Best Manual Core Aerators of 2026
We tested manual core aerators in clay and damp loam to find the ones that pull clean plugs, eject them without jamming, and spare your back.
Mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, tillers, hoses, sprinklers, seed and fertilizer, compared on power, runtime, ease of use and yard size.
We tested manual core aerators in clay and damp loam to find the ones that pull clean plugs, eject them without jamming, and spare your back.
We tested self-watering planters for houseplants, hanging displays, balconies, and window boxes. Here are the picks that earn their space.
We tested snow shovels on driveways, decks, and plow banks to find the best manual pushers, scoops, and cordless electric models for every winter job.
We tested stand-up weed pullers on dandelions, crabgrass, and taproots. Here's the long-handled tool that fits your soil, your height, and your lawn.
We tested tow-behind plug aerators on real lawns to find the best for turf-safe turning, plug depth, and easy hitching, plus a budget pick.
We tested wall-mounted hose reels for capacity, winding ease, and weather resistance. Our picks cover small patios, big yards, and decorative walls.
We tested hand weeders and stand-up pullers from Fiskars, Grampa's Weeder, and WORKPRO to find the ones that lift taproots whole and spare your back.
Chainsaw bar oils tested for cling, cold flow, and value. Oregon is our overall pick; DEWALT is the eco choice and Husqvarna the winter one.
We tested replacement saw chains from Oregon, Husqvarna, Stihl, and more to find the best fit for 10- to 24-inch bars, in packs that keep you cutting.
We tested electric snow shovels for clearing width, throw distance, and weight to find the best for driveways, decks, and steps.
We tested gas wood chippers from 3-inch homeowner machines to a 15hp towable and picked the ones worth buying for brush, limbs, and leaves.
We tested replacement blades for push, riding and zero-turn mowers. Here's what fits, what cuts cleanest, and where to spend less.
We tested lawn mower oils from Briggs & Stratton, STP, Toro, and Kawasaki to find the best for cold starts, hot summers, and multi-machine owners.
We split hardwood with electric and gas log splitters to find the best for a woodstove, a fire pit, or several cords a year.
We split kindling and full rounds with eight manual splitters to find the safest, fastest picks for firewood, campfires, and wood stoves.
We tested mulching blades for 21- to 46-inch decks and picked the ones that fit correctly, hold an edge, and leave fine clippings instead of clumps.
We tested cordless backpack leaf blowers for airflow, runtime, and harness comfort. Here's what clears wet leaves without gas or a cord.
We tested corded electric chippers and picked the ones that turn brush piles into mulch without constant jams, from budget models to heavy-duty.
We tested pole hedge trimmers on tall hedges to compare reach, balance, and battery life, from budget bare tools to a corded workhorse.
We tested walk-behind string trimmers on overgrown ditches and fence lines. Here is which gas trimmer mower handles slopes, brush, and edges best.
We tested gas and electric wood chippers on real brush piles to find the best picks for small yards, big acreage, and tight budgets.
We tested chainsaw mills, from Alaskan-style planking rigs to vertical guides, and picked the ones that clamp tight, cut straight and fit the saw you own.
We tested gas chainsaws for felling, limbing, and firewood, from a 12-inch top-handle saw to a 24-inch Husqvarna. Here are the ones worth buying.
We tested garden shovels on roots, clay, and rocky soil. Here's which blade, length, and weight to buy for your ground and your height.