Purchasing

Whether you're hanging doors or framing walls, here are the top picks from a crowded field by Andy Beasley

Fast and accurate, these pneumatic tools put framing connector nails right where they're needed by Mike Guertin

Whether you prefer coil nailers or stick nailers, it's a buyer's market. Two seasoned builders sort through 30 models and find new favorites. by Rick Arnold, Mike Guertin

Costing less than last month's truck payment, these jacks enable small crews to lift walls that weigh a ton or more by Jim Blodgett

Available as single-shot, semiautomatic or full automatic, these low-velocity tools are the ones carpenters choose when driving fasteners into concrete or steel by Bruce Greenlaw

Learning the language of grade stamps can help builders pass framing inspections and avoid callbacks by Stephen Smulski