. Once the bag is full, simply open it up and dump all of the mulched debris out. Yard work has never been so easy! Keep reading for a full breakdown of the Craftsman backpack blower’s features and to find out why it’s one of the best backpack leaf blowers we’ve tested.

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Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower also functions as a leaf vacuum for quick and easy cleanup.

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Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Features

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Craftsman backpack blower functions as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum. In order to switch between functions, all you have to do is switch the tubes and twist open the fan cover. The fan cover is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it, and no tools are required.

Engine Power and Blowing Force

The Craftsman backpack blower is pretty powerful given its size and price point. Its 12-amp motor allows it to clear tough debris like wet leaves and pebbles. It moves air at 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM). “A strong blower with good CFM is great for cleaning hard-to-reach corners and gathering debris from garden beds into neat piles on the lawn,” explains Fuenmayor. Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower blows air at up to 260 MPH. A higher MPH increases the distance you are able to clear.

Mulching Capabilities

In vacuum mode, the Craftsman backpack blower’s plastic impeller shreds debris into mulch and deposits it into the backpack. According to the manufacturer, this machine shreds leaves and reduces their volume by a ratio of 12:01. During testing, our testers noted that this blower mulched the leaves very finely.

Warranty

The Craftsman backpack blower is covered by a three-year limited warranty. This means that for three years following the date of purchase or date of delivery of the product (whichever date is later), this machine is warrantied against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is extended only to the original end-user purchaser of the product. Read more about Craftsman’s warranty policy here.

How We Tested It

The product testing team, led by associate product testers Sheri Kaz and Dylan Fischer, took this Craftsman backpack blower into our testing lab to see what it’s really made of. They looked at how easy it was to assemble and how well it performed as both a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum.

Assembly

Our testers ran into some initial hiccups during the assembly process, noting that the plastic pieces didn’t click into place as satisfyingly as they would have liked. However, they describe the process itself as pretty straightforward. Once it was assembled and ready to go, our testers especially liked the ergonomic handles which allowed them to get a good grip before they started blowing.

Leaf Blowing

To test the Craftsman’s performance as a leaf blower, our team scattered dry leaves around the yard, then blew them into a designated 4-by-10-foot area before vacuuming, evaluating the blower’s directional control, ease of use and noise level. Our testers were really impressed by the power behind this blower. However, it was a bit too powerful at times. “It would be nice if there were multiple speed levels, because the one will blow your pile all around as you get closer to it,” says Kaz. Additionally, this leaf blower registered 106.5 decibels. In other words, it’s loud! Ear and eye protection are strongly recommended.

Vacuuming

After they finished blowing the leaves, our testers set out to test the vacuum function on the Craftsman backpack blower. To convert the machine from a leaf blower to a leaf vacuum, Kaz and Fisher had to swap the blower tube for the vacuum tube and twist open the fan cover, which is attached to the machine so you don’t lose it. Though easy in theory, Kaz and Fischer struggled a bit here, noting that the tubes don’t really click into place. But after double-checking the user manual, they were back in business.

For this test, our testers spread roughly 30 gallons of leaves across two rectangles of grass. They covered one rectangle in dry leaves and the other had damp leaves, which had been misted with a hose. Our testers timed how long it took to suck up each rectangle’s leaves while evaluating the ergonomics, maneuverability, noise level and more.

According to Kaz and Fischer’s report, it took just under three minutes to suck up all of the dry leaves and just over one minute to suck up all of the wet leaves. Upon emptying the bag, they noted that the leaves had been very finely mulched.

Comfort

As for comfort, Fischer points out that the unit itself gets pretty heavy to use for an extended length of time. Luckily, the overall backpack design helped. “The backpack is nice on this one because it’s a full backpack that goes over both shoulders,” he says. “It provides a lot of relief from the weight.”

Overall, our product testing team highly recommends the Craftsman backpack blower. It was a top performer in the lab and is both easy and comfortable to use. “The two-strapped backpack-style bag works amazingly well and should be the standard for all these handheld vacuums. It’s a great way to equally distribute weight and goes a long way to mitigate fatigue,” raves Fischer.

And for less than $100, you simply can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Functions as a leaf blower and a leaf vacuum
• Two-strapped backpack provides relief from the weight of the unit
• Powerful performance
• Finely mulches leaves and debris it vacuums
• Under $100
• Ergonomic handles

Cons:

• Not cordless
• Plastic pieces don’t readily click into place

Why You Should Trust Us

Our editors and testers on the product testing team have years of experience in the commerce space. We’ve tested dozens of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums, including the Husqvarna Backpack Blower, Stihl BR 600 Backpack Blower and the Ego Leaf Blower. And we don’t plan on stopping there! Currently, we are testing more leaf blowers and leaf vacuums to ensure we help you make informed decisions based on real-life testing before you buy.

To further discuss the benefits and uses of leaf blowers and vacuums, we also enlisted the expertise of Francisco Fuenmayor, a handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook.

FAQ

What kind of gas does a Craftsman backpack leaf blower take?

This Craftsman backpack blower is electric and does not take gas.

Why won’t my Craftsman backpack blower start?

First, make sure your Craftsman backpack blower is plugged in. The cord on this model is only 12 inches long, so an extension cord may be required.

If that doesn’t work, check the fan cover. “Initially, you have to turn the cover to lock it into place in order for the machine to turn on,” explains Fischer. “We didn’t realized this, so the machine wouldn’t start after several tries. Finally, after about five attempts and referring to the user manual, it seemed that whatever was hanging it up resolved itself and we were able to click the cover into place.”

What kind of oil goes in a Craftsman?

This Craftsman backpack blower does not require oil.

What Other Reviewers and Experts Had to Say

Five-star reviewer Robert T Kennedy appreciates how well this unit cleans his yard without sucking up expensive decorative stones. “I liked the multiple options for the leaf blower,” he writes. “One piece of equipment keeps my lawn, garden, walkways and driveway clean with its powerful motor. Definitely worth the reasonable price.”

Micray, another five-star reviewer, calls the Craftsman backpack blower a back-saver. “This has been such a lifesaver trying to clean up. My backyard had hundreds of those little bitty gumballs, and this has made picking them up so much easier,” they write.

After running into some of the same issues as our product testing team in regards to getting the pieces into place, verified user Girly Gamer is happy to have figured it out. “It ended up working beautifully on the vacuum part which is all I wanted. Great power, bag is comfortable and holds A LOT! It is fairly heavy, but with the two handles, it’s not too bad,” they write. “Saved me big time from raking and bending over to pick up piles of pine needles which had been building up for a year! Even mulched pine cones and twigs fine…”

Product Comparison

Our product testing team tested a total of six blower vacuum combos including the Craftsman backpack blower. They labeled this unit the best overall for its performance, two-strap backpack style and good value. We also tested the Toro Ultra Blower Vac, another corded model which functions as a blower and a vacuum. The Craftsman and the Toro are both similarly sized and priced, there was a significant difference in performance.

The Craftsman backpack blower has a velocity and air volume of up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and expels air at 260 miles per hour (MPH). The Toro, on the other hand, has a velocity and air volume of 340 CFM in blow mode and 405 CFM in vac mode. And though the Toro boasts the same 260 MPH as the Craftsman, our testers found the Toro’s blowing performance to be much weaker than the Craftsman backpack blower.

Additionally, the Craftsman backpack blower has a two-strapped backpack-style bag which makes it easy to tote around the yard. The Toro has one strap which you can sling over your shoulder. Though not uncomfortable, it’s not as convenient as the Craftsman backpack blower.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep your yard neat and tidy, you can’t go wrong with the Craftsman backpack blower. This versatile blower is comfortable, easy to use and powerful enough to get the job done. In short, you can expect your lawn to look like a million bucks all autumn long thanks to this handy backpack blower.

Where to Buy the Craftsman backpack leaf blower

The Craftsman backpack leaf blower is a steal at under $100. You can shop on Amazon where it’s available with free two-day Prime shipping. You can also shop at Lowe’s where it’s available for in-store pickup or delivery.

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The post This Craftsman Backpack Leaf Blower Is Two Tools In One, And It’ll Clean Up Your Yard in No Time appeared first on Family Handyman.

I spoke with two decor professionals to find out what the 2025 Colors of the Year can tell us about where home fashions are heading, how and when they can help you make a stylish home your own, and how to introduce these trends in a way that feels timeless.

What Are the Colors of the Year?

Every fall, many major paint brands announce their Colors of the Year. “They’re a way for interior professionals and paint companies to demonstrate leadership in the space,” Interior Designer Heather Mastrangeli says.

She believes that, to some degree, the Color of the Year announcements are a marketing tactic. However, that doesn’t mean they’re meaningless. Companies make their selections by looking at current consumer moods and desires, along with lifestyle and design trend forecasting. This means that, although the colors vary by brand, there can be meaningful emerging themes amongst the hues.

Mastrangeli explains that there’s a direct correlation between the fashion industry and the interior design industry. “Typically, fashion is a little ahead of interior design, and trends begin in Europe before making their way to the U.S.,” she says. “As we see 2025 Color of the Year announcements, we know that these shades are carefully selected based on a multitude of criteria and will make a splash in the interior design world.”

Should I Care About the Colors of the Year?

You don’t have to select a Color of the Year to create a timeless, stylish space—and sometimes, these trending shades won’t fit with your personal preferences or the aesthetic you’re aiming for. However, if you need inspiration on the best interior paint colors for redesigning a room, Mastrangeli explains Colors of the Year can be a helpful starting point. “The risk [of making a design misstep] is mitigated slightly by turning to color trends,” she says.

They can help narrow down the overwhelming number of color options and provide inspiration and focus for an overall interior design style. If you like to be ahead of the curve with trends, you can’t go wrong with selecting a 2025 Color of the Year.

Will the Colors of the Year Age Well?

The colors of the year are chosen based on current and forecasted design trends rather than on how timeless the shades are. Certain shades may become dated more quickly than others. However, Interior Designer Megan Hersch says the trends tend to last multiple years and aren’t likely to shift to the opposite extreme quickly. “So the fear of your home looking outdated if you select a color from within the trend is not always warranted,” she says.

Mastrangeli says that it’s rarely the colors on their own that create issues with aging. “It’s the combination of the painted walls, the interior design, and the furnishings that can cause a space to look dated,” she says. Thinking about how all these elements come together can help you retain a timeless appeal when you’re painting your home to sell.

Looking at the emerging 2025 Colors of the Year, the trend is leaning towards earthy, warm, soothing and comforting shades, rather than contemporary cool tones. Mastrangeli says these shades have timeless staying power when combined with the right furnishings and finishes.

What The 2025 Colors of the Year Tell Us About Where Interior Design Is Headed

Hersch says that after several years of “hygge” home style, featuring warm woods and soft neutrals, people continue to look for a welcoming respite from the outside world. “The cooler grays of 10 years ago are giving way to colors with more sophistication and depth, which is where I believe the level of design will stay while people turn back toward more human connection and warmth,” she says.

Mastrangeli also believes the upheaval of the global pandemic has influenced the warm tone trends in the 2025 Colors of the Year selections. “When there’s a crisis, people crave comfort,” she says. “They want to be surrounded by warmth after making it through such a turbulent time.”

About the Experts

• Megan Hersch is an interior designer and co-founder and COO of online design service roomLift. She has almost 20 years of experience in the High-End Residential Interior Design Business; email interview, Sept. 13, 2024.
• Heather Mastrangeli, NCIDQ, IIDA, NKBA is a Registered Interior Designer and Owner of Innovatus Design, an award-winning interior design studio; email interview, Sept. 13, 2024.

The post What the Paint Colors of 2025 Tell Us About Where Interior Design Is Headed appeared first on Family Handyman.

Different types of paint sprayers cater to various project needs, providing versatility for a range of home improvement tasks. HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) sprayers, for example, are great for detail work and achieving a fine finish on furniture and cabinets. Airless sprayers deliver high-pressure coverage, perfect for big jobs like painting an entire fence.

Once your project is complete, the sprayer and its accessories can be neatly stored in the durable storage case. It keeps everything organized and ready for the next use. This convenience ensures that the Wagner Flexio 3500 is always prepared to help you tackle your next painting project with professional results.

What is the Wagner Flexio 3500?

The Wagner Flexio 3500 is an HVLP (high volume low pressure) paint sprayer designed for DIYers. It is especially well-suited for small projects and detail work but is also capable of tackling medium-sized projects such as entire walls or treating a deck. It requires only electricity and ships with two nozzles that are capable of using most types of paints, stains and finishes.

Once your project is complete, the sprayer and its accessories can be neatly stored in the durable storage case, keeping everything organized and ready for the next use. This convenience ensures that the Wagner Flexio 3500 is always prepared to help you tackle your next painting project with professional results.

PAMELA BANDURANT/FAMILY HANDYMAN

Wagner Flexio 3500 Paint Sprayer

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Wagner Flexio 3500 Product Features

The Flexio 3500 Electric Handheld HVLP Paint Sprayer makes your painting projects faster and more efficient. It sprays 10 times faster than a traditional brush, allowing you to cover an 8-by-10 wall in just five minutes. This makes it perfect for both interior and exterior projects, including walls, decks, fences, furniture, cabinets and more.

One of the standout features of the Flexio 3500 is its variable-speed X-Boost turbine, which provides the power needed to spray unthinned paints and stains. This versatility means you can tackle a wide range of painting jobs without the hassle of thinning the paint. The sprayer also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to handle and maneuver, and is 10% lighter than previous Flexio models, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

The sprayer offers multiple adjustable settings to suit your specific project needs, providing flexibility and control over your painting. The iSpray nozzle is ideal for achieving a textured finish on broad surfaces like exterior siding, walls and ceilings, while the Detail Finish Nozzle is perfect for a smooth, fine finish on cabinets, furniture and trim. These interchangeable nozzles make the Flexio 3500 a versatile tool for both professional and DIY projects.

Cleaning and Material

Cleaning and maintaining the Flexio 3500 is a breeze thanks to the Lock-N-Go system that allows for quick disassembly. The included Bonus Cup Liner further simplifies cleanup, making it quick and easy. For added convenience, the durable storage case keeps the sprayer protected between projects. Plus, you can access Wagner+ by scanning the QR code on your product for instant digital access to product registration, how-to guides, manuals and more, ensuring you have all the resources you need at your fingertips.

Lastly, the sprayer is capable of spraying:

• Latex and oil-based paints
• Semi-transparent stain
• Solid stains
• Water-based lacquers
• Urethanes

How We Tested It

The first thing that stood out to me about this sprayer was the case that it came in. I often find that molded plastic cases are almost useless as it seems impossible to get the tools back into their designated slots. In this case (pun intended), the parts were easily stowed and the case could be buttoned up.

The next thing I noticed is what I would call “built-in” nozzles. Most of the hand-held sprayers that I’ve used utilize a type of two-part metal nozzle wherein you pick the fluid tip size based on your material. You then insert a matching needle tip, which is prone to getting lost, even if just dropped onto carpeting or grass, not to mention floating around at the bottom of a tool box. These needless nozzles seemed like a bonus and definitely were.

I set out to paint the exterior of one of my wooden sheds, which was in serious need of painting. After power washing it, scraping off some old paint and waiting for it to dry, I filled the 1300-milliliter (approximately 1/3rd gallon) that works with the iSpray nozzle with an inexpensive, acrylic-based exterior paint and primer in one. I attached the “iSpray” nozzle, which is supposed to mimic the texture of a roller, and plugged in the sprayer. Since it was just an outside shed, I eschewed practice and fine-tuning in water or on cardboard and went straight for the shed.

Tuning and Usage

As expected, some fine-tuning was required. I ended up with a few drips, but that was entirely user error and not a result of the settings, which I had adjusted based on the usage—having set the “X-boost” power dial (I.e., the air power) to the middle of its range and the material flow control to the middle of its range. Also, I had the spray width set to wide, and after some technique adjustments, this worked out to be a great combination of power and volume for the paint.

I went through the first container of paint rather quickly due to my futzing around with the technique. As such, I was a little worried about how much paint I was going through. But by the time I was onto my second container of paint, I was getting great distance and coverage. I was able to get a single coat onto approximately 60 square feet with less than 1/3 of a gallon of paint. This amount is spot on if estimating that I can spray 150 to 200 square feet per gallon.

The coating was even at the start and end of the spray cycle, as well as at the edges of the spray pattern. I used the common “overlap” technique with horizontal paths and completed the edges with the spray width set to the narrow setting. The nozzle cleanup was quick and painless. I was really pleased with the results: The shed went from a sad and dreary backyard eyesore to looking like a proud member of the outdoor decor.

Pros

• Carrying case
• Multiple nozzles and containers
• Easy to clean
• Detail finish and spray at the same time
• Variable air power control
• Can use stains, enamels, paints and more

Cons

• Not great for large projects
• Pricier than most handheld HVLP sprayers

Why Trust Us

I’ve been painting homes for nearly 40 years, and while much of the process remains the same, the paints and sprayers have improved greatly. I’ve been using modern DIY and professional sprayers for a couple of years and have been impressed with their capabilities, especially at such reasonable prices.

When I learned that I would be reviewing a selection of paint sprayers, I was eager to find out firsthand how they would stack up. I reviewed the equipment from the vantage point of a non-professional, intent on offering DIYers an idea of what each sprayer could and could not do. My review offers potential consumers a realistic and practical guide to an array of sprayer options.

FAQ

Do you have to thin paint for Wagner Flexio 3500?

You don’t have to thin paint for the Wagner Flexio 3500, but sometimes, it may be necessary. Wagner advises users that most paints do not need to be thinned and that optimal spray performance can be achieved by adjusting the airflow, spray width and material flow control. If thinning, it’s advised to delete the material in steps of 5-10%.

Can I use Wagner Flexio 3500 to paint a ceiling?

With some practice, spraying a ceiling can be done without too much mess. You’ll want to be cautious of where you align the pickup tube when using the Flexio to paint a ceiling. It’s ideal to spray with a horizontally held sprayer, but that isn’t possible when painting a ceiling. So, when painting a ceiling with the Flexio 3500, point the pickup tube toward the handle of the sprayer. The paint is then taken up in the tube when the sprayer is pointed upward. Wagner warns that the sprayer should not be used at greater than a 45-degree angle. If the angle is too steep, material could get into the turbine and damage it. Eye protection and a mask are always recommended when using a sprayer, but especially important when painting a ceiling.

Can I leave paint in my Wagner paint sprayer overnight?

Ideally, you wouldn’t leave paint in the sprayer overnight because the paint may dry on the nozzle and clog it. The system is somewhat “closed” to the elements, so it is ok to leave paint in the sprayer for short periods between use, such as overnight or for a break. Before using the sprayer, after it has sat, be sure to mix the paint in the container. Also, it will likely be necessary to remove paint from the hardened nozzle tip. Once it’s cleared, you should be good to go.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

Five-star The Home Depot reviewer Brian1 claims, “I purchased the Flexio 3500 about six weeks ago when we were in the middle of remodeling our master bathroom. We had urethane-finished birch wood that we wanted painted. The sprayer delivered beyond our expectations. The finish was exceptional (factory-like finish). It was easy to use, and clean-up was a breeze.”

“So far, I’ve used it to paint doors and the whole exterior of my stucco house. It worked well. On stucco, it does cover in one go, but be ready to buy extra gallons of paint. I tried rolling, and the spray would cover way more in such a short time! It is super easy to clean thoroughly, ” says 5-star reviewer fonf64.

Eric on The Home Depot gives the Wagner Flexio 5 stars and says, “I bought this item just in case/backup for doing my house. I ended up having to use this for the whole house. The house came out great. Saved me about $20,000 to do this my self. The one thing that I wish there was an easier way to have a faster fill method. I believe that is what took me the longest to do. But besides [that], it’s great with thick and thin paint. I recommend this product 100 percent.”

Wagner Flexio 3500 vs Earlex HVLP Sprayer

Lately I’ve been using an Earlex HVLP sprayer for my smaller projects. The Earlex HVLP sprayer is a good comparison for the Wagner Flexio 3500 as they are both handheld HVLP sprayers. The Earlex comes in at a lower price and is lighter so let’s take a look at the usage.

The Earlex is differs from the Wagner in that it uses nozzles that are matched to your material and desired finish. On the other hand, the Wagner just has two nozzles—one for fine spraying and one for wider, textured spraying. Another key difference is that the air cap, either fine or wide spray, must be selected on the Earlex. The Earlex does not come with a case and it’s important to keep all the nozzles together with the sprayer. I keep my nozzles and tools in a plastic bag but still don’t have a convenient way to ensure that the bag is with the sprayer. It’s these factors along with the cleanup that makes the Wagner a clear winner for being easier to use.

Final Verdict

At first, I wasn’t convinced the two-nozzle solution was going to be adequate. It proved to be more than adequate and I’m sold. A lot of the experimentation and guesswork were taken away by knowing that the either nozzle could handle whatever material I was going to use. Plus, the cleanup was such a breeze that I don’t dread pulling out the sprayer. This sprayer will be taking a front-and-center space in my collection of painting tools. I look forward to more projects with it.

Where to Buy the Wagner Flexio 3500

You can pick up the Wagner Flexio at The Home Depot or order it online for under $180.

Wagner Flexio 3500 Paint Sprayer

Shop at The Home Depot

The post I Tried Out the Wagner Flexio 3500 Paint Sprayer and the Results Were Flawless appeared first on Family Handyman.

Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to not only make them even safer but also more comfortable and, dare I say, attractive. Modern work boots claim to be safer, lighter and better fitting—and can be worn all day. Could it possibly be true?

Keen Utility’s Evanston boot is one of those new-era utility boots that challenge misconceptions. I tried them to see if they could withstand my everyday tasks and meet industrial standards. I was thrilled with these boots, so read on to hear why.

What is the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot?

Keen Utility designed the Evanston work boot to meet the needs of many professionals. However, I found it practical for any application where comfort and safety are paramount. Keen Utility states that the work boot is great for assembly line workers, electricians, the aerospace industry and light manufacturing.

The boots tick all the boxes for standard work boots, with safety and meeting standards being the highest priorities. They’re a six-inch high waterproof boot suitable for many manufacturing and construction situations. Durable leather offers the wearer protection and makes the boots visually appealing.

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot Features

The Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot stands out with a suite of high-performance features designed for durability and safety. This boot is not only oil, slip and heat resistant, but also boasts a carbon-fiber toe. This makes them a lighter alternative to traditional steel toes while maintaining robust protection. Rated for electrostatic discharge (ESD), the boot ensures safe use in environments where static electricity is a concern.

The boot’s six-inch ankle height provides essential protection and stability, a crucial aspect both industrial settings and demanding work environments. The heat-resistant outsole further enhances durability, allowing the boot to withstand high temperatures without compromising performance or comfort.

The Keen Utility Evanston is equipped with Keen.ReGEN technology, a proprietary sole designed to offer 50% more energy return compared to standard foam soles. This technology helps reduce fatigue and increases comfort during long hours on your feet. Additionally, the boot features a 90-degree heel (half an inch) that contributes to its stability and balance.

The eyelets are constructed from plastic rather than metal, minimizing the risk of marring highly finished surfaces—a thoughtful detail for professionals working with delicate materials. The boots also have reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

The leather used is barnyard resistant, meaning it effectively withstands the detrimental effects of common livestock-related hazards like oleic acid and urea.

Furthermore, the Leather Working Group certifies the leather as “environmentally preferred,” which ensures that the tanneries adhere to rigorous environmental standards, including waste management and greenhouse gas reduction.

As an extra bonus, the boots are PFA-free and contain no “forever chemicals.”

How We Tested the Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

The boots arrived by mail in terrific packaging—a sturdy boot box that I’ll be reusing. The boots were pre-laced and ready to use, so I put them on my feet around 8:30 a.m. As someone who dislikes wearing shoes and only wears them as a necessity—something I equate to foot prison—I didn’t even think to take these brand-new boots off my feet for almost 12 hours!

I wear a Euro size 39 with a narrow-to-normal width foot and received a U.S. women’s 8.5 medium boot. The fit was perfect, and Keen’s signature roomy toe box was a welcome relief for my claustrophobic toes and the real or imagined widening of my foot as I age. The cushioned part around the ankle felt comfy and didn’t give me that restrictive feeling I get when I revisit my early 90s hipster days and wear my heavy, black ankle boots.

I wasn’t going to test the carbon fiber toe for safety as they did once on Myth Busters (anyone else see that episode?), but the toe was clearly fortified. I felt confident that my tootsies were in safe hands and opted out of dropping a toolbox on my foot. Another welcome surprise was that the composite toe was not even noticeable, even as my toes were bent, which is something I’ve struggled with in other steel-toed boots.

I spent the remainder of the day doing various chores in these boots. I weeded, ran the string trimmer, cleaned gutters and dug up volunteer lemongrass that was invading my flower beds. I walked on grass, mud and mulch. I even took my daily multi-mile walk on asphalt in these boots because it didn’t occur to me to change my shoes.

Keen Utility boasts that the heel design of these boots helps secure the foot in place on ladders. While climbing the ladder to clean my gutters, I felt absolutely confident. While digging with a shovel and on the ladder rungs, the sole’s sturdiness did not cause discomfort or fatigue. As the day went by, I was so very surprised that my ankles also did not feel any chafing or excessive pressure.

Pros:

• Certified for safety standards and ESD
• Comfortable
• Lightweight
• Environmentally preferred leather
• Reflective
• Chemical and biological resistant leather
• Multiple widths

Cons:

• No color selection for women
• Limited sizes in both men’s and women’s styles

Why Trust Me

I’ve been wearing work boots for most of my adult life. I’ve lived and worked on an organic farm, worked as a land surveyor in many regulated environments, owned a landscaping company and done gobs of contracting work in painting and basic carpentry. Nothing makes my work easier than comfortable and practical footwear.

As a professional product reviewer, I am committed to considering my needs and those of others when evaluating products. The boots are no exception, and I considered many factors in order to give a fair assessment. I looked at both my personal needs and those of people of different sizes and in various industries.

FAQ

Are Keen boots good for work?

There are many types of work boots that are certified for certain industrial uses and safety issues. Many Keen utility boots are approved for these uses and, therefore, are excellent work boots. Keen also has hiking boots and casual boots that may be suitable for certain work environments.

Are Keen shoes good for your feet?

They’re certainly not bad for your feet! In fact, with the arch support, protection and roomy toe box, your feet are getting the royal treatment as far as footwear goes. Keen utility boots come with a 30-day trial, so if you find that they are not meeting your needs, you can return them.

Are Keen boots waterproof? 

Some Keen boots are waterproof. The Evanston boot reviewed is rated as waterproof and is indicated for wet and dry use. If waterproof boots are a must, be sure to check the manufacturer’s stated uses and capabilities.

What Other Reviewers/Experts Had to Say

LaRita B. gives a 5-star review on Keen’s site, saying, “Wide enough!!!!! Yes, finally, Keen listened! These safety-toe boots are wide enough to fit my foot. Thanks, well done.”

Vicki Rose, owner of SPC Specialty Products, a woman-owned business serving the manufacturing and energy sectors, says, “I wear industrial boots daily for work. This boot meets all the safety requirements, looks good, and even comes in a women’s 5, which is perfect for me.”

“Best boot ever,” says Jade P on Keen’s site. “I bought these off of a recommendation from a coworker. So comfortable, even without another insole! My blisters I got from my other boots went away, and because of the composite toe all my ankle pain is gone (because my old boots were too heavy). Seriously the best purchase I’ve ever made.”

Keens vs. Red Wings

I compared these boots to a pair of Redwing steel-toed boots that I used to wear for work and found the Keens have far more support and cushioning. The carbon fiber toe was not even noticeable on the Keens, as opposed to the discomfort inflicted on my foot by the old-school steel toe.

I also compared the Keen to a newer pair of steel-toed Red Wings side-by-side and found the comfort and styling to be somewhat equal, but the Keen was significantly lighter.

Final Verdict

The extensive listing of safety ratings on this boot makes it viable for almost all work conditions. The wonderful support and comfort allow for all-day wearing without the need to break them in. It’s stylish, too. I was unable to come up with really any criticisms of this boot, so I 100% recommend it. There’s nothing to risk thanks to Keen’s 30-day return period, so try out a pair for yourself.

Where to Buy

You can find Keen Utility’s Evanston boot on Amazon and Zappos for around $150. The sizing is accurate, and with Keen’s 30-day return policy, the risk of buying shoes online is minimized.

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Keen Utility Evanston Work Boot

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The post Keen Utility’s New Work Boot is the Perfect Boot for Almost Everything appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ahead, find tips from law enforcement and consumer protection professionals on how to avoid falling victim to these often persuasive scammers.

What Is a Home Repair Scam?

Home repair scams can take various forms but generally result in homeowners paying for repairs or services that are never started, left unfinished or, done poorly. The contractor’s intent is to intentionally defraud a homeowner for financial gain. “These issues are frustrating for consumers as often money is wasted, or the home can be left in a chaotic state,” says Layla R. D’Emilia, the Massachusetts Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

Popular Home Repair Scams

Most home repair scams begin right on your doorstep, as it is a popular technique to go door to door.

Fast and cheap post-disaster repairs

After a natural disaster, watch out for contractors who show up to your house promising low-cost repairs done quickly. While tempting, these are often out-of-state or unlicensed workers who simply take a down payment and disappear.

Door-to-door “free” inspection scam

This home repair scam often starts when a contractor unexpectedly knocks on your door, offering a free home inspection. During the inspection, they “discover” an urgent issue and ask for upfront payment to quickly make repairs. The work is often poorly done or left incomplete.

Bait and switch

This home repair scam begins with an extremely low estimate designed to lure the homeowner. Once hired, “unforeseen issues” arise, significantly increasing the cost, often to the amount of the original highest bidder.

To avoid this one, I always try to obtain three estimates and choose the one in the middle, no matter how tempting the low estimate may be.

Signs a Contractor Is Scamming You

Like the two gentlemen that knocked on my door, pressured sales tactics is a classic sign you’re being scammed. You should never have to sign up or pay for something “right now” or else lose your chance. Other signs you’re being scammed include:

• A contractor demands full payment before work begins.
• You’ll get a discount because the contractor has leftover materials from another job.
• A contractor refuses to draw up a contract.
• Payment methods will only be cash or through an on-line payment app.
• A contractor asks you to pull permits with your municipality.

Tips to Avoid Contractor Scams

Jennifer Gundersen, Chief of Police for the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts, recommends asking neighbors and friends for contractor recommendations to avoid falling victim to home repair scams.

Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Ask for and check professional references
• Verify contractors are licensed, bonded and insured
• Require a detailed, written estimate with a clear payment schedule and work timeline
• Avoid door-to-door contractors
• Never sign something or make a payment under pressure
• Never make a large down payment before work has begun

What to Do If You Think You’re Being Scammed

“If you think you are the victim of a contractor scam, contact your local police department right away,” Gundersen says. She recommends taking a photo of the license plates of any worker vehicles so you can provide this information to the police if necessary. “You should [also] file a complaint against the contractor with your state’s relevant agency, such as consumer affairs or the attorney general,” D’Emilia says.

Other resources include your state’s Office of Consumer Affairs or Attorney General. Both can help you lodge formal complaints or take legal action.

About the Expert

• Jennifer Gundersen is the Chief of Police for the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts. She has been in this role since 2019 and began her law enforcement career in 1994.
• Layla R. D’Emilia is the Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation in the state of Massachusetts. She was appointed to this position in 2023 and oversees the office and its five affiliated agencies.

Sources

New York State Department of Financial Services “Beware of Home Repair Scams”

The post How To Avoid Getting Scammed by Contractors After Natural Disasters appeared first on Family Handyman.

Lumber prices impact much more than just the lumber industry. For homeowners, fluctuating lumber prices can alter budgets for home improvement projects, additions and new home construction plans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of my customers decided to hold off on planned projects to wait for lumber prices to fall. Some asked me to explain rising lumber costs to them, which proved to be a complex process.

Ahead, find a straightforward breakdown of the key elements affecting lumber prices, from market demand to futures trading, with insights from Michael King from Fleury Lumber.

Are Lumber Prices Going Up or Down in 2024?

Lumber prices appear to be going down in 2024, though incrementally. After experiencing severe volatility during the pandemic, lumber prices have been trending downward since 2022. Depending on what happens during the rest of 2024, prices appear to be on track to stay about the same. “Everything seems to be pretty stable,” King says, “unless something happens to send prices up again.”

What Is the Average Cost for Lumber?

As of this writing, average costs for lumber are as follows:

How Are Lumber Prices Determined?

Many factors determine the price of lumber, from hyper-localized weather events to global financial markets.

What factors impact lumber prices?

Lumber prices are always related to supply and demand — the amount of lumber available compared to the amount consumers need. If supply is higher than demand, prices are lower, and prices rise if there is more demand than supply.

What factors impact lumber supply?

The amount of lumber harvested, produced and shipped is influenced by several key elements in the lumber supply chain. “Availability is a key price factor,” King says.

• Production: Production levels can be affected by labor issues, sawmill closures and land access.
• Natural disasters: Weather events can greatly impact the amount of available raw lumber. “Some of the hurricanes in the past have caused plywood prices to go up temporarily,” King says.
• Government policies: Forestry management laws, international tariffs and environmental policies control the amount of lumber that can be produced and exported.
• Shipping and receiving: How quickly lumber can be transported to consumers contributes to supply levels. “Through COVID, we couldn’t get anything,” King says, contributing to higher prices.

What factors impact demand for lumber?

Demand levels for lumber fluctuate due to economic and consumer trend cycles.

• Economic conditions: Times of economic growth typically lead to increased home construction rates and rising lumber demands.
• Interest rates: Low interest rates mean lower borrowing costs, which stimulate new construction projects and, in turn, increase the demand for lumber.
• Construction industry: More new construction projects cause a higher lumber demand.
• Consumer trends: Homeowner demand for lumber-based home improvement projects like decks and additions can impact lumber prices.

Lumber Futures Explained

Lumber contracts bought and sold in a regulated commodities market and lumber futures also influence lumber prices.

What are lumber futures?

Lumber futures are high-volume lumber contracts traded by investors and lumber industry stakeholders through the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME). Similar to the New York Stock Exchange, the CME trades commodities and goods contracts rather than stocks.

How do lumber futures work?

Lumber futures contracts are standardized to facilitate trading within the CME. Standardization includes order size (typically 27,500 board feet), price per thousand board feet (varies) and delivery schedules (specific months). Lumber producers, sawmills or large construction companies buy and sell these contracts to minimize their exposure to price volatility. Investors can also buy lumber futures.

Most lumber futures contracts are bought and sold before expiring. Instead of receiving delivery of the lumber, the contract is sold for a cash loss or profit.

How do lumber futures affect retail prices?

Lumber futures provide a market outlook several months ahead, which impacts price expectations. When futures prices rise, retailers expect to pay higher prices to replenish their inventory, so retail prices rise. If futures prices drop, retailers can lower prices as the expected price to replenish stock decreases.

Lumber futures also provide consumers with relatively stable lumber prices.

Lumber futures prices now

From the summer of 2020 to spring 2022, the lumber futures market experienced unprecedented instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2020, lumber futures were trading at $435.50 per thousand board feet (MFBM) and had reached $980 MFBM by the end of the summer. After a brief dip in the winter, by the spring of 2021 prices had shot up to $1,500 MFBM due to labor shortages, a spike in demand and delivery delays. Several more drastic ups and downs occurred until prices finally stabilized in the summer of 2022.

As of this writing, lumber futures are trading at $446 MFBM, and 2024 prices are down 15.2 percent from last year.

Hardwood vs. Softwood Prices

Retail lumber prices are different for hardwood and softwood species.

How are hardwood prices determined?

Hardwood prices consider the wood species, the grade and the cut of the wood.

Why is hardwood more expensive?

Hardwood trees grow slowly and are subject to more environmental regulations, which limits supply. “There are fewer hardwood trees, and it is harder to find,” King says.

Four Tips for Saving Money on Lumber

Reduce waste

Plan your project and lumber order carefully to maximize board usage. “Try to end up with the least amount of waste,” King says. This will save you money.

Buy from a wholesale lumber provider

Wholesale lumber companies buy high-volume orders for less and can pass these savings on to you.

Use lower-grade lumber

Use lower-grade lumber in places that will not be seen and save more expensive finish-grade lumber for visible surfaces.

Use shortboards

Lumber shortboards are shorter lengths of lumber, typically less than 8 feet, that can be used for smaller projects to minimize waste.

Purchase in volume

For larger projects, it can save you money to purchase all of your lumber at once.

About the Expert

• Michael King works in contractor sales at Fleury Lumber, a full-service lumberyard in Easthampton, Massachusetts. He has worked at Fleury Lumber for over 20 years in various roles.

Sources

• CME Group, An Introductory Guide to Random Length Lumber Futures and Options.
• Madison’s Lumber Report, Lumber Prices Go Lower as Summer Downtime Approaches. (2024)
• Statista, Monthly Price of lumber in the United States from January 2016 to February 2024. (2024)

The post Lumber Prices Explained: What DIYers Need to Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

A malfunctioning TPR valve is as dangerous as one that isn’t there, and if you haven’t checked the one on your water heater recently, you really have no idea whether it’s working properly or not.

Water from your faucet that’s hot enough to scald you and unusually high water pressure are two signs of dangerous conditions in your water heater tank. If the TPR valve isn’t working, you’re courting disaster — maybe not an actual explosion, but definitely the possibility of a tank rupture.

Here’s how to check your TPR valve and, if necessary, replace it.

What Is a TPR Valve?

“The Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve on your water heater is a critical safety feature designed to release water if the temperature or pressure inside the tank gets too high,” explains Calgary plumber Asif Bux.

The TPR valve is a spring-loaded, brass valve located on the top of the tank or on the side near the top. If it has been installed according to code, it’s connected to a discharge pipe that runs along the side of the tank and terminates six inches above the floor. However, many TPR valves have been installed incorrectly and lack this pipe. Whether installed correctly or not, the TPR valve is there for one reason: to maintain the pressure inside the tank at a safe level.

How Does a TPR Valve Work?

A TPR valve is very simple: It’s in a cylindrical brass housing about four inches long with a 3/4-inch inlet and a perpendicular 3/4-inch outlet. The inlet is screwed directly into the tank, and the valve has an internal spring-loaded flapper designed to open when the tank pressure exceeds its preset limit. On the top of the housing is a metal lever that allows a homeowner or plumber to test it by manually opening it.

When the tank’s internal pressure exceeds its limit, the TPR valve opens, allowing steam and hot water to spray from the outlet until the tank pressure drops below the limit. If the valve has no discharge tube, the spray could injure anyone standing nearby, which is why the plumbing code requires the tube. It screws into the outlet and directs outflow directly at the floor, where it can’t hurt anyone.

How to Tell If Your TPR Valve Leaks

“If your TPR valve is leaking, it indicates that it is doing its job, but it also signals a potential issue that needs to be addressed,” says Bux. While a leaking TPR valve isn’t as dangerous as one that won’t open, it could well be a warning of dangerously high pressure in the tank. Here are some signs of a leaking valve:

• Water on the floor under the discharge tube.
• Water is dripping from the valve outlet. You’ll only see this if there’s no discharge tube.
• Water seeps around the connection between the valve and the tank.

If you see signs of a leak, the first thing to do, according to Mazzacone, is to check the home’s water pressure. You can do this by screwing a pressure gauge onto an outdoor faucet or one in the laundry room and opening the faucet all the way. If the pressure is above residential limits (usually from 60 to 80 psi), you may need to adjust the pressure-reducing valve (PRV) located near the water meter to lower it.

A valve will also leak if the tank water temperature is too high, and this is probably true if the water from the faucets is too hot to touch. Adjust the temperature control on the front of the tank to 120 to 140 degrees F to see if that stops the leak.

How to Replace a TPR Valve

Before assuming the valve needs to be replaced, Bux recommends testing it. Use the lever to manually open the valve and let water spray out (take appropriate safety precautions if there’s no discharge tube), then release the lever. Sometimes, debris lodges in the valve, preventing it from closing, and this should clear it out.

If the valve continues to leak, Mazzacone advises checking the expansion tank. “We often find that expansion tanks are either not installed to code or missing entirely, requiring installation or replacement to solve the issue.”

Whether or not the expansion tank is working properly, if your TPR valve is leaking, it should be replaced. Here’s how Bux does this simple procedure:

1. Let the water cool: Turn off the gas or electricity and let the tank’s water cool to a safe temperature.
2. Drain the tank: Drain a few gallons of water from the tank to lower the water level below the TPR valve. Use the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and a garden hose to direct the water to a safe location.
3. Remove the old valve: Use a wrench to unscrew the old TPR valve. Be cautious, as the valve might be corroded or tight.
4. Install the new valve: Wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the new TPR valve and screw it into place. Ensure it is securely tightened, but avoid over-tightening.
5. Restore power and water: Turn the water supply back on and restore power or gas to the water heater. Check for leaks around the new TPR valve.

FAQs

What If your TPR valve Is stuck?

You should test your TPR valve every six to 12 months or so by opening the lever and ensuring water sprays out. If nothing happens, the internal mechanism is probably stuck. In this case, immediately turn off the gas or electricity and replace the valve when the water cools.

What’s the difference between a TPR valve and a drain valve?

All water heater tanks have both valves. The TPR valve is at the top and opens automatically to release steam and lower pressure. The drain valve is at the bottom, and you open it manually to allow water out of the tank.

Do tankless water heaters have a TPR valve?

No. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters have no tank, so they don’t need a TPR valve to release pressure. They don’t have a drain valve, either.

Troubleshooting Common Water Heater Repairs

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common water heater problems, from pilot light issues to leaks, with simple step-by-step solutions and maintenance tips.

• DIY Water Heater Testing and Repair
• How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
• How to Extend Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
• How to Dispose of a Water Heater
• Tankless Water Heater Myths You Need to Stop Believing
• Water Heater Leaking from Drain Valve? Here’s What to Do
• A Water Heater Vent Installed Like This Can Have Lethal Consequences
• How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light
• How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple
• What to Do If Your Water Heater Has a Defective Dip Tube
• Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement

About the Experts

• Robert Mazzacone is a third-generation licensed master plumber and owner of Mazzacone Plumbing & Heating, based in Westchester County, NY.
• Asif Bux is the service manager of Comfort Union, a plumbing, electrical and HVAC company located in Calgary, AB.

The post Is Your Water Heater’s TPR Valve Leaking? Here’s What to Do appeared first on Family Handyman.

PVC Picket Pool Fence

A cozy home with a white picket fence is the American dream for many—so why not install one around your pool? This fence from @libertyfence offers a clean and traditional look, but because it’s made from PVC, it’s extremely durable and low maintenance.

What We Like About It: A white picket fence meets safety requirements without diminishing the beauty of the pool design.

Vertical Design Pool Fence

If you prefer a modern aesthetic, check out this pool fence from @cos.design. The vertical bars are installed with a hidden bottom rail to create a floating illusion, and an overall more streamlined design. The vertical lines are repeated in the larger perimeter fence for a cohesive look.

What We Like About It: Eliminating horizontal rails makes the fence safer because there are no footholds that a child can use to climb over the fence.

Glass Panel Pool Fence

One drawback to a pool fence is it blocks the view of your gorgeous pool. But that’s not an issue with a glass fence! The nearly invisible fence, like this one from @glassvice, safely secures the pool without sacrificing scenery. To keep it clean, wipe the glass down with soapy water every 8 weeks or so.

What We Like About It: The frameless glass panels are made from durable tempered glass and are climb-resistant.

Powder-Coated Steel Pool Fence

This sharp-looking pool fence from @yardlinkfence features powder-coated steel fence panels which are long-lasting and maintenance free. The black grid design offers a nice modern farmhouse style, and it’s transparent enough that it doesn’t obstruct pool views.

What We Like About It: Powder coating is more durable than paint and helps prevent chipping and rust.

Note to editor: I’ve had trouble securing image permissions for this article, so I reused this image from one of my older articles found here: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/affordable-fence-ideas/

@foxterradesign How to keep your pool safe? Here’s one solution we like to use on irregular shaped pools! 🙌🏼 #poolsafety #pooldesign #pool #poolfence #backyardtransformation #swimmingpool #luxuryhomes ♬ original sound – Foxterra Design

Removable Pool Fence

A temporary mesh pool fence, like the one shown here from @foxterradesign, is a good choice if you want the option to remove the fence when your kids are older. But don’t let the “removable” label fool you, these types of fences are sturdy. The Life Saver Pool Fence features mesh rated to withstand 387 pounds per square inch, and each individual pole has been tested to withstand over 105 pounds of horizontal pressure.

What We Like About It: A removable fence means you don’t have to commit to the design requirements or cost of permanent fencing.

@ngc.fence #jacksonvilleflorida #fyp #fencework #fernandinabeach #yulee #contractor #contractor #familytime #stjohns #stagustine #yulee #backyard #fencebuild #fence ###allgrup ♬ Summer Vibes – GRLN

Aluminum Pool Fence

A simple black aluminum pool fence like this one from @ngc.fence is resistant to rust, low maintenance and can last a lifetime. The classic style looks nice without distracting from the beauty of the pool. This fence also features a wood slat privacy screen which is a great way to break up the design and add seclusion.

What We Like About It: A high-quality aluminum fence can last up to 50 years if properly maintained.

@woodandvinylfence Love God; love others; do your best in all you do, Do your best when no one is looking. If you do that, then you can be successful in anything that you put your mind to!! 🥰🇺🇸😎👌 #Custom #Made #Luxary #Fences #HardWork #Wood #Vinyl #Fence #NewYork #Connecticut #USA #NY #CT #WoodLover #LifeIsGood #Patio #poolday #fenceideas #homeideas #backyardideas #vinylfencing #IllusionsFence #EasternFence #InterstateFence #WholesaleFence #StoneWall #americanmade #madeinamerica #madeintheusa #illusionsfence #illusionsvinylfence #vinylwoodfence #fence #vinylfence #fenceproducts #rosewoodfence #lattice #fencecontractor #fencecompany #illusionsfence #easternfence #wholesalefence #fencemanufacturer #fenceinstaller #fencinstallation #fenceclimbing #Trending ♬ Legend – Marcos Yap

Wood and Mesh Fence

This custom pool fence from @woodandvinylfence has gorgeous wood posts and frames, along with mesh panels for safety. The rustic materials blend nicely with the landscaping and scenery. The transparent mesh ensures unobstructed views of both the pool and surrounding nature.

What We Like About It: Wood elements in your pool fence require more maintenance, but the rich color and texture can’t be beat!

@earlywinefenceanddesign #fence #fencebuilding #construction #pool #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Don’t Worry, Be Happy – The Hitsingers

Horizontal Slat Fence

Here’s a classic cedar wood fence with horizontal slats from @earlywinefenceanddesign. This type of fence offers more privacy because of the minimal gap between the slats. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to sun fading, rot, and decay; but consider waterproof sealing to extend the lifetime even more.

What We Like About It: The small spaces between the slats give the fence a modern look and deter climbing.

About the Expert

• Anthony Strianese is the owner of Liberty Fence & Railing, a licensed fence company operating for nearly five decades in New York. They specialize in manufacturing and installing PVC vinyl fences.

The post 8 Pool Fence Ideas for Your Backyard appeared first on Family Handyman.

Understanding the differences between annuals, perennials, and biennials is essential knowledge for any aspiring gardener. Each type of plant has a unique life cycle and growth pattern, contributing differently to a garden’s overall aesthetics and maintenance needs.

I largely base my plant choices in my gardens around these three categories. Annuals and biennials are great for a splash of color, while perennials add substance and depth to any garden bed.

Ahead, learn all about annuals, perennials and biennials from two landscaping experts — Ricky Lateurrer from Lateurrer Gardens and Landscaping and Joyce Corbett from Class Courtyards.

What Is an Annual Plant?

An annual plant completes a full life cycle in a single growing season. Annuals aim to reseed themselves and do not go dormant and return in the spring. Instead, they germinate, flower and produce seeds within a single season. These seeds then begin a new annual cycle in the spring, continuing to set seed for future plants. “Annuals are my favorite part of my garden,” Corbett says. “I have fun picking out new ones each year.”

Some annuals are perennials grown outside their normal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone. “A lot of our annuals in New England are considered perennials in the South,” Corbett says. Because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures, these ‘winter annuals’ will live in colder climates during spring and summer months and then die off in winter. They will not regrow in the spring and require annual replanting.

How long do annual plants live?

A growing season or a year, depending on the plant and climate.

When to plant annuals

“You’ll want to plant annuals in the spring,” Corbett says. When spring actually occurs will depend on the USDA Hardiness Zone in which you live. In Southern California, this could be March, whereas in Northern Maine, it would be April or May.

What are common annual plants?

Begonia, Petunia, Lantana, Impatiens, Sunflowers, Zinnias and Marigolds are popular annual flowering plants.

Does an annual plant come back every year?

No, an annual plant does not come back every year. Annuals will not regrow and need to be reseeded or replanted each year. What they lack in longevity, they make up for with long flowering periods. “I think of annuals as a seasonal decoration that spruces up a garden,” Lateurrer says.

What Is a Perennial Plant?

A perennial plant lives at least two years, but there are some that can survive for 10 to 15 years or longer once planted. Perennials grow and flower through spring, summer and fall, then go dormant during colder months.

Perennial shrubs may lose their leaves, but woody growth remains. Other perennials lose all green growth during winter, but regrow from dormant root systems.

How long do perennial plants live?

At least two to three years, but some can live for decades. Most perennial flowers live between two and ten years, while shrubs can live longer. “I’ve dug up perennials from gardens that have been there for over 20 years,” Lateurrer says.

When to plant perennials

“[Planting perennials in] either spring or fall is a good time,” Lateurrer says. “You want to avoid the heat of the summer.” If you’re excited to see flowers right away, plant in the spring. If you can wait for flowers, plant in the fall to avoid watering all summer while the plant establishes. “You’ll really save on your water bill by planting in the fall,” Corbett says.

What are common perennial plants?

Perennial flowering plants include Peony, Daylilly, Iris, Seedum, Hosta, Phlox and Lavender. Perennial shrubs include Hydrangea, Azalea, Rhododendron, Butterfly Bush, Forsythia, Lilacs and Roses.

Do perennial plants come back every year?

Yes, perennial plants come back yearly. These hard-working, low-maintenance plants come back every year for at least two years, typically more.

What Is a Biennial Plant?

Unlike annuals, biennial plants take two years to complete a full life cycle. Generally, the first season is spent growing roots, leaves and stems, while the second season is devoted to flowering, growing and setting seeds.

How long do biennial plants live?

Biennials live for two years.

When to plant biennial plants

Summer or fall are ideal times to plant biennial plants. As long as they have enough time to establish roots and some growth before a frost, they will return to flower and seed in the spring.

What are common biennial plants?

Black Eyed Susans, Hollyhocks, Foxglove, Sweet William, Honesty, Delphinium and Evening Primrose are popular choices for biennial plants.

Do biennial plants come back?

Yes, biennial plants come back. The same biennial plant will return for one season after going dormant during winter. However, biennials can reseed and continue to grow as new plants. The Black Eyed Susans I planted a few years ago keep reseeding and spreading. The original plant is not alive, but through reseeding, Black Eyed Susans return each year.

FAQs

Annuals, perennials and biennials: Can you plant them in pots?

Yes, you can plant annuals, perennials and biennials in pots. Flowering annuals can, and often are, planted in pots. Perennials and biennials are typically planted in the ground to protect dormant root systems. However, some can be grown successfully in pots. A good rule of thumb is to choose cold-tolerant plants at least two zones colder than the climate you live in. This way the root system will withstand the colder soil temperatures in a pot.

Annuals, perennials, and biennials: Which are easiest to care for?

Perennials are the easiest to care for. Once established, perennials will return year after year. Lateurrer finds perennial favorites Daylilly, Hosta and Iris to be “the most low maintenance and drought tolerant.”

About the Experts

Joyce Corbett is the owner of Classic Courtyards in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She has over forty years of landscaping design and installation experience.

Ricky Lateurrer is the owner of Lateurrer Gardens and Landscaping, a full-service residential landscaping company in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.

The post What is the Difference Between Annuals, Perennials and Biennials appeared first on Family Handyman.

What is hard water, you ask? Well, in the simplest terms, it’s water with a high mineral content, but there’s a more precise definition. According to Kelly Russum, a plumber who serves California’s Coachella Valley, water analysts measure hardness in GPG (grains per gallon), where one grain is 64.8 mg. of calcium. “Soft water has GPG lower than 1, and hard water is considered when GPG is 7 or more.” In other words, a gallon of hard water contains half a gram of minerals — usually more.

Water with a high mineral content causes all sorts of problems, including:

• Mineral stains on bathroom fixtures, faucets and other appliances;
• Sediment buildup in water heater tanks;
• Blockages in faucets and plumbing pipes;
• Dry hair, itchy skin and reduced effectiveness of soap.
• Foul-tasting and discolored drinking water. This is primarily caused by iron, which is one of the minerals commonly found in hard water.

You don’t have to get your water from a well to have hard water. Community water in many municipalities is also hard enough to cause mineral stains and make showering unpleasant.

The solution is to install a water softener. Our experts explain what that is, what different types are available and what’s involved with installation and maintenance.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener is basically a filter, but unlike one that removes chlorine, pesticides and heavy metals, it’s designed to remove minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron from the water supply. A typical system consists of a cylindrical inflow tank ranging in diameter from eight to 14 inches and in height from 44 to 65 inches and a separate brine tank containing a solution of sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

“There are whole-house water softeners and under-counter water softeners,” advises South Carolina-based plumber Justin Cornforth. “I recommend opting for whole-house systems because they ensure that all appliances in your home and plumbing systems receive softened water.”

How Does a Water Softener Work?

Josh Rubin, a Certified Restorer from Phoenix, AZ, explains the operation of the salt-ion water softener: “It works by removing minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, from hard water through a process called ion exchange. Put simply, that’s a way to remove and replace the minerals that cause hard water.”

A water softener tank contains a large quantity of resin beads, forming the bed through which water flows into the building. The beads are charged with sodium or potassium ions supplied from the brine tank, and as hard water passes through, the mineral ions are electrically attracted to the beads and displace the sodium or potassium ions, which take their place in the water. “In this process,” says Rudin, “salt is liberated into the water while calcium and magnesium are pulled out.”

The beads eventually become saturated, so the system has to complete a regeneration cycle every week or so. In this cycle, the brine solution is flushed through the tank to restore the salt ions and wash the accumulated minerals down the drain. Most systems do this automatically.

Types of Water Softener Systems

You can choose from one of three types of water-softening systems:

• Salt-based: This is the type described above. “They are the most common and effective type for significant hard water issues,” according to Asif Bux, a plumber from Calgary, Alberta.
• Salt-free: These systems, according to Russum, use potassium chloride instead of sodium, acting as water conditioners rather than removing minerals. “People concerned about sodium consumption may prefer these types of softeners,” he advises.
• Reverse osmosis: Cornforth explains, “Reverse osmosis water softeners are a good option for homes where you want to remove a wide range of contaminants such as PFAs, TDS, chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, odors, rust, sediment and more.” They are generally point-of-use rather than whole-house systems.

Advantages of Having a Water Softener

All our experts agree with Russum, who says that soft water will positively affect your plumbing system. “It won’t leave mineral deposits in your pipes, and as a result, you can also save money on your energy bills because, with scale-free pipes, your water heater won’t have to work as hard.” Some other benefits include:

• Longer-lasting home appliances;
• Elimination of hard-to-clean minerals stains;
• Improved soap efficiency;
• Softer skin and hair.

Downsides of Having a Water Softener

Rudin and Bux point out that extra maintenance and installation costs are downsides to a water softener system. They also cite the potential dangers of elevated salt content in soft water for people with certain health issues and the negative environmental consequences of disposing of brine wastewater. It’s worth noting that you can mitigate these problems by choosing a system that uses potassium instead of sodium.

Russum also flags elevated salt content as a potential problem and adds two more: “The process used to soften water also makes it more volatile, which means it collects more unwanted elements from your pipes. These elements can include lead, making it potentially more dangerous. A water softener wastes up to 120 gallons of water for every 1,000 gallons, so you’ll notice a noticeable increase in your water bill.”

How to Choose a Water Softener

The two most important considerations in choosing a water softener system are the hardness level of your water and the amount of water you use. According to the Department of Energy, weekly grain capacities (number of grains the unit can handle before regeneration) of 16,000 to 32,000 are suitable for small houses, apartments and RVs, while medium to large households would need a grain capacity from 40,000 to 100,000. Many manufacturers and retail sites offer charts that allow you to choose the correct size based on your usage and the hardness of your water (which you can determine by sending a water sample to a lab for testing).

How To Install a Water Softener

A typical water softener consists of two tanks: the softener tank that contains the resin beads and the brine tank. Here’s a quick rundown of the installation process:

1. Install a bypass loop in the building’s water supply. One leg of the loop directs water into the tank, and the other one directs the outflow back into the water supply.
2. Connect the brine tank to the softener tank. You usually do this with plastic tubing that is supplied with the unit.
3. Install a drain pipe from the brine tank to the sewer. If it’s close enough, plumbers often make this connection at the washing machine standpipe.
4. Wire the controller that regulates automatic regeneration into the building’s electrical system. This often involves just plugging it into a standard receptacle.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Water Softener System?

“The most basic, entry-level softening systems start around $500 for just the components themselves, not including installation,” says Rudin. “It’s possible you can get it done for less than this, but it would require massive deal hunting — and possibly a number of failed softening systems — before success.”

Bux and Cornforth put a high end on equipment costs between $2,500 and $3,000, and when you factor in labor, Russum warns the maximum cost can be as high as $11,000. However, Russum warns that it’s almost impossible to answer this question definitively.

Can You Install a Water Softener Yourself?

If you have the plumbing skills, you can probably install an under-counter water softener yourself, but trying to install a whole-house system is a different matter. “It’s not an easy task, and if you don’t know exactly what you are doing, it’s certainly possible to cause damage in the process of installation,” says Rudin. Russum adds that some regions may require a licensed plumber to perform the installation.

How Often to Add Salt to Your Water Softener

Some systems have low-salt indicators that alert you when it’s time to add salt. In the absence of an indicator, you need to check the salt yourself and add more when it falls below the required level. Bux recommends doing this every four to six weeks.

Should I Use Salt Pellets or Crystals?

Bux recommends pellets. They cost more than crystals, but they don’t have any additives, which means purer water overall. Moreover, they don’t dissolve as quickly, so they last longer in households with particularly hard water. However, check the requirements for your system before purchasing salt. Cornforth warns that using the wrong type of salt that can cause clogging and inefficient operation.

About the Experts

• Kelly Russum founded KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing in 1978. He has been the go-to plumber for countless Coachella Valley residents ever since.
• Justin Cornforth is the owner of Ace Plumbing, Electric, Heating & Air, based in Anderson, SC. It’s a family-owned company founded in 2017.
• Josh Rudin is a Certified Restorer and the owner of ASAP Restoration, LLC, serving Phoenix, AZ and surrounding areas.
• Asif Bux is the owner and service manager of Comfort Union, a licensed HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical company located in Calgary, Alberta

Sources

• Energy.gov: Purchasing and Maintaining A Water Softener

The post How Does a Water Softener Work? All Your Questions, Answered appeared first on Family Handyman.

Those who are familiar with utility-task vehicles (UTV) know that Polaris is a trusted name in the industry. The company, which began making snowmobiles in the 1950s, designs and manufactures everything from motorcycles and pontoon boats to ATVs and side-by-side utility-task vehicles.

Their 2025 Ranger lineup includes customer-driven improvements like increased durability, better transmission and more included features like a 7-inch display console and built-in sound system from JBL (which is one of our favorite home speaker companies).

I got to try out the premium and ultimate versions of the 2025 Polaris NorthStar myself to get a feel for the performance and functionality of these home improvement powerhouses.

VIA MERCHANT

WE TRIED IT

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar

Striking the perfect balance between comfort and performance, the 2025 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar from Polaris is the ultimate maintenance tool for your property.

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What is the Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar?

Ranger is a brand of side-by-side off-road vehicles that look like a pick-up truck, but are closer to the size of a golf cart. They have power steering, gas and brake pedals, gear shift, and bench seating in the cab, a reinforced front bumper and grille, and a large truck bed that can be tilted up with a simple latch system.

The Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar is equipped with a closed cab that’s decked out with heating and air conditioning, a plethora of cup holders and storage, a console with GPS and trail maps, and built-in speakers that can connect to your phone. Paired with the 82-horsepower engine, 2,500 pound towing capacity and 1,000 pound carrying capacity, the Polaris NorthStar can be used to assist with lawn maintenance on large residential properties, daily chores on farms and ranches, and even getting docks and boats in and out of the water.

The powerful and thoughtful design of this revamped Ranger is something to behold. I found it to not only have the versatility and strength to tackle just about any outdoor chore, but it’ll also keep you comfortable while you do it.

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar Product Features

Closed Cab

One of the best aspects of this UTV is the completely enclosed cab. Riding around in the NorthStar on a Texas ranch meant a lot, and I mean a lot, of kicked-up dirt, dust, mud and water, which would have been pretty miserable without the closed cab and filtered air system.

In addition to clean air, you can also adjust the Polaris NorthStar’s temperature with heating and air conditioning. The former was a lifesaver in the Texas heat and the latter will make early morning snow removal a much more enjoyable experience. If you want to appreciate some good weather or coordinate with someone outside the vehicle, you can always roll down the windows. The ultimate NorthStar has power windows while the premium has crank windows. For even more flexibility, the ultimate NorthStar has a tip-out windshield that’ll make you feel like you’re in an open cab.

I also really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the cab’s design. The bench seats and rear-hinged doors allow for easy in and out, which is really handy when working on a project. Plus, the LED headlights switch is conveniently located to the left of the steering wheel so you can quickly illuminate what you’re working on, even when you’re out of the UTV.

Included Tech

The ultimate edition of the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar comes standard with some pretty cool electronics, the first being a 7-inch touchscreen display with Ride Command. This free program is an integrated GPS system where you can load existing trails, map new trails, view and communicate with other Polaris vehicles or snowmobiles, utilize a backup camera and, of course, see drive information like the speed, gas level and direction. To take things to the next level, you can add a Ride Command+ subscription that provides vehicle maintenance and diagnostic information so your ride stays in tip-top shape.

Also included with the ultimate edition is an all-new sound system backed up by JBL speakers. I can attest that these speakers sound great and are loud. You’ll have no trouble hearing the radio or streaming music while riding or working outside the UTV. You can connect your phone via Bluetooth to sync with Ride Command to listen to music and get texts and calls, or plug in your phone with the USB port when you’re low on battery.

Power and Durability

A big selling point for the 2025 Polaris Ranger line is the upgraded front end. The redesigned front bumper and grille are larger and more durable than previous iterations, for improved performance and appearance. Attached to the front end is a heavy-duty winch with a synthetic rope and auto-stop feature that will make light work of downed trees, loading items onto a trailer or pulling yourself or another vehicle out of a stuck spot.

With an 82-horsepower engine and new Gen 2 transmission, the Polaris Ranger XP 1000s shift easily between gears and can reach up to 60 miles per hour. When paired with the unit’s three throttle control modes (performance, standard, work) you can expect to power over rough terrain and steep slopes, and have more acceleration control.

The NorthStar ultimate and premium are now equipped with 29-inch wheels and four-wheel, two-wheel and one-wheel drive, the latter of which can be used to preserve wet grass or other fragile ground from being torn up while you work. The larger wheels and 14-inch ground clearance mean you can stay dry when driving through flooded fields or low waterways.

Versatility and Add-Ons

There are almost endless uses for the Polaris Ranger NorthStar. The large cargo box can hold up to a thousand pounds and has a simple lever latch that allows you to tip the box up. This is incredibly helpful when moving heavy rocks, transporting and laying mulch, or planting trees and other large plants around your property.

The cargo box also has corrugated sides and bed to securely hold storage containers and tool boxes or partition the bed into separate sections. Additionally, hitch a trailer to the back and use the 2,500 pound towing capacity to move heavy equipment, lawn tools, decking or even a light boat.

Like there are many ways to upgrade a utility trailer, there are a ton of add-ons and accessories available for the Ranger NorthStar line. From storage racks and bed extenders to hydraulic lifts, generators and covers, Polaris has all the gear you can imagine on their website. Two of my favorite add-ons are the snow plow and trash can hauler which turn cumbersome chores into a fun (and productive!) ride. If you’re not quite sure which accessories would work best for you, Polaris offers six packages that filter down common tools and add-ons for large properties, farm work, hunting, trail riding and winter prep.

How We Tested It

I got the chance to test out the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar premium and ultimate vehicles at a ranch in Texas. I drove the premium NorthStar (the unit without a dash display and speakers) for about five hours and the ultimate (with those features) for about an hour and a half, mostly off-road. This included rocky ground, dusty trails, low waterways and up and down steep slopes. Here’s what I thought.

Ride Performance

Starting to ride this side-by-side couldn’t have been easier. After hopping into the UTV, I just turned the key, pushed the gear shift and started driving. I started off on a dusty dirt road, and can this thing move. Though the top speed is 60 miles per hour, even going half that made me feel like I was flying. This would be incredibly convenient for those with especially large properties to move around in a flash.

Once I switched over to off-trail riding, the strength of the Ranger NorthStar really shined. Despite being met with rocky earth that verged on boulders, the vehicle in four-wheel drive powered through without missing a beat. I was actually pretty impressed with how smooth the ride was, given the uneven terrain. Don’t get me wrong, there were certainly bumps, but I never felt jolted or overly jostled, likely because of the larger tires and dual a-arm suspension.

When I was met with steep up or downward slopes, I tried out the performance and work throttles. When engaged, these modes definitely gave the UTV more power and control when moving up and down steep hills. Rather than sliding down or back a big decline/incline, the Ranger gripped the road and moved evenly, even when moving slowly.

Speaking of grip, I also drove the side-by-side through a few flooded spots on the trail as well as a flooded road. Though the water was about a foot deep, the vehicle had no problem driving through the water. It should be noted that even with the large tires, high clearance and sealed suspension, if you drive through water higher than the clearance, you will get a bit of moisture in the floor of the cab. That’s fairly high, though, and I didn’t experience any water issues during my drive.

Something that I particularly enjoyed about riding these Rangers was the improved powered steering. The vehicle was incredibly easy to navigate, and even surprisingly nimble with a 160-inch turning radius. I could definitely see these side-by-sides being incredibly useful in cleaning up and maintaining a large home property.

Comfort

When it comes to creature comforts, it doesn’t get much better than the Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar. When I first saw the bench seats and small, glass-mounted headrests, I was a bit nervous about how my body would feel after a few hours of driving. My fears were unfounded though, and I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable I was. If you’re planning on riding around all day, every day, I could see you wanting to add more lumbar support or an extra seat cushion (our favorite seat cushion is in this list of the best car accessories), but more casual users will be perfectly content with the bench alone. The steering wheel can be tilted front and back, so it can be adjusted for drivers of different heights and sizes.

One of the best parts of this vehicle is the closed cab and climate control. As I mentioned, I drove the side-by-side off-road in Texas, which meant very hot and dusty rides. The HVAC system kept about 99% of the debris out (I had just a touch of dirt around my sunglass line and in my nostrils after several hours of driving). The air conditioning was an actual lifesaver. Even though it was only mid-April, it was extremely hot and sunny out and the air conditioning in the cab worked quickly and consistently to keep me cool. I can only imagine how great the heating element would be in the winter months, especially if you have to do some early morning plowing.

For the time I was able to drive the ultimate model, I made full use of the JBL speaker system and display screen. Using Bluetooth, my iPhone connected with little effort and I cranked the tunes. My music could be easily heard over the rumble of the engine and clearly heard outside the cab when the doors were open. When it comes to the touchscreen display, my favorite part was seeing the other Rangers in my group driving the trail through Ride Command. If you have multiple Polaris vehicles on a farm or together for an off-roading trip, making sure everyone is accounted for is a huge safety plus.

For those who are only interested in owning one Ranger NorthStar, I understand going with the paired-down premium version, without the display and sound system. This was the model I drove the most and it was great. It’s certainly more utilitarian and cheaper (the premium Ranger NorthStar is five grand less than the ultimate) but I will say I did miss the additional tech of the ultimate after switching back to the premium. There’s just something about riding around with the music blasting!

Usability

The 2025 line has all the functionality and versatility of the Ranger’s previous iterations, plus a few bells and whistles. On the front of the side-by-side is a new front bumper and grille that will protect the front of the cab (and, well, you) from bumps and hits while driving as well as when pulling something on the winch. The winch itself is built into the UTV with a synthetic rope to resist fraying and a handy auto-stop that’ll keep the end of the rope from being rolled into the winch. Plus, the winch is remote-controlled, so you can pull or release items from a safe distance.

At the back of the Ranger, the bed can be titled up with a lever near the middle of the vehicle. I was surprised how easily the bed lifted once unlatched, thanks to the added hydraulics. This means moving and dumping rocks, dirt, feed or sand are much more manageable tasks than if you had a wheelbarrow alone. Also, if you add a winch to the top of the cab, you can pull large logs or game hands-free into the bed, which will totally save your back. Once tiled up, you can get a good look at the upgraded ProStar engine and can perform routine maintenance as needed.

As I mentioned before, the bed of the truck has grooves along the bottom and up the sides to more securely hold storage bins, tool boxes and coolers. You can also partition the bed with a couple of boards as dividers. Additionally, there are round and rectangular holes all along the top of the walls where you can install storage or tool racks, mounts, a bed extender or flag pole, the options are extensive. An example of how thoughtful the design of this side-by-side is the inclusion of four cupholder spots on the tailgate so you can keep your beverage close as you work outside the vehicle.

Pros

• Closed cab with effective air filtration and climate control
• Powerful engine with lots of control
• Smoother ride
• JBL sound system standard on ultimate
• Very versatile
• Display includes GPS, trails and tracking other Polaris products

Cons

• Expensive
• Might be overkill if you have a smaller property, or only casually hunt or trail ride
• Add-ons can be pricey, especially when purchasing multiple

FAQ

What’s the difference between a Polaris Ranger 1000 and a Polaris Ranger 1000 XP?

According to the Polaris website, the Ranger 1000 and Ranger 1000 XP are very similar, but the 1000 XP has a newer engine with more horsepower (82 hp vs. 61 hp) as well as better seats, suspension and ground clearance.

How fast does a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 go?

The Polaris Ranger XP 1000 has a top speed of 60 mph, so you can zip around a farm or large property (or between multiple properties) in a snap.

How much does a Polaris Ranger Northstar weigh?

The Polaris NorthStar is an estimated 1913 pounds with a payload capacity of 1275 pounds.

Are Polaris Rangers reliable?

Yes, Rangers are reliable, Polaris is one of the top brands in the UTV industry. In addition to the durability upgrades for the 2025 line, Polaris also offers 1-year limited and 1-year factory warranty for these vehicles. You can also purchase additional or extended coverage with the Polaris Protection Plan which covers mechanical and electric parts, repairs, trip protection and vehicle pickup.

Can-Am vs Polaris

The most similar product on the market to the Polaris NorthStar ultimate is the Defender Limited from Cam-Am. These UTVs are closed cabs that seat 3 with same horsepower, ground clearance, box capacity, towing capacity and wheel drive options, and both have a dump bed, rear camera, tilt windshield with wipers, LED headlights and lots of add-on options. The Defender and Ranger are also similar in overall size. The base Cam-Am Defender costs $29,899 and the base Polaris NorthStar ultimate is $32,999 (the premium version comes in at $27,999).

While both UTVs have a display screen, the Polaris NorthStar’s is much more sophisticated. For one, it’s a large touchscreen that can display GPS coordinates and directions, driving information and control the music. The Defender’s display, on the other hand, is a rectangle above the steering wheel that only displays driving information. Similarly, the Defender’s HVAC control is a single knob for the temperature and fan levels, whereas the NorthStar has separate knobs and a defrost switch.

The Defender does not come with a sound system standard, like the Ranger NorthStar ultimate does, but one can be added when building your vehicle for an additional $930-1,120.

If the upgraded tech isn’t enough to sway you to the Polaris NorthStar, I’d recommend testing each of these vehicles out for yourself at a local dealership. They are so close in specs and price, your personal ride experience and needs are even more important.

Final Verdict

If you have a large property or farm, multiple properties, trail ride, hunt or just work on a ton of outdoor chores, the Polaris 100 XP NorthStar ultimate or premium are definitely worth the high price tag. The vehicles are so versatile, especially with add-ons, and the closed cab and HVAC allow you to work all year round. Paired with the stellar tech and sound system of the ultimate edition, this is a top-tier tool.

Where to Buy the Polaris Ranger NorthStar

You can purchase the 2025 Polaris Ranger NorthStar ultimate and premium at a local dealership. You can also customize your UTV on the Polaris website and then be connected to dealer close to you to fulfill your order. RANGER add-ons, replacements, accessories and merch can be purchased on the Polaris store or Amazon storefront.

VIA MERCHANT

WE TRIED IT

Polaris Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar

Striking the perfect balance between comfort and performance, the 2025 Ranger XP 1000 NorthStar from Polaris is the ultimate maintenance tool for your property.

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The post We Tested the 2025 Polaris Ranger Lineup and The NorthStar is Worth Every Penny appeared first on Family Handyman.

I recently opted for CPVC during a recent home project instead of copper, my traditional choice. CPVC was especially useful in tight spaces where soldering was difficult or dangerous, and it saved on project costs.

Read on to learn about the properties, uses and advantages of CPVC pipe with three licensed plumbers — Mitch Smedley from Smedley Plumbing, Claude Taylor from YouTube’s “How to Plumbing,” and David Carey from Worcester Technical High School.

What Is CPVC Pipe?

CVPC pipe is a hard, thermoplastic plumbing pipe. “CPVC piping is similar to PVC piping but also very different,” Smedley says. CPVC goes through an additional chlorinating process that increases its flexibility and working temperature range.

What Is CPVC Pipe Used For?

CPVC pipe is ideal for water supply lines. Taylor says it’s best “specifically hot water applications”  but it can also be used for drain lines.

CPVC pipe pros and cons

Pros:

• Easy to install: It’s easy to cut and assemble using glue to connect fittings. You get high-quality results without the copper soldering chore. “You do not need a flame, so it is safer,” Carey says.
• Durable: Harsh water won’t harm the material, unlike copper, which will erode from acidic water. “[It] will not rust out,” Carey says. CPVC pipe tubing and fittings are perfect for areas of the country with aggressive water that eats away at copper pipes.
• Heat and pressure-resistant: CPVC is capable of carrying 200-degree water at 100 psi (water in the average home is about 125 degrees at 50 psi).
• Inexpensive: CPVC costs .50 to $1 per sq. ft., making it one of the cheapest plumbing pipe options.

Cons:

• Needs more support: Because of its flexibility (which can be an asset), you’ll need to support it more often than copper or galvanized steel — every 32 to 36 inches.
• More brittle than metal pipes: CPVC is less tough than copper or galvanized steel. Take care not to strike it with a hammer, and be sure to use steel nail plates in wall framing if a nail or screw puncture is a possibility.
• Expands and contracts more than copper tubing: This is especially true in hot water lines. A 10-foot piece of tubing can grow in length by as much as 1/2 in.
• Requires slow-drying adhesive: “It takes eight hours for the glue to dry in some situations,” Carey says.

What’s the Difference Between CPVC and PVC Pipe?

There are several differences between CPVC and PVC pipes.

Applications

“PVC is only allowed to be used in drain, waste and vent plumbing applications,” Smedley says. It is not approved for use as a water supply line, whereas CPVC is primarily used in water delivery applications.

Heat tolerance

PVC starts to melt at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while CPVC can tolerate hot water up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sizing

PVC and CPVC have different sizing measurements. “PVC will follow iron pipe sizing (IPS) whereas CPVC will follow Copper Tube Sizing (CTS),” Smedley says.

CVC or CPVC: Which Is Better?

It really depends on the application. “They both are great but for their own purposes,” Smedley says.

PVC is preferred for drain lines, as it is not as sensitive to certain chemicals as CPVC. CPVC is great for plumbing supply lines, especially hot water.

How To Tell if a Pipe Is PVC or CPVC

You can quickly distinguish between the light beige color of CPVC pipe and the bright white of PVC. If you’re unsure, look for the printing on the side of the pipe.

What Other Types of Pipes Are in Use Today?

There are a few other plumbing pipe options available.

PEX

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a flexible plastic piping system used for cold and hot water supply lines. It is valued for being inexpensive, long-lasting and easy to install. It also requires fewer joints for a lower risk of leaks. However, PEX is not UV resistant and requires more support at fixtures due to its flexibility.

Copper

Copper plumbing pipes are long-lasting metal pipes that can withstand high temperatures. Copper pipes can be used for supply and drain lines.

However, it’s expensive, heavy and requires soldering for installation. “And if a copper water pipe freezes, the pipe will split,” Carey adds.

Polyethylene (PE)

PE is durable yet flexible plastic tubing typically used in cold water applications, such as supply lines, wells and irrigation systems. It is valued for its chemical resistance and ease of installation.

However, it cannot withstand high water temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you connect PVC and CPVC pipe?

“Mixing CPVC and PVC is not recommended,” Taylor says, especially with glue. Each material has a corresponding glue that will not work well on the other type.

If you have to join the two, Smedley recommends using adapters. “[Glue] a male adapter on one and a female adapter on the other,” he says. “Then thread them together using Teflon tape or pipe joint compound.”

Which pipe best for plumbing?

Which pipe is better for plumbing really depends on a few factors.

If money is no object, and you value time-tested durability, copper pipe is your best choice. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to solder pipes, CPVC is your best option. Carey prefers to use PEX because it doesn’t rust or corrode, and “if PEX freezes, it will just expand and not split.” Weigh the pros and cons of each type to fit your unique situation.

What kind of pipe is the cheapest?

“PEX and CPVC are the cheapest,” Carey says, with CPVC slightly cheaper than PEX.

How long do PVC and CPVC pipes last?

Expect a lifespan of 50 to 70 years. “They each should last a very long time as long as they aren’t damaged from freezing or UV rays,” Smedley says.

About the Experts

• Claude Taylor is a Master Plumber in Texas with over 30 years of residential and commercial experience. He is also the host of “How to Plumbing” on YouTube with over 50K subscribers.
• David Carey is a Master Plumber in Massachusetts with over 30 years of plumbing experience. He is also Department Head of Worcester Technical School‘s plumbing program in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Mitch Smedley is a Master Plumber and owner of Smedley Plumbing in Kansas City, Missouri. He has 15 years of industry experience and hosts a YouTube channel of plumbing information and how-to’s.

The post What Is CPVC Pipe? Here’s Everything to Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

“The first thing you want to do is inspect the stucco for any damage, or cracks,” Mardis says.

• Walk around your house and assess the stucco.
• Look for cracks, chips and flaking paint.
• Note any cracks you can fit a credit card into (about 1/8 inch or larger). You’ll fix these before painting.

Test for alkalinity

“This is for new stucco,” Mardis says. “If the stucco isn’t fully cured, it will leach out compounds that are too alkaline, and will burn through the paint.”

• Use a pH test kit, which can be a pencil, paper strips or liquid, to check the pH. These are available at paint, pool and home improvement stores.
• Apply the strips, pencil or liquid (called phenolphthalein) to the stucco according to the instructions that came with the kit.
• Rinse with distilled water (if indicated), and watch for a color change. Usually, this will be bright pink. No color change means the stucco is fully cured.
• Stop your project if the pH is too alkaline (high). Stucco may take 30 to 60 days to cure.

Pressure wash the stucco

• Rent a pressure washer from a home improvement center, if you don’t own one.
• Add a cleaning solution that’s safe for stucco.
• Stand about 3 feet away from your house. “The distance is by feel to a degree,” Mardis says. “3 feet away is good. You can damage a substrate by being too close.”
• Pressure wash the stucco to remove dirt and impurities. “3400 psi is adequate,” he adds. “Start at the top and work your way down.”
• “Allow the stucco to dry thoroughly before painting,” Mardis says. “This may take up to a full day.”

Scrape and repair

• Use a trowel to scrape away flaking paint and loose stucco that needs repair.
• Apply textured stucco patching compound to hairline cracks. “The same goes for larger chunks that may be missing,” Mardis says. “Follow the instructions on the patching kit.”
• Wipe excess patching compound off the stucco. Use a damp paintbrush to dab and feather the edges if needed, so they won’t be visible after painting.
• Allow the compound to cure according to the instructions before moving forward.

Apply primer, if needed

• Prime new stucco before painting. Fresh stucco soaks up a lot of paint.
• Choose an acrylic primer that is appropriate for masonry applications.
• Use a heavy nap roller, 3/4 inch to 1 inch.
• Work from top to bottom, then side to side, to get full coverage.
• Allow to dry according to primer instructions before painting.

Apply paint

• Cut in around windows and doors with a small roller or paintbrush.
  • Use painter’s tape to get a clean line, if helpful.
• Apply acrylic latex paint. “Use a heavy nap roller, 3/4 inch to 1 inch, to paint stucco, so you get inside all the nooks and crannies,” Mardis says.
• Start by painting top to bottom, then go from side to side. “Apply the paint in multiple directions to get in all the areas of the stucco,” Mardis says.
• Work in small sections so you maintain a wet edge.
• Apply a second coat on rougher stucco, if needed, or use a paint sprayer.

Maintain the stucco

• Inspect your stucco once a year to check for cracks.
• Direct sprinklers away from stucco to avoid water staining or intrusion.
• Clean stucco once a year, or as needed, with a garden hose or low-pressure washing.

About the Expert

Kelly Mardis is the owner of Marcel Painting in Tempe, Arizona. Mardis first started painting in the Navy, and after his service, continued the trade as a professional painter. Marcel Painting specializes in residential and commercial interior and exterior painting throughout the greater Phoenix area.

The post How To Paint Stucco appeared first on Family Handyman.

When I was an electrical apprentice, I got shocked so hard it knocked me down. That incident could have been prevented with a GFCI. Later, I spent the better part of a month installing AFCI protection in hundreds of college dorms, only to find out I didn’t have any in my own home. I remedied that quickly, let me tell you! And you can, too.

Find out all you need to know about AFCI vs. GFCI outlets ahead.

What is a GFCI Outlet?

A GFCI outlet (receptacle) protects against electric shock by monitoring the electrical current flowing through the GFCI. If there’s even a tiny difference (4 to 6 milliamps) between the hot and neutral wires, the GFCI assumes the stray current could be going through a person, and de-energizes almost instantly.

To put 4 to 6 milliamps in perspective, 10 milliamps can cause people to lose the ability to let go of an object, and at approximately 100 milliamps you’re at risk of death (depending on several factors like age, weight and exposure time).

What does GFCI stand for?

Ground fault circuit interrupter. GFCI protection can be provided by receptacles or breakers, and they must be installed in a readily accessible location so you can reach them if they trip.

What is a ground fault?

A ground fault is a type of short circuit that happens when a hot wire comes in contact with a part of an electrical installation that’s not supposed to be energized, like an electrical box, or the outside of your toaster or washing machine.

If you happen to be touching the electrified object, the current could go through you unless the circuit quickly de-energizes.

Are GFCIs required?

Yes. Because GFCIs are safety devices, the National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates their use in specific rooms and circuits in new construction, like:

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Sinks (within 6 feet)
• Outdoors
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Garages and outbuildings
• Laundry areas
• Other damp and wet locations, as well as specific appliances like dishwashers and sump pumps

Always check with your local jurisdiction to see what’s required.

Do GFCI outlets go bad?

They can, so it’s a good idea to test them monthly. Have you ever tested yours? People rarely do, so since 2015, GFCIs have had an internal self-test function. Once a GFCI reaches the end of its lifespan, it shuts off power to the device (indicated by a light on the front).

Even with self-testing, you should still do a manual test every month to check the mechanical tripping mechanism.

How to wire a GFCI outlet

There are two sets of connections on a GFCI: Line and Load. These will be clearly marked, and if the GFCI is new there will be a piece of yellow tape over the load connections. Only use the load side if you’re protecting other devices on the same circuit.

To wire a single GFCI, use the line terminals. The hot wire goes on the brass screw, the neutral on the silver. To protect receptacles “downstream” of the GFCI, remove the yellow tape and use the load side screws to connect to the next receptacle.

Always properly ground the receptacle and circuit using the green ground screw.

How to reset and test a GFCI outlet

A GFCI has two buttons: “Test” and “Reset.” To test a GFCI, press the “Test” button until you hear an audible click. This opens the contacts inside the device, indicating that the GFCI is operational. Then, hit the “Reset” button to put things back into place.

If your GFCI trips, push the “Reset” button to reset it. Occasional trips are fine, but if it happens frequently, get it checked out by a licensed electrician.

Another way to test a GFCI is to use a GFCI receptacle tester. Plug the tester in and hit the button. You should hear a click, and the power light will go off. Remove the tester and reset the GFCI using the Reset button.

What is an AFCI Outlet?

An AFCI receptacle (aka outlet) protects your home from fires by constantly monitoring the circuit for evidence of dangerous electrical arcs. An AFCI can sense the difference between brief, regular arcs inherent in certain electrical applications (like a light switch), and abnormal ones caused by a worn wire.

What does AFCI stand for?

Arc-fault circuit interrupter. Just like a GFCI, AFCI protection can be provided by receptacles or circuit breakers, and they must be readily accessible.

What is an arc fault?

An arc fault is a type of abnormal electrical discharge. Damaged wires and improper connections can cause electricity to “jump” between damaged sections of a conductor, or between multiple conductors, placing nearby combustible materials at risk.

Are AFCIs required?

Yes. Almost every room in newly-constructed homes requires AFCI protection, including bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, hallways and closets. Basically, the only places you don’t need AFCIs are bathrooms and garages, but always verify with your local code authority.

Do AFCI outlets go bad?

They can go bad, so they should be tested monthly, just like GFCIs.

How to wire an AFCI outlet

Wire an AFCI receptacle just like a GFCI. Use the line side to bring power to the AFCI receptacle, and the load side to provide AFCI protection to the rest of the circuit. Always properly ground the receptacle and circuit using the green ground screw.

How to reset and test an AFCI outlet

To test an AFCI receptacle, push the “Test” button on the front. You should hear an audible click. Reset the AFCI by pushing the “Reset” button. You can also purchase an AFCI receptacle tester (often combined with a GFCI tester) to test the receptacle.

What’s the Difference Between GFCI and AFCI Outlets?

Both AFCI and GFCI protection monitor circuits for electrical faults, and shut off power to the device when they detect a problem. The difference is that AFCIs protect your home from fires, while GFCIs protect people from electrical shock.

GFCI vs. AFCI Outlets: Which Is Right For Me?

In new construction, AFCI vs. GFCI usage will be determined by code requirements. The NEC is published every three years, occasionally adding locations that need protection. States and cities adopt the code at different intervals, so depending on where you live you may have different requirements.

In older homes, you are not required to retrofit your existing fault protection unless you update your wiring. But, because adding AFCI and GFCI protection is as easy as swapping out one receptacle per circuit, you can add these important safety devices at any time. Just follow the NEC to know which one goes where, and make sure they’re readily accessible.

FAQs

How can you tell if an outlet is GFCI vs. AFCI?

It’s a little hard to tell AFCI vs. GFCI, but they’re labeled on the front of the device. You may also see a sticker on the outside of a regular receptacle (outlet) if it is protected by another device. Stickers are provided for this purpose when you buy AFCI and GFCI receptacles.

Are GFCIs or AFCIs surge protectors?

No. Surge protectors suppress voltage spikes from lightning and other power surges. Surge protectors have a maximum number of joules (a unit of energy) they can absorb before you need to get another one. AFCIs and GFCIs have no specified limits of protection.

Do GFCIs or AFCIs prevent fires?

AFCIs prevent fires. GFCIs protect people from shock.

Can I use a GFCI or AFCI breaker instead of an outlet?

Yes. The NEC requires AFCI and GFCI protection, not receptacles or outlets. Breakers are a convenient way to accomplish the required protection.

The post GFCI vs. AFCI Outlets: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Family Handyman.

ERIN LAW PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY CATHY HARMS

If you’re looking for a shop vacuum that can support big messes, the Ridgid Wet/Dry Vac should be your first choice. Ridgid has been a leading manufacturer of shop vacs for years, and this model is an excellent example of why this brand is so popular. Combining powerful suction power, durability, lightweight design, and well-designed accessory storage, this 16-gallon model checks all the boxes and is large enough to handle a full day of debris cleanup without being emptied.

Built with a 6.5 horsepower motor, this particular vac is made for heavy-duty projects. A pleated cartridge filter comes with this model and is excellent at capturing general debris, but I recommend replacing the stock filter with a HEPA filter and dust collection bag.

There’s an accessory storage rack along the back and additional storage over the rear wheels. The accessories allow me to get in-between and under car seats to suck up everything—Cheerios, puzzle pieces, sand, LEGOS, you name it, it’s under there. When paired with a Dust Deputy Cyclone Separator or DeWalt Separator, the Rigid wet/dry vacuum turns into a high-capacity, two-stage dust collection system, and with a large drum size, can capture a day’s worth of debris from the table saw or planer.

The Ridgid has easily accessible cord storage where I can quickly wrap the 20-foot cord out of the way, which is essential in a smaller workshop where space is at a premium. With a height of about 25 inches, this 16-gallon vac is tall enough to grab the top and side handles without bending over too far and makes it easier to push around corners and doorways without banging into walls. It sucked up two gallons of water in just five seconds and took four seconds to handle a mess of cat litter and screws.

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Best for a Small Shop Shop

Shop Fox W1826 Wall Mount Dust Collector

315.006% OFF$297 at Amazon

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Wall-mounted dust collectors are an ideal pick for small shops. Because they mount directly to the wall rather than taking up precious floor space, they stay out of the way but are still close enough at hand to use at a moment’s notice. Shop Fox’s wall dust collector is only 44 inches tall with the bag inflated, while the unit is only 19 inches long.

Apart from the compact size, it still boasts powerful suction thanks to a one-horsepower motor. I tested this model with my table saw and jointer and found it able to collect over 99% of the dust from my table saw, having no issues moving a higher volume of air to handle the larger dust output of my table saw. It took about 100 passes on the jointer before changing the bag. The 2.5-micron filter bag filters out most contaminants, including fine dust particles. It’s a great way to keep small workshops tidy without sacrificing space.

The thick, felted bag on the Shop Fox has pluses and minuses. It gathers chips and dust in the same felted bag that serves as its filter. This machine is more affordable than canister filters and is lighter to mount to the wall. Without a separate plastic collection bag, the wood chips are tough to shake out of the felt bag and through the small zipper on the bottom. Overall, this is a great value, but if you have a bigger budget, the Shop Fox wall-mount W1844 model will make bag changes easier, and its canister filter captures airborne particles down to one micron in size.

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Best Wall Mount

Powertec Wall Mount Wall Mount Dust Collector

$269.99 at Amazon

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This Powertec dust collector has an extra-small footprint, making it the perfect choice for a small but busy workshop. The machine moves 560 CFM of suction power through a 4-inch inlet with an impressive 1-micron filter-efficiency rating. The Powertec operates at about 85 decibels, just below harmful noise.

The setup consists of a couple of straightforward steps. First, mount the unit to the wall and attach the bag. If your wall is concrete or masonry, you can attach it to the wall with lag shields and screws. If not, you’ll need to attach a mounting board across studs (not included) and mount the unit to that board. Be sure to wear gloves when setting up, as there are some sharp edges on the metal band clamp used to attach the bag. Also, you’ll want help attaching the bag for the first couple of times, as it takes some practice to install the metal band without someone holding the bag in place.

A built-in window on the dust-collection bag makes it easy to see when it is full. This dust collector weighs 35.5 pounds but is light enough to mount on the wall easily. It has a 4-inch hose that needs to be adapted to 2.5 inches for smaller tools. The machine runs on a 1-HP dual-voltage motor, allowing it to be used on either 120-volt or 240-volt power systems.

For my small workshop, this wall-mounted dust collector is the perfect choice! It takes up far less space in the corner while maintaining a similar amount of suction power and it filters up to 1-micron particle size. My shop vac has been banished to the far side of the shop, where the dust collector hose can’t reach.

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Best Upgrade

Oneida Air Systems Dust Deputy

$119.95 at Amazon

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A workshop that uses a single-stage or bag-style dust collector to collect dust can leave you with bags to empty and filters to clean or replace, quickly becoming messy and costly. That changes with the Oneida Dust Deputy cyclone separator. The device uses centrifugal force to separate 99.9% of fine dust and heavier particles into a 5-gallon bucket and sends cleaned air to the dust collector or shop vac.

My first test of the Dust Deputy was running cedar through a thickness planer. Without the Dust Deputy, the shop vac would have filled the disposable bag within the first couple of boards. I easily collected and emptied the 5-gallon bucket of shavings rather than spending time cleaning the pleated filter of caked-on dust. Now, I have a two-stage system that means continuously high suction and prolonged filter life.

The biggest money saver is having to replace disposable filter bags less often. By separating out the chips and dust before they reach the vacuum, I can quickly empty the bucket, drastically reducing the frequency with which I replace the disposable bag. I have also noticed a visible reduction in dust around the shop with just a HEPA filter upgrade in my shop vac and the Dust Deputy.

A downside to the bucket/cyclone system is that it must stay attached to the vacuum by a short hose, leaving you to drag everything with you. Workarounds include building a dust collection cart or adding caster mounts to the bucket.

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Best for Professional Woodworkers

Grizzly 2 HP Canister Dust Collector

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$949 at Amazon

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This heavy-duty dust collector from Grizzly is best for bigger—or professional—workshops with an impressive 1,700 CFM air suction. On the exterior, the canister filter has six times the filtering area of regular bag filters, thanks to the one-micron filters included. A built-in cleaning brush operates from the outside, making it much easier than other collectors in terms of upkeep.

Simultaneously connect up to three four-inch lines using the heavy-gauge clear plastic adapter. This allows for more visibility and helps track down potential clogs. As a bonus, it can connect directly to band saws, miter saws, planers and other types of saws for instant dust pickup. The unit ships with extra bags, all clear for visibility and easy to replace when full. The steel duct from the impeller to the filter improves performance, and with just a glance, you’ll know when it’s time to clear out the chips, thanks to the clear bottom bag.

Grizzly is set up for adding ductwork, elbows and other components to a duct line, but this can increase static pressure loss (airflow resistance). This resistance can be minimized using smooth pipe and gradual curves rather than flex pipe and 90-degree elbows.

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Best Separator

DeWalt Separator with 6 Gallon Tank

$104.99 at Amazon

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The DeWalt Separator is a winning combination for defeating dust when paired with a wet and dry vac. Because it pairs with a shop vac, there’s no need to be careful about clogging the filter by sucking up non-dust particles. An adaptable port allows for a 1-7/8″ or 2-1/2″ connection, which fits various dust collection hose sizes.

The turbine airflow inside the cone effectively enhances the suction power of the shop vacuums and captures 99.5% of debris from the air stream. This eliminates suction loss and loose dust particles on the floor and in the air.

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Most Portable

VacMaster Wet/Dry Vac Five Gallon Beast

$108.13 at Amazon

This five-gallon model is called the Beast, and it definitely lives up to its name. It has tons of power for a wet/dry vac with such a small footprint, boasting six peak HP and 102 CFM suction power. At just 15 pounds, the vac is convenient to transport and store.

Two curved metal brackets hold the seven-foot hose, preventing it from popping out while wrapped. Circular slots on top of the vac secure the attachments: a wide utility nozzle, a narrow crevice tool, and a car nozzle for getting between car seats.

The Beast features a cord wrap system with adjustable wings that flip inward, allowing you to pull the cord off all at once instead of unwrapping 18 feet of cord length. When put to the test, the Beast vacuumed two gallons of water in 10 seconds. It also sucked up a mix of cat litter and nails in just 8 seconds and had no problem handling the weight of the screws. The connections and canister latches have a nice, heavy-duty feel, and the unit is quiet. This model even has a noise diffuser attachment that fits into the blower port.

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Best Tool Accessories

VacMaster Wet/Dry Vac Six Gallon

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This VacMaster Wet/Dry Vac has one extra gallon of capacity than the Beast and a four peak HP (rather than the six HP on the Beast). While it boasts good accessory storage, the power cord storage is lacking. To put the cord away, wrap and secure it with a Velcro strap, then hang it on the cord hook.

This model also includes a blower port. To access the blower port, remove the hose from the vacuum port and insert the end of the hose into the blower port. The cartridge filter captures fine dust down to 1 micron in size for dry vacuuming, and a foam wet filter installed on the filter cage is used for liquid vacuuming.

Accessory storage is easily accessible, keeping an impressive selection of tools securely in place: a utility nozzle, floor brush, squeegee nozzle, crevice tool and extension wands.

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Best HEPA

VacMaster Wet/Dry Vac 8 gallon, HEPA Certified

$224.93 at Amazon

The VacMaster 8-Gallon HEPA Wet/Dry Vac is a decently priced HEPA-certified industrial machine. Its ultra-quiet two-stage motor can capture 99.9% of dust that is 0.3 micron particle size. This model features four levels of filtration, including a HEPA cartridge filter, an exhaust filter, a microfiber pre-filter and a sealable high-efficiency fine dust collection bag.

This commercial vac has a 40-foot cleaning reach and comes with a lighted plug, kink-free hose, and foam wet filter for liquid vacuuming. It also has impressive attachments and includes a tool for every task: crevice tool, steel extension wands, dust brush, steel elbow with air control, floor brush/squeegee nozzle, and power tool adapter.

What to Consider When Buying a Dust Collector

Before deciding on a dust collector, it is important to evaluate what you need. Put simply, your dust collector needs to pull more air (rated in cfm) than your most air-hungry tool (and the ductwork) requires. Other factors to consider include the level of air filtration and the collection bag capacity.

Beginner woodworkers (who have minimal capital to invest in large stationary tools) may want to consider a small dust collector. These portable machines are manageable and easy to move around the shop from tool to tool as needed. However, you’ll sacrifice the cyclone system that separates chips and dust, resulting in more dust reaching the pleated filter. This means cleaning the filter more often.

A simple upgrade with a significant impact is to replace stock bags with felt bags rated at five microns or less. Dust particles under 10 microns are the most harmful to your lungs, and standard bags are good at capturing particles of 25 microns or bigger. Also, check the noise output to ensure it’s not too loud.

“To choose the right dust collector, the user must understand the nature of the dust they are creating, where the dust is produced, and the volume of dust produced. The user must choose the appropriate dust collector for their specific job site application based on performance needs, desired product features and any local dust regulations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards 1926.1153 and 1910 offer guidelines for respirable crystalline silica dust and wood dust,” notes Heather Lockhart, product manager for DeWalt.

Types of Dust Collectors

Several types of dust collection products are available, with the main differences being power, portability and dust collection capacity.

Shop vacs: This is an affordable option best used for smaller tools and to pick up random debris such as screws. You will have to empty the vacuum more often, and the filter clogs more frequently. The filtering capacity of a shop vac is not nearly as strong as a dust collector, but there are ways to improve it.

Dust Extractors: These are designed to collect dust from handheld power tools. Like the Festool HEPA version, they can be extraordinarily quiet and have a tool-activated switch that turns them on automatically.

Single-Stage Dust Collectors: Two-bag, single-stage dust collectors work by transporting sawdust and wood chips through an impeller to a collection bag. The heavier particles and debris then settle in the lower bag. They’re simple designs with a higher horsepower output that lets you connect to larger tools like a table saw or planer. They come in various designs: upright, wall-mounted or handheld.

Cyclonic Canister Dust Collectors: This type has a higher airflow and two-stage dust separation, separating smaller particles from larger pieces. As a result, the finer dust particles pass through the impeller and into the filter. The canister filter is excellent at capturing one-micron and two-micron dust particles effectively.

Why You Should Trust Us

As an award-winning woodworker and a certified skilled trades instructor, I have years of experience educating and crafting every piece featured on my site. I tested each product in this piece to ensure they live up to their online reputation. That way, you can make consumer-informed decisions based on real-life testing before you buy.

Our editors consulted Heather Lockhart, product manager with DeWalt, who oversees the vacuum and dust extractor categories. Lockhart develops strategic product plans for the Global Tools and Storage team, including managing product roadmaps and future innovation.

We also consulted with Brandon Walker, Superintendent of ASAP Restoration, who shared his over twenty-plus years of experience in dust collection and the construction trade.

Tom Noffsinger, a veteran woodworker for over 30 years and a FESTOOL-trained woodworking instructor, also offered his expertise in dust collection for hobbyists and small woodworking shops.

How We Found the Best Dust Collectors

I limited the selection of dust collectors and shop vacs with three microns or better filtration and dust collectors with pleated filters and heavy felt bags. I looked at the ease of assembly out of the box and how simple it is to empty and reattach the dust collection bag. I also considered collection bag capacity, power (CFM), and suction. Finally, I combed through airflow charts, decibel levels, and static pressure calculations to bring you the best dust collector and shop vac products for a shop of any size.

I started by unboxing and assembling each dust collector and wet/dry vac, noting how long the assembly took and whether the owner’s manual instructions were clear, lacking, or confusing. Then, I put the machines through their paces to test for the best and weed out the rest.

For shop vacs, I recorded the time it took each vacuum to suck up a mess consisting of sawdust, screws, nails, and chunks of wood with equal vigor. The other suction test was to fill a bucket with two gallons of water and see how long it took the shop vac to empty the bucket of water. Shop Vacs have many uses, often used in emergencies where time is a factor. So, I tested each model for difficult or confusing latches and complicated cord holders and checked to see if the hose and attachments fit together easily.

Most importantly, I used the dust collectors and shop vacs as they were intended—for cleaning up messes and a home renovation project. For dust collectors, I attached them to handheld tools and bigger equipment like a table saw and planer.

FAQ

How strong of a dust collector do I need?

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and horsepower (HP) are two essential features to consider when determining the size of a dust collector you need. Horsepower determines the strength of the dust collector motor, and CFM is the amount of airflow the collector generates.

Medium-sized dust collectors typically have around one horsepower and 700 CFM. If your workshop has two or three power tools, a one-horsepower 700 CFM dust collector will be the smartest choice. Larger shops with multiple stationary power tools should use around one-and-a-half horsepower collectors with 1,200 CFM. The size of a workshop affects the amount of air volume (CFM) needed to effectively capture dust. Larger workshops request higher CFM ratings. Consider your peak usage when determining the strength of the dust collector. Will you be using multiple tools simultaneously or one tool at a time?

The ductwork and static pressure also determine how strong a dust collector you need. The more bends and obstacles in the ductwork, the higher the static pressure, which requires a more powerful dust collector to maintain adequate airflow.

Can you turn a shop vac into a dust collector?

Repurposing a shop vac as a dust collector can be a budget-friendly option for hobbyists or occasional users. Still, it’s essential to understand its limitations and consider whether it meets your needs and expectations for dust collection.

If you’re wondering, can wood make you sick? The short answer is yes, which is why dealing with dust is so important. But if a dust collector is too costly or bulky, you can make a budget system with just a few upgrades to your wet/dry vac. One upgrade is to add HEPA filtration to your shop vac.

When the HEPA filter and dust bag are used together, they remove 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger from the air. These dust bags are uniquely shaped like rings instead of the typical U-shaped bags. This allows for cyclonic airflow, meaning dust distributes evenly throughout the bag.

Another upgrade to your shop vac is a cyclone separator to keep the filter cleaner and make it easier to dispose of sawdust. A popular one is the Dust Deputy separator, which captures about 98% of the dust in the five-gallon bucket, leaving the filter on your shop vac cleaner and running more efficiently.

The shop vac can be attached to most large power tools, but it won’t be as effective as a dust collector since it may not provide the same airflow or suction power as a dedicated dust collector. You’ll find yourself cleaning out the dust receptacle of a shop vac much more frequently, especially with tools that create a lot of dust.

Technically speaking, the difference between a shop vac and a dust collector is that a shop vac is a high suction, low airflow (which is why you can suck a screw right off the floor with the narrow hose). A dust collector has high airflow and low suction (which is why lighter sawdust and wood chips will float down the wide hose, but it can’t pick up metal or large pieces).

A dust extractor is similar to a shop vac but can move a larger volume of air. It also has better filters, typically HEPA grade, that trap airborne dust down to 0.3 microns. Consider it a portable dust collector that you can take with you to the job site!

While repurposing a shop vac as a dust collector can be effective for smaller-scale projects and portable tools, it may not be as efficient or powerful as dedicated dust collection systems designed for larger woodworking or industrial applications. Regular maintenance is key. Clean or replace the filter and dust collection bag regularly for optimal performance.

“If possible, a dust collector should be fitted with a filter capable of capturing 1 micron particles of dust. Equally important is that any filter should be kept clean with agitation after every work day,” says Tom Noffsinger, a veteran woodworker of over 30 years.

What is a good CFM for a dust collector?

Cubic feet per minute (CFM) and horsepower (HP) are two essential features to consider when determining the size of a dust collector you need. Horsepower determines the strength of the dust collector motor, and CFM is the amount of airflow the collector generates.

Medium-sized dust collectors are typically around one horsepower and 700 CFM. If your workshop has two or three power tools, a one-horsepower 700 CFM dust collector will be the smartest choice. Larger shops with multiple stationary power tools should use collectors that are around one-and-a-half horsepower and 1,200 CFM.

Here’s a rough guideline:

Small Workshops or DIY Enthusiasts: A dust collector with a CFM rating of around 350 to 700 CFM should suffice for smaller workshops. These units are typically compact and suitable for handheld tools like sanders and routers.

Mid-Size Workshops: If you have a mid-size workshop and use larger stationary tools such as a table saw, planer or jointer, consider a dust collector with a CFM rating between 700 and 1100 CFM. This range provides sufficient airflow to capture dust generated by larger machinery.

Large Workshops or Commercial Settings: For larger workshops or commercial settings with multiple tools operating simultaneously, you may require a dust collector with a CFM rating exceeding 1100 CFM. High-capacity dust collectors like the Grizzly 1 HP dust collector with multiple intake ports or ductwork systems may be necessary to handle the increased volume of dust.

Once you have matched the dust collector’s CFM rating with the requirements of your specific tools and workshop setup, you will want to take into account the ductwork system, as this will also impact the overall performance of the dust collection system.

“A higher CFM means more air is moving, and more dust is being collected and filtered out of the air, or straight off the tool. Ultimately, as a hobbyist, you might want to shoot for something in the middle range of CFMs because it’s too low, and you’ll be disappointed and too high, and you won’t notice the difference for anything but the extra amount you paid. For most hobbyists, the minimum CFM required for efficient dust collection would likely be around the 350 range, whereas woodworkers with more projects, or ones that require more uptake, would likely need a CFM in the 800s to be safe,” says Brandon Walker, Superintendent at ASAP Restoration LLC.

The post The 9 Best Dust Collector Machines for Woodworking, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Family Handyman.

The Hedgehog spiral featherboard is a tried-and-tested way to make cuts straight and keep you safe when ripping through wood. With just the right amount of flex, this featherboard is extremely effective at holding boards in place and preventing kickback while using a table saw, router table or band saw. Our behind-the-scenes handyman, Frank Tritschler, tested the Hedgehog for effectiveness, safety, ease of use and durability. Here’s what he found out.

What is the Hedgehog featherboard?

The Hedgehog featherboard gives you the control to cut wood with precision. It makes using a table saw safer and keeps your cuts straight. Not only is it perfect for beginners, but it’s also ideal for experienced woodworkers. That’s because the Hedgehog securely holds the board against the fence while keeping your fingers safely out of the way, preventing kickback.

This happy yellow tool is shaped like a hedgehog (hence the name) and made from strong, flexible nylon to help you glide through your projects like a pro. The Hedgehog’s feathered spine provides one-way pressure to guide the board and keep cuts straight. The cast aluminum miter clamp fits in a 3/4-inch miter slot on your table saw, router table or band saw. Hedgehog also offers a 5/8-inch miter clamp.

The featherboard has a single pivot point and sets up quickly. It can also be used vertically if your fence has a slot, making it a versatile tool. Plus, when you need to work on the other side of the table, you’re able to reverse the Hedgehog. Simply remove the knob and flip the hardware to the opposite side. It’s that easy!

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Hedgehog Featherboard

Keep your cuts straight and yourself safe with the Hedgehog spiral featherboard. Get the precision and control you need to saw through your next woodworking project with ease.

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Hedgehog Featherboard Features

Experienced woodworkers call this hedgehog-shaped gadget genius. The single knob is not only fast, it’s also adaptable for stacking featherboards to cut taller boards with maximum stability. The Hedgehog quickly adjusts to different board widths with the turn of the knob. The minimum reach from the center point is 1 9/16-inches, and the maximum is 6 3/4 inches. If you’re cutting long runs, add more than one Hedgehog to your table for increased stability and control.

We Ripped Through a Variety of Boards to Test the Hedgehog Featherboard

Even though I come from a long line of skilled carpenters and handymen, the last time I attempted to use any power saw was when I took woodworking in 4-H—too long ago to remember the safety rules of power tools. I deferred to the experts in our Family Handyman workshop to let our pros test the Hedgehog spiral featherboard.

We easily attached the Hedgehog featherboard to the 3/4-inch miter slot on the table saw. We used varying widths of wood while working on the table saw, as well as the band saw and router table. The Hedgehog was easy to adjust, putting just the right amount of pressure against the board to hold it in place. The operation was smooth and seamless and, as a result, the cuts were precise and straight. The Hedgehog is like having a third hand to hold the board in place while letting the saw rip through the wood.

Although we didn’t have the 5/8-inch miter clamp or the stacking adapter for thicker wood, the Hedgehog performed on par with pricier magnetic featherboards for most tasks.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Protects against kickback
• Ensures straight cuts with one-way pressure
• Reversible
• Stackable for taller boards
• Quick one-knob setup
• Durable nylon construction
• Lightweight and portable
• Affordable

Cons

• May not perform well with uneven boards

FAQ

How do you use a Hedgehog featherboard?

First, insert the miter clamp into the miter slot on the table. Next, position the board firmly against the fence. Move the Hedgehog 2 inches ahead of the saw blade, then rotate the featherboard so that its fingers are flexed to apply pressure to the board. Lastly, tighten the knob. The featherboard guides the wood as you push it toward the blade.

What does a featherboard do on a router?

A featherboard holds the material you’re cutting in place. It applies consistent pressure to keep the material flat against the fence of the router table. A featherboard acts as a safety tool that helps prevent kickback from the saw blade, and aides the user in getting a nice straight cut.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Out of over 1,600 ratings, the Hedgehog featherboard has an average of 4.6 out of five stars. Here’s what real users have to say about the tool:

“Great addition to your table saw. I wish I had purchased long ago,” writes verified purchaser, Tommy Crews. “Simple to put on and remove. Adjustment for different size wood is so easy. Highly recommend.”

Five-star reviewer, Charles Sandner, writes, “This works far easier, and better, than any other of my featherboards. That is key. If they are a pain to adjust, you tend not to use them too much. Safety tools don’t work well if you don’t use them.”

“I bought this now after being introduced to it by a Stumpy Nubs video long ago. I have now used it for a few days and I really enjoy it. Simple one-handed operation as advertised. And far less finicky than my other straight featherboards,” shares Katie, another five-star reviewer.

Hedgehog Featherboard Accessories

You can expand the Hedgehog featherboard capacity with the tall stacking accessory, which connects two featherboards for a total height of 2 1/4 inches for more control over taller boards. If you’re not already a Hedgehog owner, grab the bundle with two hedgehogs plus the stacking accessory. And if you need a Hedgehog with a 5/8-inch miter clamp, that’s available, too.

High-end magnetic featherboards cost twice as much as the Hedgehog and may not work on all tables. The Hedgehog’s single-knob adjustment sets up with one hand and a quick turn of the knob, making work fast and safe—especially because users claim they’re more likely to use the Hedgehog more often than a featherboard with multiple knobs.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a neophyte woodworker, I consulted our in-house professional handyman, Frank Tritschler, who spends his days building sets, working on remodeling projects, and assisting beginners like me. With over 30 years in the trades, Frank is an invaluable resource when it comes to tools. He kindly showed me the types of featherboards in the workshop, and happily tried the Hedgehog spiral featherboard.

Final Verdict

We were impressed with the effectiveness, durability and ease of use of the Hedgehog featherboard. This $35 tool is a must-have item in any workshop. In fact, having two Hedgehogs on hand isn’t a bad idea for taller or longer boards. Even though Frank uses an expensive magnetic featherboard for most of his work, he highly recommends the Hedgehog for entry-level woodworkers and contractors on the go. It’s lightweight, easy to operate and has the right amount of flex to keep cuts straight. The single-handed adjustability makes using this featherboard fast and simple.

Where to Buy the Hedgehog Featherboard

Keep yourself safe and your cuts straight with the best featherboard for under $35. Pick up your Hedgehog featherboard (and accessories) at Amazon and Tool Nut and glide through your projects with ease and precision.

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Keep your cuts straight and yourself safe with the Hedgehog spiral featherboard. Get the precision and control you need to saw through your next woodworking project with ease.

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The post We Tried the Hedgehog Featherboard for Straight (and Safe) Cuts on the Table Saw appeared first on Family Handyman.

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If you’re looking for an alternative to your cumbersome pneumatic nailer and compressor, look no further. A contractor favorite, the DeWalt 18-gauge cordless brad nailer, features a brushless motor and is compatible with other DeWalt tools with 20-volt batteries. This straight shooter drives nails from 5/8 inches to 2 1/8 inches.

The micro nose improves sight lines and ensures a precision hit while the tool-free jam release and depth adjustment dial make quick work of your job. The intuitive design of the low-nail lockout prevents dry firing, and the nails are clearly visible in the cartridge. Plus, the DeWalt has onboard lights to indicate low battery or jams.

The Dewalt is capable of single fire or sequential bump fire with the flip of a switch. This finish nailer drove 2-inch brads consistently into solid oak and worked perfectly in our testing. This 18-gauge model weighs in at 10.25 pounds, so it’s heavier than most, but if you’re after long-lasting performance and trouble-free operation, the DeWalt delivers. This best-in-class option comes highly recommended by professionals and DIYers alike.

This kit includes the tool, charger, battery and branded carrying bag, but the tool is also sold separately if you already own the DeWalt 20-volt battery and charger.

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Best Budget

Ryobi Airstrike Cordless Brad Nailer

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If you’re looking for a lightweight brad nailer that won’t break the bank, the Ryobi Airstrike is a quality option at only 7 pounds. The Ryobi 18-gauge nailer accommodates 5/8-inch to 2-inch nails and drives 1,900 nails on a single charge. This model performed well and has all the features of more expensive nailers. It uses Ryobi’s One+ battery, which is helpful if you own other tools using the same battery platform.

Like the DeWalt, this model features a light-emitting diode (LED) work light and tool-free jam release. The adjustable air pressure dial is handy for fine-tuning brad depth. O’Donnell adds,  “I have only used this on one occasion, though my father-in-law, who installs flooring for a living, uses his Ryobi cordless nailer on nearly every job and likes it.”

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Best Cordless for Small and Fragile Trim

Craftsman 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

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When you need a precision trim nailer for your carpentry projects, O’Donnell recommends the Craftsman 23-gauge cordless pin nailer. This compact unit gets into tight spaces and doesn’t mar the wood. According to our testing, it can shoot over 1,100 nails on a single charge.

O’Donnell was more than impressed with the performance of the Craftsman and says, “My main criticism of cordless nailers has always been how many nails I could shoot per battery and how likely they were to jam. Using this criteria, I have consistently had the most success with DeWalt cordless nailers, though I was pleasantly surprised when I tested the Craftsman 23-gauge micro pinner.”

This pin nailer accommodates pin nails from 5/8-inch to 1-3/8-inch, has a brushless motor for maintenance-free longevity and only weighs 4 pounds. And on the rare occasion that this tool would create a jam, it’s equipped with a tool-free jam release.

FAMILY HANDYMAN

Best with Framing Nailer Service Agreement

Ridgid 16-Gauge Hyperdrive Finish Nailer

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$279.99 at Amazon

This 16-gauge Ridgid Hyperdrive framing nailer had the strength to drive 2-1/2-inch nails through drywall to hit the studs. If you appreciate longevity in a tool and a company that stands behind their products, this is the best cordless brad nailer for you. This is a ruggedly built tool with the advantage of Ridgid’s lifetime service agreement. Imagine free seals, pistons and driver blades for life.

We like the transparent magazine cover and the two styles of no-mar tips that Ridgid supplies, so you can choose your favorite. You’ll save time and frustration without pulling out additional tools to adjust the depth drive or power adjustment or clear a jam. Easily select between the contact actuation or single sequential actuation mode.

At 6.6 pounds, this 18-volt Ridgid finish nailer easily sinks nails from 3/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches. It fires up to 1,450 nails per charge with the 4.0 amp-hours (Ah) battery (charger sold separately).

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Best for Tight Spaces

DeWalt 16-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer

419.0010% OFF$378 at Amazon

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If you’re looking for a lightweight, heavy-duty cordless finish nailer to get into those hard-to-reach corners and tight spaces, O’Donnell recommends the 16-gauge DeWalt angled finish nailer. It’s compact and easy to maneuver, weighing in at only 6 pounds. He adds, “Because of my cabinetmaker and trim carpenter background, I tend to utilize my 18-gauge brad nailer more often. Even so, I’ve used my 16-gauge finish nailer countless times when I’m installing thick, hardwood trim, like baseboards, or if I’m dealing with an excessively crooked wall and need more holding power.”

This 20-volt machine is ideal for installing crown molding or baseboards. Like the 18-gauge straight DeWalt nailer, this angled finish nailer offers tool-free stall release, depth adjustment, jam release and a selectable trigger for sequential firing. It powers through the job with precision using 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch nails. With a 110-nail capacity, you’ll finish the job before you know it.

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Lowest Price in 30 days

Best Quick-Response

Senco Fusion F-18XP Cordless Brad Nailer

Shop at Ace Hardware

449.0018% OFF$366.10 at Amazon

Senco uses a sealed aluminum drive cylinder in conjunction with a motor to drive the brads. This results in good power and almost instantaneous response. We like the balance and feel of this tool, which weighs 6.6 pounds.

If you’re looking for efficiency, another standout feature of the Senco F-18XP is the patented instant shot design for smooth, consistent operation and no ramp-up time. If sequential firing is important for your needs, this may be your best choice, thanks to the quick trigger adjustment and lack of lag time. Like other 18-gauge brad nailers, Senco accommodates 5/8-inch to 2-1/8-inch nails with a 110-nail capacity and a dry-fire lockout. The F-18XP shoots 650 fasteners per charge and takes 60 minutes to fully charge the battery when depleted.

Grab the complete kit, including the tool, battery, charger and tote bag, for your next project and look like a pro.

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Best Fuel-Cell

Paslode 18-Gauge Straight Brad Nailer

339.007% OFF$315 at Amazon

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This cordless brad nailer is in a class of its own. Paslode pioneered cordless nail guns with its fuel-powered nailers. They contain a canister of fuel that provides the driving force when a small amount of fuel is ignited in a cylinder. The advantage of this design is that the battery can be small and light because its main function is to provide ignition for the fuel. These nailers are very powerful, but they have some drawbacks. Mainly, exhaust fumes smell bad, and you have to buy replacement fuel canisters.

The gas-fuel technology is sort of old-school, but it’s tried and true. In our test, this tool was the lightest at 4.5 pounds and felt the most comfortable. If you’re willing to shoulder the additional cost of fuel canisters and put up with the faint smell of exhaust, put this gun at the top of your list. Even more impressive is that this Paslode nailer can shoot up to 12,000 nails per charge for minimal downtime. You’ll love the maneuverability and precision of this 18-gauge brad nailer for fine-trim projects, and with its lightweight design, you’ll experience less fatigue.

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Best Contractor-Grade

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Brad Nailer

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499.9935% OFF$324.80 at Amazon

It’s no wonder that you’ll find this brad nailer on professional job sites. If you’re in search of the performance of a pneumatic brad nailer without the hassle of the cords and compressor, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a reliable choice. The brushless motor of this battery-powered tool means you’ll spend less time maintaining this 18-gauge cordless nailer. Milwaukee uses sealed compression nitrogen to help power this nailer without needing cartridges. As a result, it fires three nails per second with zero ramp-up time.

This tool has a high-quality feel, from the sleek, compact body to the precision brad-depth adjuster. The nailer responds instantly and performed well in our testing. Our only gripe is that the jam-release lever occasionally obscures the view of the tip.

This M18 weighs 6.3 pounds and is outfitted with three non-marring nose pads, dry-fire lockout, sequential firing, adjustable drive depth and a 110-nail capacity magazine. It’s a reliable work partner with a five-year warranty on the tool and a two-year battery warranty.

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Best DIY

Porter-Cable Max Cordless Brad Nailer Kit

$209.99 at Amazon

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Porter-Cable is one of those brands that professional woodworkers rely on, and this 18-gauge straight brad nailer is no exception. We like the weight and balance of this nailer, and it drives brads consistently without a problem. It scored high marks for precise alignment with clear sight lines to the tip. The only downside is the lack of a dry-fire lockout to prevent firing when there are no nails in the magazine, but it’s easy to see your nail supply in the cartridge. That aside, the Porter-Cable has an adjustable depth drive dial and easy-to-read gauge, tool-free jam release, stahl release and safety lock.

This tool weighs 5.9 pounds, and customers find it comfortable to use and ergonomically balanced. Expect to shoot 1,300 nails before you need to charge the 20-volt battery. Compared to the higher-priced models we tested, the Porter-Cable lacks bump firing and features like a dry-fire lockout, but this is a solid tool that’ll make your projects run smoother. 

When you want the perfect finish, Porter-Cable nails it. If you’re new to Porter-Cable tools, be sure to pick up this kit with the battery and charger included.

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Best for Precise Nail Placement

Makita XBN01Z Cordless Brad Nailer

224.959% OFF$204.13 at Amazon

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Makita loyalists love the performance, quality and durability of their saws and drills and find that the brad nailers perform equally as well. This Makita 18-gauge cordless brad nailer is great for DIY projects, especially if you own compatible battery-powered Makita tools. It accommodates nails from 5/8 of an inch to 2 inches and drives up to 1,000 nails on a single charge using the 18-volt 5.0 Ah battery.

Makita offers features like the easy-to-access adjustable drive depth dial, dry-fire lockout and contact or sequential nailing on this tool. In our testing, we love how easy it is to see the tip, aiding in accurate brad placement. But the shape of this nailer gives it a back-heavy feel that we found uncomfortable at 7.32 pounds. This is the only gun requiring a tool to remove the nose to clear jams. Even though Makita is a brand that professionals rely on, if you’ll be using this on a daily basis for long periods, you might want to consider a more comfortable option.

What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Brad Nailer

Before making your decision on which cordless brad nailer is best for your shop, consider these factors:

Tool Weight 

If you’re installing crown molding overhead, a few extra pounds could make the difference between aching shoulders and a pain-free job. Out of the nailers we tested, the Paslode nailer weighs in at a slight 4.7 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum is the 7.32-pound Makita.

Look at the Tip

When you’re installing trim, it’s important to place nails accurately. It helps to have a clear view of the gun tip to install trim with a brad nailer. The Porter-Cable is an example of a gun with sight lines that allow for a clear view of the tip. The tip on the Milwaukee tool is harder to see. To avoid damaging the wood, a non-marring rubber or silicone tip is important for fine woodworking.

Drive Depth

Having an adjustable depth drive is also important for protecting the wood. This feature allows you to adjust for the hardness of the wood and drive nails to the perfect level for your project. Nowadays, the depth drive adjustment is easily accessible with a tool-free dial on the machine’s body.

Dry-Fire Lockout

Many of these nailers have a dry-fire lockout feature that prevents the gun from firing when there are no brads. Without this feature, you could keep on nailing without realizing that the gun had run out of fasteners, wasting time and energy. Most of the guns have a small window in the nail cover with some means of signaling that the brads are running low. We like Ridgid’s transparent cover that shows at a glance how many brads are left and what length they are.

Sequential Firing

In single-fire mode, the trigger needs to be released between shots. Switching to sequential firing allows the trigger to be held down to “bump-fire” brads by just pressing the nose of the nailer against the workpiece. Be aware of this feature, but don’t let it drive an entire buying decision. Bump firing isn’t critical to most trim carpentry or woodworking.

Clearing Jams

In the past, you may have had to disassemble the tool to clear jams. Many newer models have quick-release mechanisms to clear jams quickly. Tool-free jam release is a term you will see when shopping for a user-friendly brad nailer.

Stall Release Feature

Occasionally, the driver in these brad nailers will get stuck. A few tools have a stall release lever to reset the driver. Other tools instruct you to remove and then replace the battery. Then, you press the nose against a scrap of wood and pull the trigger to reset the driver. Be sure to read this section of your instruction manual to see how your tool works.

How We Found the Best Cordless Brad Nailers

Our team of Family Handyman pros tested these brad nailers and have used many of them on their personal and professional building projects. The majority of brad nailers we tested are 18-gauge models, the most versatile brad nailers. To see how these battery-powered brad nailers performed under adverse conditions, we drove hundreds of 2-inch brads into 2-1/4-inch solid oak. Then, we tested in real-world conditions by nailing oak casing to an oak jamb.

You’ll probably never have to drive a 2-inch brad into solid oak—even some conventional nailers can’t do that. But hey, we thought it would be an interesting test. The Makita and Ryobi nailers were the only ones that struggled with this task, but every model we tried is capable of driving 1-1/2-inch brads through 3/4-inch oak into a pine jamb, which is (probably) the most difficult nailing job you’ll encounter in normal circumstances.

In our testing, we had very few brads get jammed in the tip of the tool. But when this does happen, it’s nice to be able to clear the tip without tools. All of the brad nailers, except Makita, have tool-free jam clearing. On most tools, you release a latch on the front to access the jammed brad. You just release the nail clip cover to access a jam on the Milwaukee tool.

Most of the nailers we tested use the motor to compress air in a cylinder. The compressed air pushes a piston that drives the brads. While the Paslode uses a cartridge of ignited fuel in addition to battery power, DeWalt and Porter-Cable have taken a different approach from the two methods above. In their nailers, a spinning flywheel provides the driving force. To ensure rapid firing, a few of these nailers rev up as soon as you press the nose to the workpiece.

Other than the significantly lighter weight of the Paslode, we didn’t find any advantage of one technology over the other. The flywheel models have a split-second delay, but it’s not bother­­­some. Regardless of the tech behind them, every model drove brads well enough to install standard trim.

FAQ

What’s better: a 16-gauge or 18-gauge brad nailer?

The 16-gauge model will drive longer nails for stronger fastening, while an 18-gauge brad nailer is meant for finer trim and carpentry work. “As with any fastener, the length is determined by its application,” says O’Donnell. “When working with trim between 3/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick, I always use brad nails between 1-1/2 and 2 inches in length.”

“In the last decade, cordless brad nailers have come a long way,” O’Donnell continues. “For large jobs, like framing, I still prefer a pneumatic nail gun and compressor. But I immediately reach for a cordless brad nailer for smaller jobs if I am just nailing up some quarter-round or re-securing a flooring threshold.”

Can I use a brad nailer for baseboards?

Absolutely, a brad nailer is the tool to use to install baseboards.

Is a compressor-powered brad nailer or cordless nailer better?

Compressor-powered brad nailers have the advantage of being smaller and lighter, and you don’t have to worry about keeping a battery charged. Plus, you can buy a kit containing a brad nailer, a small compressor and a hose for about the same price as one of these battery-powered nailers. On the other hand, it’s convenient to be able to grab a battery-powered brad nailer and start working without setting up the compressor and having to drag a hose around behind you. If you’re considering cutting the cord from a compressor-powered brad nailer to the convenience of a battery-powered tool, check out our cordless tool guide.

How do you use a DeWalt cordless brad nailer?

DeWalt is one of the most reliable and feature-rich brad nailers on the market. First, read the user guide and get familiar with the tool. Operation of a cordless nail gun is as easy as charging the battery and having some scrap wood to practice on. Get to know the depth drive adjustments on different wood species. Get a feel for the rhythm of your tool, its lag time, bump features or consecutive firing modes. The more comfortable you are with the tool, the easier it will be to tackle your project.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our hands-on testing team works on projects in the trenches each day. These experts have experience with an array of tools, large and small, including battery-powered nail guns. As cordless tools become more popular, we wanted to share their insights and testing results to help you make the right purchase for your investment.

The post These 10 Best Cordless Brad Nailers Are Worthy Additions to Your Shop in 2025 appeared first on Family Handyman.

Samantha Pearl was 25 years into an administrative career in health and human resources when she and her husband Jim bought a 175-year-old house in Michigan and began tearing it down to the studs.

The next month, pandemic restrictions hit. With a sudden lack of contractors, they had to jump into the renovations themselves. Their daughter Emily, home from college for spring break, also helped. They ended up enjoying it, and Samantha and Emily soon tackled a second full-house renovation.

“Emily and I spent nine months working full time on that renovation project,” says Samantha Pearl. “We both fell in love with the work.”

Samantha soon secured her residential builder’s license. Together with Emily, they founded My Handyma’am Home Repairs and Renovations, which now has five employees working in the field. They’ve also recently started the Facebook group How to Handyma’am, where they teach simple home projects and provide women a forum to ask questions about home repairs.

We asked them for their thoughts on the state of the home repair and renovation industry.

Q: How has working as a mother-daughter team been going?

Samantha: It’s been wonderful. We complement each other well. Emily is an artist and I’m more of a traditional handyperson. We also tend to finish each other’s sentences. It’s good to work with someone who shares part of your brain because we’re able to know what to hand the person next and what we’re thinking.

Emily: Plus, we really have a spark for it. We love to build things, we love to fix things and we love to make things beautiful.

Samantha: And we both have customer service mindsets, so we’re always thinking about how our behavior affects our customers’ comfort level. There’s a lot of joy in solving problems for people, and loving what we do makes customers tend to love us, too, and have a high comfort level having us in their homes.

Q: How did you find your women employees?

Samantha: We offered apprenticeships for anyone interested in learning. One is a high school senior enrolled in a trades program. Another is a professional glassblower in her 40s. The third had just graduated from college, with a biology degree, and was trying to decide what to do.

We provided a living wage and a full set of tools to make it as easy as possible for them to make the leap. For the first six months they worked alongside us, and now they operate independently.

They’re pretty remarkable, fun to work with and excellent at solving problems. Their team dynamic benefits us, and it benefits our customers. You don’t have to worry about having a pool of qualified female candidates if you hire people for character and aptitude, then teach them the specific skills.

Q: Is your customer base mostly women?

Samantha: Yes, probably 90% of our customers are women over age 50. Some are widows, single or divorced. Others just have husbands who aren’t able to or don’t want to tackle the projects.

Many of them call us specifically because we’re females, and it can be unnerving inviting a stranger into your home. And that goes both ways. We also feel a certain level of safety when doing estimates and working in women’s homes.

Emily: Our approach also attracts women who have been talked down to by tradespeople, or who have felt like they didn’t understand what was going on. We encourage clients to observe and ask questions. It’s delightful collaborating with them and creating beautiful things that match the image they had in their mind.

Q: What are your more common types of projects?

Samantha: One of our taglines is, “We make it beautiful, We make it work.” That describes the two sets of projects that we do: artistic ones like painting, built-in cabinetry and backsplashes; and then practical stuff like repairs and building closets, fences and sheds.

Honey-do lists are another specialty. Tradespeople tend to avoid them, but there are a lot of older people who have a running list of things they need done in their house. And who do you call if you have a door that doesn’t close smoothly or you want someone to check if there’s water in the basement?

We love helping people with their random collection of needs. There’s a whole underserved niche in solving long lists of small problems for people.

Samantha: And since we’re actually licensed builders, we fill a unique niche where we can offer both small handy services as well as repairs and renovations that require a license and permits. Plus, we’re insured and bonded.

Q: What are some of your more memorable projects?

Emily: One time a client showed us a blue Lego, and wanted an ombré tile backsplash based off that color. Immediately my brain was imagining everything, and I was so excited about it.

Color consultations are one of my specialties. I put together six or seven digital mockups, then the client and I got in the weeds of design together. It was really fun, and at the end of the project they said it looked exactly like what they imagined beforehand.

Samantha: We built a 256-square-foot deck for a couple who liked to throw backyard parties. It had an unusual shape to meet their property lines, and they didn’t want any short boards. We ended up handling 20-foot-long pieces of lumber.

It was 40 degrees and raining. We were working in piles of mud and constantly moving a pop-up tent to keep the saw dry, but not us. But I still sometimes go back and look at those pictures, because it’s so satisfying to see how beautiful the deck turned out.

Q: What challenges have you faced working in a male-dominated trade?

Emily: Sometimes there’s a masculine old-boys-club environment, which can make it feel like there’s not much space for women. I’ve even had a lot of guys at the hardware store ask if I know what I’m doing, or if my husband knows I’m there, which feels straight out of the 1950s.

But we’ve made ourselves a great space where we can be feminine in the field. And the skills of femininity, like empathy and attention to detail, have really opened up great opportunities.

Samantha and Emily Pearl Bios

Samantha Pearl is a licensed residential builder in St. John’s, Michigan. Her daughter Emily Pearl Reist is a licensed residential builder and visual artist. Together they make home repair and renovation projects that are beautiful and functional, through their business My Handyma’am.

They also teach women how to DIY through their Facebook group, How to Handyma’am.

Writer Karuna Eberl Bio

Karuna Eberl is a regular contributor to Family Handyman. She spent the last 25 years as a freelance journalist and filmmaker, telling stories of people, nature, travel, science and history. Eberl has won numerous awards for her writing, her Florida Keys Travel Guide and her documentary, The Guerrero Project.

The post The Eleven Percent: Samantha Pearl and Emily Pearl Reist, My Handyma’am Founders appeared first on Family Handyman.

But what do these higher OSHA fines mean, and how much are they? Here’s a quick breakdown on these job site changes.

Why Is OSHA Increasing Fines?

As the cost of living has increased, businesses have increased their rates and prices to keep up. The result: A gap between what the businesses are now making, and what OSHA can collect in fines. At the same time, the government’s operation costs are increasing, so it must raise fees and penalties to make up the difference.

The fine increases should improve safety for workers. While companies should focus on the safety in any conditions, the smaller the fine, the less incentive there is for them to keep their workers safe. While the amount is truly marginal compared to the value of life, the increases should discourage corner-cutting on safe work environments.

But it’s important to remember these increases are the result of occupational safety and health laws violations. Companies with a keen eye for safety should be largely unaffected by the policy, though accidents do happen. And these are fines for violations, not accidents, which means they’re primarily a pre-emptive measure to keep workers safe.

How Much Are OSHA Fines Increasing?

On the whole, OSHA fines are increasing 3.2% from 2023 to 2024. This rate hardly keeps up with inflation and the cost of living. But it may prevent companies from losing their focus on safety while helping the government cope with increasing operational costs.

Also, the 3.2% bump is much smaller than the 7.7% increase OSHA imposed from 2022 to 2023.

The fee increases depending on the type of occurrence:

• The maximum amount for a violation will increase from $15,625 to $16,131 per occurrence.

• The maximum amount for a willful or repeated violation will increase from $156,259 to $161,323 per violation.

When Will the New Fees Go Into Effect?

They already have.

Under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act (FCPIAA), any agency increasing fees is required to publish rules and make annual adjustments for inflation no later than January 15 each year.

This year, because January 15 was a federal holiday (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and government offices were closed, the new penalties went into effect the next day.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations for 2023

OSHA keeps track of all cited violations each year. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, the following violation types were most common:

1. Fall protection violations — general requirements: 7,271;

2. Hazard communication violations: 3,213;

3. Ladder violations: 2,978;

4. Scaffolding violations: 2,859;

5. Powered industrial truck violations: 2,561;

6. Lockout/tagout violations: 2,554;

7. Respiratory protection violations: 2,481;

8. Fall protection violations — training requirement: 2,112;

9. Personal protective and lifesaving equipment violations — eye and face protection: 2,074;

10. Machine guarding violations: 1,644.

What Can Companies Do?

Companies should continue to make workplace safety a top priority for their employees. Violations and citations are overwhelmingly avoidable with the right training, equipment and safety personnel.

The post Why Higher OSHA Fines Are Coming In 2024 appeared first on Family Handyman.

Cannizzaro didn’t originally plan on becoming a master plumber, like her father. When she was younger, she wanted to be a veterinarian or a surgeon. “I always swore I would never follow in my father’s footsteps,” she says. “But here we are, all these years later, and I’m so happy that I did.”

How Did You Get Here?

With a master plumber father and a mother who worked alongside him and handled the books, Cannizzaro was well versed in the industry at an early age. She even went along on jobs during weekends and summers.

The first in her family to go to college, she planned on taking an office job once she graduated. But she found she missed working with her hands and puzzling out solutions, so she leaned into some of the things she loved as a child.

“From a very young age my mom demonstrated that the construction industry was something that women could do,” she says. “[She] was never a licensed plumber, but incredibly knowledgeable about what she assisted my dad with for all of those years.“

Cannizzaro started her journey in plumbing by working for her parents’ company while finishing her degree in business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. When her dad had a stroke and her mom went back to nursing school, she stepped in to help. She assisted her mom with the paperwork and went on jobs with her dad.

She worked with her father for a few years before he retired from full-time plumbing, though he still does occasional jobs for his longtime clients. He turned 80 this year and still goes out on a couple of calls a week.

Cannizzaro completed her apprenticeship with another company while pursuing a master’s degree in business, also at UW-Milwaukee, at night.

Eventually, Cannizzaro decided to combine her plumbing experience and background in business by launching her own company As she wrote the business plan, she set a goal to launch prior to her 30th birthday. On June 1, 2011, two weeks before turning 30, she launched Milestone.

Highs and Lows

Cannizzaro’s path has been full of ups and downs. She says she wouldn’t change a thing though it was stressful at times, which really helped her grow.

Successes

Cannizarro is especially proud of providing career opportunities and adjusting the public perception of the industry in general. Cannizzaro pushed back against the notion that construction and plumbing are for “the kids that couldn’t cut it.” Rather, these are vital industries that take lots of dedication and hard work to succeed in.

“Many people do not realize that the primary responsibility of a plumber is to protect the public health,” she says. “Without following the codes that have been put in place, the public would become very sick.”

To become a licensed journeyman plumber, Cannizzaro needed five years of schooling and on-the-job training. Achieving master plumber took an additional three years.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges Cannizzaro faced was “establishing credibility in a very male dominated industry, especially in the beginning.” Her advice for others facing similar struggles? “Focus on working hard and doing what you say you are going to do,” she says.

Cannizzaro also needed to develop her time management skills. Running her own business involves constantly juggling commitments and responsibilities.  She tackled this by taking a few minutes each morning to lay out the plan for the day. This helps her easily keep track of everything on the docket.

Cannizzaro also spoke candidly about how her desire to “have it all” impacted her personal life. She waited to start a family. “[It] provided the most amazing two blessings that I could have ever asked for,” she says, “but also massive heartbreak as we lost three babies through miscarriages in between both of my boys.

“I buried myself in my work so I could be numb to what I was going through. which was not healthy, but was my way to cope with the heartbreak and feelings of failure that each of those losses brought.”

Favorite things

Cannizzaro couldn’t pick one favorite thing because there are several rewarding aspects of her work. She loves the teamwork and variety that comes with working in a small business. “No two days are ever the same, which makes it very exciting!” she says.

She also loves that her work helps people and has a lasting impact. Client reviews are incredibly important. “We actually read reviews and emails during our weekly team meetings to celebrate our wins,” she says.

Cannizzaro also enjoys volunteering in her community with her team. They visit schools to educate kids about the opportunities in the trades; serve time in leadership roles for non-profits in their industry; teach kids basic plumbing skills; and advocate for the trades at the state level.

“I truly enjoy helping people and believe that plumbing is a great opportunity that is often overlooked,” she says. “I get to be an advocate for a great trade while taking care of our clients and helping improve the lives of our team.”

A Day in the Life of a Master Plumber

Because there is such a variety in the jobs Cannizzaro takes, no two days look the same. She loves this about the industry. Each day is a unique mix of jobs and challenges that keep things interesting and engaging.

For those looking to break into the industry, Cannizzaro recommends hands-on experience and a diverse skill set. “Each trade has so many different levels and opportunities,’ she says. “You really need to explore the trade you decide to pursue in depth to find what you are most passionate about.”

Using plumbing as an example, she lists out the major levels — residential, commercial and industrial. Each has further layers — new construction, remodeling, service and repair.

To get that experience, Cannizzaro suggests looking for opportunities to interview companies or shadow someone on a job. “Exploring as many areas as possible will help to ensure you find what you will enjoy most,” she says. “Put the extra effort in on the front end to ensure you are in a field that you will truly enjoy for your career.”

Five Things She Learned

We asked Cannizzaro to tell us five things she’s learned throughout her career:

1. Do the right thing, no matter what. This has been something that really challenged me as a leader these last few years.  It will take more effort, but having a clear conscience and standing up for what you believe in is worth it.
2. Surround yourself with great people. One person cannot possibly know everything there is to know. Having a great support network can provide an immense amount of support, both professionally and personally.
3. Never stop dreaming. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the mundane day-to-day items. Find something that inspires you and make sure it’s part of your plan. This is where I was able to find my passion in our trade.
4. Always look for ways to help and take care of others. I always look for things that I can do to positively impact on others — sometimes without them knowing.  I have found that the more I do this, without expecting anything in return, the more rewarding my life has been.
5. Figure out what you want your legacy to be and build your career around that. For me, it’s always been that I wanted to leave our industry a little better than I found it. It comes from a story that my dad used to share with me when I was little. He told me that if you borrow your neighbor’s wheelbarrow, you should return it better than it was given to you. I have looked at everything that I have borrowed or been involved with that way ever since.

The post A Day in the Life: Jessie Cannizzaro appeared first on Family Handyman.

After putting a range of biscuit joiners through the paces, the Dewalt DCW682 was the clear winner. This joiner offers cordless convenience, especially ideal for those working at jobsites vs. in a shop. The tool runs on the DeWalt PowerStack 20-volt battery (sold separately), giving you all the amperes (amps) you need and delivering five hours of runtime, which translates to 300 joints or 600 cuts per charge. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to take on DIY projects at home.

The fence on the Dewalt moves up and down on a rack-and-pinion mechanism, ensuring that the fence stays parallel to the blade for accurate joints every time. Some comparable models have fences that struggle to maintain a parallel plane without further fine-tuning, resulting in misaligned joints. While other biscuit joiners can feel top heavy, this joiner is nicely balanced with the battery acting as a counterweight. The cutting edge height is easy to adjust and the biscuit size dial is very easy to use. The dust collection allows the use of the bag or a vacuum hose.

With a slew of biscuit joiners on the market, Listi chose the DeWalt DW682 for her shop. “It has been an incredible tool that I have used for years on hundreds of projects. It is strong, powerful and does an excellent job on hardwoods and softwoods alike,” she says.

What’s included: The DeWalt comes with the biscuit joiner, pre-installed 4-inch blade, Torx key, wrench, dust bag, angled dust port and comprehensive instruction manual.

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Best Value Biscuit Joiner

Wen JN8504 8.5-Amp Biscuit Joiner

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59.9913% OFF$51.96 at Amazon

The hallmark of a great value is excellent performance for a reasonable price, and that’s where the Wen biscuit joiner comes in. It’s one of the heavier biscuit joiners on the list, weighing almost 12 pounds. Regardless, it can handle a wide range of hardwoods, thanks to its powerful 8.5-amp motor, which is suitable for both beginners and professionals. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a hard case and common biscuit sizes (#0, #10 and #20). A removable dust bag attaches to a built-in dust port.

The Wen is easy to handle with its comfortable grip and smooth-plunge action. Both depth and locking knobs are on the right side of the fence, which is nice so you don’t have to use both hands to make adjustments. Your joiner is also covered by a two-year warranty. Overall, this is a great value for the weekend hobbyist or for occasional use.

What’s included: You’ll get the Wen biscuit joiner, detachable dust bag, spanner wrench, instructional manual, molded carrying case and biscuits in various sizes—#0 (10 pieces), #10 (16 pieces) and #20 (24 pieces).

Best Biscuit Joiner for a Beginner

Aoben Biscuit Joiner

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The Aoben option delivers precise and clean cuts every time with its 4-inch carbide-tipped blade that spins at 10,000 RPMs. The fence adjusts to 90 degrees, and features three preset depth levels to get exactly what you need. While the cutting depth is clearly displayed, the depth dial can be nudged out of place. This jointer has an anti-slip handle and includes a dust bag to keep work surfaces clean. Ideal for the beginner, this joiner comes with a wide selection of biscuits to get you started along with a hard, plastic carrying case.

While the Aoben doesn’t include a comprehensive manual, there are ample You Tube videos that cover step-by-step instructions to produce seven different joints, including edge-to-edge joints, frame joints, corner joints, offset joints, edge miter joint, and a T-joint where a fixed shelf meets the sides of a cabinet.

What’s included: The Aoben comes with the biscuit joiner, 4-inch tungsten carbide-tipped blade, spanner wrench, dust bag and biscuits in sizes #0 (30 pieces), #10 (30 pieces) and #20 (50 pieces).

Best Biscuit Joiner for a Woodworker

Festool Domino Joiner

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While not technically a biscuit joiner, the Festool domino joiner produces similar joinery, but instead of traditional biscuits, it uses rectangular-shaped tenons called dominos for rock-solid joinery. You have to have it hooked up to dust collection, as it creates so much dust and a dust clog can mean a broken bit. This means adding an adapter to your shop vacuum or investing in the Festool CT26E dust collector, which integrates with the domino and other Festool products.

When Festool released its domino tool in 2007, it was a game changer. It’s a floating tenon system with a high degree of accuracy and added strength. The tool has five mortising depths, an adjustable mortise width and a pivoting fence for angled mortises. Instead of a circular blade, this handheld, horizontal oscillating router has a spiral cutter to bore the mortises.

“The tenon, or domino, is made from solid birch, sipo, or metal allowing for use in interior, exterior and breakdown furniture applications,” explains Tom Noffsinger, a veteran woodworker for over 25 years. He chose the Festool for quick and precise work flow, moving from varied joints and wood species smoothly and with speed.

Logan Newman, owner of Newman Woodworking, uses this model for mortise and floating tenons, but also to create expansion slots in his custom furniture to allow wood movement. “The domino performs multiple jobs more efficiently and cost effectively than any other tool in the shop,” he explains. “If you’re a professional cabinetmaker or just a weekend warrior hoping to produce beautiful furniture, faster, the Festool is a standout option.”

What’s included: You’ll get the Festool domino joiner, cross stop, open-ended spanner (WAF 8), trim stop, 5-millimeter cutter and storage container.

What to Look for When Buying a Biscuit Joiner

Before making your final biscuit joiner selection, keep these considerations in mind:

• Cost: Biscuit joiners vary greatly in cost. “Entry-level biscuit joiners can start around $50 to the very high-end Lamello models that can top $700, so be sure to fit the tool to your needs,” suggests Listi.
• Power and speed: Ideally, look for a model with 6 to 8.5 amps, and 8,000 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPMs).
• Dust collection: Joiners have a small port that sends wood chips to a cloth bag. This works well for about a dozen biscuits, then the port tends to clog. You’ll want a dust collection system for bigger jobs and a joiner that can attach to a shop vacuum (you may need to add an adapter).
• Handle styles: You can choose between a barrel grip, where you’re actually grabbing the body of the machine, or a D-handle style, which is more comfortable, but less accurate.
• Fence features: Joiners have a fence that can be set up to 90 degrees, but you may want to use a joiner that can be set up to 135-degree angles. This allows you to set the joiner on the inside or outside face of a mitered joint. The fence should track up and down while allowing the fence to remain parallel to the blade. Look for a rack-and-pinion mechanism for adjusting the fence.
• Blade options: The 4-inch diameter blade is standard on most biscuit joiners, and is great for the common #0, #10 and #20 biscuits. But if you want to use your biscuit joiner for face frames, you’ll need a 2-inch blade and smaller biscuits. Not all biscuit joiners can fit the smaller blade, because the plunge mechanism has to be compatible with the smaller blade. If you find yourself using smaller biscuits for face frames, make sure your joiner can be retrofitted for this purpose.
• Additional features: Biscuit joiners may include some additional features, like hard carrying cases for easy storage when not in use. Many manufacturers included standard biscuit sizes so you have everything you need to get started.

Why You Should Trust Us

As an award-winning woodworker, I have experience with woodworking, DIY and home improvement. I’m also the owner of a one-woman woodworking studio where I make wooden educational toys and furniture using advanced joinery techniques. For this article, I also enlisted Sarah Listi, owner of Tool Girl’s Garage, a blog and social media presence dedicated to tool reviews, woodworking, renovation and construction. Listi is co-host of the Murder House Flip TV show on the Roku Channel.

Additionally, I consulted with two experienced woodworkers and furniture makers, Tom Noffsinger, a veteran woodworker for over 25 years who has attended Festool training as a serious hobbyist, and Logan Newman, owner of Newman Specials Woodwork and creator of jigs and tools for WeCNCthat store.

How We Found the Best Biscuit Joiners

In 1968, Lamello released the first biscuit joiner and, since then, this tool has been used in woodworking and home projects to offer quick, precise and strong joints. Selecting the best biscuit joiners to test depended on power output, accuracy, ease of use, reputable brands and customer reviews. Our top picks have powerful motors of 6 to 8.5 amps and from 10,000 to 12,000 RPMs. Feature must-haves include adjustable angles and cutting depths, 0- to 90-degree angles and dust collection. Taking all of that into consideration, I was able to dwindle the list down to the very best top five biscuit joiners.

FAQ

What does a biscuit joiner do?

A biscuit joiner is used to join two pieces of wood together using concealed joints. The joiner leaves an arched slots into the mating edges of the wooden pieces that takes compressed wood biscuits. When glue makes contact with the compressed wood, the biscuit expands to make a tight joint, perfect for manufactured material like medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood.

The biscuit joiner can do many different joints, like edge-to-edge joints, splines on mitered boxes and biscuit cutting slots for table clips. Miter joints are another ideal place for biscuits. Using a biscuit joiner on mitered parts is a smart way to add strength to the joint and prevent the two halves from slipping as you apply clamp pressure. I particularly like biscuits for attaching face frames to plywood cabinets without pesky holes that require patching. I don’t like to use hardware in my projects, only wood joints. So when I want to do a panel glue-up, I use the biscuit joiner for alignment. The biscuit joint is used for its accuracy and speed while being quick to learn.

Is a biscuit joint the same as domino joint?

Biscuit joints and domino joints are similar in that they are seamless, concealed joints used to connect two pieces of wood together. However, they differ in the method and type of joinery they provide.

Biscuit joinery involves using curved wooden biscuits made from compressed wood, typically beech. They provide alignment assistance and some added strength to the joint, but they’re not as strong as other joinery methods, like mortise and tenon.

Domino joinery uses a floating tenon system. A handheld, oscillating router with spiral cutter creates the corresponding holes. Instead of inserting biscuits, it uses pre-made, elongated loose tenons called dominos, which are fitted into the mortise. The machine cuts mortises and the dominos act as floating tenons. Domino joints offer superior strength compared to biscuit joints, due to the larger and more substantial surface area for glue adhesion and the mechanical interlock between the tenon and mortise.

While both techniques assist in aligning pieces and strengthening joints, Domino joinery generally offers more strength compared to biscuit joints.

Sources:

• Sarah Listi, owner of Tool Girl’s Garage
• Tom Noffsinger, a veteran woodworker
• Logan Newman, owner of Newman Specials Woodwork and creator of jigs and tools for WeCNCthat store

The post The 5 Best Biscuit Joiners, Tested and Reviewed by a Professional Woodworker appeared first on Family Handyman.

Ward started his farm in 1995, and it took ten years for the trees to grow large enough to sell. His business started making money only recently.

John and Karen Noltner of Noltner Tree Farm in Mondovi, Wisconsin, are more commercially oriented, but had a similar experience. They started their business 15 years ago, and John says “you gotta put money into it for 10 years” before seeing a positive return.

Both the Noltners and the Wards had other motivations besides profit. John Noltner considers his 50-acre farm a 3-D art project that heals the land by taking it out of the corn and soybean production cycle. Ward, who converted his considerably smaller farm from a horse grazing pasture, just loves the work.

“People have misconceptions that a tree I’m planting in January will be next year’s Christmas tree,” Ward says. In reality, even if you plant 16-inch seedlings, you’re waiting at least five to seven years before harvest, assuming ideal weather conditions.

Unlike the Noltners, the Wards like to experiment with species. In the temperate California growing environment, he grows more than 15 species. The Noltners, in a more Northerly, high-production farm, limit themselves to three or four.

How To Start a Christmas Tree Farm

First — and this is obvious — you’ll need land, and least 10 to 20 acres. The more you have, the more likely you are to have a profitable operation.

“If you have enough land, enough volume and enough sales, you can hire other people to do the work,” Ward says. “If you’re small, you’re going to have to do all the work yourself. And if you don’t love what you’re doing, you’re like, ‘Why am I working for less than minimum wage?’ ”

Because you’re starting a business, you should give it a name, register it and secure the necessary business and tax licenses. You should also open bank accounts, get insurance and secure any licenses and permits required by local agricultural and environmental authorities.

When they set up their farm, the Noltners worked with the Wisconsin chapter of the Christmas Tree Growers Association to get them up to speed on legal and logistical issues.

What To Consider Before Growing Christmas Trees

Once you set up your business, it’s time to decide which trees to plant. Local growing conditions and how fast you want to start selling trees will determine your choice of species.

The Noltners focused on three fir species hardy to their U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone that grow quickly: Balsam, Fraser and Canaan. Ward, who lives in a more moderate climate, planted five fir, three cypress and three cedar varieties, as well as Colorado blue spruce, Monterey pine and even Giant sequoia and Coastal redwood.

Fast-growing trees are ready sooner, but beware. As Ward says, “The faster the tree, the more labor it takes.”

Speaking of labor, you’ll need to decide whether to do it yourself or hire someone. The Noltners chosen the latter, working with a company that handles all the upkeep, harvesting and replanting, and purchases the trees at wholesale prices.

Ward prefers to do the work himself, even if it means working for less than minimum wage (he’s also a teacher). He sells all his trees at a flat retail rate ($90 per) to customers who come and cut their own.

Main Duties of a Christmas Tree Farmer

Growing Christmas trees is a labor-intensive agricultural operation. The trees need the same TLC as any other crop, plus a little extra, including:

• Irrigation: A young tree needs about a quart of water per day, while one ready for harvest needs about three quarts. On the Noltners’ 50-acre farm, with 1,000 trees per acre, that’s between 12,500 and 37,500 gallons per day!
• Pest control: Christmas trees are vulnerable to insects, microbial infections and underground marauders like gophers. The planted area also must be periodically de-weeded, usually by mowing.
• Fertilizing: Growing trees usually need an application of fertilizer each spring, and maybe another one in fall, to stay vibrant and sellable.
• Shearing: The Christmas tree shape isn’t automatic; it comes only with periodic shearing. Fast-growing trees require the most work, sometimes needing shearing four times a year, according to Ward.
• Replanting: When trees are harvested, some growers leave the stumps and allow them to sprout new growth. Ward avoids this approach because he doesn’t like the look of stumps. He grinds the stumps and plants new seedlings, and the Noltners do the same.

Is Christmas Tree Farming Profitable?

“Can be,” says Ward. “I guess it depends on your size and your volume.”

For his part, Ward sells about 500 trees per season at a flat rate because “selling by the foot or species is too complicated.” Because he does most of the work himself, this represents a gross profit of $45,000 per year. From that, he deducts the cost of new seedlings, fertilizer and other necessary supplies.

Because the Noltners rely on an outside company, any profit they receive is a net profit. They don’t specify what it is, but it depends on the wholesale price of each tree.

According to data from Michigan State University, if they sell each tree for $20. they’re probably just breaking even. If they sell each tree for $50, a net $30 in profit for each one, they should be making between $75,000 and $150,000 for their stated annual turnover of 2,500 to 5,000 trees.

The post Ever Thought About Starting Your Own Christmas Tree Farm? Here’s What to Know appeared first on Family Handyman.

With society pushing them toward college versus trade school and careers in technology over the past few decades, most grow up expecting to land an office job. Skilled trades have been viewed as less enticing, with fewer people pursuing careers in construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other similar lines of work.

But that might be changing.

A recent survey from Thumbtack shows more young people today are open to careers in skilled trades than the generation before. What spurred this change, and what’s so attractive about the trades to this younger workforce? Let’s take a look.

Decline of Shop Class and Skilled Trade Awareness

The diminishing focus on shop class and skilled trades as a whole have been problematic for the industry. With so much attention spent on preparing for college, there’s less opportunity for today’s high school students to try their hand at manual skills.

Here are some shocking numbers from the Thumbtack survey: Eighty-two percent of young people (kids and teens) are told college is the only way to become successful. And 59 percent said they felt pressure to attend a four-year college from family or society.

With college being the focus, one-third of those surveyed said they weren’t offered shop classes in high school. This is often a teen’s first foray into the skilled trades. Without this exposure, many students don’t even consider trade school as a viable career option.

Career Satisfaction in the Trades

Previous generations happily entered the skilled trades and still love them today, according to the Thumbtack survey.

Of skilled trade professionals surveyed, 87 percent said they were happy with their career choices. Another 87 percent said they would choose the same career again.

Most telling, however, is this: 94 percent said they would encourage their children or family members to pursue a skilled trade. Maybe not the same trade, but a career in the skilled trades in general.

Why are these pros so satisfied? Job security, growth and money-making opportunities. Most pros feel AI will not replace them, and they’ll make more money in the future. Also, the ability to grow and even own a business is possible within the trades — something not always guaranteed in other industries.

Young People and the Skilled Trades: Are Things Changing?

In short, yes. Thumbtack’s survey revealed 47 percent of young adults are interested in a career in the trades. This generation’s propensity for independence and flexibility is a great fit for the trades, as is the desire to “be your own boss.”

There are some valid reasons for younger people’s renewed interest in these fields.

For one, awareness of student loan debt and makes the faster, less expensive route toward earning a paycheck in the trades particularly attractive. Also, a flexible schedule and the ability to work for themselves are major draws. So is the financial security a successful career in the trades offers.

How To Keep Building on the Renewed Interest in the Trades

As the current skilled trade workforce ages, we need younger folks to backfill openings and take the reins. We need to continue pushing for greater awareness.

Here’s how we might do that. High schools should offer other career pathways besides those leading to a college diploma. Also, schools need to do more to promote opportunities like apprenticeships and trade schools. The availability of technical schools geared towards hands-on learners is also important.

More than half the young adults and tradespeople Thumbtack surveyed agree on a key point: Better access to information and education about skilled trade careers will engage young people and help the trades attract a younger generation.

Whatever It Takes, the Time is Now

Regardless of which route is best for increasing skilled trade awareness, the time to take action is now.

Some experts believe the average age of skilled tradespeople is 55, while the average age of American workers is 44. That stark difference can’t be corrected until more younger people eschew the traditional four-year degree for a toolbox and service truck.

The post Young People’s Attitudes Toward the Skilled Trades Are Changing. Here’s Why appeared first on Family Handyman.

His grandfather painted warships in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin during World War II, then ran his own painting business after the war. Though Kobriger says he doesn’t really remember his grandfather that well — he passed away when he was eight — that basement smell stuck with him.

So did a piece of advice from his father, who emphasized learning a trade.

“It’s important to have something to fall back on whether you work on cars or you work on houses,” says Kobriger. “You never know when you need that kind of experience, and I’ve fallen back on my painting through my whole life.”

Now a professional painter, Kobriger runs his own business. He lives in Door County, Wisconsin with his wife and five kids.

Learning to Be a Pro Painter

Kobriger got a summer job painting at age 16. However, after months of mostly grunt work like scraping ceilings, it wasn’t something he wanted to pursue.

But a couple of years later, he moved to Colorado for a seasonal gig at a ski resort. In the off-season, he worked at a bank. When a pro painter offered him a job, he jumped at the chance. He realized he could paint in the summer and work for the ski industry in the winter, so that’s what Kobriger did for the next seven years.

As a painter, Kobriger learned how to improve his craft and bid on jobs. He also began making environmentally sustainable choices like using VOC free paint, a new product at the time that put the health of his clients and coworkers first.

Building a Reputation

When Kobriger later moved to Madison, Wisconsin and started his own business, those values were key to his success. With positive word of mouth, his business grew quickly.

“I take pride in being able to accomplish tasks,” says Kobriger. “I take pride in taking responsibility for my actions and taking responsibility in general so that people know that they can count on me.” While balancing work, family and his other interests, Kobriger says, “I will probably paint the rest of my life and run a business.”

He plans to encourage his children to learn a trade, just like his dad encouraged him. It can be a career or something to fall back on. “Make lawn furniture,” he says. “Do something that you enjoy doing that you could make money doing.”

Meanwhile, the legacy of basements and paint thinner lives on, reminding Kobriger of family and love.

The post Why It’s Important to Learn a Trade, According to a Pro Painter appeared first on Family Handyman.

What is a Handyman?

A handyman is a tradesperson who handles relatively small projects or repairs. Their projects typically last a day or two, and state law may limit their contracts to a certain value.

In general, handyman projects don’t require trade licenses or permits. We’re talking things like pressure washing, gutter cleaning, furniture assembly, sink or window repair, picture hanging, painting, some flooring work, and interior trim and moldings.

A handyman will also typically charge customers by the hour (with a minimum number of hours) or the day. This allows customers to hire a handyman to tackle several small projects without paying a fortune.

What is a Contractor?

A contractor typically handles much larger projects than a handyman. These take more than a day or two and require a contract with the customer. The contract contains all of the details of the project, including a payment schedule.

There are two types of contractors: general and trade. General contractors may have experience in several areas, including project management. Trade contractors typically focus on one specific area, like electrical, plumbing or carpentry. When a general contractor hires a trade-specific contractor for a project, that tradesperson is called a subcontractor.

Most states require contractors to carry licenses. These require a certain amount of experience or time in the trade, along with testing, fees and specific amounts and types of insurance.

What Types of Licenses Does a Contractor Need?

Rules on the types of licenses a contractor or handyman needs vary by state. However, the following are some common types of contractor licenses.

Business license

Almost all contractors — whether general, trade or handyman — are required to register their business with the state where they work. This ensures everyone operating a business within that state understands ethical practices and pays their appropriate amount of taxes.

General contractor license

This allows a contractor to engage in a prime contract with a customer. A prime contract is the main or first contract among other subcontracts. Say you hire a general contractor to build a garage. They’ll sign the prime contract with you the homeowner, then sign contracts with subcontractors to build the structure.

That’s not to imply general contractors can’t do the build themselves. In many states, a general contracting license allows the holder to build the frame and sheath it, as well as install exterior and interior finishes. In other states, pros performing these types of projects aren’t required to carry a license at all.

Electrical contractor license

This is required for any professional performing electrical work. In most cases, these pros must possess or employ someone with a master electrician’s license.

Plumbing contractor license

Contractors are required to carry this license to perform plumbing repairs or installations. Like electricians, plumbing contractors must possess or hire someone with a master plumber’s license.

Roofing contractor license

In many cases, roofing contractors might only require a general contractor license. But some may need a roofing contractor license. The license requirements may include higher-than-typical insurance limits due to the dangerous nature of roofing projects.

HVAC contractor license

Contractors who work on heating or air conditioning systems must carry these. Many plumbers also carry HVAC contractor licenses because the two lines of work often intertwine.

Other licenses

These may include excavation, masonry and cement, landscaping, pool installation, drywall/painting and glazing, among others. State laws vary, so anyone starting a business must research which license they need.

When Should a Handyman Get a License?

There are a few instances where a handyman might consider getting a license.

Depending on the state, a handyman might need a license if they sign a contract for more than a set amount, or if they bill more than a specific amount within a certain period of time.

Another instance could be if a handyman wants to charge more for their services or attract new clientele. “Licensed and insured” is an appealing tagline that inspires trust in a new or prospective customer.

While becoming licensed to perform additional services may sound appealing, it may not be realistic. These licenses require years of experience in the trades. Unless the handyman can prove he or she has the required experience, they won’t be eligible to take the tests.

When Does a Contractor or Handyman Need Insurance?

Always. Anyone performing work for another person needs to protect themselves and their customers with an insurance policy.

The usual policy is general liability, which protects the contractor if a third party gets hurt, or experiences property loss and blames the contractor.

Other policies include:

• Worker’s compensation: Protects employees if they become ill or get hurt on the job

• Builder’s risk: Protects the property, tools and materials should an accident or natural disaster occur on the site while under construction

• Commercial auto insurance: Covers all vehicles registered to the business, as well as employees and third parties in the event of an accident or theft

Contractor or Handyman?

Deciding which business to start is ultimately up to you.

Pros who like to work directly with customers, handle small projects and move around a lot during the day should consider a handyman service. However, for those who want to build large structures, use their years of expertise or simply hire other pros to work for them, a contractor license like the ones listed above is best.

Determine the type of work you want to do first, then decide which business fits your circumstances.

The post What’s the Difference Between a Contractor and a Handyman? appeared first on Family Handyman.

Today, Bajrami is making the most of it.

At 32 years old she is CEO of Golden Group Roofing, leading the company’s two offices and recent expansion into siding and solar. Bajrami developed the first online roofing cost calculator for homeowners and created the app Rootless, which helps people connect with careers they may not have thought they could enter. This impressive resume was recognized in 2023 when she won the prestigious Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

“I grew up as an immigrant with zero English, but I’m loving the American dream more and more every day,” she says. “My mom always told me that you can do anything with your head held high. Watching her build her career back up taught me that I was capable of great things as well.”

We caught up with Bajrami, who shared her newbie roofer challenges and some thoughts on breaking free of traditional-siding expectations.

Q: How did you end up choosing roofing as a career?

A: I developed a business plan and operations strategy for a theoretical company during an entrepreneurship class in college. I loved it, but it was just on paper. Then that summer, I stumbled on a Craigslist ad for a roofing company foreman. It paid $300 a day. I started calculating 365 times $300, which was a lot, so I applied for the job. I wasn’t necessarily passionate about becoming a roofer at first, but I knew I had a skill set to manage people and job sites.

Q: Did you have any background in the trades?

A: No, and my first day on site I was pretty bad at my job. They called for an ice-and-water shield membrane, which is a leak barrier that you use on roofing systems, and I literally thought that they wanted ice and water. So I went to CVS to get them ice and water.

Q: How did you fit in?

A: At first the crew was gentle toward me, but that wore out quickly because construction is a very high-pressure, fast-moving job. Then I had to step it up and be the one who carried the bundles of shingles and drove the trucks. I quickly realized that in this industry, you’ll get a seat at the table, but you also have to show up. That made me the strong leader I am today.

Q: How did you go from roofing foreman to owning your own business?

A: I did the foreman gig for three years, and it was really painful. There were a lot of times of self-doubt. There were a lot of tears. Social media was starting to pick up, and I would see my friends out in Boston having drinks while I was at a job site with dirty fingernails, in desperate need of a shower and eating out of a gas station. I had a lot of moments when I wanted to quit, but I didn’t want to be called a loser or a failure.

One of the reasons I stuck it out was that I really wanted to prove to the world that a woman can do it. Then, when I decided to open my own company, my then-boss said I was crazy. Who was going to buy from me? And I told him that I had to try because if I didn’t, then I’d be miserable for the rest of my life. It took weeks to get my first call, but by the end of the year I was up to 15 clients.

Q: What are some of your more memorable projects?

A: We had a client who loved to go to Cape Cod. She wanted to bring Cape Cod to her home in the city, but she couldn’t afford the shake. Her house was so beach themed, the only thing missing was the actual beach.

But the outside was this vinyl, traditional white siding. Other contractors just wanted to replace it with the same thing, but we were like, “No, we have options here.” When I showed her Beach House Shake composite shingle in a natural cedar color, she was so happy that she was in tears. She was the sweetest woman, and there was so much passion there. I was really happy to be part of bringing Cape Cod to her home; of being more than just another contractor. Experiences like that, and finding unique products to offer, has helped launch us into successfully expanding our business to include siding.

Q: What trends are you seeing in the industry?

A: I’m seeing tremendous change with the use of technology, in applications from eagle views and animation to customer management. I love technology. Apps are enhancing the buyer experience; we can digitally bring the roof inside their home instead of having to build mini-roof displays like I used to. Through science and engineering, manufacturers are also revolutionizing so many products, from algae-resistant siding to solar shingles.

We’ve also become one of the first companies to do solar-ready roofs, integrating panels like you would a skylight. I think in the next 10 years, you’re going to see a lot more roofers start doing that because it just makes sense.

Q: Any advice for fellow roofing and siding contractors?

A: I’d like to see more contractors getting creative with projects, like playing around with siding texture, style and new materials. There are so many options in exterior building products, but a lot of contractors don’t take advantage of them. If we just slow our roll a bit and show homeowners what we have access to, rather than what’s in stock, we can really make a big difference. And if we lead with that mindset, we’ll have a lot more satisfied customers.

Also, our manufacturers are working around the clock to produce so many product lines, so it’s not fair for us to continue showing just the traditional ways that it’s always been done. I think it’s time now to show customers all of the bells and whistles and make their exterior dreams come true.

Q: Do you have any advice for young people getting into the trades?

A: Construction is not for everyone, but those who like it tend to stay forever. If you’re okay with the pressure of fast-moving pieces, then this industry is a good fit for you. Find someone you enjoy following on LinkedIn or social media and reach out to see if you can join them as a summer intern.

This industry contains a gazillion amount of money, and it’s never going to go away because we’ll always need houses and buildings. So it will welcome you with open arms the way it did me; male, female, immigrant, minority; whoever you are.

Q: How have you retained employees post-Covid?

A: A lot of people didn’t want to come back, so we redesigned our offices to be like a cafe, with couches, a high-top island sitting area and a pool table. Freddy and I got rid of our offices. We now sit at a huge conference table, so everybody knows that we lead with them, not from behind the scenes. It’s the future of leadership.

Nobody really cares about your title or your fancy office. People want you to eat lunch with them and talk with them. They have options to take their talents elsewhere. It’s our job to make it known that we appreciate them and value their opinion. And so far, they love it.

They play too much pool, though. I should’ve never added the pool table.

Q: What are your pro-specific tools?

A: Hover is an app we use every day to give people the chance to play around and visualize what their home could look like. Hand in hand with that is our DJI drone. Drones have eliminated ladders from our sales team, making sure they stay safe. Of course, there’s Beach House Shake authentic composite shingle, which elevated us into the siding business. We also love Tapco breaks for bending aluminum and all the Hitachi nail guns.

But more importantly, let’s talk about CRM (customer relationship management), because that’s what really runs our company. We use Leap Job Progress, which has revolutionized the way we carry the customer from A to Z, making sure we don’t drop the ball on anyone. I really love that software and we use it daily at the office.

Then, I don’t know if this is really a tool, but there’s a Verizon tracking app Reveal, which has also been a game changer. It allows us to track our driver’s routes, driving habits and how much driving time we are spending doing unnecessary tasks. I’m really passionate about strengthening operations whenever we can, especially with safety and efficiency. That app has helped us become a more profitable company, so we can reflect those profits back to our employees through better quality of life and benefits.

Greta Bajrami Bio

Greta Bajrami is the CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing in Hudson, Massachusetts. After graduating with a business degree from Worcester State University, she turned her senior project into a multimillion-dollar brand, now expanded to include siding and solar. Bajrami has made it a personal mission to innovate the construction process, elevate the customer experience and change the face of construction by advocating for women in the industry.

Her long list of recognitions includes: Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, ProRemodeler’s Forty Under 40 list, Female Roofing Professional of the Year finalist, Big 50 for Remodeling Magazine, 40 Under 40 by Worcester Business Journal, BBB Market Excellence Award, Massachusetts President and Chair of National Women in Roofing Council, Executive Board of Director and Treasurer of the New England Roofing Contractor Association, and Foundation Board Member and Scholarship Committee of Worcester State University.

Writer Karuna Eberl Bio

Karuna Eberl is a regular contributor to Family Handyman. She spent the last 25 years as a freelance journalist and filmmaker, telling stories of people, nature, travel, science and history. Eberl has won numerous awards for her writing, her Florida Keys Travel Guide and her documentary, The Guerrero Project.

The post The Eleven Percent: Meet Greta Bajrami, Roofing and Siding Company Owner appeared first on Family Handyman.

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Family Handyman has been providing accessible home improvement tips since 1951, so we know a thing or two about homeownership. Our experts show you how to patch drywall, fix leaky pipes, sharpen a lawn mower blade, and everything in between. While we’re admittedly biased toward this book, the more than 1,200 5-star Amazon reviews aren’t—so it’s not just us recommending it.

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The post 10 Home Improvement Books You Need to Read appeared first on Family Handyman.