Tools for Generations

Makita's magnetic tape measures come in 5.5m and 7.5m. Here is which length suits you, plus tips for measuring accurately.

TOYO steel toolboxes from Japan are seamless, tough and last for decades. Here is how the single-compartment Y-350 and two-level ST-350 differ.

An 8in adjustable wrench usually opens to about 27mm. The Bahco 8031 opens to 38mm, so one compact wrench covers bigger nuts and plumbing fittings.

Vessel makes several versions of its Japanese ballgrip cordless screwdriver. Here is how the 220USB-1, 220USB-P1, 220USBC and 220USB-S1EB differ.

Impact drivers are for screws; impact wrenches are for nuts and bolts. Here is how to choose between the DEVON 大有 5768, 5767 and 5766.

Hong Kong walls and ceilings are mostly concrete. An SDS-Plus rotary hammer drills them far faster than an ordinary drill. Here is how to choose between the Makita DHR183 and DEVON 大有 5401.

A driver drill and a hammer driver drill look alike, but only one drills masonry. Here is the difference between the Makita DDF487 and DHP486, and which to buy.

All Makita 18V LXT batteries fit the same tools, so the choice comes down to weight, run time and charging time. Here is how to pick the right Ah.

A stripped or rusted screw can stop a whole job. ENGINEER screw removal pliers grip the head and turn it out. Here is which model suits which screw.