Mow Power
A shredder hasn’t been this evil since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3. The Cub Cadet 173cc Chipper Shredder Vacuum slices and dices twigs, branches and leaves like that’s its job (because it is!), then sucks away yard debris with an oversize flexible vacuum hose. This mower is always hungry for more. $499, cubcadet.com
Vicious Circle
Like a rabid junkyard dog, the Milwaukee M18 61/2-inch circular saw puts unbridled power in the control of him who wields it. This new cordless heavy-duty circ saw works on the job or in the garage with Buffalo Bill–friendly features like an 18-volt lithium-ion battery that adds 20 percent more torque to its 3,500 rpm motor, an ergonomic grip, and a brake that stops the blade when things get too sca-a-a-ry. $349, milwaukeetools.com
Pass the Torch
Voltron and the Power Rangers taught us there is strength in numbers, and the Stanley 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight is proof. Use the three light sticks individually for blackouts, shadow puppets, and ghost stories, but when Baby Jesus’ neon-lit Nativity scene blows the fuses, combine the flashlights in the patented tripod for hands-free emergency lighting. $30, stanley tools.com
Dine & Smash
Getting a grease monkey to use a salad fork? There’s a better chance of seeing someone from The Hills on Nova. Wrench Ware bridges the gap between the engine and the oven with a stainless-steel cutlery set that includes a ratchet fork, wrench-handled knife, and crescent-wrench spoon. Just wipe off the oil before using. $30, whatonearth catalog.com
Pocket Protector
It looks just like a normal house key, but the Swiss Tech Utili-Key multi-tool can do much more than just open doors and scratch the paint on your ex-girlfriend’s car. Flip it open to reveal three screwdrivers with three different heads, two blades, and a bottle opener, with no need for a hideous belt clip. $11, swisstechtools.com
Hot Caulk
The hassle of caulking guns and squeeze tubes will make you look the other way when a fault line opens along the base of your bathroom floor. Thankfully, these single-use disposable GE Caulk Singles get the job done without any additional messy tools. And we hate a messy tool. $3.49, lowes.com