Updated

Jason Cameron, contributing editor of Men's Journal Magazine, reveals the essential tools to satisfy you inner Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It!

• Ridgid R2600 5-in Orbital Sander — $70
—Electronic speed control 7,000-12,000 rpm (no load speed)
—Soft start and pad brake for a gouge free work piece
—Through body sealed slide switch for reliability and ease of use
—Overmold for improved grip and comfort
—Permanent magnet motor maintains constant speed and power during loaded conditions
Includes:
—Sander w/ Micro Fiber™ hook and loop pad; PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) pad; 2 sheets of 80 grit paper, dust bag; operator's manual and case

• Makita LXT401 18V Lithium 4-piece Combo pack — $629
—LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system produces 280% total lifetime work with 2x more cycles
—½" Hammer Driver-Drill has a new 4-pole motor for 560 in. lbs. of torque & weighs only 4.9 lbs
—6-1/2" Circular Saw has a D35 high torque motor, built-in blower and is 7.1 lbs
—Recipro Saw with tool-less blade changes and shoe adjustments, skyhook and 8.2 lbs
—4-Position Flashlight with Xenon bulbs runs 5 hours
—3-year warranty on tools and 1-year warranty on battery

• Occidental Leather 9540 Adjustable Finisher Tool Belt — $199
—Just a hair's-breadth under 4 pounds unloaded! Compact bag design is ideal for trim, light framing and finish work. Innovative, round-bottom, full capacity, two-ply foam core main and outer bags hold their shape empty or loaded and it's adjustable! Adjusts from small to xl in seconds!
—Left-side fastener bag holsters a speed square and features patented* Oxy Dual Bag™ outer bags providing multiple fastener capacity in a compact space.
—Right-side tool bag features holders for most commonly used tools (hammer, pencils, utility knife, chisels, pry bar, driver bits, etc.)
—Each bag comes stock with the very best in protection for tools, bags and body; the 2003 Oxy Tool Shield™
—Accepts knives, chisels, pliers, etc... and clips onto any bag or even a pants pocket. Stock up on these!
—Features a removable High Mount Hammer Holder

• Ryobi AIRgrip™ MultiTask-it — $50
—Laser attachment projects a level line perfect for hanging pictures and other tasks where a straight line is needed
—Screwdrivers and other hand tools slide securely into the uniquely designed magnetic multi-function base
—Our AirGrip vacuum base stays put on smooth or lightly-textured surfaces without tape, tacks, or nails, and without marking the surface. Then, by mounting the included Laser Level, 3-LED
Worklight, Magnetic Shelf, or Stabilizing Arm attachments on the base, you’ve got project assistance that would otherwise require another person — or a third hand!

• Panasonic Cordless Drill & Driver — $300
—Speeds: 2 speed gearbox: Low 60-400 rpm, High 200-1350 rpm
—Belt Hook: Yes
—Ergonomics: Ergonomic design to reduce fatigue
—Compact size: Length 7-1/2"

• Stanley FatMax Xtreme Fubar Functional Utility bar — $40
—4-in-1 tool for prying, splitting, board bending and striking jobs
—One piece forged steel bar for increased durability
—Two-tiered jaws for grabbing common dimensional lumber & decking
—Beveled nail slot for pulling & prying nails
—Textured grip for excellent comfort & control, even when wet
—Tempered steel that prevents chipping