Power to the people: whether you're working on weekend projects around the house or building from the ground up, these essential tools will help you drill, hammer, and saw your way through even the most arduous task

RIDGID FUEGO CIRCULAR SAW

Besides being the lightest and fastest circular saw out there, the Fuego may also be the most accurate, thanks to a rear kerr indicator that allows you to see where the saw is cutting when it's in front of you, plus an ultrastrong composite shoe that will stay straight even after a 10-foot drop.

$139 @ RIDGID.COM

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HITACHI 18V DRIVER DRILL

Powerful, compact, and lightweight, this 18-volt cordless drill will get you into tight spots to drive a screw without wearing you out the way heavier, more cumbersome units do.

$149 @ LOWES.COM

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RYOBI PORTABLE RADIO

No work site is complete without good music. Ryobi's portable radio runs off the same B-volt battery as the rest of your Ryobi tools, and when the reception sucks, you can use the auxiliary input to plug in your iPod.

$25 @ RYOBITOOLS.COM

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FIRESTORM RECIPROCATING SAW

The right "recip" is any DIYer's best friend. Take this saw from Firestorm: Its blade is so tough it cuts through almost anything, while an adjustable handle makes it easy to find a comfortable grip no matter how awkward the job. Use it to even corners, cut flush to the ground, or slice safely overhead.

$190 @ FIRESTORMTOOLS.COM

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FIRESTORM LASER-GUIDED JIGSAW

The laser on this jigsaw will keep your cuts perfect by projecting a line onto your work surface as you go. A side handle gives you better control, and the calibrated laser is adjustable to ensure your cuts stay on track--even for those without the steadiest hands.

$60 @ FIRESTORMTOOLS.COM

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG CUTLER

Down to the Basics

Even the most rudimentary tools can be improved to do more--and do it better

STANLEY FATMAX EXTREME ANTMBE 20-0Z HAMMER

How much technology can you pack into a hammer? A lot. Stanley's sleek FatMax includes a built-in tuning fork to lessen pounding vibration and a magnetic nail starter for greater precision and fewer smashed thumbs.

$22 @ STANLEYTOOLS.COM

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BLACK & DECKER B-INCH AUTO WRENCH

The adjustable wrench from Black & Decker maintains its necessary hardcore cranking power while also going electric--allowing you to get into cramped corners and turn a tight bolt with the push of a button.

$30 @ BLACKANDDECKER.COM

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BLACK & DECKER LASER TAPE MEASURE

Whether you're hanging curtains for Aunt Sally or just trying to perfect the alignment of that strategically placed mirror in your bedroom, the laser tape is essential for keeping things straight or making incredibly precise cuts.

$30 @ BLACKANDDECKER.COM

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HITACHI 3.6V DRILL

Replace your screwdriver with this compact drill--its lithium ion battery gives you three times the life at half the weight of standard batteries.

$80 @ LOWES.COM

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STANLEY 18-INCH OPEN TOTE TOOL BAG

This tough, rigid tool bag is open on top for easy access, with a handsaw holster, covered pocket for drill bits, and straps to hold your level.

$35 @ STANLEYTOOLS.COM

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COPYRIGHT 2007 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning