Buying guides
Straight answers for specialists.
What to look for, what to skip, and which parts go together — written from the specs of the items we actually carry.
Billiards & Game Room
Boating & Diving
- How to choose an anchor for a kayak or small boatHow do I choose an anchor for a kayak or small boat?
- How to add track mounts and tie-down points to a kayakHow do I add track mounts and tie-down points to a kayak?
- How to mount a small outboard motor on an inflatable boat or kayakHow do I mount a small outboard motor on an inflatable boat or kayak?
Fishing & Camping
Music & Luthier
Fitness & Sports
Garage & Ride
- How to replace a bike chain, derailleur or bottom bracketHow do I replace a bike chain, derailleur or bottom bracket?
- Which handlebar upgrades make a bike more comfortable to rideWhich handlebar upgrades make a bike more comfortable to ride?
- How to choose a kickstand for your bikeWhat kind of kickstand should I get for my bike?
- How to choose replacement pedals for your bikeHow do I choose replacement pedals for my bike?
- What tools do I need to repair my bike at homeWhat tools do I need to repair my bike at home?
- How to add cup holders or organize your car's center consoleHow can I add cup holders or organize my car's center console?
- Tools that help press in seals and bearings on a carWhich tools help press in seals and bearings on a car?
- What you need to wash and detail a car at homeWhat do I need to wash and detail a car at home?
- When you need an engine timing tool kit and how to pick oneWhen do I need an engine timing tool kit and how do I pick one?
- What replacement parts fit an exercise or spin bikeWhat replacement parts fit an exercise or spin bike?
- How to carry a child or pet on a bikeHow do I carry a child or pet on my bike?
- How to carry cargo or groceries on a bikeHow do I carry cargo or groceries on a bike?
- How to choose mudguards for your bikeHow do I choose mudguards for my bike?
- How to pick a more comfortable bike saddle or seat cushionHow do I pick a more comfortable bike saddle or seat cushion?
- How to replace worn interior car door pulls and grab handlesHow do I replace worn interior car door pulls and grab handles?
- What parts you need to fix or upgrade bike brakesWhat parts do I need to fix or upgrade bike brakes?
- How to add luggage or a tail bag to a motorcycleHow do I add luggage or a tail bag to a motorcycle?
- What stand and tools do I need to maintain a motorcycle at home?What stand and tools do I need to maintain a motorcycle at home?
- How to make a motorcycle more comfortable for a passengerHow do I make a motorcycle more comfortable for a passenger?
- How to mount a phone on a bike or motorcycle safelyHow do I mount a phone on a bike or motorcycle safely?
- How to choose a motorcycle windshield or wind deflectorHow do I choose a motorcycle windshield or wind deflector?
- What tools do I need for paintless dent repairWhat tools do I need for paintless dent repair?
- What parts you need to set up a trailer hitch and jackWhat parts do I need to set up a trailer hitch and jack?
Sewing & Crafts
- What you need to start basket weavingWhat do I need to start basket weaving?
- Supplies needed to make beaded braceletsWhat supplies do I need to make beaded bracelets?
- How to organize craft supplies in a small spaceHow do I organize craft supplies in a small space?
- What you need to start cross stitch or embroideryWhat do I need to start cross stitch or embroidery?
- What notions you need for hand sewing and quiltingWhat notions do I need for hand sewing and quilting?
- How to display handbags and hats in a shop or closetHow do I display handbags and hats in a shop or closet?
- How to display jewelry at a craft fair or market stallHow do I display jewelry at a craft fair or market stall?
- How to store jewelry so it does not tangleWhat is the best way to store jewelry so it does not tangle?
- How to store a watch collection at homeHow should I store a watch collection at home?
- Which display trays keep rings and earrings organized for sellingWhich display trays keep rings and earrings organized for selling?
- What tools a beginner needs for jewelry makingWhat tools does a beginner need for jewelry making?
- Beginner tools for knitting or crochetWhat tools does a beginner need for knitting or crochet?
- Beginner tools needed for leather craftWhat tools does a beginner need for leather craft?
- How to choose a mannequin head for wigs, hats or displayHow do I choose a mannequin head for wigs, hats or display?
- Tools you need for card making and paper craftsWhat tools do I need for card making and paper crafts?
- Which cutting and measuring tools make sewing more accurateWhich cutting and measuring tools make sewing more accurate?
- Which presser feet do I actually need for my sewing machine?Which presser feet do I actually need for my sewing machine?
- How to organize sewing thread and spoolsHow do I organize sewing thread and spools?
- How to open a watch case back to change the batteryHow do I open a watch case back to change the battery?
- What you need to hold a watch movement while you work on itWhat do I need to hold a watch movement while I work on it?
- What you need to start watch repair at homeWhat do I need to start watch repair at home?
- How to choose a weaving loom as a beginnerHow do I choose a weaving loom as a beginner?
- Do I need a yarn winder and swift, and how do I pick one?Do I need a yarn winder and swift, and how do I pick one?
Workshop & Tools
- How to pick a bearing or gear pullerHow do I pick a bearing or gear puller?
- How to choose a bench vise for a home workshopHow do I choose a bench vise for a home workshop?
- How to tidy cables under a desk or workbenchHow do I tidy cables under a desk or workbench?
- Tools that help pull electrical cable through conduitWhat tools help pull electrical cable through conduit?
- Accessories that make a circular or table saw safer and more accurateWhich accessories make a circular or table saw safer and more accurate?
- Tools that help with coil winding and small motor repairWhat tools help with coil winding and small motor repair?
- Tools to finish concrete by handWhat tools do I need to finish concrete by hand?
- How to drill straight holes without a drill pressHow do I drill straight holes without a drill press?
- How to pick the right replacement hinge for a door or gateHow do I pick the right replacement hinge for a door or gate?
- How to choose a garden hose reelHow do I choose a garden hose reel?
- How to choose clamps for woodworkingHow do I choose clamps for woodworking?
- Tools to clear a clogged drain or sewer lineWhat tools can I use to clear a clogged drain or sewer line?
- How to choose the right hose clamp or pipe clampHow do I choose the right hose clamp or pipe clamp?
- What measuring tools do I need for accurate shop workWhat measuring tools do I need for accurate shop work?
- How to choose a ratchet and socket set for home mechanic workWhat ratchet and socket set should a home mechanic get?
- What sanding supplies do I need for woodworkingWhat sanding supplies do I need for woodworking?
- What you need to start soldering electronicsWhat do I need to start soldering electronics?
- What tools do I need for suspension and spring work?What tools do I need for suspension and spring work?
- How to use toggle clamps on jigs and fixturesHow do I use toggle clamps on jigs and fixtures?
- How to flare or bend brake and fuel linesHow do I flare or bend brake and fuel lines?
- Which tools do I need to remove and replace valve coresWhich tools do I need to remove and replace valve cores?
- What basic gear do I need to start welding safelyWhat basic gear do I need to start welding safely?
- How to choose knee pads or creepers for shop workWhich knee pads or creepers save my back and knees in the shop?
Hobbies & Collectibles
- How to choose an acrylic display case for figures or brick buildsHow do I choose an acrylic display case for figures or LEGO builds?
- Backyard toss games that are easy to set up for partiesWhich backyard toss games are easy to set up for parties?
- How to choose a balance board or stepping stones for kidsHow do I choose a balance board or stepping stones for kids?
- Where to start with clothes and shoes for BJD dollsWhere do I start with clothes and shoes for BJD dolls?
- How to furnish a dollhouse with miniature furnitureHow do I furnish a dollhouse with miniature furniture?
- How to display figurines at different heightsHow do I display figurines at different heights?
- What you need to build a scale dioramaWhat do I need to build a 1:64 or 1:87 scale diorama?
- How to display action figures, die-cast cars and other collectiblesHow do I display action figures, die-cast cars and other collectibles?
- How to display and protect die-cast model carsHow do I display and protect die-cast model cars?
- How to store and display graded or valuable trading cardsHow should I store and display graded or valuable trading cards?
- Which toys keep an indoor cat activeWhich toys keep an indoor cat active?
- Tools you need to build plastic model kitsWhich tools do I need to build plastic model kits?
- What you need to add scenery and track to a model railwayWhat do I need to add scenery and track to a model railway?
- Which Montessori-style wooden toys suit toddlersWhich Montessori-style wooden toys suit toddlers?
- What to look for in a music box giftWhat should I look for in a music box gift?
- What you need to start painting miniaturesWhat do I need to start painting miniatures?
- How to choose a body shell or tires for an RC carHow do I choose a body shell or tires for an RC car?
- Which shocks and steering parts improve an RC carWhich shocks and steering parts improve an RC car?
- What tools and stand do I need to work on RC carsWhat tools and stand do I need to work on RC cars?
- Which upgrade parts are worth adding to an RC carWhich upgrade parts are worth adding to an RC car?
- How to upgrade the axles and chassis on an RC crawlerHow do I upgrade the axles and chassis on an RC crawler?
- How to pick unpainted or painted scale figures for modelsHow do I pick unpainted or painted scale figures for models?
- How to choose a tabletop easel for painting or displayHow do I choose a tabletop easel for painting or display?
- How to choose a storage box for a large trading card collectionWhat storage box is best for a large trading card collection?
Garden & Yard
- What feeder and waterer should I get for backyard chickens?What feeder and waterer should I get for backyard chickens?
- How to choose and place a bird bathHow do I choose and place a bird bath?
- What tools a beginner needs for bonsaiWhat tools does a beginner need for bonsai?
- How to choose a cat litter box and matHow do I choose a cat litter box and mat?
- How to choose a cat scratcher or cat houseHow do I choose a cat scratcher or cat house?
- How to pick fruit from tall trees without a ladderHow do I pick fruit from tall trees without a ladder?
- How to choose a sprinkler or hose fitting for the lawnHow do I choose a sprinkler or hose fitting for the lawn?
- How to support tomatoes, peonies and tall plantsHow do I support tomatoes, peonies and tall plants?
- Which hand tools make weeding easierWhich hand tools make weeding easier?
- How to hang planters indoors or on a balconyHow do I hang planters indoors or on a balcony?
- How to choose a bird feeder for your yardHow do I choose a bird feeder for my yard?
- How to choose a pet carrier for a cat or small dogHow do I choose a pet carrier for a cat or small dog?
- Pet stairs or a ramp for an older dog or catDo I need pet stairs or a ramp for an older dog or cat?
- How to choose a plant stand for indoor plantsHow do I choose a plant stand for indoor plants?
- What a rain chain is and how to install oneWhat is a rain chain and how do I install one?
- Should I get a raised feeder or water fountain for my petShould I get a raised feeder or water fountain for my pet?
- How to start seeds and grow vegetables in plantersHow do I start seeds and grow vegetables in planters?
- How to set up a home for a hamster or rabbitHow do I set up a home for a hamster or rabbit?
- Which parts and harness make a brush cutter or trimmer easier to useWhich parts and harness make a brush cutter or trimmer easier to use?
- What a turtle tank needs for baskingWhat does a turtle tank need for basking?
- How to choose a watering can for indoor plants or the gardenHow do I choose a watering can for indoor plants or the garden?